Rhinos upset Mayhem, sets stage for next Saturday’s rematch

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Source: Brian Cole | Rugby Wrap-up

TAMPA, FL – While the Mayhem tried to take control several times early in the game, they could not successfully subdue the Rhinos.  This allowed Atlanta to capitalize on Tampa’s errors in the last ten minutes, and allowed the Rhinos to secure an away win.

With the win, Atlanta improves to 2-3-1, and ensures the Rhinos will keep the third seed going into next Saturday’s playoffs.  The Central Florida Warrior will receive the fourth seed and play the first place Jacksonville Axemen next weekend on the soccer fields of the University of North Florida (UNF).

With Tampa’s loss, the Mayhem fall to 3-3-0, missing out on an opportunity to end the regular season with a winning record.  Nevertheless, Tampa still keeps the number two seed going into the SC USARL playoffs, and will host Atlanta again next Saturday on the grounds of Tampa Catholic High School.

 

Both clubs keep game close in first half

While at times it appeared the Mayhem were about to break open the game in the first half, the Rhinos responded with scores to keep the game close for both clubs.  Eight minutes into the game, Tampa scored a converted try, taking a 6-0 lead over Atlanta.  Five minutes later, the Rhinos scored and converted a try, tying the game at 6-6.

Right before the 20 minute water break, the Mayhem scored and converted another try, putting Tampa back in the lead 12-6.  Twelve minutes later, the Rhinos scored a converted try, tying the game back up at 12-12.  Five minutes before the end of the half, the Mayhem earned another converted try, and took an 18-12 lead over Atlanta into halftime.

Rhinos capitalize on costly Mayhem errors to come away with win

Five minutes into the first half, Tampa scored and successfully converted a try, taking a commanding 24-12 lead over Atlanta.  At this point, the Mayhem seemed to have ownership of the game.  However, the Rhinos responded with a converted try nine minutes into the second half, and another 13 minutes into the second half, tying the game back up at 24-24.

Sixteen minutes into the second half, Tampa scored and converted a try, putting the Mayhem back ahead by a score of 30-24.  Just four minutes later, the Rhinos responded with a converted try to tie the game back up at 30.  Tampa scored one more try, but missed the conversion, giving the Mayhem a 34-30 lead with 18 minutes left in the game.

Nevertheless, the Rhinos refused to roll over and take the loss.  With just two minutes left in the game, Atlanta scored and converted a try, taking a 36-34 lead over the Tampa Mayhem.  Atlanta scored one more try as time expired (no conversion attempted), to win the game 40-30.

Two teams meet for rematch next Saturday

Because Tampa (3-3-0) had already earned the second seed going into the SC USARL Playoffs, the Mayhem will still host the first round of the playoffs.  Tampa takes on the number three seed, which is indeed the Atlanta Rhinos.  The winner of next weekend’s game will take on the winner of the Jacksonville Axemen vs. Central Florida Warriors contest on 13 August.

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