'Bosch too strong for Muir
Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:37
\'Bosch burst: Rondebosch made most of the play. Pic: livemoments.co.za
Rondebosch proved far too strong for a Muir College team that were out of their depth at the Cape Schools Week; the Cape side cruising to a 39-8 victory on Wednesday.
Muir had been thrashed in their first two games against SACS and Paarl Gim, and the crowd expected more of the same against 'Bosch on day three. But to everyone's surprise, it was Muir who had the first attacking opportunity. They made a great break down the left touchline, which was brilliantly fed inside for what should have been a simple run-in to score. But Muir denied themselves a shock early lead by losing the ball forward in the grounding.
This blunder was a sign of things to come for Muir, who wasted a few good chances with some dreadful handling errors. 'Bosch were far more composed on attack and struck first through centre Andrew Moir after a slick handling movement. The 'Bosch team was full of running and flank Michael Aristidou forced his way over to extend the lead. 'Bosch created several good opportunities from movements punctuated with great offloads.
One move in particular caught the imagination, which started with a clever dummy and sniping break from scrumhalf Steve Wallace. The ball was fed to eighthman Nicholas Simpson, who deftly chipped and regathered for a fantastic score. The match seemed destined to become a one-sided rout, but 'Bosch lacked the clinical precision to bury their opponents.
Rondebosch were sloppy in their execution in the second quarter, and lost all their structure against lesser opposition. Muir got hold of the ball but poor handling prevented them from making any real ground. Some of the Muir players put in good individual performances, but mistakes consistently let them down and the match was reduced to a messy, uninspiring contest in the closing minutes of the first half.
Muir came out fighting in the second half and registered on the scoreboard with a penalty. This was followed by a try after a great break from their own half; the passes finally sticking for speedy No.13 Nceba Mafa to race away for a try in the corner.
The joy for Muir, however, was shortlived as 'Bosch continued to control possession. They had learned from the first half, and were much improved when they kept the ball tight among the dominant pack. Aristidou ended up with a hat-trick, while substitute Nicholas Walker grabbed a late brace to secure a comfortable 39-8 win.
Rondebosch vs Muir, 39-8
Scorers:
For Rondebosch:
Tries: Moir, Aristidou 3, Walker 2, Simpson
Con: van Breda 2
For Muir:
Try: Gillson
Pen: Gates
Teams:
Rondebosch: 15 Scott van Breda, 14 Edward Gregory, 13 Cameron Wright, 12 Andrew Moir, 11 Hendri van Niekerk, 10 Lyle Steyn, 9 Steve Wallace, 8 Nicholas Simpson, 7 Michael Aristidou,
6 Jamie Croeser, 5 Kiernan Rabie, 4 Richard Mathews, 3 Richard Lardner, 2 Michael vs Niekerk, 1 Ben Shaw
Replacements: 16 Simon Bergman, 17 Luke Doman, 18 Gareth Muller, 19 Nick Walker, 20 Chris Keet, 21 Darren Berry, 22 Grant Greef
Muir: 15 Andile Witbooi, 14 Nceba Mafa, 13 Dylan Gillson, 12 Lisa Banzi, 11 Neo Mehlwana, 10 Shane Gates, 9 Siyabulela Ngqakayi, 8 Mazuq Maarman, 7 Luwando Konya, 6 Lwandile Vabaza, 5 Louis Hurter, 4 Jethro Strauss, 3Thaband Maselwa, 2 Phumelela Ndongeni, 1 Lupumlo Ntlanganisela
Replacements: 16 Jason Thomas, 17 Siyabulela Ntlanganisela, 18 Mandlenkosi Mgwali, 19 Mkhululi Myira, 20 Lulama Mkwakwi, 21 Lulama Mkwakwi, 22 Benjamin Madlingozi
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