Green Mile remains unconquered stronghold

On a night which saw the UCT Eagles take the WP Second League title, the UCT 1^st XV beat Helderberg 40-5, extending their unbeaten streak yet again on the Green Mile.

After the game, replacement scrum-half Liam Slatem said that the win was a particularly special one for the team as it was the last time they play together on the Green Mile for the season. “It is a special team and a special place to play rugby and I’m very pleased we finished our last game on The Mile for the season with such a good win.  I'm happy for the guys and looking forward to ending the season off on a high on Saturday”, he said.

UCT’s Brad Bosman opened up the scoring in the first half, crashing over the line after a 5m scrum, and fly-half Tom Bednall was quick to convert. Helderberg had their reply soon after with a try, but the kick went wide, leaving the score at 7-5. Next up, scrum-half Dylon Frylinck tactfully sucked in the defence and then slipped through the gap, going over the whitewash. This left the scoreboard at 14-5 at half time.

The second half then saw an opening try by flanker Derek Asbun, followed quickly by Tom Bednall storming over the line after some impressive, combined team effort. This, undoubtedly, placed the Ikeys well-ahead at 28-5. With the end in sight, Slatem then closed off the game scoring two tries, revealing not only individual brilliance, but the results of a determined and confident group of players. And thus the scoreboard read 40-5, where it remained for the duration of the match.

The win secured the Ikeys’ unbeaten record at home, on the Green Mile, for the entirety of the WP Super League. After the game, Slatem had nothing but praises for the team’s effort, claiming that their unbeaten-home record is a great achievement for the side. “The team is very pleased with the result tonight. The conditions weren’t the best for running rugby but we knew we had a job to do and I think we executed that job well”, he said.

Their recent set of wins has demonstrated increasing solidity as a side. Commenting on this, Slatem said, “I think this team has gelled tremendously well and I think the management have encouraged this. As a group we are very close, and there is great team cohesion which has been displayed on and off the field.” He also states that team unity is what differentiates this team from the one in the Varsity Cup. “We still have quality players as we did in the Varsity Cup, but I think we have gelled on the field better during the league, and that is just a timing thing”, he said.

Making sure to remain grounded, however, Slatem states that while they will be going into the last game with great momentum, they realise it is still important to produce the performance on the day. Nevertheless, “I think momentum is important and sets a benchmark for the performance of a team”, he said.

The Ikey Tiger’s last game of the season will take place against SK Walmers, where the two sides will battle in out for final glory. If UCT wins with a bonus point they will overtake Hamiltons and finish in second place on the log.

Scorers:

Tries: Bradley Bosman, Dylon Frylinck, Derek Asbun, Tom Bednall, Liam Slatem x2

Kicks: Bednall x5

Ikey Tigers Team vs Helderberg

1. Joel Carew, 2. Michael Kennedy, 3. Deacon Chowles, 4. Keagen Ehret, 5. Jade Kriel, 6. Derek Asbun, 7. Tinotenda Zakeyo, 8. Bradley Bosman, 9. Dylon Frylinch, 10. Tom Bednall, 11. Paul Hendry, 12. Andre Coetzer, 13. Dylan Sage, 14. Richard Stewart, 15. Paul Cohen,

Reserves

16. Neil Rautenbach, 17. David Maasch, 18. Robin Murray, 19. Christopher Roberts, 20. Liam Slatem, 21. Ryan Dugmore, 22. Justin Scott.

Written by: Megan Kinnaird