In the latest round of Western Province Rugby Union Super League A club rugby fixtures, False Bay bounced back after their defeat to Union-Milnerton last week, with a hard-fought 31-17 win over Tygerberg at Florida Park on Saturday 9 July.
The scoreline was not a reflection of the game itself, as the scores were locked at 17-all until deep into the second half, before the Bay scored two tries which gave them a bonus point victory.
The game was played in intermittent rain and the swirling wind made conditions tough for running rugby and despite this, the match was engaging throughout and was evenly poised until the end.
Backline action was at a premium, with the play being confined mainly to the forwards.
The Tygers forwards battled valiantly with hooker Colwyn Manchest and lock Marvin Fransman working hard in the tight.
The Bay forwards including reserves adapted well to the heavy underfoot conditions and were impressive with their driving play.
Both teams contested the rucks and mauls ferociously, with the home side’s flank Nazir Bam catching the eye at the breakdown.
For the visitors, livewire flank Lukhanyo Nomzanga worked hard in the loose and capped a fine performance with the bonus point try in injury time.
Behind the scrum, the Bay flyhalf Ewan Adams made liberal use of the boot to keep his forwards advancing.
At the same time, the experienced Adrian Roberts, at the inside centre for Tygers, marshalled the backline effectively to keep the dangerous opposition backs at bay.
The other southern suburbs team to travel away was Villager who played against Hamlets in Mamre.
It was a penalty try in the second half that spared the Villager’s blushes as they scraped home 13-12.
Weather conditions prevented both sides from playing their normal 15-man brand of rugby.
Not surprisingly, the home side adapted better to the conditions, they handled the wet ball with aplomb and kept Villager under pressure.
They led 9-0 at the interval via three penalties by centre Robin Davids.
In the second half, Davids slotted his fourth penalty and it looked as though an upset was on the cards. However, replacement fly half Keegan Fortuin reciprocated with two penalties for Villager and it was game on.
Then came the penalty try after Hamlets collapsed a five-metre scrum from their try line and the Villager supporters who braved the elements heaved a collective sigh of relief.
In the Super League B division, Helderberg continued their rich vein of form with an overwhelming 71-18 win over Busy Bees.
At this rate, the Helderberg side looks at odds on favourites for promotion to Super League A.
Hands and Hearts remain in the second spot beating the hapless Goodwood team, still without a win, 59-0.
The biggest surprise was at the Strand where St. George’s were in rampant mood beating the visitors from Paarl, Young Peoples 65-10.
Results:
Super League A:
Brackenfell 10, NTK 17
Hamilton 40, Paarl 7
Hamlets 12, Villager 13
Tygerberg 17, False Bay 31
Super League B:
Busy Bees 18, Helderberg 71
Hands & Heart 59, Goodwood 0
Scottsdene-Central 3, All Saints 46
St. Georges 65, Young Peoples 10
Super League C:
Blue Jets 15, Pniel-Villagers 24
Blue Stars United 34, Morningstar 28
Kylemore 33, Eerste Rivier 31
Raithby-Universals 30, Kraaifontein 22
