'Drom' edge closer to Bastion
In another exciting week of Steinhoff Koshuisrugby action at the University of Johannesburg, Bastion had to work hard to win their first division clash against Oppierif, whilst Dromedaris beat Afslaan.
In fact, the guys from ‘Drom’ made relatively light work of Afslaan, winning 27-3.
Their forwards dominated the set-pieces to ensure that their backs received enough ball to go wide and score tries via their outside backs. Njabula Zulu was Dromedaris’ star performer and was deservedly named Man of the Match.
Afslaan’s Gerhard van Ryst told varsitycup.co.za: “Unfortunately we lost key players in the forwards just before the match. That resulted in ‘Drom’s’ forwards getting the upperhand.”
‘Drom’ managed to score five tries and they secured a bonus point to edge closer to Bastion at the top of the Steinhoff Koshuis log.
Log-leaders Bastion had a tougher match than last week but still managed to beat a fierce Oppierif side 12-0.
The guys from Oppierif, who played their first league match, came out all guns blazing in a very physical match.
“Our defence was very good in our half of the field and we managed to keep them from scoring, and made use of our opportunities to score points,” said Bastion’s Francois Conradie to varsitycup.co.za. “The players’ discipline was also good and we didn’t concede a lot of penalties.”
Oppierif’s Shakele Tshabalala added: “We’re very happy with our performance in our first game, if you can take into account that it was their (Bastion’s) third game already, and we held them to (a) 12-0 (win).”
Bastion’s eighthman, Ignus Potgieter, again played superbly and consistently broke the line of defence to lay the platform for his backs. He was duly named Man of the Match.
Meanwhile, in the second division of UJ’s Steinhoff Koshuis league, Afslaan managed to outplay Majuba – winning 15-10.
It was a tough encounter and Majuba gave it all they had. Afslaan’s Johann de Bryun and Thys Taljaard ran excellent lines; breaking the defensive line time and time again. De Bruyn and Taljaard both scored a try to help secure the win.
The Lions Rugby Factory scored two converted tries to beat ‘Drom’ 14-10 and stay unbeaten in the division. It is clear in the way these guys play that they live, eat and breathe rugby, whilst still – somehow – managing to make time for their studies!
Bastion’s second team beat the UJ’s Under-19C team, that now play in the place of Oppierif’s second team.
The U19’s don’t get as much game time as what they would like, and playing in this league can only benefit them. Bastion found it difficult to beat the much fitter U19’s, but managed to pull it off when they rounded off well and scored points when they had the opportunity.
Conradie added: “Our guys are not 100% fit and that lead to their easy tries at the end of each of the halves. (But) our loose forwards and scrumhalf all played a blinder on the day.”
Kanniedood’s first team had a bye this week, and their seconds received full points when Vorendag could not manage to field a full team and were forced to forfeit the match.
Next week is the last week of play before the students start with exams and take a break after an eventful first semester.
By Riaan Bam
