From Behind the Posts

Transcription

1 21 August 2013, 17 th Edition From Behind the Posts We have certainly played the better rugby in the last couple of matches, however,we have somehow found ourselves on the losing side; admittedly on this occasion we didn t have our best outing ever, but managed to win. The game of rugby will remain a cruel, brutal and beautiful game. It s amazing what a win can do for one s moral, even if it is just a one pointer. As a team our big focus is normally on our processes and the performance on the day, with the scoreboard taking care of itself and the win an added bonus if you have applied yourself well; a lot easier said than done when the bounce of the ball is not eluding you. We needed a win; how and by how much didn t matter on this occasion. It was always going to be a tight affair with SACS on a bit of an upward curve and we still stuck in our downward spiral. The underfoot conditions was definitely a leveller, so adapting and playing a good percentage game was going to be key if we wanted to stand a chance of getting a double over SACS who have given a good account of themselves throughout the season and who possess a decent kick and chase game. Losing two of our kingpins to injury late in the week didn t help our cause either, with game breaker Khanyo withdrawing due to a niggling groin and our little general s season coming to an end in a freak accident in a shadow run (which means no contact) against the Soldiers on Thursday afternoon. We wish Tyren Lee a speedy recovery and thank him for the passion and the commitment he gave to the team and the school every time and wore his beloved blue and gold.

2 SACS will rightly count themselves unlucky for not walking away with the spoils as they had us stuck in the mud on a couple of occasions. In the end their discipline denied them from taking ascendency in the game as we desperately scrapped to keep our noses in front. The conditions didn t make winning ones bread and butter at set piece easy, and when you did manage to win the ball the underfoot conditions made getting onto the front foot very difficult. Both teams employed different approaches with good effect; SACS moved the ball around and were rewarded with some space out wide; for us our direct approach also hilted reward. The difference in the second half came down to the penalty count as we managed to win 7 and not concede one. Our defensive effort on the other hand was somewhat disappointing as SACS crossed over for two good tries out wide. It just seemed like we were at sixes and sevens at times with every player on his own planet, all running around like headless chickens looking for someone to tackle but not making any. Pressure is a funny thing and will make you do stupid things, it is also something we as a team have not handled well since Cape Schools, and for some reason we keep putting ourselves under enormous pressure for long periods in the game. Besides our defensive lapses our kicking game wasn t very effective either as we remained pinned back in our own half for long periods of the game; something we will need to address. Don t get me wrong; there were some great passages of play and some real commitment in the scrap. The forwards were outstanding as Kyle White and co dominated in the tight exchanges with Steff directing play smartly from in behind the pack. Captain Melck controlled the midfield well and was again inspirational with his massive physical presence. The biggest positive to come out of the game is naturally the win; to have had the disruptions we had, play under the pressure that this team has been under for some time now and still walk away with a scrappy win, says a lot about the character of this team. We will iron out the couple of kinks in our game this week as we prepare for rivals Bishops. It s a week we all look forward to, and with this win under the belt the mood in the camp will be lifted which always helps with preparation and focus. Our season s biggest prize will be up for grabs on the weekend; the only question that remains to be asked is, Are we willing to go out there and take it? because I can guarantee you that Bishops will not come to Rugby A and hand it to us. See you behind the poles. Clinton van Rensburg

3 Results RBHS SACS 19A W 19B L 19C W 19D 5 0 W 19E 26 8 W 19F L 16A 14 8 W For fixture and result updates, follow Rondebosch Rugby on 16B 24 3 W 16C 21 7 W 15A 0 7 L 15B 5 10 L 15C 8 10 L 14A D 14B 17 7 W 14C 10 5 W 14D 0 36 L Total points Av points

4 Blitz Bitz: Triple Crown We are nearing the end of Triple Crown season, and there are still five teams in the running for this achievement. TERM 3 RUGBY - TRIPLE CROWN TEAM Wynberg SACS Bishops 19C E A B C Grand Slam A Grand Slam is a team that wins six out of six Southern Suburbs Derbies in one season. This year, we have one team that is still in the running for this - our U16A team. This very talented and well coached team is in fact going for their third consecutive Grand Slam, and judging by some of the past results, this could go either way. U14 GRAND SLAM Term 2 Term 3 TEAM Wynberg SACS Bishops Wynberg SACS Bishops U14A U15 GRAND-SLAM Term 2 Term 3 TEAM Wynberg SACS Bishops SACS Wynberg Bishops 15A U16 GRAND SLAM TEAM Wynberg SACS Bishops Wynberg SACS Bishops 16A To achieve a Grand Slam is indeed a rare thing. This is demonstrated by the history of Rondebosch 1 st teams. We are still gathering more information, but we have records of derbies vs Bishops from 1911, vs SACS since 1921, and vs Wynberg since There are a number of years that we won five out of the six derbies but, in the 88 seasons since 1925, I can only find eight seasons in which a Rondebosch 1 st team achieved this feat. They were in: and 1997 Should anyone have information that can add to this list, please provide me with the information (and scores). Please me at gustaf.pienaar@rondebosch.com

