Tough game for Spring Rose
SPRING Rose showed Breakers that they were not going to be upstaged in own their back yard when they defeated the Komani side 18-12 in a tight EC Super 12 rugby match at New Brighton Oval Stadium at the weekend.
The home side went into the first quarter with guns blazing and denied Breakers all opportunity to attack.
Spring Rose wing Siphamandla Lali scored the first try 10 minutes into the game.
The try was skillfully converted by flyhalf Sinethemba Skellem.
The introduction of Breakers’ flyhalf Kewen Gibb had positive impact on the backline as he displayed efficiency in controlling their set pieces.
Breakers, who have conceded 18 tries in the tournament, were not dismayed by the scoreboard as they brought the game to the home side.
Their forwards showed more determination to get the ball in the rucks.
Breakers were then awarded a try by loosehead prop Sikhunjulwe Febena who slotted the ball between the poles.
The home side were leading by 13-5 at the half-time break. Left wing Thulani Rhengu scored a beautiful try from good interplay between the flyhalf Gibb and centre Lonwabo Ngculu.
Spring Rose capitalised on the loss of momentum by Breakers and notched up another try in the 60th minute to take the game away from Breakers.
The away side tried to get back into the game but Gibb was denied a try by Spring Rose prop Simphiwe January in the dying minutes.
Spring Rose coach Thembekile Mtaba said: “We underestimated Breakers and did not expect a tough game from them. They showed good discipline on the field.”
Cool-headed Breakers assistant coach, Amos Nomnabo, said: “We knew it was not going to be easy for us playing away. I am impressed with the effort displayed by the young guys.
“We are building a team and, after today’s performance, I am certain we are headed in the right direction.”
Results:
Cambridge 7 Swallows 34; Spring Rose 18 Breakers12; Progress 18 EL Police 12; Despatch 36 Buffaloes 26