| Westville | Glenwood | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | u14A | 0 | 5 |
| 2011 | u15A | 12 | 13 |
| 2012 | u16A | 11 | 5 |
| 2014 | 1st XV | 15 | 32 |
Glenwood ran in five tries in a resounding 32-15 win on Westville soil. The match played on a very hot March afternoon did seem to slow the tempo of Glenwood’s attack a bit but not as much as it did Westville’s defence who were slow to react to threats and made recurring errors.
The performance by the Green Machine forwards was thorough. They laid the platform by producing clean ball. Their lineout which had come in for some stick the past worked very well, their scrum had the upper hand and at rucks their mobility and urgency helped secured front-foot ball. However this game was not won by Glenwood’s pack being able to dominate Westville’s with big physical collisions or many phases of recycled ball or rolling mauls etcetera. Nothing of the sort. It was won by determined Glenwood ball runners exploiting space far away from any rucks and setpieces. As a result most of the glory on the day went the way of the backs and an exceptionally talented no.8 who seemed to cast fear into the heart of any Westville player in front of him each time he touched the ball in a wide position.
Glenwood’s pacy left wing Philani Ncgobo scored a hat trick and proved to be brilliant finisher on the day. His fellow wing Ilunga Mukendi also had some nice moves on him. Glenwood flyhalf Curtis Jonas was his creative self. As mentioned the Green and White forwards did the basics very well. Prop Kenny van Niekerk did a sound job carrying out his primary responsibilities and then impressed with his ball-handling skills whenever he found himself as the link midfield player in broken play. Blindside flank McMillan Muller had a memorable carry which assisted with a try. No.8 Jaco Coetzee, easily one of the best players in the country showed again what the rave is all about but also learned an inexpensive lesson on the day as well. “Inexpensive” because his decisions to hold onto and die with the ball when he had teammates in try-scoring support positions, did not cost Glenwood the match and “lesson” in that Jaco hopefully realises that he does not have to get onto the score-sheet himself to be acknowledged for his outstanding contributions towards points being scored.
The player of the match was Glenwood’s Morné Joubert. His place kicking was nothing to write home about but again this was not a match decider on the day. Everything else about his play was sublime. Anyone on the lookout for x-factor got an overdose of it from the attacking fullback. Morné’s technique, positional play, decision-making and speed injection on kick-returns, counterattacks or joining the line were all top drawer.
For Westville the biggest positives they can take out of this game is that they are capable of pressuring strong opponents into making penalisable mistakes and with ball in hand they can breach the defence to score tries. In 2012 15-points on the same Bowden’s field against Glenwood would have been good enough for a win and this really highlighted the big difference between that game and this one – defence! Time and time again during this match Westville failed to close the gaps on Glenwood runners or make regulation first time tackles. The Westville boys showed uncommitted and poor tackling technique. They did not go low when they needed to, they didn’t get solid grips on the ball-carriers and they were outmuscled in the upperbody challenges as well. They afforded Glenwood runners the time and space to pick the correct lines, build up speed, shape them and then beat their first time tackles and in many cases the second and third time tackle attempts as well. At 7-12 towards the end of the first half, at 10-17 in the 42nd minute and again 15-24 in the 48th minute, Westville showed signs of mounting a fight-back. They however leaked points just when they were starting to gain momentum and it ultimately killed off their challenge. Other areas of concern were perhaps their tendency to over-commit numbers at breakdowns when they needed to fan out, lack of leadership in the pack and a lack of cohesion and composure on a few of their attacks. Also affording Glenwood the opportunity to collect and run back tactical kicks proved costly.
Sorely missed by Westville were the likes out for the season lock Jordan Martin, who was their first choice leader and expected to be one of the best players in KZN this year as well the luckless loose-forward Teagan Erasmus, ruled out of a game that he could have an a big influence in, due to concussion. The Westville player that stood out the most was actually second half replacement centre Wayne Smith who had been so good during the second team game. He looked motivated, willing to take on responsibility and ran with purpose, revealing the weak Glenwood midfield defence. Wing Bradley Smith did not get nearly enough opportunities with ball in hand and it might have been a frustrating day for openside flank Kevin Smit but he never gave up on trying to make a difference.
