Rhodes humbled by rampant UWC
FNB Rhodes experienced just how gruelling the Varsity Shield can be as FNB UWC ran rampant on Monday 20 February, scoring 88 points to Rhodes's eight.
Rhodes travelled to the Western Cape on the back of two losses, both coming from conceding late in the game. They would have taken heart, however, in how competitive they have been despite their inexperience.
They were quickly brought back to reality as a two tries in the first 10 minutes, both converted by Keagan Fortuin, made it 16-0 to the hosts, putting Rhodes firmly on the back foot.
Rhodes never managed to really get into the game and, as a result, UWC were devastating on the attack and racked up an almost unassailable lead of 40-0 after just 30 minutes, putting the home team in total control.
On the brink of half time, stand in captain Devon Barnard managed to pull one back for Rhodes and a successful conversion from Ryan Horne meant the half-time score was 48-8 in favour of UWC.
Unfortunately for Qondakele Sompondo's men, the second half did not bring much more luck, as a hat trick from replacement winger Kurt-Lee Andres, as well as a 100% kicking effort from Fortuin meant that Rhodes left the field with the scoreline 88-8.
Sompondo, although not pleased about the scoreline, emphasised that it is all a process.
"We lost by an 88-8 score margin, something we are embarrassed about. But we are not really worried about the scoreline. Our emphasis is on our processes," Sompondo said.
The loss means that Rhodes sits at the bottom of the log after the first three rounds, but has a chance to redeem themselves when they face local rivals University of Fort Hare (UFH) at home on Monday.
UFH have had a slow start to the competition, with their one win from their three games coming against UWC in the second round. However, they still sit in third place on the log.
“The match against UFH is going to be tough one,” Sompondo said.
“They would have targeted this match to collect maximum points and we are also under pressure to register our first win and announce our arrival in the competition.”
Kick-off is at 6.30pm at Great Field and Rhodes will only be thinking about a win when they take the field, as they look to turn around their debut season in the competition.