SACS surrender bragging rights to Rondebosch

Mon, 12 May 2008 17:00

In a classic derby encounter played on a classic Cape winter's morning, Rondebosch beat the South African College High School (SACS) by 13 points to seven. In so doing handing the early season bragging rights back to Rondebosch, SACS having beaten them on the last four occasions the two teams met.

The rain abated for most of the game and despite the clouds overhead the underfoot conditions on the Memorial Field at SACS were good. As is the norm in winter in Cape Town the wind came from the north and Rondebosch had first use of it and as one would expect they dominated territory.

SACS battled to hold onto the ball as they were forced to play most of their rugby from inside their own half. Pushing passes, SACS turned over to much ball and it was no surprise that Rondebosch got on the scoreboard first via a penalty converted by fullback Darryn Berry.

Rondebosch continued to play down in SACS’s half, but on a rare foray into Rondebosch territory SACS were able to take the lead. Some good phase play out to the left saw the ball came back right to flyhalf Nic Pearson who ran hard and straight at the gain line. He beat two defenders and carried one over with him to score. SACS skipper Chad Moolman converted.

Although Berry then added another penalty to make it a one-point game at the interval, SACS would have been well pleased to turn in the lead. With the wind at their backs SACS would have backed themselves to take the game away from their opponents. 

Rondebosch were desperate though to put in a good showing after two dismal seasons. Despite been outgunned in the set pieces Rondebosch were good at the breakdown and around the fringes. Scrumhalf and captain Nic Groom and loosehead prop Neil Naude prominent in these phases.

Rondebosch put together a sustained and telling spell of pressure in the middle of the second half. After a few botched chances they eventually scored out wide on the left. Feeding off a SACS error Broom took the ball blind and quick hands saw Berry get over in the left-hand corner. Centre Tameez Vayej converted off the upright.

SACS then proceeded to dominate the last ten minutes of the match. Camping in the Rondebosch half they had enough possession and should have scored. Unfortunately for them poor options and some bad handling cost SACS the opportunity to score a winning try.

This was a desperately disappointing defeat for SACS as they have had the rub on their close rivals for the last three years. Next week they have to lift themselves for an exciting challenge as they host high-riding Bishops in another local derby.