After warming up numerous times due to the delayed kick-off, the Hamilton’s u20s were ready to get onto the field and take on newly promoted Kuilsrivier. After coming off a comprehensive 69 – 5 victory over Primrose the previous week, the U20’s wanted to keep the same momentum going forward into this game against Kuilsrivier.
It didn’t take long for the Hamilton U20’s to cross the whitewash when Marnu Bartels flew down the wing after a well-executed backline move to score the first try in the match after 3 minutes. The hot conditions played a massive roll in this game, so much so we had water breaks every 20 minutes. The Hammies U20’s weren’t going to let the heat hinder on their performance as they played exciting running rugby. The forwards dominated at scrum time by getting numerous tightheads which was led by burley tighthead prop PW Koegelenberg. At lineout time Hamilton’s were a pain for Kuilsrivier, with Hugo Swart’s lightning fast reaction time to steal Kuilsrivier lineout ball on numerous occasions. The backline were perfect in their execution of their set moves as most of the tries scored were created by the backline. Dominant centre pairing of Stephan Botes and Ivan Kuntz were great on defence and even better on attack as they both crossed the try line. Half time score was 26 – 0.
The second half begun and the Hamilton’s started to control the game nicely through flyhalf Wynand Maclachan who managed to keep a cool, calm and collected head in the sweltering hot conditions. We played to our strengths and we started to get a lot more phases going which tired out Kuilsrivier’s defence. Kuilsrivier scored a try when their winger managed to out run the Hamilton’s defence and scored a brilliant individual try in the corner. After conceding the try, Hamilton’s bounced right back when strong running flanker Uwe Giessler barged his way over the try line. At ruck time, Hamilton’s were aggressive and dominant and managed to get several turnovers.
The substitutes that came on brought a lot more energy onto the field as many of the starting players started to loose energy half way through the second half. Noticeable substitute was debutant Esjohnne Goliath who dotted the ball down for his first Hamilton’s try and substitute prop Brendon Strydom who showed some exhilarating speed and strength to make many line breaks.
Towards the end of the game Hamilton’s managed to score two quick try’s to end the game victorious 52 – 5. The Hamilton U20’s have now got 10 points in two games and are on top of the log. Hamilton U20’s are a force to be reckoned with and will not back down from any challenge lightly and are going to keep this same momentum going through to the next game on Saturday against Sir Lowrians.
By Matthew Marais