False Bay steal game from College Rovers

SOMETIMES decisions in rugby games can be harsh if not really cruel. It has happened on many occasions this season and no doubt in many a season before and will continue to plague teams in the years and seasons to come.

Sometimes the laws also create these often moments that end in heartache, but that is the very nature of the game.

So it was on Saturday with Direct Axis False Bay scraping home 15-14 against Go Nutz College Rovers after the latter had led 14-7 at the break in an entertaining and enthralling game.

With the minutes ticking away and the home side 14-12 up, it looked like a Rovers victory was guaranteed. Then came the telling blow with Rovers wing Mark Richards crossing for for a try under the poles right on time.

Naturally, it was understandable that their supporters were a little surprised as they had thought it was game set and match only to see their side being called back for a penalty to False Bay.

Sadly for the KZNRU champions, The Bay’s fly half Meryck Ward slotted the pressure kick to end his day with a double celebration having had just received the news that he had passed his PhD and seeing his side finishing top of Pool ‘D’ with a home quarter final .

It was also a game of true emotions with Rovers skipper Chris Jordaan having played his last home game for his club after 12 years of loyal service to the College Rovers’ cause. For False Bay’s Ridhaa Damon, it was also a day to remember – the scrumhalf having come away with a special victory in his 150th game for his Constantia-based club.

False Bay prop Ashley Wells opened the scoring with asuperb try set-up by Damon and converted by fullback Adnaan Osman. It didn’t take long for Rovers to get on the scoreboard with their first try from flanker Matt Jones which Mondi Nkosi, deputising for the injured Gav Scott, converted from far out.

The first half finished with the try of the match scored by Rovers centre Ricky Bamber and converted by Nkosi.

The second half saw False Bay work their way back into the game with flank Mike Botha crossing for their second try. From there on it was any one’s game with both sides brilliant on defence. Then at the end of it all was that cruel twist of fate that saw the visitors return home to the fairest Cape as victors.

All is not lost for Rovers as they will travel to Cape Town to face Tygerburg. A Community based club founded in 1992 and winners of Pool ‘C’ , they will certainly be a test of character for the KZN champions in their quarter final game.

False Bay will find themselves entertaining Progress George, runners up in Pool ‘C’.

But, as Gold Cup Project Manager Duane Heath said, “funnier things have happened in this gameand these two clubs could find their way into the final ”.

In the other quarter final games QBR, winners of Pool ‘B’, play Sasol Hydra Ark Secunda - runners up Pool ‘A’ while Newrak Rustenberg Impala, winners of Pool ‘A’, play Northam Platinum Rhinos,runners up Pool ‘B’.

The Sharks Clubs XV will meet the Platteland Clubs XV in the curtain raiser (kickoff 12.40pm) to the Currie Cup match between the Sharks and Western Province at Kings Park on Saturday.