Teams
| WESTVILLE | GLENWOOD | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | J Els | 1 | Kenny Van Niekerk |
| 2 | C Princen | 2 | Percy Mngadi |
| 3 | C Thomas | 3 | Koos Tredoux |
| 4 | F Qoma | 4 | Kevin Du Randt (c.) |
| 5 | Y Thambiran | 5 | Mpumelelo Vidima |
| 6 | K Smit | 6 | James Venter |
| 7 | A Heystek | 7 | McMillan Muller |
| 8 | B Warner (vc.) | 8 | Jaco Coetzee |
| 9 | G Jackson | 9 | Kwazi Khanyile |
| 10 | K Braithwaite (c.) | 10 | Curtis Jonas |
| 11 | S Ball | 11 | Philani Ngcobo |
| 12 | J Anderson | 12 | Ruben Fouche |
| 13 | D Pieters | 13 | Spamandla Ngcobo |
| 14 | B Smith | 14 | Ilunga Mukendi |
| 15 | L Buthelezi | 15 | Morne Joubert |
| Joshua Bailey | 16 | Peter-John Kobbie | |
| Renier Pieterse | 17 | Christopher Klopper | |
| Devon Muller | 18 | Ruan Desmore | |
| 19 | Marco Palvie | ||
| Brandon Young | 20 | Donovan Du Randt | |
| Wayne Smith | 21 | Christopher Bredell | |
| 22 | Jayden Morgan |
@Jordaan: Jeez boet, it’s banter don’t take it so seriously…
@Greenwood: always has to take one idiot to stir the pot after the schools have made huge strides towards reconciliation after years of animosity and quite frankly sour grapes from Glenwood over Westville’s success in producing a number of Olympic athletes.
I wonder how how widely displayed the losses to Campbell last year and Northwood the year before were on the Glenwoood school website????
@Grasshopper: And seldom used to describe a winning team. It is used a LOT when referring to English sport ….
@Tjoppa: definition of ‘plucky’ – having or showing determined courage in the face of difficulties.
@Tjoppa: here you go; http://www.glenwoodhighschool.co.za/node/3083
@Tjoppa: plucky refers to playing their best but being outgunned…
@Grasshopper: What does “plucky” mean or did the school admitted dirty play by Glenwood?
@Rhino: yes, the Glenwood results are fine. I’m talking about any severe loss is removed from history. Anyway, it was just a rib to get you guys all heated…
@Rhino: ‘Ville boys do have a point. Go to the website, click on the News tab, it’s the first item there. It’s not the dayglo tutu sort of report we are used to, but it is right there
@Grasshopper
You and your obsession with Westville….
The scores are all there is what i am saying so its not as if they hidden away because our 1st lost. Why you so fussed about us…
http://www.wbhs.co.za/?p=3113
@Rhino: nope, I have checked every week for the past few years, big losses etc never feature….I’ll actually look for the Grey Bloem loss now and see if I can find it..
@Grasshopper
Nonsense.. all the results of the weekends matches are on the school website.
@Greenwood: I’ve noticed Westville never report losses on their website, it’s really weird. Some weeks sports happens but no results appear….I remember Glenwood got klapped by Affies and the Glenwood site had a headline, like Affies just to big and powerful for a plucky Glenwood….
@Rhino: It’s a highway derby after all, so I’m sure there will be coverage next week – regardless of the result
@Greenwood
Hahah… its defo a dig but its amusing.. to be honest i havent a clue but IMO why would we want to print negative results…. or result actually as its only 1st team that you are really referrring to as the rest were even matched 12 wins each and 1 draw.
Also thinking why would the Highway mail want to have a big write about it when we lost the 1st teams match.. surely the Glenwood papers( not idea what its called) will advertise your results and all giving you the big up and all which is what you want?!
Hopefully with a win this weekend the printers will be all stocked up and raring to print and distribute.. here is hoping :-)
Star , Rhino , Westers
I see the Printers of the Highway Mail in New Germany ran out of ink -again …..
no headlines in the sports section of the H mail “Plucky Westville loose to Glenwood in heatwave ” not even a small story somewhere . Maybe Grant Bell lost their telephone number or the sports editors’ email address again .
Seriously though is this a coincidence or the “Villes policy ? not to have bad news published ? when Gwd lost to W’ville 2 years ago it was all over the Highway mail complete with Pics – not a dig here – or a big deal just an observation
@Beet: I am confident that JC will have a great season and the mark of the player will be if he learns from his minor mistakes on the weekend. Like you said, scoring a try is not the be all and end all, in fact, most who know their rugby, look at who has contributed the most to the try.
Ok Beet, you win, JC at 8 – Goodsen?? 6…
@RBugger: Hey RBugger. I haven’t notice any increase in height but he looks a little heavier.
