14a vs Paarl Gim

U14A Match Report v Paarl Gim

The U14A played away at Paarl Gim over the past weekend and knew they would have to deliver a committed and honest display if they were to emerge as the victors.

The weather was not ideal for running rugby and we duly adapted our game plan – wanting to play as much in our opponents half as possible while keeping Paarl Gim honest around the fringes at ruck time. We started very well and applied immediate pressure to the Paarl Gim line. The attacking onslaught continued for much of the half with the Gim boys sporadically breaking out and launching an attack of their own. Eventually our concerted pressure told and we were able to score a well deserved try and led 5 – 0. A brief and momentary lapse in concentration ten minutes after our try resulted in a try to the Paarl Gim left wing who went in under the poles just prior to half time. The try was converted and we went into the break 7 – 5 down.

We started the second half poorly and another lapse in concentration resulted in Paarl Gim claiming the kick-off and we were placed under immediate pressure. We struggled to clear our lines and a great angle and line from the Paarl Gim 12 eventually resulted in a try to the hosts, again under the poles. It was duly converted and we faced a massive challenge to get back into the game away from home and two scores down. We responded magnificently and scored a well worked try after an initial driving maul laid the platform for Declan O’Connor to pop over the line from the base of a resulting ruck. Our conversion was missed and we needed another try to win the game. Again the response was very impressive and the SACS players laid siege to the Paarl Gim line for the last ten minutes of the game. Perhaps if we were patient and a little calmer we may well have emerged victorious, but it was not to be and Paarl were able to celebrate an extremely close game that many of the SACS boys will feel they could have won.

The players are to be commended on their attitude and approach to the match. They never lay down and refused to be beaten and perhaps with a little but more luck they would have been able to toast a famous victory. An extremely strong Boland Landbou side awaits this weekend and I know the players will be chomping at the bit to test themselves against some of the best in the country once more.

Ross Southgate (coach)