SACS beat rivals Rondebosch

Match Report

In an exciting match played out in front of a sizable crowd, SACS overcame near neighbours and rivals Rondebosch Boys' High in a hard fought match, winning 22-14. Despite the heavy overnight rain the surface was good and the teams were able to entertain the crowd with some expansive rugby.

SACS started badly and were guilty of numerous basic errors. After conceding a scrum from a skew throw to a line-out on the own 22m-line, Rondebosch punished SACS with an early score. A well executed cut move in the backs saw outside centre Zubayr Abrahams come through at pace. He breached the first line of defence and offloaded to flank Matthew Hitchens who scored. Flyhalf Dean Grant converted. 

Despite the errors, SACS managed to pull three points back via a long-range penalty from flyhalf Tim Carr. Not long after Carr was guilty of holding on too long with an overlap, and SACS missed out on a definite scoring opportunity. SACS did take the lead though soon after when an errant pass from Rondebosch flyhalf was seized upon by SACS centre Liam Slatem. The ball was moved wide quickly to left-wing Dean Holland who beat two defenders and streaked in from 50 metres out for a brilliant score.

SACS made two elementary errors from the kick-off and turned the ball over. In much the same way as SACS had scored, Rondebosch shifted the ball left and their flyer, Shaafik Nordien, waltzed over out wide. Grant was on target again and Rondebosch led 14-8 at the break.

With both teams desperate for the win, they continued to battle manfully in front of their vociferous supporters. The SACS pack though began to take control of the scrums and loose-forwards Zack Beukman and Sean Binedell stood out with their energetic and abrasive displays in the loose. The SACS backs rewarded their forwards' efforts with a well-executed try midway through the second half. Centres Ishmat Fakier and Liam Slatem combining beautifully for Slatem to score. Carr converted for a slender 15-14 lead.

It was from another error by the Rondebosch backs that SACS sealed the win. Rondebosch chasing a score for the win attempted an elaborate run-around move. The ball went to ground and was kicked ahead by Slatem who had the pace to outstrip the cover. Carr was on target with the conversion.

With minutes remaining SACS closed out the game to the delight of their supporters.

Scorers:

For SACS
Tries: Dean Holland, Liam Slatem  2
Cons: Tim Carr  2
Pen: Carr

For Rondebosch
Tries: Matthew Hitchens, Shaafik Nordien
Cons: Dean Grant  2

Other results:
2nd XV: SACS won 12-0
3rd XV: Rondebosch won 15-13
Under-16A: SACS won 29-5
Under-15A: Rondebosch won 31-11
Under-14A: SACS won 14-7