A large crowd gathered on Goldstones, the home of Maritzburg College on a pleasant afternoon to see Sleepy Hollow’s finest take on Kearsney for the 68th time since 1943. The home team were outstanding. They played with passion and skills and must certainly have reminded many of the Red , Black, White old faithful of great College teams of the past. In the end they notched up a convincing 29-17 win, their 57th victory over Kearsney.
From the word go, Maritzburg College applied the pressure and in the 9th minute their patient phase build up play earned the home team the maximum reward. Centre Matt Kriel got a go-forward bust through the middle and from there several small but valuable carries by various well supported players eventually disrupted the resistance and allowed Marcel Coetzee to score the opening try. The well-built outside centre who was a standout attacking contributor of the first half added two more points via the boot and College led 7-0.
By the 12th minute it was 12-0. This second try was the combination of an error by Kearsney and the alertness of right wing Xolisa Guma, who turned out to be another of the eye-catching College attackers of the half. Kearsney on attack had an overlap with the useful blindside space to work with but in an effort to exploit the situation, they forced a flattish pass, which Guma read, got solid hand contact on, propelling the ball forward before he regathered the rebound and raced 70 metres down the right-hand touchline to score in the corner.
The 14th minute brought Brandon Holder, another of the prominent College players who helped turn the first 50 or so minutes of this match into a one-sided contest, into the action. A Kearsney long kick was straight down the throat of the impressive fullback who made every opportunity he had count using top class kick returns, which showed off elements of excellent positional play, pace, strength particularly in the form of a potent hand-off and his ability to link up with support runners. This particular 14th minute counter-attack of Holder’s didn’t bring points but it resulted in frontfoot ball, followed by more continuity by the dominant physical College pack, who were gradually breaking down the defensive resolve of their opponents with every collision.
College’s next score was in the 16th minute. A lineout setpiece was the solid platform for consistent high intensity performer Renard le Roux to have a full go with a powerful carry up the middle. His offload in the tackle was brilliant as it allowed Coetzee to then feed Guma near the right corner with just enough space for the finisher to get the job done. Kearsney could be grateful that Coetzee did not enjoy much success from the kicking tee, leaving the visitors trailing at just 17-0, but at more than a point a minute.
Although more College attacks followed they were unable to make any further impressions on the new Goldstones scoreboard before the break. Amongst the pleasing aspects for home supporters were the huge territorial advantage enjoyed, lineouts where hooker Masikane Mazwi found favourite target Wian Jacobs with a high percentage success rate, scrums where College were clearly stronger, breakdowns where they hit rucks hard and got hands on the tackled ball when necessary, variation in attack where handling was generally good and some of the offloads top drawer and even on defence the urgency levels to close down Kearsney and disrupt their playmakers was evident.
The dangerous attacking trio of Holder, Coetzee and Guma would combine in the 32nd minute again for what would have been a brilliant try. The intelligent running and transfers, which included an offload by Coetzee just as he was being bundled into touch, ended with Holder who started the move, knocking on a difficult catch with the tryline right there.
Kearsney were unsettled a lot of the time and as a result unstructured for most of the half. The game plan tactics of the first half also appeared wrong, as it literally and figuratively played into College’s hands. Just before the break, Kearsney during a rare first half visit into College territory, won a penalty at a lineout, which Tristan Tedder converted to make matters 17-3 to the home team at halftime.
Soon after halftime, Kearsney had their first real 5-pointer opportunity. It was made by James Hall, who has also come into his own as ball-in-hand player of late. The little scrumhalf, along with his flyhalf Tedder seemed to have been targeted by the College defence as players to keep under wraps so Hall was under a lot of pressure, particularly with his usually high quality box kicks. However as a sniper around the fringes, he turned out to be Kearsney’s best ball carrier, making valuable metres by picking the right gaps and showing incredible strength on his feet for someone his size. The first of his three memorable breaks during the game saw Kearsney advance right to the tryline before the player of the day, College openside flank Hayden Tharratt wreaked havoc with a turnover on the line, one of several steals he was able to make by getting over the ball and applying good technique.
In the 43rd minute, College kicked up field off second phase ball. Confusion at the back saw Kearsney allowing the ball to bounce and then getting caught in possession. College arrived quickly, won a turnover and Hayden Tharratt then got those powerful legs of his pumping on a strong carry which saw him breach the scattered defence and run in for the try, making it 22-3.
