Boishaai Still Unbeaten
Both teams came out with a positive attitude and this lead to some spectacular and nail-biting rugby.
The lead changed hands several times as both sides asked huge questions of the defences.
Outeniqua initially ruled the roost in the set scrums with loosehead prop Andrew Kuhn doing most of the damage. However, Boishaai came back strongly in this department, more so when Kuhn left the field with an injury. Boishaai also gained quality line-out possession, with locks Rubin De Villiers and David Meiheizen making clean catches. De Villiers was also very effective in general play. Khanya Ncusane, No.8, caused the Outeniqua defence huge problems with his blistering pace from the base of the scrum. He scored a brilliant individual, long range try.
Outeniqua had the better of the rucks where both flanks André Coetzee and captain Niel Otto secured numerous turnovers. Their backs also had effective attacking plans and impressed with their running off the shoulder. Their support running was also top class. Left wing Bradley Kiewitz was a constant threat, and was justly rewarded with a sparkling try.
Midway through the second half, Boishaai built up a nine point lead (30-21) and their supporters thought they could finally breath more easily. Nope! Back came the George outfit with another quality converted try, to close the gap to two points. They smelt victory and threw the kitchen sink at Boishaai. However, that is when Boishaai's renowned guts and never-say-die attitude kicked into gear, and some brilliant defence kept Outeniqua out. Final score: Boishaai 30, Outeniqua 28.
Two moments that could also could have had a huge impact in the match. I will spare them blushes and not name the unfortunate players, as that would be undeserved.
1) Outeniqua missing a sitter of a conversion attempt in front of the posts, when they chose to drop the ball, instead of placing it.
2) A Boishaai player knocking on behind the Outeniqua try-line with no defender in sight after a brilliantly executed box kick.
Man of the match deservedly went to Boishaai fullback Jeanluc Cilliers, whose unerring boot contributed 20 points to his side's final tally. Cilliers, under the guidance of kicking coach Conrad Barnard, kicked fantastically all season and his contribution to Boishaai's unbeaten record, cannot be ignored.
Final word on the competition. With Steinhoff now taking over as title sponsors, I am sure that the status of the competition will grow immensely. (See success of Varsity Cup). Maties club is also worthy hosts of the finals, with a slick organising committee.
Scorers:
For Paarl Boys' High:
Tries: Khanya Ncusane, Gianni Lombaard
Con: Jeanluc Cilliers
Pens: Jeanluc Cilliers 6
For Outeniqua:
Tries: JP Duvenhage, Bradley Kiewitz, Logan Stoffels
Cons: JP Duvenhage 2
Pens: JP Duvenhage 2, Darryle Kameel
Teams
Outeniqua: 15 Darryle Kameel, 14 Justin Witbooi, 13 Lance Lamprecht, 12 JP Duvenage, 11 Bradley Kiewitz, 10 Logan Stoffels, 9 Derick Minnie, 8 Luvuyo Ndevu, 7 Andre Coetzee, 6 Niel Otto (captain), 5 Justin Levendal, 4 Henco Meyers, 3 Roux Swart, 2 Stefan Gerber, 1 Andrew Kuhn
Replacements: 16 Sean Swart, 17 Joshua Reid, 18 Petri Stander, 19 Joagim van Wyk, 20 Damain Cederas, 21 Isaiah Davids, 22 Damain Bonaparte, 23 Cecil Rittels
Coaches: Robert Gerber, Braam Tukker
Paarl Boys' High: 15 Jeanluc Cillie, 14 Tyreeq February, 13 Manuel Rass, 12 Jan-Louis la Grange, 11 Urgene Johannes, 10 Rayhaan Lombaard, 9 Bradley Thain, 8 Khanya Ncusane, 7 JC van Schalkwyk, 6 Andreas van Wyk (captain), 5 Ruben de Villiers, 4 David Meihuizen, 3 Wikus Groenewald, 2 MC de Jongh, 1 Reece Bezuidenhout
Referee: Divan Uys (Western Province Referees' Society)
Assistant referees: Daniel Fortuin (Western Province Referees' Society), Sinethemba Mrulwa (Western Province Referees' Society)
By Leon Kruger
