WildBoys vs. Purple Cobras
August 15 2007
On a cool Wednesday evening, the WildBoys played the Purple Cobras in a physical, high paced game, with both teams playing good rugby in a game where the WildBoys made errors at crucial times and the team coming somewhat short, losing 14-26.
One could argue that, in the Cobra’s side, the WildBoys were facing their most formidable opponents since their match against the Nadoes (which they had lost 8-3). The WildBoys’ had not conceded a try since that Nadoes game, and having convincingly beaten their opponents since that match, had plenty to prove on the night.
The game began, as expected, at a relatively fast pace, with plenty of physicality. The tackling from both sides was fierce, with the defensive lines relatively inflexible in the opening exchanges. Ten minutes passed before any points were scored, and the Cobras were first to open their account, as the flyhalf saw no defensive cover behind the defensive line, and smartly chipped over the WildBoys’ pressing line into space. He then managed to slither through the centers to recover the ball, and as the WildBoys’ cover defence thought they had the break covered, he offloaded onto a running center, who scored under the posts relatively unopposed. The try was converted, and the Purple Cobras showed their intent with the opening try putting them ahead 7-0.
It did not, however, take the WildBoys long to respond. No more than three minutes later, the Purple Cobras were in the WildBoys’ half again, when off a turnover on the 22, the ball was sent out wide, with Darren drawing his man and sending Jonty Rhodes-Harrison into space. The Cobras scrambled to cover the overlap; and Jonty took the gap between two lone outside defenders and ran half the length of the pitch to score a try for the WildBoys. With the conversion the teams were, once again, level on 7-7.
As half progressed, what had become apparent was the mobility (or fitness?) of the Cobra’s forward pack. They were more than capable of defending in the tight exchanges, and they also managed to curb a lot of the WildBoys’ momentum by slowing the ball down at the breakdowns. Good continuity by the Purple Cobra resulted in a corner-flag run in for their second try. With no conversion, the Cobra’s were back in lead at 12-7.
The WildBoys then began rebuilding their momentum, pressing in to the Cobras’ half, but a loose pass was quickly intercepted by a Cobras center, who ran in another try for the Cobras after beating a last-ditch tackle by the WildBoys. With the conversion, the Cobras ended the fist half leading 19-7. At this stage, the WildBoys were facing the task of getting back into a game which they should not have needed to chase in the first place. And considering the level of play by both sides, the WildBoys had a difficult task at hand.
Half Time WildBoys 7 --- 19 Purple Cobras
The second half saw the Cobras pushing into the WildBoys half yet again. Once again the flyhalf saw no players at the back for the WildBoys, and he chipped over the centers, and in the ensuing scramble for the ball on the line, the Cobra’s outside half managed to get his hands on the ball for another try. With the conversion, the Cobra’s had not only put themselves 19 points clear, but had also attained a bonus point for four tries.
The WildBoys then started to get their game together, and off a turnover the ball was sent wide to the outside backs, and a smart inside pass to “Oupa” Kelly, who managed to beat two tackles and get into space to run towards the try-line. However, a Cobra’s player, managed to tackle him before the line, and a penalty was awarded for to the Cobra’s for holding onto the ball. This was to add to the frustration for the WildBoys team.
The WildBoys then pressed for another try, and Dale managed to get in on the right hand side for the WildBoys. The try was converted, and the WildBoys closed the gap to 14-26. The Cobras were pushing for another try, but a great last-grasp tackle by “Big T” Yacoob denied the team try when it had seemed almost certain. In the last 5 minutes the WildBoys pushed for another, which was unfortunately to no avail as the game ended 14-26, the Cobras victorious.
At the end of the game, the score did not reflect the game at all. There was a good standard of play by both sides, and it was a competitive game. Defensive errors by the WildBoys’, and Lady Fortune’s cruel bias in the bounce of the ball, were what ultimately cost the Boys’ the game. What the WildBoys may have lacked, however, was the fitness of the Cobra’s side, especially in the forwards. They managed to get to the rucks faster than the WildBoys’ pack and managed to turnover the ball and counter effectively. The Cobra’s themselves did, however, also look slightly exposed off quick turnovers by the WildBoys themselves.
The WildBoys may reflect on the game, and realise that they had the potential to come out victorious, but the reality is that they did not play a bad game at all. But neither did the Cobras, who were deserved victors at the end of the game at 26-14.
WildBoys 14
Tries: Jonty, Dale
Conversions: 2
Cobras 26
© Raméters
Once again, thanks to Jaimie our official media liason. And thanks to the boys who made a great effort in the pub!!! We will be playing arch rivals: panthers next week. So some solid practises and some good fitness sessions are required if we still want to take the league. Practise is on Friday and Sunday @5. Come rain or shine. Only 3 games left, only 6 practises..... who knows where the WildBoys will be next year..... so pull through, come jol, or don't expect to play!
Fire!
It appears that the Internal League Manger/Rockstar Extraordinaire/UCT Rugby Coach has been making friends on Wisteria Lane, spotted this week with none other than "the David". The two are apparently going to star as Gay "best friends"...... interesting!
Please note that next week is in fact a rest week and that the Quarter Final match against Panthers is on the 29th.
Right so as you can see, Wednesdays game against the cobras will determine who finishes in position 1 of the top 8. Top 8 for those who don't know: " the top 2 sides from each pool go through to the top 8, where their points will determine their position". So in pool A Ubumbo and Nadoes go through with 14 & 11 points, respectively. With whoever wins between US and Cobras, taking position 1 ahead of Umbumbo (PD will trounce if no bonus point is won, i.e: 4 points for the win) gives position 1 an easier game (1 plays 8). So Wednesday is a must win.
