SACS record historic win over Paul Roos

What a game! What a win, and a well-deserved one too for SACS! The SACS faithful had waited twenty-six long years for this. On what turned out to be a magnificent winter’s day in Newlands the 1st XV of 2007 set about making history by beating Paul Roos 20-12.

The win was secured in the first half as SACS built up what proved to be an unassailable 17-point cushion. Paul Roos were coming off two heavy defeats and SACS needed to get on top early, and this they did. They turned Paul Roos over out wide and swung the ball left. Quick hands by the backs put Dean Holland in the clear. Holland has not been in the prolific form of 2006 thus far this season but he chose the right game to regain his magic touch. The swerve and fend that saw him score 16 tries last season were back and he finished in fine style, Tim Carr doing the necessary.

SACS came straight back at Paul Roos and put together another period of sustained pressure, which culminated in a penalty goal for Carr. At ten points up the hosts were beginning to believe while at the other end Paul Roos were guilty of poor finishing. Clean line-breaks by centre Stephan de Villiers and lock Jaco van Vuuren were botched. The first when SACS skipper Zack Beukman tracked back and made a great cover tackle, the other when a low inside pass was dropped.

Having got out of jail SACS came back with a vengeance and scored again before the interval. A chip kick from centre Chad Moolman was gathered on the full by flank Dugald Robertson, who went over unopposed from fifteen metres out. Carr again slotted the difficult conversion and SACS were in dreamland as the half-time whistle sounded.

SACS were playing really well and had the better of the early exchanges in the second-half. Despite the poor underfoot conditions, as a result of the heavy rains during the week, SACS were willing the play their running game and moved the ball wide at every opportunity. SACS were pressing when an intercept by right-wing Thythan Adams saw him race ninety metres to score. Flyhalf Willie le Roux converted.

With points on the board Paul Roos noticeably gained belief and began playing with a lot more pride and passion. Throwing the ball around and bringing their big ball-carriers into the game they scored again after a long period of phase play. Centre Danie Poolman crashing over from a tapped penalty five metres from the SACS line.

Needing a converted try to win Paul Roos began running the ball from everywhere and it was almost inevitable that they would concede points. Instead of playing for field position they pushed the passes in their own 22-metre area and conceded a penalty for not releasing the ball on the ground. With time running out and a chance to all but seal the win, SACS skipper Zack Beukman had no hesitation pointing at the posts. Tim Carr was the hero as he calmly slotted the penalty to put SACS out of range.

The final whistle was greeted with emotional and joyous scenes as the whole school swamped the field to sing the SACS school song and chant the war-cry.

Scorers:

For SACS
Tries: Dean Holland, Dugald Robertson
Cons: Tim Carr 2
Pens: Carr 2

For Paul Roos
Tries: Tythan Adams, Danie Poolman
Con: Willie le Roux