Queen’s win over Port Rex
Match report
The match between Port Rex and Queen’s played in East London on Saturday failed to meet expectations and was characterised by poor finishing from both sides. Queen’s did, however, manage to score three good tries and deservedly won 22-0.
The early exchanges between the forwards were fierce and intense with good displays of rucking and mauling, well organized defensive lines and deadly first time tackling evident. Queen’s were first to score in the 6th minute when Lionel Cronjé was able to gather his kick ahead, before executing a well timed reserve pass to Darryl van der Mescht who scored in the right hand corner. Queen’s continued to apply pressure and remained on the front foot as a result of good tactical kicks from Cronjé. The backline gave another fine display of passing and handling at pace, and had their opposition in trouble, time and time again, but numerous scoring opportunities went begging for Queen’s as a result of poor finishing, with players guilty of holding onto the ball instead of drawing their man and passing to the player in support.
Centre Kathrada Ntabeni scored in the 20th minute when eighthman Mzothando Simani broke blind from a ruck and was able to link with Ntabeni who ran 50 metres to score. This took the half-time score to 12- 0 to Queen’s.
During the second half, very little constructive rugby was played with both sides guilty of many unforced errors resulting in little continuity and rhythm. One of the few moments of excitement in this half occurred in the seventh minute when right wing Reeves Mndai did well to chase and gather a clearance kick from Cronjé and run 50 metres to score an unconverted try. Cronjé was on target with a penalty in the final stages of the match to ensure victory for Queen’s.
Queen’s play their return match against Selborne on Saturday and will be eager to improve on the 6- 6 draw in the first leg in East London earlier this year, which was played in howling wind and heavy rain. The home advantage will favour Queen’s who will relish playing in front of local supporters.
By Mike Boy
