After a six week mid season break, it was back to the grind stone for the last 5 games of the season.
After reaching our mid season goal, we set our targets high but first we had to get passed our voodoo side for the last few years, the Vic’s students from Stellenbosch.
Our team were a little rusty after the long break and it immediately showed when we were put to the sword in the first quarter trailing by 13 – 0 . After we got some composure and we settled into our structure, we managed to keep possession of the ball and build some good momentum. Sustained pressure showed on the students and we scored 2 good tries to take the lead 14 v 13. Solid set pieces and slick inter play between backs and forwards led to us scoring a further 2 tries before the break. Stalwarts Niel Cleghorn and Paddy Holman played vital part in us securing good lineout ball and gave the opposition a torrid time on their lineout ball. Half time score 26-13
Our unrelenting pressure after half time forced the students to make uncharacteristic mistakes on which we capitalised, scoring another 2 tries. Our loose forwards dominated at ruck time allowing our half back combination of Marnus Ferriera and Pierre Cronje to controlled the game well and provided good quality ball to the outside backs who didn’t disappoint with their flare and willingness to play attacking rugby. Ryan Johnson, in an unfamiliar outside centre position, was as always, a handful for the opposition on attack. Captain and Man of the match Robbie Truman lead from the front with another sterling all-round performance.
At 40-13 and with 20min to go, fatigue started to show and as expected the student fought back, scoring a brace of tries. Fresh legs and solid offensive defence brought back the sting in the Hammies tail and we ended the game with a well-deserved converted try.
Congratulations to Dylan and Wynand who both had pleasing 2nd team debuts.
Final Score 47 v 26.