I’m going to stick to my guns and say he must play 8. He’s doing so well there and really making good use of roving to express himself. He has good speed as well. There is plenty of time after school to become a specialist.
For all players not just JC, as a top notch school coach mentioned to me last week it goes about playing the situation and not just going through the motions.
I’m also going to stick my neck out and say that I don’t believe there is much to teach JC about linking with support players. This Wvl game to me seemed like it was a about a confident player who felt that as a senior he was expected to take on more responsibility and also deliver something special. He somehow connected this to scoring tries, which he ended up trying to hard to do. I counted 3 times when his job was done and he needed to let the ball go. If he had he would have been the player of the match hands down.
@Grasshopper: I had a doubt about his size when he played 1st XV rugger as a 15 year old – hell did he prove me wrong time and again.
@Grasshopper: He will be more than Big enough, remember, he plays flyhalf, not centre…
Have a look at the stats of the S15 Flyhalves, a lot of them weigh between 80-90kg, a weight that Tedder will easliy get to – I have seen his Dad running around KC and he is a big guy.
Size will not be an issue at all, more about explosive power – aka – Dan Carter, I can promise you right now, that guy does not weigh more than 90kg, if that.
@RBugger: I agree. I think he is a great talent. I think both teams made a lot of mistakes and have a lot of work to do, but Tedder won it for KC. Were it not for Weersma (NW 12), he would probably have scored a few more tries!!
@RBugger: I reckon Tedder should have a chat with Kyle Abbott and Brad Barritt and see what they say about making it in the big leagues then decide for himself. To me he looks a little small to play rugby at high level but he could of course bulk up. Cricket will be a longer career and probably less competitive…
@KCOB: Agreed. The thing from my point of view, I love rugby, not cricket.
To me, Tedder has what it takes to make it in rugby, I find him to be an all round Flyhalf, he can run when it is on, has a great passing game and most importantly, he is not scared on defence – I trust him in that channel no matter what comes at him.
Another thing comes to mind here, KC to me, have four players who I really believe can make it in senior rugby, Tedder being one, then the others being Schramm and the Du Preez times.
How fantastic would it be for the Sharks (starting at junior level) to have these players all in the same side, understanding each others style of play etc
If Tedder sticks to rugby, I would be very happy – but whatever he chooses, obviously, we will be happy for him and wish him all the best – but choose RUGBY
@RBugger: Go where you enjoy it the most. Sustainability comes with enjoyment! Success comes from fulfillment…that’s my feeling
@RBugger: I think Tedder is quite a clever kid so he can choose the one he enjoys the most, not necessarily the one that pays the best. As long as he continues with his studies after school he can create another career to fall back on.
@Roger: It is such a difficult question to answer – let’s say your son is a fantastic soccer player, add that to the mix, where do you go..?
I am not a parent so I guess I could not give an honest answer – I love rugby and would be more interested in watching my lightie play rugby, but having said that, if he were offered 3 times the cash playing cricket, or better yet, 40 times the amount player soccer, I guess you would think it is an easy decision.
I mean Rooney is reported to being paid 300k (pounds) a week….!!!
Rugby is just far more interesting/fun to watch and it is in the blood… Hard Question that
@RBugger: now that’s an interesting question to pose – if you had a choice as a youngster and could be guaranteed you would make it – would you choose rugby or cricket? I put it to you
that cricket provides far greater stability in terms of longevity and with the advent of the IPL etc probably bigger money too
Brad Hogg is 43 and still playing for Aus in T20 games!
Something my son told me – I was complaining when Kurtis Jonas tried to run the ball 5m from the Gwd line and he got legally nailed by 2 Westville players – I wanted to know why he did not hoof the ball into the ‘Villes half and chase his kick – apparently he’s coached to only run the ball and draw defenders – come to think of it I cant recall seeing him kick the ball other kick offs
@Beet: Howzit Beet, Coetzee is a great player and has a very good chance of playing SA Schools this year, albeit probably at 6, this is where the selectors want him – could you maybe tell me if he has got any taller..?
Coetzee, is strong and athletic but as alluded to on this thread, he needs to work on his vision in terms of assessing the best options to him, not simply always going for the gap or trying to run someone over. Having said that, it could just be a bit of over-excitment for the first game. I hope he can stay injury free this year and anchor the KZN scrum at CW – I am more than confident in saying he will be in the CW side, no doubt actually.
