14a vs RBHS

The U14A stepped up to the plate on Saturday and delivered a brave, gutsy performance, built around solid team unity and defensive work. At the final whistle they had run out 17 – 5 winners, but the truth is that the game was much closer than the score-line suggests.

The boys started the game very well and matched the much bigger Rondebosch pack at the breakdown and in the tight exchanges. This solid start ensured we were able to go into an early lead, one which we held for the majority of the first half. Rondebosch fought back admirably and used their bigger pack to attempt to bully their opponents. We held firm – well organised as well as desperate defence kept our opponents at bay. Ultimately Rondebosch scored with the final move of the match when a grubber through was not handled well and we were undone by poor ball management. The scores were tied at half time.

SACS came out in the second half determined to play some rugby of their own and to a large extent this was achieved. We scored an excellent try through Jordan Peters when turnover ball was quickly recycled and Craig Bylin beat a couple of defenders before offloading superbly for Peters to go in under the posts. We led 12 – 5. Rondebosch responded immediately and continued to hammer away at our line. Our defence remained resolute. Gradually we worked our way back up the field and this culminated in a well worked try as Dean Reich noticed space in behind and his deft grubber resulted in a try to Ronan Silks. The lead was now 17 – 5 and the score remained the same until the final whistle.

The boys are to be commended on a sterling defensive effort, however big challenges wait around the corner and Stellenberg will be determined to make an impression this weekend with their rugby on an upward curve in recent years.

Ross Southgate (coach)