5 WP RUGBY - REFREE COURSES Do you have an interest in becoming a referee with WP Rugby? Requirements & procedure: Pay a membership fee of R150. Submit a completed application form. Complete the Boksmart course and confirm attendance to the IRB Level 1 Officiating course as per the dates below. Boksmart course dates: Saturday 31 August 2013 Newlands 07:30-11:00 Saturday 7 September 2013 HTS Bellville 07:30-11:00 Saturday 14 September 2013 Newlands 07:30-11:00 Saturday 21 September 2013 HTS Bellville 07:30-11:00 IRB Level 1 Match Officiating course: Saturday 31 August 2013 HTS Bellville 07:30 15:00 Courses will only take place if a minimum of 15 applicants attend. Bookings: Prior to the date of the course Lindsay Booysen: Referee Department lbooysen@wprugby.co.za

6 Auric Auto 1 st XV sponsor- 2013

7 The Auric Zone Auric Auto BMW, Claremont, has been the proud sponsor of the U19A rugby team for the past 3 years. The Auric Zone will once again be set up under the trees next to the E1942 Centenary Pavilion. E78 s will be celebrating their 35 th reunion in style this weekend. Festivities kick off with a sumptuous reunion dinner at the Milner Hotel on Friday night, followed by the much anticipated Rondebosch vs Bishops home derby on Saturday morning. Eric Scoble, principle shareholder of Auric Auto BMW and E78 old boy, extends a warm invitation to all Bosch supporters and particularly E78 s to join him in the Auric Zone to cheer on the home side! A selection of vehicles will be on display - please feel free to have a browse. We are at your service and look forward to attending to your BMW and MINI requirements. Auric Auto Claremont

8 Reports U19A RBHS 18 (3) vs SACS 17 (3) The events of our last few fixtures have, by now, been well documented and debated. After the Wynberg result, I sat at Newlands watching WP playing against the Bulls with a friend of mine. With 12 minutes on the clock, WP was leading My friend commented that WP had this one in the bag - I was not so sure. Needless to say, the same movie that had haunted me since Wynberg, started to play again at Newlands. I thought that surely this is not going to happen to a professional, provincial team as well! We all know how it ended, and I started thinking that maybe I am the jinx maybe I must just stay away from live rugby or not support any team? This past Saturday, I tried hard to ignore that uncomfortable, sweaty feeling as SACS reduced our eight point lead to only a one point lead with six minutes to go. Our boys stood up to the pressure and I am sure I was not the only extremely relieved person at Memorial A when the whistle made a narrow one point win official. I relaxed - I was no longer the jinx. Then I went to Newlands for the WP vs Free State match.. Well, all I can say is that it is a rather uncomfortable feeling - don t take me with you when you decide on an evening s entertainment at Grand West. The first half was a typical derby match played in very heavy, muddy conditions. SACS probably had a slight upper hand, but both teams struggled to get some form of continuity going and it was probably a fair reflection when we reached half time with the score at 3-3.

9 We started our second half with much more confidence. The forwards linked well with the backs and we took control of possession and territory. Only five minutes into the half, Graham Geldenhuys scored, what has become customary by now for him, a big powerful try against SACS. The tough conversion was missed, but Hylton Gibson added another crucial penalty to give us an eight point lead. SACS hit back when their fullback took advantage of a defensive error and ran through a wide gap to score in the corner. Their conversion was good and the match was a one point affair. For the next quarter of the game, Rondebosch looked composed and applied pressure on the SACS goal line. It was almost just a matter of time before Kyle Whyte powered his way over the line. Hylton converted one of the most important kicks in his life to restore our eight point lead with twelve minutes of playing time left. Both teams tried everything they knew, and it was with six minutes left, that the SACS winger was put into space and he scored a well-worked try in the left hand corner. The pressure was on the SACS kicker, who converted his kick to take them within one point with time left on the clock. The next five minutes must have been some of the tensest minutes I have seen for our players and supporters next to the field. When the final whistle blew, elation and relief was clearly visible on every Rondebosch face. We are very proud of the boys and the way they have refused to give up after a run of unfortunate results and the set back of losing key players in the week. This week sees the end of the season with our annual highlight against the oldest foe from the other side of Tully Allen Road on Rugby A at 12:00 on Saturday. See you all there. Tries: Graham Geldenhuys, Kyle Whyte Conversions: Hylton Gibson Penalties: Hylton Gibson x 2 Gustaf Pienaar MIC Rugby & 1 st XV Manager