Tedder is all class and bravery – you will not find a more commited 10 when it comes to defense. Even as a skinny standard 8 pupil playing first xv, he never ever shirked his responsibility in the 10 channel, a great player who needs to give cricket a miss and stick to rugby
Mark my words, he can and will make it after school, he has that ingredient which is not coachable.
Joubert again, all class, was not impressed with him at all at CW, but like I said before, standard 9 to matric – 17 to 18 yrs old changes everything and he could be dynamite this year – jeez, all very exciting, SBR is the best!!!!
During the 1sts game I noticed when there was a scrum near the open stands there was a friendly light hand punch exchange between the
2 opposing scrum halves – they even had a friendly word or 2 whilst waiting for the scrum to reset – really great to see this and quite heart warming too
@Grasshopper: I watched a rather heated Glenwood vs Affies game in 2011. Glenwood ran the ball and lock Ferdie Horn found himself in midfield in the redzone. He held on instead of feeding the overlap. Affies turned the ball over in the tackle. A try there could possibly have changed the game. Afterwards Sean told me that Glenwood always coaches their boys to pass in those situations.
@beet: Huge loss to Glenwood, KZN and SA….but good luck to him…
@Green Hopper: He moved to the UK and is part of the England Elite junior squad. Has a chance to play for England u20 at the JWC in a few years time. UK citizenship is not an issue for him coz I believe his dad is a Pom.
what has happened to Staples???
I have never thought Tedder was exceptional, but watching him at CW 2013 and again on Saturday, he is good. I have no doubt that KC would have really battled without him.
@RBugger: Yeah I see two outstanding KZN players each time they’ve played this year – Coetzee and Tedder and I think with this performance Joubert might now be in 3rd spot. But the SA competition at the top is hectic. I heard that Michael Meyer the PRG no.8 was in good early season form. On another current thread Henry Immelman the GCB fullback is being praised. And very soon some other good flyhalves will start getting a mention as well.
This win was expected from my part and as predicted, this GW side is not going to be an easy team to beat – so much experience including CW experience makes for a hot side.
Coetzee sounds to be a big player this year and it will be an exciting tussle between Goodsen and Coetzee when College meet GW.
Now to see what College have to offer…
The problem with Coetzee is that he is almost too quick running away from support. He will learn to pass once he switches on his peripheral vision…..maybe a bit like his name sake Marcel. Spam to me had a great game too, finding holes and getting the team back on the front foot in defensive situations. He too stood his ground against bigger centres, tackling them all to the ground. Unfortunately he and Vidima are Under19 so not available for Craven Week.
@star: @beet: I do wear a pedometer
On Saturday I walked 6,7km which is less than usual at a game. For the record my record was almost 12km at Voortrekker last year.
A selection of the open age group photos are up, the U16s will be posted tonight and tomorrow night.
Must commend Glenwood on a well deserved win but I am still a little worried about there season ahead!! In tighter games goal kicking could be the deciding factor along with set piece plays. Both were poor in my opinion. They seemed to live off the mistakes that westville offered them and yes they got the W but if those chances weren’t given it would of been a lot closer. Must say Coetzee is a wonderful player who can win a game single handed but needs to look for support more. Don’t know if I was watching another game but Jonas did nothing special for me at all just the basics well. Westville did have a massive set piece improvement compared to pre season. But there kick chase was none existent and the fullback had a game that he should want to forget. @beet like mentioned above westville have known of Martians injury now for a very long time and should be able to cope without him. No decisions made on Saturday by the captain or leadership team was the wrong one. @star Braithwaite did look lost at times at fly half and was easily read in the game. This development could come with time but still think 9 is best for him. Then again it falls down to player vs team because who else could play 10?? Wayne needs to start this weekend coming along with Erasmus if he is fit!! Murphy the 2nd team 8 should come in as a fetcher shifting a losie to lock!!
This could be the game of the season if it was to be replayed again at the end of the season. Good luck to all the boys moving forward in the season and remember why you play the game!!
@beet: I saw Weersma playing club rugby last year at fly half and he played really well. I am surprised Northwood are using him at 12. They must have a decent fly half to have moved him to 12.
@star: I didn’t realize that most of last years U16A backline was playing in the 4ths but now that you point it out, it perhaps explains why they had such a good result on the day. Despite having been put together a week before they played better as a team than any of the sides above them, 2nd team included. The three quarters looked good and they had a pack who were prepared to do the hard work.
By contrast the 3rds looked disjointed with some notable “walkers” in the pack towards the end of the game and the score line flattered them somewhat.
