Forwards to fight it out

The Internal League will once again be on display this week in what will most likely be another wet and muddy affair. The games this semester have so far been low scoring, bruising encounters with sides struggling to contend with the wet weather. Last weeks action has once again showcased the stern opposition that res sides are producing this year as Marquard recorded a solid victory against the Turtles and Smuts managed a close draw against Wildboys.

Nadoes and Ubumbo was the highlight game of the week as Nadoes continued their successful run of victories in the Steinhoff Internal League. Nadoes downed the boys in blue 15-0 in a muddy and physical encounter. Ubumbo are now in trouble in their group having lost to the Wildboys already and with only one game remaining against a Smuts side that will be going all out to overtake both Wildboys and Ubumbo in the race for second place may just find themselves in hot water.

Wildboys took on Smuts side in what proved to be a scrappy game as both sides were unable to pull away from the other. The game ended 7-7 and will be another achievement the Smuts boys will be proud of though, if truth be told the Wildboys should never have let the game get that close and were their own worst enemies by squandering scoring chances and letting the res boys in for what some might consider a soft try.

Marquard vs Turtles was the highest scoring game of the week as they downed Turtles 24-17. Marquard have been a side that has seemed to blow hot and cold this year as they have recorded some victories over big teams whilst losing ones that they were expected to win. This week saw them take their scoring chances when they were available and keep their noses in front despite showing some lax defending at times to let Turtles in.

New-comers to the internal league University house recorded their first win over their more experienced counterparts College House in another closely contested affair. University House have had somewhat of a torrid time this year with some big scores being run up against them and this win will go a long way in improving the confidence in the camp.

Full Results;

Preview;

The biggest game of this weeks action will undoubtedly be when Panthers square up against reigning champions, the Cobra’s. Cobras have been in good form this year whereas Panthers have impressed as much as they have disappointed. With the weather likely to play a big factor though, Panthers may have an edge they can exploit with their strong forward pack if they can control the game from that aspect. Cobra’s must be considered favourites for this match however judging by recent form though with their natural game plan being expansive and based on their backline it remains to be seen whether they can adapt as required.

In another big fixture Baa Baa’s will be in action for the first time this semester as they take on the Clarendon Knights. In previous years Baa Baa’s would have been expected to walk over the res side and they may still do. However, Clarendon have been in good form this year with some strong wins over big sides and confidence will be high in their camp. Added to this is the fact that Baa Baa’s haven’t played in quite a while and we may have a recipe for an upset. Baa Baa’s however, do have the stronger side and, if they can shake off their rustiness and if their forwards step up to the plate they should take this one.

Full Fixtures;

Wednesday 19 August 2009