10 U19B RBHS 11 vs SACS 16 Using rugby terms, SACS did not win this game, instead, Rondebosch lost it. The game was played on a field that was extremely muddy, which made open running rugby almost impossible. Lineouts, too, were difficult. In the first half, Bosch arguably played the wrong game: trying to get the slippery ball to their speedy wings on every occasion. While SACS rather kept the ball amongst their forwards and their backs were content to kick the ball behind the Bosch backs. In the fourth minute, SACS converted a penalty to take an early lead. Bosch missed an easy penalty in the tenth minute. Bosch got most of the possession and had a huge territorial advantage in the first half, but crucial passes were missed, and Bosch were also guilty of a large number of missed tackles. After 23 minutes, SACS went into the Bosch half again, found a wide gap in the midfield, and scored a good try. In the last minute of this half, SACS were successful with another penalty, to lead 11-0 at the break. It was difficult to understand how a team, with so much possession and territorial advantage, could be trailing at half time - crucial missed tackles was possibly the reason. Bosch started the second half with renewed vigour, moving the ball from side to side, but SACS kept them from scoring. Eventually, the ball found scrumhalf, Luke Houba, on the touch line and he beat a few opponents to score in the corner. As was the case in the first half, Bosch had most of the possession, lock, Michael Palframan, had a great 40 metre run down the middle, but the final pass went astray. Bosch were awarded a series of penalties, as SACS continued to go off-sides at rucks, and many a spectator was wondering why a yellow card was not being issued. From one of these many penalties, Houba was successful with his kick, to make the score 11-8 to SACS. In the fifteenth minute of this half, SACS moved into the Bosch half for the first time and another missed tackle allowed them to score to lead Four or five MORE penalties were awarded to Bosch and still no yellow card appeared - Houba was successful with another kick and the score was now 16-11, a Bosch victory looked possible. In the last ten minutes, Bosch attacked the SACS line repeatedly and Bosch was awarded another string of penalties. Napoli had a great 40 metre dash for the line, but was metres short. All the possession was now with Bosch and hooker, Luca Botha, was held up half a metre from the tryline. The final whistle blew, leaving Bosch losers by 11 points to 16. Man of the Match for Bosch was shared between Luca Botha and Alessandro Napoli. Rowan Harmuth

11 U19C RBHS 15 vs SACS 10 Very wet, muddy and heavy underfoot conditions met us at SACS, a field that is notorious for not handling heavy rains very well. But ladies and gents, the conditions didn t really matter to this group of boys as our aiming scope was firmly set on victory over SACS, come hell or high water. Playing conditions where tricky at best which meant both teams had to keep possession tight through forward play and a clever kicking game to turn opposition in slippery conditions. Our forwards did themselves proud with yet another great performance in our set pieces and tight exchanges, as well as putting SACS under huge pressure in theirs. We had practiced a tight game during the week, knowing that we would play in wet conditions, and all that practice unfolded so beautifully on the field as our pick and drive game plan worked wonders around the fringes with us making yardage on every drive. We knew that if we hit it up and kept the ball through multiple phases we would suck the defending players in, giving us the opportunity to swing wide and use our numerical advantage to score. And that is precisely how the game transpired with both Josh Kaplan and Matthew Tippet scoring out wide. Mark Thompson had yet another brilliant display at scrumhalf with his box kicking being a slow poison for the SACS boys as he kept our forwards on the front foot all the time. Once again our team showed pride and passion on defence, with every player defending for his team, something I m so proud of as no amount of money can buy this quality in a team this quality you earn the hard way. Well done boys, you played together and for each other and that is what this game is all about. We now have a score to settle with some old foe this Saturday. Tries: Kaplan, Tippet Penalties: Tippet x 1 Conversions: Tippet x 1 Men of the Match: The Team Divvie Maritz U19D RBHS 5 vs SACS 0 Before you say anything, that scoreline belies the utter domination displayed by the Force this fine Saturday, in less than ideal conditions. If I had employed someone to record the stats for this match, they would have struggled to put a value higher than two per cent next to territory for SACS. Don t get me wrong though, this game was bizarre. From a very late start, to moments of weather where the spectators must have felt like they were on the set of Deadliest Catch, to having to play with 14 men because of injuries. This game had it all. We started off with some great attack, deep in SACS territory, before the heavens opened and gale force winds decided to equalize things for a little while. Nevertheless, our onslaught continued with phase after phase of brutal runs from our massive forward pack. Tacklers were falling off Tim Roebeck, Daiyaan Ahmed and so-called star player Brad Fortuin like crumbs off a piece of toast, while resident pilferer Mitch Edwoods was aquaplaning from ruck to ruck in the terrible under-foot conditions. Set pieces were a joy to watch as Simon Roebeck, with the assistance of his towel to dry the ball every time, was more accurate than an Olympic archer. David Kane decided that, after taking the ball in each lineout, he d show Logan Stone and Gareth Williams what being a centre was all about: linking beautifully in the backline. Our continuous injuries meant that captain, Keaton Saunders, had to shift around from forwards to backline. Although, as a tennis player, he must have felt right at home playing on a field that had patches which resembled the courts at Roland Garros. The territory story continued as Zander Botha built a solid kicking portfolio, probing relentlessly with his boot. This provided Etienne Kille the opportunity to put pressure on the SACS back three, giving us a good return on our kicking investments. Our one and only try came from Anzio Marola, who accelerates well when countering from the back, had a very solid game coming into the line. The game still had a bit to go after that point, and after SACS had earned another percentage point of territory from their kick off, Albert Troost, after hitting one-too-many rucks (is there such a thing?), stopped the game entirely to give himself a concussion assessment. Like I said, bizarre. A victory is a victory, however, and while I m glad that the boys finally broke their losing streak, I m even more excited to have been able to write a positive report filled with elaborate metaphors and inside jokes. After receiving a challenging wager from the Bishops fourth team coach this morning, I m more than happy to up the ante as we welcome the Wild Boys this weekend with full faith in our guys. Andrew Cowley