@star: Thanks. Early indications are that KZN has a need at 13 and a tall lock for Craven Week. Watching Wayne Smith over the weekend, he looks like he might have what it takes to succeed in that 13 jersey. I still have to watch Loftus of Hilton tho. He is still u17 but might be up to the task.
There is an overstock of 12s with the Northwood boy Weersma looking like the best of the lot so far but early days.
@ Beet- they are not related and are both in Grade 12. The only grade 11 in the backline is Ball. Most of the U16A backline from last year are sitting in the 4ths.
@star: What age groups are the two Smiths and are they related or is this Westville’s new version of the Jacksons who I noticed are down to their last one now.
@star: I have asked the same question before
@ Cyndi- talk about running the lines, I think we should put a pedometer on you to see how far you travel in a day. Must be several kms.
Well done to all teams involved – generally it was a good day of rugby. I was greeted by virtually every boys I saw and even got greeted by one of the hookers about to throw in at the line-out. The weather was brutal and I think sunburn was suffered by all.
I would like to also commend the boy who ran touch for the open games until the society refs took over. He played his own game and then ran up and down the side line all day. I doubt he had lunch and the only hydration he had was grabbing water from the buckets used for the teams. Sorry I did not get his name, but he certainly should be commended for his hard work and absolute politeness through out the day.
@star: Yep, tie breaker for me is that it was an away fixture for Glenwood, many of those close losses could have been turned around at home. Your opens are a powerful group who will do well this year even against PBHS, KES and College. I couldn’t believe the size of the Glenwood Under15A locks, absolutely massive boys. Our under14’s looking good too, just one boy looked a little suspect, far too powerful for the age group….hopefully he has been checked out thoroughly.
@star: Not bad for an old timer star. I’ve been around the block a few times. But calm down early season and from what I heard a few tweaks here and there and viola. Keeping an eye on you.
@ Beet- I think Zingcume played in the 4th team. The trend is for Westville to get better as the years pass as the focus is more on the skill levels as opposed to the provincial reps who might develop early. It just shows the impact of those X-Factor players and what happens when you lose a few to injury.( but such is life)
@ Grassy- I think we need a tiebreaker in the form of points scored as follows:
GW Westville
Opens 91 129
U16 100 99
U15 46 121
U14 113 85
Total 350 434
Looking at the above it seems Westville’s U15 as a squad are shaping up for good things following their whitewash of College at the end of last season. The U16 and Opens are in a more than comfortable holding pattern and so the contests over the next few years will be epic.
On reflection the major difference between the teams was the amount of space the Glenwood backs had ( given or taken is another conversation all together !) This made sure that the elusive backs always were at speed when they hit the advantage line and that it is obviously more difficult to close them down . I think Westville will have to look at their 3/4 defensive alignment a great deal this week . As good a scrum half as Braithwaite is he looked a little predictable and uncertain at Fly half. The Westville backs got some decent ball from the forwards so that was not the issue . Lots of work to do as it wont get much easier next week at Kearsney .
Moment of the day for me was the impromptu celebration by the second team front row after monstering the Glenwood pack in a scrum .
Still some gaps to fill but Glenwood 1sts and team from 2012
1Kenny van Niekerk u16A might have come from Port Natal. Not sure
2Percy Mngadi u16A
3Koos Tredoux Waterkloof u16A
4Kevin Du Randt u16A
5Mpumelelo Vidima KZN Dev
6James Venter From Port Shepstone in 2013
7McMillan Muller joined midway thru 2012
8Jaco Coetzee u16A
9Kwazi Khanyile u16A
10Curtis Jonas joined from Schoonspruit in 2012
11Philani Ngcobo ???
12Ruben Fouche u16A
13Spamandla Ngcobo inj but u16A in 2012 season
14Ilunga Mukendi u16A – 2013 u15A in 2012
15Morne Joubert u16A
16Peter-John Kobbie brand new player from Eldoraigne
17Christopher Klopper joined in 2013 – u16B/C
18Ruan Desmore new player from Eldoraigne
19Marco Palvie u16A in 2013
20Donovan Du Randt u16A in 2013 but maybe Voortrekker Beth back in gr8
21Christopher Bredell u16A
22Jayden Morgan u16A in 2013, u15A in 2012
Glenwood u16A 2012 vs Westville
van Niekerk 1st
Mngadi 1st
Erwee ???
Gouws Hilton
du Randt 1st
Beneke 2nd
Botha 2nd
Coetzee 1st
Khanyile 1st
Joubert 1st
Ntlaywa ???
