Springs pips Boksburg to end Owls’ playoff hopes

The teams got together in the middle of the pitch before kick-off for a moment of silence in memory of a Springs u-21 player, who died on July 14.

After going into the half-time interval 14-12 down in the Valke Peregrine League encounter, the visitors outscored the Owls 22-7 in the second-half to hand the hosts a defeat in their last game of the season at their iconic PG Park Stadium.

With East Rand United firmly in control of the last playoff spot on the log before kick-off, the Owls needed the comfort of a bonus point wins to force the battle with United to go to the remaining last game of the round-robin phase.

And the Owls were well on course to achieve their minimum requirement as they stunned the visitors with two early tries through burly hooker Juan Brummer and slick outside centre David Woolls.

Woolls, who’s been in scintillating form this season and on course to finish as the top try scorer, began the attack in the Brummer score as the Owls punished Springs for trying to run themselves out of trouble from their half with the option of kicking the ball out.

Following the turnover, the ball was quickly recycled through multiple phases in front of the Springs line before the hooker crashed through.

Boksburg tighthead prop Alwyn Russouw was monumental in getting his team past the advantage line in a first stanza where a battle for territory was the order.

Woolls extended his side lead to 12 as the Owls put out a display of classic counter attack rugby.

After receiving the ball, the slick midfielder brilliantly side-stepped his way past multiple would-be tacklers to dot down under the posts, which gave kicker PJ Beaukes his second conversion on a silver platter.

Springs soon after cut the deficit in half as they got on to the scoreboard for the first time through a converted score – and the Owls suddenly looked within reach.

With the pressure amped up following the visitors’ score, the pattern of the game gradually changed by Springs growing in confidence and Boksburg slipping to the two factors that have cost them dearly this season: wrong decision making and lack of composure in promising positions.

With their tails up following their score, the visitors smelled blood in search of the equaliser but the Owls were equally determined in defence.

After spending more than 10 minutes camped in Boksburg’s half, however, the visitors finally breached the red and white wall with the last play of the half.

Springs took over their momentum to the latter half as they blew the wind out of the Owls’ sails to set-up an interesting battle in the last round for the number one spot on the log between themselves, defending champion Brakpan and Vereeniging.

Impressive utility forward Gary Woolls scored the consolation try for the hosts in the half, with Beaukes adding the extras.

“The game was a tough one,” said Owls coach Marcell Fourie.

“We came out with the attitude to win and score four tries. First-half we were on track, second-half we put too much pressure on ourselves and made bad mistakes. Springs played the conditions great. My team did everything they could but, unfortunately, couldn’t break through.”

Assistant coach Sean Scheepers echoed Fourie’s views.

“We are a very young bunch with a couple of older players in the mix. The guys gained valuable experience this season and will still gain for seasons to come.

“They showed fighting spirit in all the matches and that’s been a big change this season. All teams we have played this season have had to fight for their wins, they weren’t just given to them.

“We are proud of the guys, they have played with passion and a whole lot of guts this season.”

The 2017 Valke Peregrine League semi-finalists are defending champion Brakpan, Springs, Vereeniging and East Rand United. Fixture details will be released soon.

Boksburg scorers:

Tries: Gary Woolls, David Woolls, Juan Brummer. Conversions: PJ Beaukes (3).

Boksburg

1 Travis Howell, 2 Juan Brummer, 3 Alwyn Russouw, 4 Willem Botes, 5 Gary Woolls, 6 Kyle Lewis, 7 Danie Schultz (captain), 8 Francois Malherbe; 9 Johan Labuschagne, 10 De Wet Botha, 11 Attie van der Nest, 12 Jacques Bouma, 13 David Woolls, 14 Barend Peens, 15 PJ Beaukes

Replacements

16 Jamie Evans, 17 Theunis Breedt, 18 Chris Ras, 19 Dean Basson, 20 Jonas Elais, 21 Jason Jonker, 22 Ruben Carelse – @SabeloBoksburg