AMANZIMTOTI Rugby Club’s first team wrapped up the first round of the Fidelity Security Moor Cup competition with a convincing 31-5 win over Fidelity Security Jaguars at their Capell Road headquarters, better known as the House of Pain, on Saturday afternoon.
The first half was all Amanzimtoti, who used their bigger forwards to good effect to snuff out any potential threat from a dangerous Jaguars team who can turn any game on its head with lethal counter attackers in their back division. Such was Toti’s dominance that they ran up a 31-0 half-time lead through tries from Conrad Mostert, Mike Uppink, Thinus Volker, Werner Botha and Jaco de Jager, with de Jager successful with three conversions.
The second half, however, turned out to be a completely different kettle of fish, as Toti inexplicably released their stranglehold on the game. Although they still enjoyed the lion’s share of both territory and possession, silly mistakes crept into their game, which could have proven costly were it not for good defensive organisation. Jaguars were only able to capitalise on one Toti mistake by charging down a clearance kick which resulted in their only five pointer of the afternoon.
The Eagle Canyon man of the match awards went to tighthead Prop, Thinus Volker and to inside centre, Sheldon Higgo.
With the league now splitting into a top five and bottom five, thanks to their third place finish in the opening round, Toti will join Your Communications College Rovers, SA Home Loans Durban Collegians, FNB UKZN Impi and Varsity College in the top half who will fight it out for the coveted Moor Cup.
The fixtures are yet to be drawn up, but these will be communicated via the Amanzimtoti Rugby Club Facebook page as well as in later editions of the Sun.
Supporters can, however, look forward to home games against Durban Collegians as well as Varsity College, which both promise to be enthralling affairs.
On Saturday, 4 June, the Toti seconds travelled to Jaguars.
With nine changes to the side it was the second side who took the lead early in the match and finally won 15-10. Tries were scored by eighth man and captain JL Kotze, inside centre Dian Van Rooyen and wing Siyabonga Mbatha. With great depth and spirit within the side, Toti second team can look forward to the start of the top five.
Youngster, Siyabonga Mbatha – a new addition to the team who ran out in his first match ever for the seconds – impressed with great defense and skill. He managed to score the first try and was awarded with the Spurs backs man of the match by sponsor Johan Keet. Siyabonga is part of a group of development players that Amanzimtoti Rugby Club has been looking after since the start of the season. With this kind of talent coming through Toti’s rugby ranks, they are definitely laying a foundation for years to come.
Upfront Arie Van der Walt was named Spur forward of the match. With his hard hits and fantastic work rate, it was no surprise.
Huge thanks to all sponsors of Toti rugby who have made this season possible and similarly huge thanks to all the supporters who made the trip with Toti to Jaguars.
The third team once again showed their dominance with a five bonus point haul against Ogwini Bafana.
This ensures that they remain at the top of the log. This week will see a bye because of the withdrawal of Pinetown from the league. The thirds’ next game will be when they take on a strong Mangosuthu University team at Toti on Saturday, 18 June. This game will no doubt decide the top team in the league this year.
