AMANZIMTOTI Rugby Club’s first team continued with their winning ways with a nail-biting 25-22 win over PhotoNote Crusaders on Saturday afternoon, 14 May, which further entrenches them in third position on the Fidelity Security Moor Cup log behind Durban Collegians and College Rovers.
It was Toti who were first to score when big number eight Conrad Mostert went over after the Toti pack had put huge pressure on their opposing pack, resulting in a heel against the head.
Mostert picked up at the base and barreled over from close quarters.
Crusaders struck back not long after that with a raking kick downfield, which was chased down by their impressive fullback who collected and scored in the corner. The successful conversion had Toti 7-5 down, but still dominating proceedings up front. It seemed to be the home side’s game plan to turn the bigger Toti players with kicks downfield, and another such kick once again paid dividends with another try being scored after a successful kick and chase to give the home team a 12-5 lead with 15 minutes remaining in the half.
Toti once again launched an attack into the Crusaders 22m area and their efforts were rewarded when Jose Rodrigues playing at fullback went in untouched after a well-executed training ground move. Jaco de Jager was successful with the conversion, and on the half-time hooter was also successful with a penalty to give Toti a narrow 15-12 lead at the break.
Whatever the half time talk was in the Crusaders change room, it seemed to work. The home side came out with renewed vigour and before long they found themselves 22-15 to the good after a well-worked converted try and a penalty. With 20 minutes left in the game, Toti were staring down the barrel, but, as is so often the case, this is when they are at their best. For the remainder of the game, they kept Crusaders pinned in their own half and on two occasions they were denied certain five pointers by resolute Crusaders defense. With nine minutes remaining in the game, De Jager was successful with a high pressure penalty conversion after an infringe at the ruck by a Crusaders loose forward.
This put the scores at 22-18 in the home side’s favour, but it was Toti who continued to attack, only to be denied on a few more occasions by good close quarter defense. One can, however, only defend for so long and something eventually has to give. The moment that broke Crusaders’ hearts came when scrumhalf Matthew ‘Cheese’ McDonald gave a neat little inside pass to lock Jon-Jon Wilsnach who powered his way over the Crusaders line to the delight of his team mates and coaching staff. De Jager coolly slotted the conversion and the ref called time on an enthralling encounter.
Eagle Canyon man of the match awards, adjudicated by ex-Sharks and Bok coach Dick Muir went to centre, Ryno Els and eighth man, Conrad Mostert.
Second team:
Saturday, 14 May saw the Toti second team travel to Crusaders.
It was an opportunity for the second team to make history if they were to beat Crusaders.
The first half saw Toti on the attack for most of the half. It was Jason Hines who scored the side’s first points by kicking over a penalty. Crusaders soon replied with a penalty of their own.
Toti kept up the pressure throughout the match with the backs and forwards running good lines and defending like Trojans. Tries were for the taking when the side was dominating in the manner in which they did throughout the match. This saw Toti run out deserved victors with a score line of 30–3.
Tries were scored by Wayde Shore, RD Janse Van Vuuren, Mike Uppink, Lihle Mazibuko and Tyron Brand. Dylan Ackerman converted the last try of the match.
This result made history for the second team who have never defeated Crusaders in the past. Eagle Canyon Spur man of the match awards, adjudicated by Johan Keet, went to Mike Uppink in the forwards and Jacques Blignaut in the backs.
Third team:
The third team travelled to Pinetown on Saturday to take on a Pinetown second side that looked slightly different from the norm because of their first team having a scratched game.
The ‘ballies’ were always going to go up against it playing a far younger and eager team. The end result was a victory for Pinetown.
A huge thank you to all of the club’s sponsors who make it possible for the side to play. Toti next take on Varsity College at their Durban North grounds on Friday evening, with the kick-off scheduled for 6.30pm (second team) and at 8pm kick-off for the first team. The third team travels to take on Varsity College at Durban North on Thursday evening, with kick-off scheduled for 6.30pm.
The club is keen to see the teams make this another home away from home fixture by getting spectators down their in numbers to support the team.
