U20 A1 victorious against Durbell

On a good day for rugby out in Durbanville, a motivated and keen A1s side took to the field to kick off their league season. In what was a slightly stop-start affair for periods due to some over-zealous whistle-blowing, UCT managed to end up the winners 28-0 with a crucial bonus point.

The boys played into the breeze in the first half and showed a clear intent on moving the ball around the park right from the start, much to the delight of the head coach. Despite some great displays of running against what looked like slightly less conditioned opponents, it took a while for UCT to begin the scoring.

Two tries in the first half by Bester and Mallett, both well converted, left the score at 14-0 at half time. The lineouts having been superb, and the scrums not far behind, all that needed to be rectified was the propensity to turn the ball over on the floor.

A quick re-focus at half time saw the boys start well out of the blocks again, and some beautiful running, passing and offloading passages of play ensued, much to the delight of the small crowd. Being early season, the team play is still developing and thus not all the great play was rewarded with tries.

UCT contiued to dominate however, and managed to add to their two tries in the first half, with another two beautifully worked tries created out wide. Both were converted by Mallett, who had  a steady game marshalling the troops around the park. In the end a solid 28-0 victory, ensured the full quota of points, and a decent start off to the season.

Well done to Phil Taberer for his man-of-the-match performance, and we all look forward to the big one against Vics on Wednesday evening.