Fouche 1st
Dellis ???
de Waal 2nd
Bredell 2nd
The Westville vs Glenwood games were all close from u14A to u16A but come 1st XV, Glenwood opened up a big gap in the scoreline.
Here is the 2012 Wvl u16A and the 2014 1st that played against Glenwood and what team they played in before
1 Princen 1st J Els Hudson Park
2 Zingcume 4th C Princen u16A
3 Warner 1st C Thomas Hillcrest
4 Martin Inj F Qoma Hudson Park
5 Thambarin1st Y Thambiran u16A
6 Murphy 2nd K Smit u15A 2012,u16A 2013
7 Meilhon 2nd A Heystek Kearsney
8 Erasmus Inj B Warner u16A
9 Jackson 1st G Jackson u16A
10 Anderson 1st K Braithwaite
11 Lenyane ??? S Ball u16A
12 Bryce 2nd J Anderson u16A
13 Phahla 2nd D Pieters 1sts
14 Ball 1st B Smith
15 Buthelezi 1st L Buthelezi u16A
Results; http://www.glenwoodhighschool.co.za/sites/default/files/Results%20vs%20WBHS.pdf
Pretty evenly contested, played 25, won 12, lost 12, drew 1. More importantly the Under14a, Under15a and 1sts won with the Under16a drawing. This certainly be a home and away fixture yearly…
Another great moment for me was after the 5th team game I overheard a Glenwood player and the Westville captain chatting. They had just met and were talking about how they look forward to next year, maybe in the 1st team….making friends is what rugga is all about…
Firstly, congrats to Glenwood for a well deserved win. Good luck for the rest of the season. A good start to build on makes for a promising season to come. Apart from the couple of selfish moments, I thought Coetzee was immense at No 8. It is going to take some doing to keep him out of the CW team. Jonas controlled the game well and Joubert was really good at the back. He needs to work on the place kicking as this could prove costly in closer games to come.
From a Westville perspective, lots of work to do. They did miss Martin but have known since last year that he would be out so they need to move on. The loss of Erasmus a week ago would have come as a blow but injuries happen through the season so teams have to learn to adapt. The fact that they moved a lock, who played prop through his age group years, to no 8 was a huge mistake. The boy gave his all but in a game like this it was a poor selection. Hopefully Erasmus is back soon.
The selection of a very injury prone prop at hooker also proved a blunder. Why they would take such a risk when you have two very good hookers playing in the 2nds (one as a prop) is beyond belief. Lesson learnt, I hope.
Perhaps the most difficult aspect to fix going forward is the team spirit. With a couple of the 2012 U16’s playing in the 1st and 2nd teams last year and the core playing in (I think) an unbeaten 3rds, it might have been expected that this would form the nucleus of this years 1sts, especially with the depth that this age group has. This has not happened and the teamwork was not there. IMO the importing of 2 U17’s straight into the 1st team has not helped and this damage will be difficult to repair.
On the positive side, well done to the reserves who came on and performed so admirably in the 1sts. They made a difference, in particular Wayne Smith, as many others have pointed out. He had been a fixture in the 1sts during preseason and I was surprised to see him dropped for this game. He proved the coaches wrong with his performances in both teams that he played in.
Mention needs to be made of all the boys who took part in games on Saturday. Behaviour and sportsmanship was excellent from both schools and both sets of supporters. It shows what we missed out on last year.
Special mention to the ref who I thought had a very good game. Well done.
@star: Thanks.
I personally don’t think this is the end of road for Westville this season by a long way and I think the non-commitment was limited to their tackling. Glenwood have a good attack-minded team and containing them won’t be easy for any team to do. Yet if Wvl made just 2 more crucial FT tackles they could have ended this game at 15-20 and who knows how a close finish might have changed the mindset of both teams. Gwd might have gone into their shells. Wvl might have sensed victory and clicked – something they struggled to do. As it was a couple of things that stood out were little Braithwaite tapping and going from a penalty on the 5m out without his teammates being alert to his quick thinking (amazingly in spite of the isolated tackle Wvl still scored from this play) and then later Yuric attacking by breaking off a ruck to big blind 5m out with no support or wide player out there and getting dispossessed. The Wvl boys were on different wavelengths when it mattered. If they had clicked – maybe a different story.
On defence it felt to me as if they had been somehow psyched out. Like a virus has set in. We sometimes undervalue good leadership. I imagined that if Martin was on the field a lot of more of those FT tackles would have stuck. The boys would have preferred putting their bodies on the line rather than dealing with the captain’s words (however hard or soft) behind the posts.
