Varsity College Rugby



Varsity College Rugby

Varsity College Rugby had a full set of fixtures on the weekend, beginning with the 3rd team on Friday. Having won 5 of their 8 games to date, they travelled to the Shongweni Polo Club to take on Hillcrest in a battle to retain second place in the Foaden Bowl. With a bigger pool of players to draw on now that the U20B league has finished, the 3rds easily disposed of Hillcrest scoring 6 tries in the process. The final score of 36 – 14 ensured 2nd place and pushed them 8 points clear of third placed Hillcrest.

At the same time, the U20A team prepared to take on Collegians in a top of the table clash at Riverside. Having already secured the U20B title ahead of Collegians, Varsity College were determined to ensure they remained on top of the U20A log. Although VC scored in the first few minutes, Collegians struck back quickly to lead 8 – 5 midway through the first half. VC rallied to take the lead at the halfway mark and their strength and depth soon showed, with Collegians unable to stem the tide. VC eventually ran out 27-18 victors, securing the bonus point in the process. VC are now 8 points clear with 2 games to play.

Saturday saw the 1st and 2nd teams playing Rovers at their home ground. With the Sharks U19 and U21 playing on KP2 and some of the Junior clubs playing on KP4, there was a good crowd. They were treated to some pulsating rugby, with both games going down to the wire. The Premier Reserve (2nd team) game saw the lead changing hands a number of times, with both teams not giving an inch. VC led 22-19 with almost no time on the clock, when they were penalised and Rovers equalised. The final score of 22-22 was a tribute to a great game.



The 1st team were labelled as the underdogs by the media and given no chance of beating the Moor and Murray cup champions. The game appeared to be going to script from the kick off, with Rovers dominating the scoreboard and scoring 3 tries to the 2 penalties from VC. With the score on 19-6 at half time, one could be forgiven for thinking that only a miracle could stop Rovers. Clearly some strong words from Coach Ian Adendorff had the desired effect, as VC started the second half with a renewed sense of vigour. Some fantastic interplay between Jacques Botes and Kealan Henry saw VC attacking Rovers tryline, before Khaya Majola finally scored.



Captain Paul Sanders was next to add his name to the list of scorers, with a well worked try under the posts. Both were coverted by Armandt Peens, who also kicked 2 more penalties. However, a great try by Rovers Dusty Noble saw VC lose by a single point. The final score of 24-23 had the large crowd on its feet and was a great testimony to the game. Varsity College certainly left their mark on Kings Park.

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