SACS do the double over Bosch
Match Report
On a fine but chilly morning at Rondebosch, SACS were full value for their win if only by virtue of the fact that they scored the only two tries of the match. The final score was a bit closer than in the first game, SACS eventually beating their hosts 16-9.
The match may have been tense with the score changing hands on a couple of occasions and final outcome always in the balance, but the quality of rugby was fairly ordinary. Rondebosch have been struggling this season and again were unable to score a try in this game. SACS have had a good season but for large parts of the game seemed intent doing their best to make a poor Rondebosch side look good.
Admirably both teams tried to take the ball wide as often as possible but unfortunately they both struggled with execution. Despite the best efforts of South Africa’s top referee Jonathan Kaplan to make the game flow, the spate of handling errors meant the match lacked continuity. Rondebosch were looking to bring their Craven Week representatives fullback Bongani Mvumvu and left-wing Shafiek Nordien into play but for the most part didn’t have the necessary forward platform or skill to do so. They had to be content with accumulating points via the boot of flyhalf Mathew Russell. He kicked two penalties in the first half and one in the second. His second half effort from right on the halfway line was a gem.
SACS were looking to manoeuvre the ball to their best strike runners, centre Liam Slatem and left-wing Dean Holland. Rondebosch had learnt their lesson from the first fixture though and closed down their space well. SACS’s first try came from a lineout drive, which saw hooker Robbie Trueman crash over in the left corner. Tim Carr was unable to convert the try but had successfully kicked two earlier penalties to give SACS an 11-6 half-time lead.
In the second half the two teams slugged it out with neither team able to break the shackles until the exciting fullback Rodney Mthi sparked a counter-attack try that was to seal the win for SACS. Rondebosch flyhalf Matthew Russell tried to clear his lines by kicking cross-field from inside his own 22m-area. Mthi fielded the ball on the halfway line close to the left-hand touchline, he ran infield and then jinked outside to link up with Holland. Holland took a tackle but kept the ball alive and popped it to replacement centre Wawrick Denman who dived over in the corner to complete wonderful score.
Rondebosch were still within seven-point range and tried manfully to score an equalising try in the final few minutes but resolute defence from SACS, in particular their industrious skipper Zack Beukman and No. 8 Sean Binedell, kept Rondebosch at bay. Although SACS didn’t play particularly well they will take the win after last weeks disappointment and will be working hard this week to gain revenge over archrivals Wynberg Boys' High in next Saturday’s televised FNB Classic Clash.
Scorers:
For Rondebosch:
Pens: Matthew Russell 3
For SACS:
Tries: Robbie Trueman, Warwick Denman
Pens: Tim Carr 2