12 U19E RBHS 26 vs SACS 8 After what seemed to be a week of endless rainfall, the Triple Crown Hopefuls took to the Imhoff fields of Westerford to take on the might of SACS. Due to the severe downpours, the home side was only able to house two games at most per field, which meant that our game took place on what seemed to be "neutral" territory. The conditions were predicted to include a bit of rainfall, however, nothing too major. This seemed to be the last of everyone's worries as the conditions underfoot were quite muddy, though playable nonetheless. With a possible three-out-of-three (Triple Crown) on the cards and some of the Flyers playing their final games against SACS in their schooling career, there really was a lot to play for. Play started with a mad scramble for possession after the Flyers received the kick off. It almost immediately turned into points through some great phase play by the boys in blue and gold. A slight lapse in concentration resulted in the final pass going wayward and play resuming with a lineout. The first half proved to be a stalemate through and through, with only SACS snatching a lone threepointer to give them the lead at the break. It must be said that SACS did find themselves at a great advantage, almost scoring a try, however, some last minute defence resulted in a knock-on on the try line. The first half had no shortage of suspense and both sides kept pushing to run away with any possible lead. Though the major downside was the 3-0 score after this 30 minutes of war on Imhoff fields. The second half proved to be the game changer as the fitness and sheer resilience of the Flyers came through. Straight after the kick off, play stayed in SACS' 22m area, with Spartan-like defence preventing the "home" side from clearing their lines. It was just 10 minutes in when Bosch took the lead through an amazing tackle by our centre, Luke Erasmus. He made the ball available for his outside centre counterpart to pick up and dot down in the corner to fix a 5-3 lead and the first bit of points for the Flyers. Though the conversion was unsuccessful, the try brought about all kinds of excitement on the field as play opened up tremendously. Just five minutes later, a wonderful bit of link up play with the Flyers forwards and backs put play in SACS territory yet again. This resulted in another backline player, Gift Qetu, our young winger, bagging the second try for the morning. Dylan Doré made quick work of the conversion and suddenly the score was 12-3, with everything to play for and a mighty fire burning in Bosch s eyes. Immediately thereafter, the tables turned for a moment as SACS pushed phase after phase with their forwards to get into the 22m. When the ball was sent wide, a slight lane change wrong footed the Flyers defence and this got SACS their first five-pointer of the game. This conceded try proved to be the final catalyst for the Flyers as they raged on immediately into the opponent s 22m area to be awarded a scrum. The backline split down both sides, and Matthew Jeffrey and our expert flyhalf, George, did very well to spot the gap and play the short side to swing the ball wide to provide Gift Qetu with yet another try for the morning, slap bang in the corner! Dylan Doré made the conversion look easy and contributed nicely to secure a 19-8 lead going into the final two minutes. Just when we thought the game was done and dusted, the crowd were all brought to their feet as the Flyers pushed, yet again, to get their fourth try of the day through what seemed to be endless pick-andgo's, with each forward, and even some backs, giving a go to cross the chalk. Unselfishly, Matthew Jeffrey played the backs from the base to change the play and, after a slight lane change and outlandish hand-off in front of the poles, our Skipper, Dylan Doré, got his name on the try scorer section, along with another conversion, to end the game at 26-8 with major excitement and wonderful hopes of a dream finish to the season. Many thanks go out to the parents and supporters who drove out and braved the weather conditions to watch the boys. Words alone truly cannot describe our gratitude. Tries: Aidan Child, Gift Qetu (2), Dylan Doré Conversions: Dylan Doré (3) Man of the Match: Gift Qetu and Chris Mparutsa Yusri Williams

