Kearsney Festival: Monnas' Power Wins
Initially, Dale had to feed on scraps but, as the first half grew longer, so they started getting more ball. Missed opportunities by Monnas frustrated the players and helped Dale to keep in touch.
Dale opened the scoring with a well struck penalty by fullback and captain Aphelele Fassi. Monument struck back immediately, as their forwards moved upfield and, from a ruck close to the try-line, flank Tristan Dullisear dived over. The try was converted by Jonathan Viljoen for a 7-3 lead.
Monument continued to have the lion’s share of possession, winning line-outs with comparative ease and dominating the tight phases. From a scrum, a well-rehearsed move saw the ball spinning wide and No.8 PJ Jacobs took an inside pass to go over. Viljoen added the extra points and a 14-3 lead midway through the half. A mistake ensued by Dale when on attack. The ball was picked up by centre Luke Rossouw and he went over under the posts. With the conversion by Viljoen, things looked ominous for Dale, now 3-21 behind.
A second Fassi penalty from a long way out lifted the Dale spirits. They began to get more possession and, with a move where the ball was kept in hand, flank Buhle Qaba went over on half-time. The conversion into the wind went wide but Dale had narrowed the gap to 11-21 at the break.
In the second half, with 21 minutes remaining, a Dale player was red carded for a punch, but Dale did not give up. After this, a Monument player was sent off with a yellow card, meaning both sides had 14 players. Dale came back with a try by hooker Mikhaya Sonqishe.
From a line-out Monnas flank PJ Jacobs, taking the ball at the back, went over for an unconverted try for a 26-16 lead.
Dale with one man fewer held on while Monument made crucial mistakes. In referee's time Monument’s Larko Lindes drove over, giving Monument a 33-16 win.
Scorers:
For Monument:
Tries: Luke Rossouw, PJ Jacobs 2, Tristan Dulliseam, Larko Lindes
Cons: Jonathan Viljoen 4
For Dale:
Tries: Buhle Qaba, Mikhaya Sonquishe
Pens: Aphelele Fassi 2
