The Westville Stayers XV annihilated touring UK school Bradford Grammar 64-0 in a 10 try fest last Friday afternoon. In response to information that Bradford was stronger than the touring Bolton side that the Stayers beat 41-12 two days earlier, the Westville boys were instructed to play a more conventional style of rugby. Their increased focus and intensity however just inflated the score as Westville were far too strong for the tourists. Bradford tried very hard but lacked the skill level and physicality required to stress Westville at either first phase ball or in any phase play in general.
In terms of a big positive gained from the match, the Stayers improved their defence close to the rucks, an area where they had conceded two tries against Bolton. Bradford was forced into making errors by the home team’s aggressive offensive methods of defending. As far as attack was concerned, the Stayers’ counterattacking was exceptional and as a result they scored quite a few good long-range tries from turnovers won inside their own 22.
Reese McHardy, Andre De La Rey and Brad Ellse were the most impressive players on the park with Ellse bagging himself a hat trick before being subbed early in the second half.
For Westville rugby and coach Grant Bell in his first season in charge, it was a great way to end off the season. Westville now shifts their attention to 7’s, where many of their key backline and loose forwards for 2013 will be involved as part of the “off season” development programme.
@Star, hahaha very true, I have been banging on a bit about the paper vs reality, sorry. I just don’t want the same thing to happen to other KZN sides that happened to Glenwood this year. Don’t get me wrong played 18, won 11, lost 5, drawn 2 is not a terrible season by all means but not what was expected. It shows expectation and reputations mean nothing at this level where kids are still searching for consistency. Westville were in the past very inconsistent and faded as the season progressed but it seems they may have improved this year. Kearsney and Westville are without doubt the strongest teams on paper for 2013, but please please don’t put too much pressure on the guys. I have a little feeling Glenwood might upset a few next year with the unusual underdog tag….
Westville have 7 backline players back next year and many of them are CW contenders. On paper therefore they should be the defining difference between the local teams. However as Grassy keeps on reminding us paper means nothing if the proper grit and determination is not shown on the field of play. Here is hoping that Westville gets its attitude right for 2013.