THE Richards Bay Rugby Club first team put in a very determined performance against Varsity College in a Fidelity Moor Cup match played at the Richards Bay Rugby Club on Friday evening.
The home side came from behind to record their first Premier League victory, which left over 200 supporters with goose bumps and a memory that will be a point of discussion for years to come.
The local team, coached by Trevor Montgomery, are currently making their debut in the Premier League and beat third placed unbeaten Durban based outfit Varsity College 21-20.
Richards Bay brought the game to Varsity, playing right in their opposition’s faces and not backing down from any challenge throughout the 80 minutes.
The visitors took an early 12-7 lead going into the half time break, after crossing the whitewash twice, with the home team’s points coming from a try from Kenny van Niekerk, which Ruan Venter converted.
Richards Bay could count themselves unlucky after dominating set pieces and loose play, but small clinical errors at crucial times proved costly, which gave the visitors an early half time lead.
Some spirited words from Montgomery at half time sparked hope within the side, which ignited and boosted the teams second half performance.
Substitute Jaco Pretorius crashed over for a try with Venter converting to take the score to 17-14, after Varsity College scored from the kick-off.
Varsity then extended their lead through a penalty conversion to take the score to 20-14.
But the Bay never gave up and dug even deeper and played the last few minutes of the game in Varsity’s half.
With seconds left on the clock, Varsity was rewarded a scrum on their own 5m line.
Richards Bay’s pack of forwards pulled together and steam rolled over the opposition to win a tight head and regain ball possession.
Quick ball was played off the back of the scrum, which resulted in Meyer crashing over under the sticks for a five pointer.
Venter’s trusty right boot nailed the conversion to hand his side a narrow 21-20 lead with seconds left on the clock.
The final whistle blew moments later, which resulted in an eruption on the stands and on the field.
‘I knew we had the potential and talent to win tonight’s game. Being the underdog always plays into one’s favour. But we will remain humble and keep working hard to achieve our goals,’ said Montgomery.
Flyhalf JP Rossouw and prop forward Kenny van Niekerk picked up the Men of the Match awards.
Shadow rugby
In the earlier game played between the two second teams, Varsity College recorded a comprehensive 23-3 win in a one sided match.
Johnny Saaiman picked up the Man of the Match award for his efforts in the forward pack.
All rugby will take a break over the Easter weekend, before both teams take on Crusaders at Crusaders on Saturday, 22 April.
The Bay will then host College Rovers on Saturday, 29 April at the Richards Bay Rugby Club.
Kick-off for both games are scheduled for 2pm and 3.30pm.
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