Westville in home victory over College

Match Report

Maritzburg went down to Westville 13-6 on Saturday.

This was a match of two distinct halves. Westville had by far the better of the first half and dominated territorially and in terms of possession. Their forwards drove impressively and their backs often threatened on attack. With almost no ball, College’s role was largely defensive and they did well to repel the wave of attacks without conceding a try. Neville Talbot of Westville did, however, kick two penalties for a 6-0 half-time lead.

The second half saw a remarkable transformation. The College forwards now seized the initiative and Westville were pinned in their own half. An early penalty by Travis Huntly reduced the deficit to three points and later he kicked a second penalty to level the scores. But at least six kickable penalty attempts, several of them awarded in the shadow of the Westville goal posts, were declined as College sought a try. Westville’s defence was heroic, though College showed little finesse on attack.

In the final minute, College attempted a blindside attack but a long pass was intercepted and Westville’s left wing, Neville Talbot, sprinted fifty metres for a converted try and a victory that confirmed their position as KwaZulu Natal's top team.

College supporters were left muttering, “If only …”

Scorers: 

For Westville: 
Try: Neville Talbot
Con: Neville Talbot
Pen: Neville Talbot 2

For College:
Pens: Travis Huntly 2

By Tony Wiblin