SACS just pip Stellenberg

Match Report

On a hot Wednesday afternoon out in Durbanville SACS held on to beat their hosts Stellenberg 21-20. The first half was a scrappy affair with both teams guilty of numerous basic errors. Consequently neither team was able to impose its pattern on the game.

Stellenberg played with the light breeze in the first half and looked to use their big pack to batter SACS into submission. They took the three points on offer from an early penalty with fullback Eben Basson converting from 30 metres out.

Both teams had their chances to attack off first-phase and tur-over ball but neither was able to hold onto the ball for long enough to score. For SACS left-wing Dean Holland tried manfully to create some scoring opportunities for his team while livewire Stellenberg flank Andreo Janse van Rensburg continually asked questions of the SACS defence.

On the stroke of half-time SACS attacked down the blindside only to see an errant pass intercepted by Stellenberg centre Jonathan Phillips. Phillips ran 65 metres to score. Basson missed the conversion and Stellenberg led 8-nil at the break.

SACS, with the breeze at their backs in the second half, needed to score early and did so via a well-worked penalty move. A quick tap was well handled by the forwards before lock Adam Norman eventually crashed over. Flyhalf Tim Carr converted.

Crucially SACS botched the kick-off, placing themselves under immediate pressure. SACS tried to clear their lines but the kick was skewed into midfield. Stellenberg inside centre Jonathan Hall fielded the kick and ran around to score virtually unopposed.

SACS struck back soon after. The loose-forwards and backs combining well to break out of their own half. SACS skipper Zack Beukman was prominent in the move. He popped up in the backline and carried the ball well into opposition territory. Adam Norman was on hand to take the play closer to the Stellenberg line where Beukman picked up from the ensuing ruck and went over. Carr again did the necessary and SACS were 14-15 behind with 15 minutes to play.

Both teams were desperate to win and the final quarter was frantic with play moving regularly from end to end. SACS went into the lead 21-15 when their nippy centre Liam Slatem broke through and scored. With Stellenberg still within seven point range the finale was always going to be very dramatic. Stellenberg centre Jonathan Hall scored his second try with minutes remaining it remained for Basson to convert for the win. He was unsuccessful and SACS held on for a hard-fought and much-needed win.

Scorers:

For Stellenberg:
Tries: Jonathan Hall 2, Jonathan Phillips
Conversion: Eben Basson
Penalty: Eben Basson

For SACS:
Tries: Adam Norman, Zack Beukman, Liam Slatem
Conversion: Tim Carr 3