Queen's rule in East London
The Queen’s College 1st XV played some delightful rugby in East London last Saturday to outclass their opposition by 59 points to 12, after leading 24-5 at halftime.
It took Queen’s the first 10 minutes to adapt to the windy conditions, but once they found their rhythm, some fine attaching rugby was to be seen. The visitors crossed their opposition’s try-line no fewer than nine times, with six of the nine tries bring scored by the backline, who were given plenty of opportunity to spread the ball wide. Fullback Kholo Ramashala and centre Mitch Whyle proved to be more than handful to the opposition defenders, when they sliced through the opposition backline on numerous occasions, to create the overlap for their support runners.
Kevin McEwan, who replaced the injured Lionel Cronje at flyhalf, showed his versatility, by providing excellent delivery to his backline, and also through numerous well struck conversions. Left wing Sbura Sithole gave another flawless display of committed running, beating his man on the outside time and time again, and was rewarded with four splendid tries.
A feature of the game was the quick and efficient cleaning out by the Queen’s forwards at the rucks, resulting in disorganised opposition defensive lines, which the Queen’s backs exploited to optimum effect. It was also encouraging to observe many young, new caps getting a run in the white jersey. Props Dylan Love and Grant Hartley gave good accounts in the tight exchanges, as did flank Wonga Gaga, scrumhalf Darren Boucher, and centre Linton Terblanche. The old war horse Andile Mrwebi revelled in the tight loose and, as first receiver, was prominent on the crash ball, barging his way over hapless defenders.
Port Rex scored two tries, both by eighthman Leon du Plessis, who shone for his team.
During the second half, the continuity of the game was regularly interrupted through injuries and lengthy instructions from match officials, resulting in numerous lulls in play. During this period, two Queen’s players were yellow carded for high tackles, but despite playing with only thirteen men for a lengthy period, they failed to concede points and in fact, went on to score points, bringing to five their try tally in the second half.
By Mike Boy