13 U19F RBHS 14 vs SACS 17 As with most enthralling rugby stories told around a braai with an amber liquid in the one hand and tongs in the other, the story of the Stunners match against SACS was a tale of two halves, of almosts and what ifs. The week s preparation was less than ideal with illness and rain negatively affecting the boys, and practices, but they showed that they hadn t lost their magic touch. The boys were perhaps negatively affected by the talk surrounding the SACS team, known as their all matric team. The hype seemed to get to them as rumours flew around left, right and centre and, as such, they started the match incredibly nervously and tentatively. Our winger, Seth Korte, fumbled a seemingly aimless kick by the SACS flyhalf in the opening minutes and the ball spilled neatly over the tryline, as the SACS winger pounced on the ball for a try. This played well into the hands of our opposition, who had their tails up for the rest of the half, camping in our half and building up pressure for another try. SACS went into half time 10-0 up and, after a stern chat from the coaches and captain, Nick Baker, the boys ran on for the second half raring and ready to go. In the second half, it was the turn for the SACS half to be camped in, as we sent in wave after wave of attack getting good go-forward ball from our pickand-drives, especially prop, Jason Scheepers, who always took a defender or two or three with him as he marched across the advantage line regularly. The good momentum from the forwards set the platform for the backline, as simple hands saw Sam Carstens round a would-be defender to run in under the poles. This try evidently spurred the boys on, much like SACS try spurred them on. When SACS did get their hands on the ball, they were met by solid defence, especially from Keagan Smith - the smallest player on the team. He wore his heart on his sleeve and worked like an absolute machine. Nick Baker blew the lid of the game completely off, as well as blowing off all the spectators jaws - including the referee. He scored, quite simply, one of the greatest tries I have ever seen. Receiving the ball in his inside centre position on his 22m, Nick took on the defensive line of SACS, first shrugging off his marker and then handing off the scrumhalf. He showed a clean pair of heels, which he seemed to have hidden for all the matches prior to this and proceeded in effortlessly stepping the fullback - the proverbial, sit-down. The sands of time were predictably running away, much to our advantage, as we seemed to have the game sealed up at However, perhaps that try was too good, as the boys became increasingly vulnerable, letting SACS back in after building up such good pressure. The boys concentration slipped as they thought that they had it all wrapped up and SACS punished them with five minutes left, as their 8 th man ran from a scrum on our 5m line, which was due more to poor defence than good attacking. Now time was not on our side and the opportunities dried up with just a couple of minutes left and unfortunately, and perhaps anticlimactically (from a Rondebosch perspective), we lost. A game of two halves which could have seen a Stunners win instead of a SACS one, however the boys shot themselves in the foot with silly mistakes like being too high in the tackle and not being aggressive enough around the breakdown. They will do well to switch on from the first whistle instead of waiting for their opposition to score. This week will be full of hard work and focusing on our preparations instead of Bishops. It is sure to be a cracker and I have no doubt that it could potentially be the game of the weekend. Tries: Nick Baker, Sam Carstens Conversions: Gabula Nayo (2) Man of the Match : Keagan Smith Nabiel Allie

14 U16A RBHS 14 vs SACS 8 There comes a time when a team, no matter how many individual stars it might have, how many points they might have scored and how many games they have won, is tested by so-called uncontrollable circumstances such as the weather, the condition of the field and the decisions of the match official. Saturday the U16A had to face such a test on Memorial B up at SACS - a test they passed by rising above the uncontrollables and winning It was not a pretty win - in fact, is was ugly - but it was the best medicine to make sure that the team will be well prepared for next week s final match against the Old Enemy from down the road, to take a second Triple Crown and a Grand Slam. SACS came out thundering and threw everything they had at our boys but the defence held. Despite aggressive play, constant chirping and niggling and strong running, Bosch held their cool and contained the striped jerseys to a 3-0 lead from a penalty at half time. After the break it was another story. Bosch took control and, five minutes from the restart, Kyle Ballakistan (13) went over for Eddie Bester (10) to convert and put the boys in blue up 7-3.Ten minutes later, Nic Potgieter (9) scored after Bosch drove up-field and the forwards put consistent pressure on the SACS defenders. Bester again added the extra points and at 14-3 the game was seemingly in the bag. SACS had other ideas and after a series of runs at the Bosch line eventually broke through in the twenty second minute. The kick did not go over which meant that SACS needed a converted try to clinch a last minute win. Try as they did, it was to no avail as Bosch kept control and ran out winners - thereby registering their seventh win a row and remaining unbeaten this term. Johann Gerber

