The primary school season is finally upon us and on Saturday we hosted Sun Valley Primary, a school feared and respected in junior rugby circles. An exciting day of rugby followed in which all of our teams excelled.
Sun Valley provided a stiff challenge and it was clear from the get go that their teams were very well coached.
The day kicked off with the 9A’s and U8’s in action. Having scored pre-season wins over Primrose and Reddam Tokai, The premier team in the mini rugby section, 9A did not disappoint winning by 7 tries to 1. The U8’s won 6-0.
Over on the B Field, the strength and depth of our U10 squad was on show as the 10B’s comfortably defeated Sun Valley 10B by 24 – 0. Jordan Thomas and Kai Collins controlled the game at 9 & 10, while Maurits Baalbergen looked dangerous whenever he got hold of the ball. Andre Liebenberg was a constant menace and was rewarded with his first try for Hammies shortly after half time. While the score may not have suggested it, Sun Valley 10B piled tremendous pressure on our boys and well done to them for a great match.
The 10A’s had stuttered in their 22-10 victory over Reddam Tokai in April and were keen to atone for this against Sun Valley. This match was among the most keenly anticipated and did not disappoint. Hammies opened the scoring early in the first half when the rampaging loose forward Matthys Du Plooy thundered over. The conversion was calmly slotted by flyhalf Alex Newton. Du Plooy crossed the line again a few minutes later and scrumhalf Sam Collins duly slotted the conversion to take the score to 14-0 where it would remain at half time, but not before Sun Valley mounted a colossal assault on the Hammies try line. Wave after wave of red jerseys were repelled as Sun Valley camped on the Hammies tryline. The boys in red decisively won the breakdown battle and dominated at scrum time. Hammies were saved by the bell as the half time whistle went: 14-0
In the second half the sides largely cancelled each other out and late Hammies dominance was rewarded with a try to flyhalf Alex Newton, who is quickly returning to his best form. The team had much to owe open side flanker Brandan Crawford who excelled in defense and soared in the lineout, winning all 5 lineouts on our throw. Samuel Collins is a treat to watch at 9 when his forwards provide good ball and Zac Wilson is a pillar on defence and deadly with ball in hand. Hamilton’s U10A clung onto a 21-0 victory in a match that was tougher on the field than it appeared on the scoreboard.
The u11’s easily accounted for Sun Valley U11 by 43 – 0. Prop Luke Flax gave Sun Valley endless headaches, while Enrico Beukes once again showed his incredible pace.
The U12’s fought bravely but lost 7-19 to Sun Valley U12 A’s in an epic encounter on the B field. One or two mistakes tripped the boys up against a team that accounted for SACS U12 A two weeks ago.
All in all, a very enjoyable day, and thank you to Sun Valley staff and players who were at all times friendly and courteous.
Results:
U8: 6-0 (Won)
U9B: 5-2 (Won)
U9A: 7-1 (Won)
U10B: 24-0 (Won)
U10A: 21-0 (Won)
U11: 43-0 (Won)
U12: 7-19 (Lost)
Played: 7
Won: 6
Lost: 1