Muir run Nico close
Muir went down 22-29 against Nico Malan of Humansdorp during an entertaining game of schoolboy rugby played on the Ellis field, Muir’s main pitch. It was a tightly contested affair as the scores were leveled 10-10 at the break.
Nico opened the scoring when an inside pass was used well and found the Muir defence slow to cover. Fullback Ruben De Vos closed the visitors lead which a penalty kick.
Nico’s second try of the half was a result of a well structured line-out drive to extend their lead. Muir upped the intensity of the game and kept Nico Malan tied down in their half. Some individual brilliance by de Vos was just reward when he crossed the line shortly before the break. De Vos kicked the conversion to even the scores.
Nico ran in three tries during the second half, two were converted. Muir would not be outdone and responded with two tries and one conversion. First by Xolele Daniels who dotted down after some structured play by Muir and exploiting the outside channel. High risk, high reward saw Leigh-Angus Nell intercept, cover a good 70m to put the ball under the sticks for the home side's second. De Vos kicked the conversion.
Both teams made good use of their opportunities during the game and ran the ball to entertain the spectators. The defensive structures of the teams were well set to keep the scoring down.
Once again Muir’s flanker Sibabalwe Jikani had a standout game making numerous turnovers and playing the perfect role as a “fetcher”.
Replacement centre Mihlali Nobomvu needs a special mention as he slowed down Nico’s momentum on numerous occasions with superb leg tackles and even making the odd turnover to regain possession for Muir.
Scorers:
For Muir:
Tries: Ruben de Vos, Xolela Daniels, Leigh-Angus Nell,
Cons: Ruben de Vos 2
Pen: Ruben de Vos
For Nico Malan:
Tries: JJ Killian, H Ruiter, Others 2
Cons: Selvin Davids 2
By Lyntin Gouws
