FALSE BAY RUGBY CLUB

False Bay RFC delivered an impressive performance to emphatically beat SK Walmers at Green Point Track in their SLA2018 clash on Sunday. The final score was 55-10 after the visitors lead 20-5 at the break.

 

Originally set to be contested at Constantia on Saturday, the match was shifted to Green Point by mutual consent. The contest was televised live on Supersport, a Gold Cup qualifier by description but an opportunity for players from both clubs to showcase their talents on a national platform. Further inspiration for the Bay was the nine changes False Bay coach Johnno van der Walt made to his squad following their first loss on home turf in four seasons as the went down to the Maties in atrocious condition the week before.

 

As the morning progressed the massive cold front proceeded to cause havoc in the Peninsula, but appeared to avoid Green Point Track until mid-afternoon, which allowed for an entertaining contest.

 

Bay flank Brandon Wood lead his team onto the pitch, an honour afforded the 21-year-old on the occasion of his fiftieth cap. He produced a power display on the blindside of the scrum, one of the outstanding players in a high-performing squad on the day.

 

Hosts SK Walmers, in their first outing of the season, were an unknown quantity although fitness became an apparent concern as the teams took to the pitch. Nevertheless, the hosts certainly did not hold back, their attacking endeavours met with resolute Bay defence. With the wind at their backs in the first half, ticking the scoreboard over was an obvious tactic, as indeed they endeavoured to do in the opening minutes.

 

The Bay are patient and organized and absorbed this pressure. Escaping their half for the first time in the opening ten minutes, the Constantia outfit were awarded a five-metre scrum. Scrumhalf Dylon Frylinck, ever alert to a snipe around the edges, caught the home defences napping and scored in the corner. Left wing Muhammed Samaai, on debut for his club, scored the Bay’s next two tries, one of which was started on the Bay’s own try line and involved some sparkling counter-attack running. Adnaam Oesman converted one of these and a penalty to give the visitors their half time tally.

 

The hosts refused to be subdued, running at their opponents whenever the opportunity was presented. Veteran center Danwill Erasmus, easily the pick of their backs, caught the eye with his skills, his contest with his opponent Riaan O’Neil enthralling to watch. Another standout player, flank Ashraaf Williams scored his team’s first half try.

 

As alluded to earlier, eighty-minute stamina was always going to be a challenge for the hosts, especially for some of their forwards and False Bay turned the screws in the second stanza. With new prop Mzizi Zondi covering the pitch like a back, carrying the ball powerfully and captain Graham Knoop playing like a man possessed, the Bay forwards were a handful for their opponents. Wood’s shift to the flank opened the door for lock Umir Saalie, who impressed with his work rate. 

 

Frylinck, who was outstanding in the opening half, did not return from the half-time huddle and his replacement, Niyaaz Johnson relished behind a dominant pack, adding value as all quality replacements do. Flyhalf Meryck Ward marshalled his backs well and young Dylan van Dieman ran some wonderful lines outside of O’Neil.

 

SK Walmers never capitulated, Erasmus their catalyst and fullback Ramiz Osman always willing to run the ball. Osman was rewarded with a try, which doubled his team’s tally, a score which by no means reflected their effort. They produced some sparkling moments, one of which was a power run by big wing Wilton Pietersen, a show of his potential as a ball carrier.

 

As the game entered the final quarter, the visitors were in complete control, the full squad enjoying the opportunity to showcase their talent on national television. In all False Bay crossed the Walmers line eight times. Their second-half tries were scored by Ward, Johnson, Jan Ferreira, Danie Roux and Mustaqim Jappie. Oesman converted five as well as a penalty.

 

“There was some nice interplay as we got into our rhythm on attack and our defence was solid throughout the contest”, said van der Walt. “Despite making seven substitutions the game did not deteriorate in quality. Our debutants did extremely well and took their opportunities with both hands”

 

Asked for his thoughts on the game, captain Knoop said, “We as players understand the value of the Club being profiled on National Television, which is why we were prepared to play our fixture away. The match turned out to be played in the best weather conditions we've played in in four games, which meant we were able to run the ball and showcase our ability for the first time this season”.

False Bay host Durbanville-Bellville at Constantia on Saturday. The Under 20 teams face off at 1.30 with the main game starting at 4pm. All are welcome.