@ Beet- as always your report is bang on. The moment for me was when a kick through was fielded by the excellent Joubert who turned the Westville winger inside out without being touched beat 2 more defenders who were posing as cover defence and passed to Ngcobo who beat several more to score 2 meters away from me. So a potential offensive lineout( had Joubert been properly escorted into touch) meant the Westville boys were lined up under their own poles. Such momentum swings are fatal at this level.
So it was not second or third time tackle attempts but rather fifth or sixth.
I am also not so sure of Braithwaite at flyhalf. He seemed hesitant and predictable. He seems far more comfortable at scrumhalf where he can properly impose himself(as he did last year). Pieters is also not a centre and should go back to his preferred position on the wing. The centre partnership is the core of the defensive alignment and should be treated with the respect it deserves. I think it was Tjoppa in one of his old timer moments that advised that Westville must be in the faces of GW to disrupt their natural game. The space that Westville afforded the GW game breakers was an invitation that was gratefully received with both hands.
It was actually a shame that the great momentum built up by the other open teams( who had won 5 of the seven games including the 2nds which as Grassy says was the first time in years) was squandered by such a non committed performance. Still early days and lots to work on.
Lastly despite what has been said above, nothing must be taken away from the GW team who came out to play the game on their terms which was done emphatically.
@Greenwood: Roger is referring to the two Hudson Park boys brought into the school in grade 10.
What a great day of schoolboy rugga, flippin hot though. Westville should look at covering their stands in the future. Both schools boys were polite and greeted my dad and I as we walked by. Great to see the Trevor’s chatting and having a laugh on the balcony. They games bar a handful were very close, hard fought and clean. The 2nd team win by Westville was huge, probably Glenwood’s first KZN loss at this level in 4 years. The 1st team game seemed a little slow and looked like a season opener, although the heat could have caused that. Four X factor players were the difference, Coetzee, Van Niekerk, Jonas and Joubert….immense! Going to be tough for others to challenge these 4 for Craven Week spots. Coetzee is huge, I walked pass him on the field and he seems bigger than his stats. Agreed on the 2nd team centre as Westvillles best player….lots of heart!
Roger – can you elaborate on Westville “Shenanigans ” please
I know that negative comments about Glenwood have been made but I ‘ve only heard rumors about this
I will wait for you comments and I’ll add what I’ve heard –
This Westville performance reminded me of the College game from a few years back when Jesse Kriel and co also made the Westville defenders look very ordinary on the way to a big win on Bowdens.
@Amalekite: @Scrum Doctor:
I just wrote the report and though I’m going to sound so offsides saying that the best Westville player was a sub – Wayne Smith, so so glad to read these comments.
I didn’t have a program and had to ask a parent who the centre was during the 2nd XV game. He didn’t know but fortunately one of the support players on the field yelled “Wayne!” during a move and I made the connection to W Smith. I thought he was excellent for seconds and mentioned to the parent that the 1st XV centres must be top notch to keep him out of the team. Later when he came on, I couldn’t help but point out to the same parent that the try scorer who bashed thru midfield on the flat pass was the same 2nd team centre from earlier.
@Scrum Doctor: I agree – have to relay one comment I heard from a joker in the crowd ” the Westville front row should get a job at the IEC – they are very good observers” A prop and Hooker change soon sorted that out and then they took all of their scrums and lineouts on their own ball . Still think it was too hot to play rugby yesterday ! Very powerful Glenwood performance !
@Amalekite: Agreed with your comments- Wayne showed what he thought of the decision to leave him out of the 1st team in the best possible way – In fact, I thought, that most of the replacements improved the Westville performance . Lineouts and scrumaging definite improved with the new front row . How prophetic were @Westers comments earlier that you did not approve of ?
2nd team game was all guts and heart and shows what can be achieved if the Boys minds are in a good place !
A great day of good hard clean rugby played by 2 fantastic schools!
The Westville 2nd team won a close encounter thanks to their outstanding defence. My man of the match for Westville: Wayne Smith.
The Westville 1st team lost mainly due to their poor defence. This brings back memories of some of the early games of 2013 before the coaches got rid of the passengers. At this level, missed tackles are unacceptable.
My Westville man of the match: Wayne Smith who played a full game for the 2nds and 3/4 of the game for the 1sts. This is a player that you want next to you when you go to war. He has a huge heart and is a fearless and hungry tackler. He was also the ball carrier of the day for Westville.
