Kearsney: Monument just too Good

The final match of the second day saw two sides known for their physicality playing one another just 10 days after meeting at the end of the first term. In that match HTS Middelburg (the Rooibulle) went down by just two points, 14-12. Monument (the Witbulle), however, were very committed to improve on the result and they did – with interest.

From the kick-off the fullback Barend Jansen van Rensburg was nearly successful chasing the ball at pace but just knocked it on. Thereafter it was cut and thrust as the two sides attempted to gain ascendancy. A penalty apiece, first by Jonathan Viljoen from Monument and minutes later by Morné Sonnekus, left them at 3-all.

PJ Jacobs, Monnas captain and No.8, scored the first try when he went over following a set phase, and the 8-3 lead went to the Witbulle. Monnas was looking the stronger unit and not allowing HTS much freedom. They increased their lead to 11-3 with another penalty by Viljoen. HTS, the Rooibulle, won good ball through an intercept by hooker Morné Brandon. He beat the defence to the line and, with the Viljoen conversion successful, Middelburg’s lead was stretched to 18-3 at half-time.

A mistake by HTS Middelburg led to the first try of the second half when scrumhalf Tinus Combrinck slipped through a gap running 15m to score. Viljoen converted and shortly thereafter slotted a penalty for Monument to stretch their lead.

Middelburg scored a try from a 5m penalty with a pick-and-drive when prop Brandon Pienaar was forced over.

Monnas’ scrumhalf Combrinck sniped over from the base of a ruck for another Monument try. With Viljoen’s conversion successful, the Witbulle won 35-8.

Scorers:

For HTS Middelburg:

Try: Brandon Pienaar;

Pen: Morné Sonnekus

For Monument:

Tries: Dandré Prinsloo, PJ Jacobs, Morné Brandon, Tinus Combrinck 2

Cons: Jonathan Viljoen 2

Pens: Jonathan Viljoen 2