RONDEBOSCH OUTLAST SACS IN DERBY ENCOUNTER

As should be the case in classic derby encounters the results on the day were tied at seven wins a piece when the 1stXV’s ran out in front of a good crowd was that was gathered around the Tinkie Heyns Field in Rondebosch. SACS gave all they had in what was a tight contest but Rondebosch eventually won 27-8 after leading 10-8 at half-time.

The crucial moment in the match came at the end of the third quarter when SACS spun out of a tackle on the Rondebosch tryline and looked for all money to have scored to make the score 15-13 with the conversion to come.  Rondebosch reserve lock Campbell Slater, who had scored the opening try from the hosts seconds after coming on to replace captain Matt Gray, made a try saving tackle to dislodge the ball and turn the game in the hosts favour.

Rondebosch escaped and went on to score two more tries in the final quarter to ultimately win comfortably on the scoreboard.

The match started with Rondebosch taking an early three -point lead via the boot of fullback Conor van Eden.  His opposite number Duran Koevort snaffled up a loose ball soon after though to give SACS a slender two-point lead. Enter Slater who finished off some sweeping phase play by Rondebosch to see them regain the lead after sixteen minutes.

Five minutes later SACS produced a lovely passage of phase play themselves but couldn’t breach the Bosch defence and ultimately settled for three points. Rondebosch finished the half strongly and were unlucky not to extend their lead when flyhalf Kian Davis was held up over the line.

SACS had a chance to take the lead early in the second half but missed a relatively easy shot at goal. Rondebosch’s burly hooker Troy Fisher didn’t need a second invitation to stamp his authority on the game and he bounced his opposite number and burst through seven minutes into the second half to set up a try for scrumhalf Ishma-eel Safodien.

After SACS’s missed opportunity midway through the second half it was all Rondebosch. Fisher again involved after a huge carry by loose-head Lukhanyo Vokozela had given Rondebosch front foot ball in a good field position. Fisher showed deft hands to set up No. 8 Joshua King. Van Eden again missed but at 20-8 with ten minutes to go SACS looked on the ropes.

With their superior size up front Rondebosch had had physical superiority in contact throughout and it began to tell towards the end of the match. SACS did themselves no favour though by kicking off directly into touch and giving the hosts the chance to get straight back onto the attack. Davis, who had been a threat with ball in hand all match, eventually getting a well-deserved try to seal the deal for the jubilant hosts.

Scorers:

Rondebosch Boys’ High

Tries: Campbell Slater, Ishma-eel Safodien, Josh King, Kian Davis

Conversions: Conor van Eden (2)

Penalty: Van Eden

 SACS

Try: Duran Koevort

Penalty: Robin Aspeling