Bishops too good for SACS

Match Report

In wet and muddy conditions Bishops proved too strong and to skilful for their hosts SACS, winning 20-10. The match was an entertaining affair, enjoyed by a large crowd, with both teams trying to play attacking rugby in difficult underfoot conditions. 

Uncharacteristically Bishops began playing conservative rugby and used cut-backs and crash balls to keep the ball close to their big pack of forwards. Despite good rucking and driving by their forwards the tactic didn't work and they spent most of the first half camped down in their own territory. Despite giving away territorial advantage Bishops were first to score after a kick from inside their own half. Bishops chased well and outflanked the SACS cover for right-wing Michael Nel to score.

SACS were straight back into the Bishops half and managed to put together some good phases of play. SACS were awarded a penalty as Bishops infringed at a ruck and flyhalf Tim Carr did the necessary. SACS were guilty of some errant kicking in both halves and it was from one of these kicks that Bishops scored their second try. A classic counter-attack was finished, somewhat controversially, in the right-hand corner by Bishops centre Adrian Kritzinger.

Bishops began to gain some of their renowned attacking rhythm in the second half and attacked relentlessly with star players Nic Koster and Adrian Kritzinger to the fore. The SACS team led by the loose-trio of Zack Beukman, Siswe Stemela and Sean Binedell showed wonderful commitment and got through a mountain of work in defence.

Feeling confident Bishops No. 8 Nic Koster tapped a penalty on the SACS 10 metre line and tried to move the ball wide. A pass went to ground and was scooped up by SACS left-wing Dean Holland. Holland, who has been in prolific try-scoring form all season, raced clear, chipped ahead and scored. Tim Carr converted to bring the scores level and give all the SACS supporters who braved the cold some hope. 

Unfortunately for them Bishops struck straight back. SACS had a chance to clear their lines from the kick-off but attempted a chip kick instead. Bishops secured the kick and again moved the ball wide to the right for classy centre Adrian Kritzinger to score his second.

Not long after Bishops made the game safe, as Holland was a tad over adventurous in running the ball back from his own goal line. The idea was admirable but in the wettest part of the pitch he was always going to be struggling. Holland was tackled and turned-over and the ball was taken wide quickly for Bishops left-wing Mathew Turner to score.

SACS attacked with all they had in the final stages and created some good opportunities but poor finishing let them and their supporters down.

Scorers:

For Bishops:
Tries: Michael Nel, Adrian Kritzinger 2 Mathew Turner

For SACS:
Try: Dean Holland
Con: Tim Carr
Pen: Tim Carr

By Graeme Wepener