It was a fantastic day for rugby and both teams were eager to get started. The game started about 15 minutes late after the referee had an unexpected delay.
The boys from UCT drew first blood with a well executed play scoring in the corner. The conversion was unsuccessful. Hamilton fly half Daniel Scheidegger got Hamilton on the score board with a penalty 45m out, taking the score to 5-3 in favor of UCT.
Both teams were defensively tight and needed to work hard to gain the advantage lines. Finally a communication error from Hamilton allowed UCT to score again. The conversion was successful. 12-3 to UCT. Just before half time the referee awarded a penalty to Hamilton and Scheidegger slotted the penalty to add the 3 points. Half time score was 12-6 to UCT.
The coaches called for calmness and patience at half time. We started well for the boys from Sea Point with a quick try from flanker Austin Pepper. Try was converted by Scheidegger and we were in the lead for the 1st time in the game, 13-12. Hamilton at this stage had all the possession and was using the ball wisely. Finally opportunity came for fly half Daniel Scheidegger with a “show and go” and dotted down in the corner. Score was 18-12 to Hamilton. With only 5 minutes remaining we tried to close the game out but unfortunately for the boys from Sea Point that was not the case. UCT stepped up a gear and Hamilton gave 5 penalties away in the last four minutes. Some were questionable but nevertheless, UCT finally scored under the sticks and converted to secure the victory. This is Hamilton 2nd successive loss at the death.
Final Score: Hamilton 18 and UCT 19.
Man of the Match was Hamilton flanker Austin Pepper.