15 U16B: RBHS 24 vs SACS 3 There is no stopping the Blues! On Saturday, they became the Muddy Marauders of Memorial B by putting SACS away 24-3, coming back from a 3-0 deficit at the turn. Hard words at half time had the right effect as Ferhad Ahmed (15) went over virtually immediately after the restart to score behind the posts. The speedy flyer instantly took the conversion himself, with a drop from behind the sticks, to put Bosch up 7-3 and then, SACS crumbled. The tight five took control and Dylan le Roex, Matt Barratt, Jordan Diekmann and Nic Witten drove hard and far into opposition territory, ably assisted by Ivan van der Merwe (7) and Cheyne Robertson (6). This ensured that SACS had very little possession. On the rare occasion they did, solid tackling by centres, Jamie Burt and Chris Stephenson, saw striped attackers making contact with the mud regularly. Ferhad Ahmed scored again in the eighteenth minute (12-3) and five minutes later Dayyaan Galiem (10) dotted down under the uprights and added the extra points to stretch the lead Right on time, Dylan le Roex hammered the final nail into the SACS coffin with a try that was apt reward for his hard work and good captaincy. This 24-3 win kept the Blues unbeaten this term and amped for revenge against Bishops this week! Johann Gerber

16 U16C RBHS 21 vs SACS 7 There is much joy in victory and, since the first game of the season, the Chiefs haven t had this feeling. Due to the inclement weather over the course of the past week, preparation for the away leg against SACS did not go as planned. The conditions weren t as bad as we had anticipated and, with a few players who came down from the Bs raring to go, we were confident that we possibly stood a chance against SACS who beat us in the last movement of the game on our previous encounter. The first few minutes were tightly contested. Loose forward, Edward Stiles, whose all-round gameplay has improved significantly (watch this kid), put through a kick that was collected by flyhalf Ryan Oertle, who then gave an inside ball back to the supporting player who was of course Stiles himself. Try under the poles. Oertle converts. This woke SACS up and they started to attack. Our defensive efforts were commendable, but unfortunately, after one too many pick and go s, SACS went over to level the scores at 7-7. Our message for the day was: Don t lose focus. And the Chiefs did not lose focus. Soon after the SACS try the pressure continued to mount and Stiles went over for his second try, after numerous phases of keeping the ball amongst the forwards. Oertle converted and, before the half was over, Oertle himself would get onto the try scoring sheet and convert it as well. The score was 21-7 at half time. The second half was not nearly as exciting from an attacking point of view. However, if defence is your spice of life then the effort the Chiefs showed to keep SACS scoreless would have been exhilarating. Although we tried, we could not score in that second half and before we knew it, the time was up and we had claimed our second Southern Suburbs scalp. One more game in the tank and we re hoping the Chiefs don t lose focus. Tries: Conversion: Man of the Match : Edward Stiles (2), Ryan Oertle, Ryan Oertle Ryan Oertle Gareth Heüer U15A RBHS 0 vs SACS 7 The match against SACS was a more frustrating result for me personally as a coach and I am sure the players felt the same way. It s not that we lost, it was the manner in which we let ourselves down and did not execute what we set out to do. We played better than the team we faced, in every way, and were just not clinical enough in our opponent s 22m. However, like any game there are positives to take out of the match and we can definitely take our defensive attitude in this game into the future. Special mention to Aziz (MOM) for putting in some really quality hits. He has come a long way from being a regular in the B side to now being a well-earned selection into the A side. The game ended in us losing 7 0 and in the muddy and wet conditions it was not a spectacle and the score line shows. I want to use this opportunity to call on the boys of the U15 age group to give it one last effort in beating Bishops on Saturday. This is the last game of the season and nothing else should motivate you more than to want to beat your biggest rivals across the road. WE have all come a long way and have suffered and enjoyed some massive games this season. ONE LAST PUSH in the last game and the belief to carry on and never surrender no matter what, is what I will be hoping to see from every single one of you. Big tackles, big heart, bodies on the line and following the gold collar through anything is the last message I ll leave this group. GO AND MAKE IT HAPPEN! Jonathan Raphael

