Rovers-Richards Bay kick off second round
THE 2016 Gold Cup backline player of the series, Tythan Adam, scored a spectacular late try that leaves College Rovers as the only unbeaten side after the First Round of the Fidelity Security Premier Division competition.
After leading 14-7 at the break the 2016 Moor Cup champions won 21-15. The game produced magic moments with Rovers adjusting their game plan to good effect while Collegians perhaps have only themselves to blame for a few lost opportunities, which saw Rovers scoring three tries to the two from Collegians.
Rovers hooker Chris Kemp scored early with one of his bullocking drives for the line which was converted by Gavin Scott who had another sound game at fullback. The sides produced wonderful running rugby before Matt Reece Edwards went over after taking a quick tap penalty for centre Devon Lailvaux to convert.
Chris Jordaan, making a return to the Rovers line up, was an inspirational leader at flyhalf. He scored his side’s second try under the poles almost on halftime, for Scott to convert his second, giving Rovers the lead turning into the second half.
Collegians came back strongly with fullback Morne Joubert crossing for his side’s second try.
With Rovers 19-12 up the game was in the balance until from inside the Rovers 25 metre line Grant Williams took a quick tap penalty to put Adam away for what has to be the try of the season so far. The wing weaved his way down the line to score under the poles for Scott to convert his third.
Collegians finished with a flourish with centre Lailvaux kicking a penalty to bring the score in reach of a possible late victory charge, but the solid Rovers defence held firm.
In another game Bidvest Insurance Crusaders beat South Coast Warriors 45-22 at the Douglas Mitchell Park in Uvongo, scoring six tries with Bakkies Janse van Rensburg scoring one of them to go with all six conversions. Their other touchdowns came from Chris van Niekerk, Selwin White, Cadge Sibisi, Chris Cousins and Chris Anka.
In the remaining games eThekwini Refractories Amanzimtoti beat FNB UKZN Impi 35-15, Newcastle edged Mancosa Zululand Rhinos 44-38 and Varsity College had a good away win in Sydenham beating Jaguars 59-10. That leaves College Rovers, Durban Collegians, Amanzimtoti, Crusaders, Varsity College and Richards Bay in the top six.
The Second Round kicks off tomorrow evening and in the Top Six Rovers host Richards Bay, Durban Collegians are at home to Crusaders and Varsity College entertain Amanzimtoti.
In the Bottom Five Newcastle host Jaguars and Impi have home advantage against South Coast Warriors, with Zululand Rhinos having the weekend off.
In the First Division leaders Jaguar Land Rover Durban Hillcrest beat Ballito Dolphins 42-7 while Harlequins raised a few eyebrows in beating Westville 27-19.
The College Rovers Under 20 outfit finished their First Round with a flourish, beating Crusaders 48-7, with their B side also taking the honours, winning 19-5. Varsity College still head the Frank Norris Cup log table in the ‘A’ Division while Durban Collegians top the ‘B’ Division and Saders lead the pack in the Third Division Walker Cup.