Leopards u.19 go down to Western Province in try fest

The Leopards u.19 team bit off a bit more than they could chew when they lost 56–35 to Western Province in an u.19 Currie Cup encounter at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds on Saturday, 18 August.
Both teams produced some fantastic running rugby in a high-scoring affair that saw 14 tries scored in the match.
Western Province took the early advantage with tries from Dian Bleuler, Marcel Theunissen, David Coetzer and Waqar Solaan giving them a 29–21 lead at the half-time break. The Leopards cut the deficit to only one point with a try in the opening minutes of the second half but, from there on, Western Province started asserting their dominance with clinical finishes from their backs and workmanlike tries from their forwards.

Photos: Wouter Pienaar

The Western Province inside centre, David Kriel scored a brace with fullback Quan Eymann also dotting down a fantastic solo effort.
There were a number of Leopards players who also put their hands up during this encounter. Richard Meyer, Ruben du Plessis, George van der Westhuizen and Heinrich Botha – with a brace – all crossed the whitewash.
The halfback pairing of Sylvester Hasslen and Tristan Oosthuizen was also on top form for the Leopards. Their incisive play created numerous opportunities from set phases and in open play.
Oosthuizen can also be commended for his flawless kicking as he slotted all five conversions with relative ease.
Final score:
Leopards: 35 (21)
Tries: Richard Meyer, Ruben du Plessis, George van der Westhuizen, Heinrich Botha (2)
Conversions: Tristan Oosthuizen (5).
Western Province: 56 (29)
Tries: Dian Bleuler, Marcel Theunissen, David Coetzer,Waqar Solaan, David Kriel (2), Christian Ambadiang Guetang, Quan Eymann and Ruhann Greyling
Conversions: Coetzer (4)
Penalties: Coetzer.

* The Leopards u.19 team play their next match on Saturday, 25 August at the Fanie du Toit Sport Grounds against the Free State Cheetahs.