17 U15B RBHS 5 vs SACS 10 The U15B s found themselves in a mud-fight this past weekend, and, unfortunately, they were just narrowly outplayed by a SACS outfit, that simply made less mistakes on the day. In a game that was played in awful conditions, with rain coming and going throughout the match, it was always going to be the team that adapted better to such conditions that would walk away as victors. Trailing 5-0 at the break, after conceding a very soft try early in the first half, Bosch were determined to play in SACS half and force them into making mistakes. However, SACS played the conditions perfectly and kept Bosch poised in their half with their big booted flyhalf turning our back three at will. After conceding almost a full field try after some sloppy defending, Bosch again were chasing a 10-0 deficit. To the boys credit, they fought to the bitter end, as they ve done all season, and nearly clenched a victory at the end after Ian Grant put us back in the match with a well-worked try, and five minutes left on the clock. Understandably, our kickers struggled to convert kickable penalties and conversions in such treacherous conditions: but that made the difference between a draw and a loss on the day. After a 10-7 defeat to Bishops in the first leg of the fixtures, the boys are determined to finish the season on a deserved high and get one over their archrivals. The boys have, unfortunately, been on the wrong end of a few close games in the past few weeks and one can only hope the rugby Gods are with us come Saturday against Bishops on the Meadows. Tries: Ian Grant Josh Carew U15C RBHS 8 vs SACS 10 After a 7-5 defeat in the first half of the season, we knew we had a great chance of beating SACS on Saturday. The game started out well with Rondebosch dominating at the scrums and rucks. SACS drew first blood by scoring the first try with a missed conversion from their kicker. Rondebosch then went on to score a try minutes after SACS and brought the scores to five all. Just before half time, Tim Dun was able to put over a great penalty bringing the half time score to 8 5 with Rondebosch in the lead. It was a much quieter second half with the fields becoming slippery and the ball wet. Rondebosch kept SACS under pressure for most of the second half. Unfortunately, SACS was able to run in a great worked backline try minutes before the end whistle. With the scores at 10-8 and a missed penalty kick by Rondebosch, we found ourselves on SACS five meter line with a scrum. In the dying seconds, the wrong decision was made and SACS was able to snatch the ball and kick it into touch for the win. Thank you boys for the guts shown on Saturday! Tries: Lindokuhle Dyantyisi: 1 Penalty: Tim Dun: 1 Gerrit Cilliers

18 U14A RBHS 10 vs SACS 10 The much anticipated away leg of the SACS fixture proved to be a very exciting and close affair. We knew the SACS team would be out with much force after our very good win at home and their continued improvement throughout the season. Unfortunately, the weather was something that played a large role in the fluency of the game: with numerous handling errors from both sides the contest was largely based around set pieces and turnover ball. After a poor start to the game, the RBHS side allowed the SACS forwards to enjoy some relatively easy lineout ball, which resulted in two mauls, a further two penalties and eventually three points. The RBHS side was able to dominate most of the ball and possession for the remainder of the half, but due to some outstanding SACS defence we were denied any points. The half time score was 3-0 in favour of the home side. The message at the break was to believe in our systems and the way we have played rugby all year, play in their half and keep the pressure on them. With our set piece slowly gaining momentum in the second half, the RBHS side was able to place large amounts of pressure on the SACS team. This resulted in a turnover and after some individual brilliance we were able to score the first try. Again, SACS came back with much determination and, with some space out wide and some electric pace from the SACS outside centre, they pulled ahead with a try under the poles: However, the RBHS side was determined to fight back in the last eight minutes and, after a very clever kick down field and an unfortunate error from the SACS fullback, we were able to score our second try to equal the scores at 10 apiece. Unfortunately, a failed kick at poles left the score tied. A very proud and hard fought game from both sides, unfortunately, we were unable to pull the double on SACS, but have no doubt this fixture in years to come will be a highlight for both sides. Tries: David Redelinghuys, Dylan Pienaar Adam Rundle U14B RBHS 17 vs SACS 7 The U14B s clash against SACS this past weekend was certainly one where Bosch had something to prove - both to themselves and to their loyal supporters. After seven consecutive losses they were in desperate need of a morale boosting victory and they certainly did not fail to deliver. From the outset, Bosch gained the ascendancy in most aspects of the game. They were rewarded with a penalty right in front of the uprights, on about seven minutes, which was successfully kicked by Ethan Seymour. Bosch maintained a territorial advantage following the kick off with some strong runs in the midfield from James Hepburn-Brown and Ciall Cloete. On the quarter of an hour mark, an unlucky bounce of the ball in midfield gave SACS some good go-forward and they entered the Bosch half for the first time. SACS took the ball through multiple phases, opting to pick and drive around the fringes of the ruck in the wet conditions. The Bosch defence held on gallantly, but was eventually broken and a seven-pointer conceded. Bosch certainly never deserved to trail after having had the run of play and managed to regain the lead a few minutes later with a try. Prop, Matthew Horrigan, ripped the ball away from a SACS defender, setting James Hablutzel up for a strong run through midfield and, ultimately, putting Gabriel Bolnick away down the right-hand touchline after some quick recycled ball. We went into half time leading 10-7 and quietly confident that the outcome would be positive. The second half will be remembered not for the number of points scored, but for the way in which Bosch controlled the game with some smart, accurate play. Bosch played the wet conditions superbly, pinning SACS back in their own half by kicking into the corners and thus forcing them to try and score points from within their 22m line. SACS succumbed to the constant pressure heaped on them by a stronger forward pack and James Hablutzel added another try, taking the score to The boys can be immensely proud of this result and I look forward to seeing what they conjure up against Bishops next week in the final game of the season. They will once again be aiming to turn around a disappointing loss from the second term. This should serve as ample motivation. Trevor Edwards

