The Hammies 3rds team were made to work a bit harder than they would have liked for a bonus point win over newly promoted Kuilsrivier on Saturday.
It was sweltering by the usual 1.30 kick off, which made life more than a bit uncomfortable for all the players, especially the Kuilsrivier reserve tight head who was easily the heaviest and out of shape bloke I have ever seen on a rugby field. Good on him for at least getting out there an having a walk from scrum to scrum.
The 1st 15 minutes definitely belonged to Kuilsrivier , while Hammies failed to exit despite several turnovers and some good defence. This kept the homesid in it with sustained early field position. Soon after, our No 8 for day Lazz Chisaya, came off with suspected dehydration or heat exhaustion and we could sense this was going to require a lot of patience and application to get through.
The Kuilsrivier defence was staggered and completely scrambled showing gaps and then closing them down looking for turnovers which seemed to work. Our backs did not exploit the gaping holes as they should of and were closed down forcing errors in the tackle and at the breakdown. It was left to the forwards to salvage the 1st half with the backs doing better in the 2nd half.
Hammies 3rds have yet to put in a convincing performance away from home this season, something that we will have to look at turning around.
Players to watch out for in the Hammies 3rds squad is Dylon Farbridge who came off the bench at fullback, PJ Rencs on the wing & Robbie Abeln at centre.
Dylan had made his debut on Saturday showing blistering pace and great footwork
Dylan had made his debut on Saturday showing blistering pace and great footwork
Daniel Pikker led the side well throughout the match in a big effort from the veteran tight head. Although he would have been pulling any remaining hair out at half time after a jittery 1st half. Some fine drives, line out mauls and interplay with big lock Rian Lategan crashing over for the pick of the 1st half action.
The second half was mostly Hamiltons and flood gates were opening as Kuilsrivier ran out of steam which made it easier.
Hamiltons cleared the bench and gave all match 22 a run. The ref called time to the relief of the players who had not been subbed!
Full Time 3rd Team Result: Kuilsrivier 5-38 Hammies
Try Scorers:
Martin van Wyk, Rian Lategan, Laz Chisaya, Dylon Farbridge, Jacob Modipa, Lihle Magodla
Martin van Wyk, Rian Lategan, Laz Chisaya, Dylon Farbridge, Jacob Modipa, Lihle Magodla
by Barry Herbert