SACS score memorable win over Boishaai

Match Report

SACS beat Paarl Boys' High 12-10 in an enthralling encounter at SACS on Saturday. The game was played in overcast conditions and underfoot conditions were difficult for both sides but the teams still managed to produce entertaining and enterprising rugby.

Interestingly both teams toured Argentina in the June/July holidays but SACS seemed to have the better momentum going into this fixture. Perhaps Boishaai were a little complacent, as they had not lost to SACS since 1996.

The teams felt each other out in the first ten minutes with SACS holding territorial advantage. SACS had a penalty kick at post but Tim Carr was unsuccessful with his attempt. Boishaai remained pinned in their half and tried to run the ball from a midfield scrum on their own 22-metre line. SACS try-scoring machine Dean Holland read the move and intercepted to score under the sticks. Carr did the necessary.

Boishaai slowly came back into the game, using their forward effectively on the pick and drive. They converted a penalty of their own, via scrumhalf Alberto Gava, to reduce the deficit. Boishaai scored again before the half from a SACS mistake. Trying to counter SACS made a hash of an attempted switch and Boishaai kicked through. SACS were forced to carry the ball over their own line and Boishaai scored from the ensuing 5-metre scrum. Hooker Kallie Visagie finishing off an effective drive. Gava converted and Boishaai led 10-7 at the interval.

SACS dominated the second half and appeared to want the win more. They scrapped for every piece of possession and tackled their hearts out. Boishaai had their chances but SACS were full value for the win, which they secured in the dying minutes. SACS played some lovely rugby and spun the ball from side to side in trying conditions. Eventually they cracked the Boishaai defence. A deft grubber from Carr was collected by debutant centre Jake Levin. He fed the speedster Holland who outstripped the cover the score. Carr was unable to convert from out wide but referee Matt Kemp, blew the final whistle immediately after.

The SACS players were ecstatic and their supporters swamped the field in a display of unbridled joy.

Scorers:

For SACS:
Tries: Dean Holland 2
Con: Tim Carr

For Paarl Boys' High:
Try: Kallie Visagie
Con: Alberto Gava
Pen: Gava

By Graeme Wepener