19 U14C RBHS 10 vs SACS 5 The Chiefs took on SACS on a wet and miserable Saturday morning this past weekend. They were looking to exact revenge on a SACS team which bested them in the first round of matches. The weather didn't play along, with quite a few knock-ons marring what could have been quite a spectacle of a match. The boys struggled to finish the chances they created in the first half and were up against it after trailing 5-0 at the half time break. The boys looked a lot more energetic and focused in the second half, and it showed, with Jonny Murray finishing off a patient, but exciting, build up. SACS came back into the game and were unlucky to be denied by a knock-on on the Bosch line. Credit, though, must go to the Bosch team for a spirited defensive effort on their line. With only a few minutes to go, and with us camped on our line, Michael King and Morgan Bolnick decided to run it. It paid off. After about 20 plus phases of pick 'n go's the ball was spread to the wing where Morgan Bolnick dotted down to give Bosch the lead. With two minutes to go, Bosch gave their all on the defence of their lead. After another unfortunate knockon, the ref blew his whistle for full time and Bosch went crazy! The boys had turned around a previous 25-7 loss and come away with a 10-5 win. Tries: Jonathan Murray, Morgan Bolnick Gareth Vlotman U14C team U14D RBHS 0 vs SACS 36 We faced a strong SACS U14D side. The individual defence was great throughout the whole game and the boys showed a lot of commitment in the tough conditions. What let us down was poor organisation in the defence, as most of the SACS tries were overlaps, which they were able to take advantage of. The final score was 36-0 to SACS. Gareth Vlotman

20 Bosch Rugby Supporters Club Annual Dinner: Thursday 5 September, Kelvin Grove Details will shortly be ed to Supporters Club members, please diarise the date now! Other members of the Bosch community are most welcome to attend the dinner. The evening is a Rugby Supporters Club function and does not replace the annual end of season functions for players, coaches and parents which are traditionally held for the various Prep and High School teams. Villager Rugby 7 s Tournament 2013 marks the 45th consecutive year of the Villager School 7s rugby tournament that sees several top rugby schools from the Cape Town area vying for some end of season silverware. The tournament takes place on Friday 30 August at the second oldest rugby club in the country, Villager Football Club, and several well-known schools will be in action. Rondebosch Boys High School has 2 U19 sides participating in the tournament. Date: 30 August 2013 Venue: Villager Football Club, Lansdowne Road, Claremont. Time: 14:00 kick off with final at 20:40 No of Teams: 32 Entrance Fee: R10.00 (Free for scholars in school uniform)

21 Fixtures vs TEAM OPPOSITION TIME FIELD U19 A Bishops 12:00 Rugby A U19 B Bishops 10:45 Rugby A U19 C Bishops 09:30 Rugby A U19 D Bishops 08:15 Rugby A U19 E Bishops 10:45 Meadow C U19 F Bishops 09:30 Meadow C U16 A Bishops 10:15 Meadow A U16 B Bishops 09:00 Meadow A U16 C Bishops 10:15 North U15 A Bishops 10:00 Meadow B U15 B Bishops 09:00 Meadow B U15 C Bishops 10:00 Range U14 A Bishops 09:45 Lower Desert A U14 B Bishops 08:30 Lower Desert A U14 C Bishops 09:45 Lower Desert B U14D Bishops 08:30 Lower Desert B Photos courtesy of Kara Robertson, Cecile Watt and SACS Rugby Facebook page -