THE Nashua Crusaders got their Fidelity Moor Cup season off to a winning start on Friday night, beating Amanzimtoti Rugby Club by 19-16. The team from the north held on for the crucial win despite pressure from the South Coast Terriers, the 2014 Murray Cup winners. The game had all the hallmarks of a season opener with both teams making a number of unforced errors in the first half. The game ebbed and flowed between the teams and both struggled to keep possession of the ball. The dewy conditions didn’t help matters either.
The home team players were the early aggressors, and after missing their first shot at goal they were successful in their second attempt, and took a 3-0 lead just 10 minutes into the game. However, the ‘Saders hit back through new fly-half, Brandon Bailing.
Another Toti penalty was cancelled out by a fantastic break-away try by the visitors. A scything break from replacement back, Angelo Minietti, and a deft pass to Alex Curry saw the ‘Saders over for the first try of the game. The conversion was missed by Bailing.
A few minutes later, Steve Strydom found himself in space and beat a number of Toti defenders to crash over for the Crusaders’ second try of the game. Again Bailing missed the opportunity to convert, pushing his effort just wide.
The missed points almost proved costly as Toti used a turnover ball to hit back with a try of their own. A solitary penalty on the stroke of half-time meant the visitors had a lead of 16-11 going into the break.
While the first half offered little in the way of attacking rugby, the second half was the proverbial ‘war of attrition’. Only 12 points were scored in the second half, three penalties (two of which were awarded to the Crusaders, one converted) and a try to the home side gave them the impetus to push for a victory.
However, strong defence from the ‘Saders saw them hold on for the win.
Coach of the team, Dale Farnham, said he was thrilled with the victory despite the number of errors in the game.
“To come to Toti and win is absolutely huge. The boys really put their bodies on the line and though it was a close call in the end, I thought we kept our defensive patterns very well. It was a great team effort. I’m not going to focus on the negatives in the game because I know we can improve and play better as the season goes on. The most important thing was securing the points, which we did,” Farnham said.
Tries: Alex Curry, Angelo Minietti
Final score: 19-16
