U20 A1s pip Maties in a thriller

In a tight match that was no doubt one for the memory banks for all involved, UCT managed to snatch victory, 19-16, with a penalty from the corner on the final whistle.

The game began, in sedate conditions, at a fast gallop as both sides clearly had energy to burn. It was UCT who made the early running, no doubt inspired by a stirring pre-match routine and a desire to remain unbeaten. Unfortunatley despite 15 minutes of dominance with the ball, UCT had nothing to show, and instead Maties were able to snatch two long-range penalties, to give them a 6 – 0 lead. A UCT retort saw  the score eventually at 6-3 at the half time whistle. This however was no kick-fest or dour affair. Boith sided went hammer and tongs at each other and in what was a testament to both attacking and defensive excellence the game remained deadlocked.

The second half saw no let up whatsoever, as the UCT boys clearly felt this one was there for the taking. The pace remained at nothing short of frenetic, and UCT managed to execute passages of play that had the Maties almost out on their feet as they swept the ball from side to side. This however, did not stop Maties scoring, somewhat against the run of play after an error at the back by UCT, and stretched their lead to 13 3. UCT hit back with a further penalty, and then in a continued display of pressure managed a try under the poles through Christiaan Bester, after a superb passage of play involving half the team. With the scores at 13 all, the game remained and tense but still both sides sought the elusive score.

A UCT penalty took it to 16 13, but this did not last long as soon the scores were again locked at 16 all. With time running out, and players cramping up left, right and centre, UCT were awarded a penalty at the breakdown in the right corner on the 22 metre line. Cometh the man cometh the hour, and captain Mallett rose to the occasion as he cooly slotted his second shot from the same area that night, to send the boys, coaches and supporters into raptures as the final whistle sounded. Well done to all involved in what was a truly memorable game. Well done to Zandy Macdonald for his man-of -the-match display, and to the coaches for their hard work.

Team:

Taylor,Allen,Page,Horne,Esterhuyse,Macdonald,Setlaba,Mallet, Watermeyer,Mallett (c), Njongwe,Jenkinson,Taberer, Bester,Bruinders

Reserves: Smith, Naude, Brukman, Botha, Farrar, Khumalo,Russel