19 August review and 26 August preview

The action on the Green Mile was tough and physical, something we have come to expect from the internal league. Cobras and Marquad both put up big scores whilst the other games went down to the wire.

Cobras vs Panthers was expected to be one of the closest and hard fought games of the night, the reality of what happened though was completely unexpected. Panthers started off strongly though they looked quite stretched on defence trying to cope with the Cobra’s backline and more often than not it was a cover tackle that saved them as the Cobra’s wings consistently got past their men. It was only a matter of time until the Cobra’s opened up the scoring and, through some fast hands and pacy running they crossed over in the corner for the first of their 62 unanswered points. After the first five minutes the Panthers never really looked liked contending the match and Cobra’s will be pleased that their backline fired despite the muddy conditions.

In a close fought encounter the Baa Baa’s took on Clarendon in their first match of the semester and, despite looking a bit rusty in certain aspects of their game, they got the victory 14-10. The Baa Baa’s were completely dominant in the set phases on the night, particularily the scrums though Clarendon managed to contest well on the ground and win a lot of turnover ball which resulted in their two tries on the night. Baa Baa’s opened the scoring ten minutes in through a fantastic solo try from centre Brett Roux under the poles which was duly converted.

Clarendon fought hard and were definitely the more match sharp of the two teams though they were done a few favours by the referee who adjudged two seemingly clear tries to have been held up due to him being out of position. In truth, despite the awesome display of rugby from both sides, particularly Clarendon as they strove to beat one of the old guard, the referee stole the show somewhat by making strange and ridiculous calls most of the time. Clarendon have shown that they are not a side to be underestimated with some good wins and two close losses against Ubumbo and Baa Baa’s.

Marquard took on University House who were fresh from their victory over College last week. Unfortunately, despite the confidence in their camp the bigger res of Marquard lions proved to strong for the minnows as they ran out 31-05 winners on the night. Marquard played well and dominated UH in the forwards and backline. Though they put up a good fight, in the end UH were outplayed on the night.

Turtles were downed by the selfsame College house 15-10 in one of the most exciting matches of the night. The game was close and physical with neither side able to exert their dominance over the other effectively. With neither side able to gain a foothold it seemed that Turtles would scrape through at the whistle. However, Turtles were leading up until the last movement when College House took advantage of an intercept try to cross the whitewash for the winning points.

PREVIEW;

This week sees some exciting games on offer on the Green Mile.

The highlight game of the week is undoubtedly the Nadoes vs Wildboys fixture. Nadoes will surely have heard about Cobra’s demolition of Panthers and will be going out to prove that they can do the same against a quality opposition. Wildboys will take some comfort from their victory over Ubumbo and will hope that that encounter will be enough to prepare them for the physical and fast onslaught of the Nadoes. History favours the Nadoes and the Wildboys will be going all out to try and change that.

Ubumbo vs Smuts is another fixture that I am anticipating. Smuts have shown that they are a good side who can play rugby and will relish the opportunity to get one over Ubumbo. If they can play to their top level then it may just be possible after Ubumbo have had a couple of disappointing results this year. This game is a must win for Ubumbo to ensure that they do not finish last in their pool, something that would’ve been thought impossible at the beginning of the year. Whether that will serve to motivate them to producing one of their classic games that we know they are capable of, remains to be seen.

Baa Baa’s will take on Panthers in what has become somewhat of a derby in recent years. Whenever these two sides meet the match is frought with tension and emotion as both sides go all out to take the other down. As of yet Baa Baa’s are undefeated against the Panthers and, after last weeks display against Cobra’s the smart money says that this isn’t the year the Panthers will do it. However, though Panthers have a relatively new and young side compared to the Panthers sides of old, you can still expect them to fight till the last against the old foe and perhaps a wounded Panthers side can overcome last weeks loss to claim victory.

In a res derbyCollege House will take on Marquard this week. Marquard are the undeniable favorites though all of that goes out the window in a res derby as both sides lift their game for res pride. Though a game that does not feature any of the title contenders, it should be a good one to watch as all res derby’s are.

Full Results 19 August;

Full Fixtures 26 August;