Selborne win thrilling clash
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 09:24
Nowhere to go: Selborne\'s Sibulele Minya caught in possession. Pic: livemoments.co.za
Selborne recorded an impressive 25-16 victory over fellow FNB Top 20 side Boland Landbou in a hugely entertaining encounter on the final day of the Cape Schools week at SACS on Wednesday.
The match promised to be a hard-fought affair between two proud rugby schools and it certainly lived up to its billing, with both sets of players producing some excellent rugby. The game started at a good pace with the teams testing each other with well placed kicks and slick handling among the backs.
Selborne took control of the ball early on and worked the ball well through the phases. The continuity of the attack got the Landbou defence on the back foot and the ball was moved quickly to pacey Selborne right wing Sibulele Minya, who sped away to score in the corner.
The East London side's backs were dangerous, with flyhalf Dale Sabbagh attacking the line well. It was a thoroughly enjoyable first quarter, with both teams running the ball at every opportunity. Landbou got themselves on the scoreboard with a penalty from flyhalf Tiaan Radyn, reducing the deficit to just two points. Selborne, though, struck back immediately; flank Chris Cloete forcing his way over for his team's second score. The try was a result of Selborne's accurate kicking game, which forced Landbou back into their own 22.
The Selborne backs found space behind the Landbou defence and were dominating the territorial battle. But despite their domination in the possession and territorial stakes, they were unable to convert their opportunities and it was Landbou who struck next. A long, floated pass from Sabbagh was well read by Landbou centre Alex de Kock, who intercepted and raced away to dot down between the uprights. The conversion was successful, tying the game up at 10-all.
Selborne had made most of the running, but soon found themselves three points down after Landbou converted a penalty shot just before the break. The Boland side had capitalised on the few chances they had to lead by three points going into halftime.
After the break Selborne came out with renewed vigour; Minya's pace and elusiveness causing havoc in the Landbou defence. The pack cleaned out energetically, providing the backs with clean ball to play with. Scrumhalf James Allderman controlled his team's attack with distinction and he was rewarded with a try after a good build-up. With this score, the team from the Eastern Cape began to ooze confidence, piling the pressure on Landbou with some fantastic offloads and link-play.
Centre Kyle Theron ghosted through a gap with a great break and the ball was moved on with superb handling from Minya and fullback Jason Germishuys to find its way to No.13 Cameron Creswell, who rounded off a wonderful try in the corner. Every player suddenly seemed to have the confidence to take his man on, and a strong set-piece and Sabbagh's boot kept Selborne on the front foot.
Landbou did play their part in the thrilling spectacle and both teams showed some great skills. Landbou managed to reduce the deficit to just six points, ensuring a tense final ten minutes. But a late tackle allowed Selborne to restore the crucial two-score lead and the game ended 25-16 in favour of Selborne, a great result after their narrow loss to Rondebosch on day two.
Selborne vs Boland Landbou, 25-16
Scorers:
For Selborne:
Tries: Minya, Cloete, Allderman, Theron
Con: Sabbagh
Pen: Sabbagh
For Boland Landbou:
Try: De Kock
Con:Radyn
Pen: Radyn 3
Teams:
Selborne: 15 James Germishuys, 14 Sibulele Minya, 13 Cameron Creswell, 12 Kyle Theron, 11 Ofentse Boloko, 10 Dale Sabbagh, 9 James Allderman, 8 Roche Vorster, 7
Chris Cloete, 6 Mona Kwezi, 5 Daneal Steyn, 4 Callan Venter, 3 Lwazi Mdlankomo, 2 Michael McFarlane, 1 Chase Morrison
Replacements: 16 Marc Emslie, 17 Sonwabiso September, 18 Gerard Peter, 19 Michael Andrews, 20 Matthew Williams, 21 Gareth Bowles, 22 Dean Hammond
Boland Landbou: 15 Emelius Marais, 14 Bertie Visser, 13 Alex de Kock, 12 Jandre Kleynhans, 11 Tiaan Loots, 10 Tiaan Radyn, 9 Niel Tredoux, 8 Charl Carlsen, 7 Christo Schwartz, 6 Juan Louw, 5 Jannes Mouton, 4 Deon Boonzaaier, 3 Armand Steenkamp, 2 Morne van Kerwel, 1 JD Du Toit
Replacements: 16 Rikus Retief, 17 Hannes Carstens, 18 Johan Smit, 19 Mynhardt Kitshoff, 20 Gerhard Jordaan, 21 Jandre Kleinhans, 22 Jason Thiart
By Tim Human
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