5th Team Rugby Report for 20090 comments

The year in general started with lots of enthusiasm, but lack of matches hampered prepartion at the beginning of the season. The general standard of performance was lower, in my opinion, than previous years, but towarsds the end of the seson, teamwork overcame lack of individual ability, and results and moral improved. The usual huge turnover of players led to many inevitable disruptions. Thanks to Richard Found of the 4ths, these were dealt with as best we could.

 

The SACS 5ths played 9 games this eason, winning 2, drawing 2 and losing 5. 56 players represented the 5ths in the 9 games, with only one player (Moses) playing all 9 games. Rizzo was the top points scorer (18), and Gosain and Hassen were joint top try scorers (2 each).

 

I have attached a spreadshhet showing all results, players and points scorers.Of the 56 players who played for the 5ths, 18 played 4 or more of the matches. Here are my thoughts on some of them:

        1. Moses (flank)- was a hard worker through the year, and despite being in Grade 11, captained the team towards the end of the season.Played flank, lock and 8th man, best position blindside flank. My choice   for   team’s most valuable player.Will make a good captain for whatever team he plays for next year.

    2. Heynes (no 8) - despite having some disciplinary issues, a superb 8th man, who will do better once he starts believing in his ability, and palys more rugby rather than playing the man!. Solid in defence and sparked many an attack from the base of the scrum.

    3. Abdullah (scrumhalf)-  a tidy scrumhalf with a good boot, often relieved the pressure behind a beaten pack. Excelled when asked to fill in from time to time at flyhalf. Would have also played all 9 matches but for missing the last game due to rleligious beliefs.

    4. Gosian (prop) - don’t be fooled by his lack of size,  this uncomplaining tight head prop scrummed well and very mobile in open play, scoring 2 tries from close range. In grade 11, will do well with some individual coaching, and I expect him to play good rugby next year.

    5. Rizzo (outside centre) - asked to play out of position at outside centre instead of wing for most of the season, his natural skills made him a pleasure to coach. He took over the place kicking duties with great success. He will improve with more one-on-one coaching, and once he gets to grips with playing centre, will be an asset for next year’s 2nd/3rds.

    6.Fenessey  (flank)- a classic open side flank, tackled like a demon, and never gave up trying.

    7. Hassen (wing) - very quick and nippy wing, but went AWOL  in 2nd half of season, which was a pity.

    8. Billet (wing) - experienced a frustrating season, but a hugely talented footballer, playing scrumhalf, fullback, wing and centre at different times of each game! best position probably wing, and attittude improved when given responsibility.

    9. Sturrock (lock) - lack of size and obvious skills more tan compensated by determination and workrate, one of the unsung heroes of the team effort late in the year. Ended up even throwing in at lineouts, with great success.

    10. Nortier (wing) - started well on the wing, but faded badly, probably hampered by injuries,

    11. Garet (fullback) – solid and dependable, although loath to kick when he could show of his footwork on attack!

    12.McGowan (flyhalf) – too talented for the 5ths, should probably played for a higher team if he had wanted to. Gave his all in the matches, and lead the backline well. Hampered by a shoulder injury towards the end of the season, and was sorley missed in the last game.

    13. Schuin(hooker) – despite his small stature, full of running and determination, and good skill levels.

    14. Amod (prop)- added bulk to the forwards when needed, and improved through the season. Would have benefitted by being fitter.

    15. Daynes (flank) – played much of the season for the 4ths, but contributed hugely on defence and attack when playing for the 5ths. Hard as nails, and never stopped trying. 

   16. v d Walt (lock)- started slowly, but grew into becoming a fine lock once he started believing in himself. After starting in the 6ths, ended the season in the 4ths.

    17 Strydom (inside centre) – once he got his head around tackling, was very good.

   

 

Thanks for the season, looking forward to next year already.

 

Stewart Alcock

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