Blue Bulls put end to hopes of Border U16
IT was a disappointing afternoon for the Border U16 Grant Khomo Week team as they slipped to a 28-18 defeat against the Blue Bulls in their second game of their national rugby week at Diamantveld High in Kimberley yesterday.
After a superb start to their week saw them upset perennial national week favourites Western Province in their opening game, expectations were high that Border could make it to the main game of the week.
But they needed to overcome the challenge of the Bulls first, which they were unfortunately unable to do in the end and will now want to finish their week on a high in tomorrow’s final day of action.
“We were our own worst enemy, unfortunately. There were lots of unforced errors and, at this level, you will be punished, and the Blue Bulls capatalised on them,” said Border U16 coach Miles Rayner.
“If we can cut out the errors and play to our potential I am very confident that we will come away with a win in our final game.”
In yesterday’s match a tightly fought first half saw the teams head into the break at 7-all, with Border on the scoresheet thanks to fullback Sibusiso Javu’s try and flyhalf Sihlalo Benge’s conversion.
The Bulls kicked it up a notch in the second half, scoring three converted tries, while Border were only able to reply through an unconverted try to outside centre Mbasa Nkonki and two penalties to Benge as they fell short.
“We were in it until the end. Our mistakes allowed the Bulls to pull away, but we came right back in the last 10 minutes, but it was unfortunately too late,” said Rayner.
In other action the U16 Border Country Districts team crashed to their second defeat of the Grant Khomo Week, going down heavily against a free scoring Namibia.
After a tough first half the Country Districts team trailed 28-0 after Namibia scored four converted tries.
They managed to improve in the second half, only allowing Namibia two more converted tries, while they got on the scoreboard through outside centre Ryan Maree slotting two penalties, which left the score 42-6 at the end of the game.
The Country Districts team will have one last chance to register a win during tomorrow’s final day of play, with their opponents still to be decided.
Craven Week action will resume today with the Border U13 team back in action.
After losing their first game they had the perfect response on Tuesday, winning their game against the Pumas 20-10.
After enjoying a day off yesterday they will now be eager to continue that good form when they take on the Griquas at 11am this morning.