Errors let Brakpan down
In the end it was Harlequins who had the final score to make it 38-14.
CCC Brakpan Rugby Club had a tough time in their pre-season match against Harlequins at Bosman Stadium on Saturday.
The local side was beaten 38-14 by one of the top clubs in the country at Brakpan’s annual Rugby Day. The visitors started the match brightly as they raced to a 24-0 lead.
It was a difficult start for the hosts as they made numerous errors. Set pieces, especially the line outs, showed that both teams were still trying to prepare for the upcoming season.
While the match was not an easy one for Brakpan, there were encouraging signs. The brilliance of fullback David Wolls was there for all to see as he beat defenders and looked dangerous every time he had the ball.
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The local side also showed that they can be a threat with the ball in hand as they managed to put Harlequins under pressure midway through the first half.
They were rewarded when Franco Booysen got over the try line for his side’s first score of the match. The teams went into halftime with the visitors leading 24-7.
Unfortunately, the hosts could not keep up the momentum they had at the end of the first half. A mistake at the kick off saw Harlequins capitalize and score from a line out to extend their lead to 31-7.
To their credit, Brakpan fought back and a maul formed from a line out saw Jonathan Harding score their second try of the match.
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The loss will hurt Brakpan and its supporters but some will be encouraged by some of the positives that emerged from the game.
Brakpan will be looking to cut out some of the basic errors that they made during the match. They will also want to be more secure in their line outs as that was one area where they seemed to lose their momentum whenever they looked to build up pressure.
Brakpan will continue their preparations for the 2022 season when they face the Grizzlies in an away match on Saturday.
The Valke season kicks off on April 2 with the team from Bosman Stadium playing North-West University.
