The Poorte first team’s long and proud winning record of almost two years at home has come to an end following a heavy 41-20 defeat by College Rovers this past weekend.
Poorte, who welcomed the top club from the Sharks for the first time, last tasted defeat on home soil at the hands of their nemesis Brakpan by 39-29 in July 2012.
Rovers scored six tries in total, bagging the full five points in the process. They scored twice in the first half to lead by 15-6 at the break. Poorte on the other hand didn’t have any tries in the first half and managed to cross their opponents’ line only twice in the second half, going out of the match with zero points.
Despite the loss at home, Poorte coach Jorge Carvalho is confident that his team will stand up and reach their goal of the semi-finals in the Community Cup.
“Rovers are a well-drilled side. They are a good and professional outfit and their systems are well in place. On the day they were far more clinical then we were, but I feel we were a bit unlucky as to what the score reflects.
“I thought our boys played very well, we stuck to a game plan that we thought would work, and we were spot-on, but at times failed to execute, making the smallest of mistakes. At this level playing against one of the top clubs in the country one has to limit your mistakes.
“I thought we were dominant again in the scrums, clearly putting them under pressure by winning at least four of their scrums, but unfortunately we were penalised when it mattered the most. The lineouts also went well. We lost just one lineout and that was because of an overthrow, it’s just frustrating that things didn’t work out when it had to.
“We are putting the game behind us, and we as a coaching team are very happy with the players. We have played four matches in a row now and need this break before we leave for the quarter-finals in George.”
The team departs for George on Wednesday 16 April. Their quarter-final clash is scheduled for 17 April when they most likely will lock horns with title holders, Despatch from the Eastern Cape. All games will be tbroadcast on Supersport.
Point scorers:
• Tries: André Esterhuizen (1) and Jesse Geyer (1).
• Conversions: Hennie Oosthuizen (2).
• Penalties: Hennie Oosthuizen (2).