Coetzee, Jonas and Joubert were outstanding for Glenwood.
@old timer: Fair comment on the water-boys BUT there are appropriate times for this to happen. The ball is still live during a penalty where a quick tap and go could occur at any moment when the field is littered with water carriers. Likewise for a kick at goal where the ball could rebound off the posts and is still in play. After a try, injury etc is appropriate, in fact I think in yesterday’s environment there should have been mid-half water breaks. I got third degree burns just from sitting in the stands.
Yes – Glenwood squandered 3 tries due to ‘white-line fever’ and our goal kicker was not great. The Glenwood outfit is outstanding – they just need to polish a few areas, get the finishing right and it is going to be an excellent season.
@Dixon’s: I would also look at the option taking – your No 8 twice went on his own when he had support and coughed up two tries in the process ! Dominant display over an under prepared but game Westville team but no remarks column on the score card and this ranks as one of the better Glenwood wins .
well done Glenwood – won fair and square . Just one comment to the ref ( who had a good game by the way ) -please don’t chase the water boys off the field when it is so hot ! had a couple of boys suffering from dehydration after the match and any rugby played in over 35 degrees should be viewed very carefully in this regard .
Tough game at Kearsney. Kearsney winning 19-11 in a tough arm wrestle up there. Yoh, yoh, yoh some very very big lads in that Northwood team.
My thoughts on the game….
Glenwood left about 15 points on the field. The kicking out of hand and at poles was disgraceful. The Glenwood coaching staff needto find a reliable kicker! The 1st Westville try came from Glenwood trying to run from their own goal line. The lineouts where a bit iffy, but other than that a very solid performance from the Green Machine!
:-( Very Dissapointing ! Well done GW.
Final score 32-15 to Glenwoid
10-24
Half time 7-17
Only one team in it to be truthful
17-7 to Glenwood at HT.
Score 7-12 nearly half time
2nds. Westville won a close one 6-5
2nd team. HT. Westville up 6-0
@ Westers
hows the atmosphere there today must be buzzing im sure… waxys be pumping now !!!
3rds Glenwood win 19-12
U16A. Glenwood score try with last move of game to make it 13-13. Conversion missed.
Correction. 3-3
U16A 6-3 to Glenwood at HT
Good win for Westville 4ths. 24-7
@Grasshopper: Glenwood have to be massive favorites even with Westville having home ground advantage. Put your house on Glenwood winning by at least 20!
Who are PJ Kobbie & Ruan Desmore?
May the best team win!
Westville at home have to be the favourites, but obviously I hope Glenwood can pull this one out of the bag. We can’t have Westville winning everything ;-)
Westville a little underdone but that home ground advantage is going to be huge.I think it is going to be closer than you all think. Glenwood at the night league were not as slik as I thought they would be and Westville have huge BMT.
Too close to call. We play them on the 22nd so it will be interesting to see the outcome of this fixture. Their state of mind could be sky high or the opposite. Let’s pray for no serious injuries.
Deeply disappointing for me is that the match up between Erasmus and Coetzee is not going to happen. If Erasmus is injured I hope it is not too serious. I have concerns about the cohesion and mobility of the frontrow( they must average over 110kgs). It will be a battle of the titans upfront though which should get the crowd involved.
I suspect Glenwood will have the advantage in the set pieces and we all know the value of good first phase ball to settle a team and give them something to play off . Am also a little concerned about pace in the loose forwards as without Erasmus they look a little slower as a unit . Still lets see what happens and one thing is for sure in this game -” you never know”
I’m actually looking forward to this game. Glenwood by 10. Forwards look solid and that backline looks menacing. Jonas, Phama, and Joubert will have enough ball and with their skill, they’ll do damage. I think they have us next week. I hope they put everything into this game and we catch them a little knackered next week.
given the shenanigans at Westville (deeply disappointing – I thought Westville were above that) I am backing Umbilo Tech to win by 15
to be brutally honest the GW combinations at front row, second row and half back look a lot more settled than Westville. Westville will have to show a lot of character which I am sure they will do. I wonder who will be doing the kicking for either team as in these tight games that can be the difference. K .Smit used to kick for the U16s and for his club and to great effect so I am sure he will be stepping up to the plate.
@ RBugger- Spam will be up against Pieters who was also a pretty quick winger so we will have to see which “old man”( I think they are both U19) holds out.
Spam at 13, interesting – guess it just adds further pace to their backs…
Glenwood by 10 or more
Glenwood to win it.