Kearsney’s confidence level by this stage was perhaps best summed up when they opted to take a long kick at posts instead of setting an attacking lineout in the 48th minute. The kick at goal was missed. The ensuing 22m drop-in was then charged down by Kearsney flank Jesse Rich and the next thing the visitors were executing a pick and drive very near the tryline. That intensity of College in the collisions showed again at the crucial time. Kearsney lock Khanyisani Xaba had worked hard on the day but on this drive he was overwhelmed and turnover near the line. Mazwi of all players emerged with the ball from behind the College tryline and imagined there was a number 1 in front of the 2 on his jersey. He set off on a long run that at no stage looked like it was going to include a pass to the one of the much faster players on his outside. It was a good run though but required captain Daryn Goodson’s intervention with real pace to make the impact and offload that culminated in Hayden Tharratt’s second try, which Coetzee converted.
At 29-3 and 19 minutes left to play, it was again starting to look like a long afternoon for Kearsney. Hats off to the Maroon One-stripes though. Everywhere they have played, they have been noted on record as being a courageous team that punches above their weight and never goes down without a fight. They had been in this predicament before this season against Grey PE and EG Jansen. On both those occasions like this one, in spite of the bashing they took up front, they should rugby’s most important quality to possess: heart! Some of the decisions on the field also went their way. In quick succession, two College players were sinbinned for what appeared unintentional but were deemed dangerous play.
In the 60th minute Kearsney scored their first try via a drive which prop David Brown rounded off after sustained pressure. Tristan Tedder knocked over the conversion, making it 29-10.
Apart from Hall’s runs, the ever-improving young Kearsney outside centre James Tedder showed some attacking flair and amongst the forwards, it another youngster Tristan Dixon is taking on more responsibility and starting to come out tops in collisions.
Even once College were back to 15 players, they were not able reproduce the cohesion, urgency or decision making that had made them so successful earlier on. Kearsney benefited territorially from a determined approach with ball in hand but were also helped by a series of penalties awarded in their favour. From one such penalty in the redzone right at the end, some quick thinking by Kearsney left wing David Zondi resulted in a quick tap, diagonal run and accurate long pass to fellow wing Langa Hlongwane who cantered in after being unmarked near the right corner. Tedder produced a textbook conversion from an acute angle to end the game at 29-17, a scoreline that Kearsney supporters had rights to feel relieved about, given the form College were in for most of the game.
The scoreboard might not have told the full story but this was good result for College ahead of quite possibly the biggest game of the KZN season next weekend, when they travel to Durban to face Glenwood.
| MARITZBURG COLLEGE | KEARSNEY | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | T. Steyn | 1 | Tijde Visser |
| 2 | M. Mazwi | 2 | Curtis Louw |
| 3 | M. Dlamini | 3 | David Brown |
| 4 | W. Jacobs | 4 | Khanyisani Xaba |
| 5 | C. Bonsma | 5 | Tristan Dixon |
| 6 | S. Stuart | 6 | Patrick Zietkewitz |
| 7 | R . le Roux | 7 | Jesse Rich |
| 8 | D. Goodson | 8 | Stephen Tedder |
| 9 | M. Seba | 9 | James Hall |
| 10 | M. vd Linde | 10 | Tristan Tedder |
| 11 | B. Watson | 11 | David Zondi |
| 12 | M. Kriel | 12 | Sebastian Pau |
| 13 | M. Coetzee | 13 | James Tedder |
| 14 | X. Guma | 14 | Langa Hlongwane |
| 15 | B. Holder | 15 | Mitchell Nesbitt |
@Dixon’s: Bech wasn’t fired but was removed by the acting Headmaster Mr Guise-Brown for something that he said to a parent that he thought was offsides. College made a statement to the Witness that week a year ago. They made it in public, maybe they should finish the job and clear all of this up- just saying. @ Redblack White you describe Bech well – I heard he is the Guest of Honor at a DHS function next month and if true that says a lot. Just hope that it gets sorted out but politics and law are the devils little twins.
@Jimbo: Westville have already played Glenwood. Glenwood won that. It’s going to take a College win at Glenwood on Saturday to knock Glenwood off the top spot for the year, and then College to beat House and Westville as well. In other words, a team has to have an unbeaten domestic season, only College and Glenwood in the mix right now I think. If Glenwood win this Saturday I think that wraps it up for them, barring pretty big upsets.
@Gungets Tuft: Westville’s losses to Kearsney and Michaelhouse effectively eliminates them from the championship race unless they beat MC and Glenwood. Although they have improved during the season I can’t see that happening.
@Redblack White: Hi Redblack White, I agree with your comments. In the end the 12 point difference hinged on two soft tries against the run of play in each instance but the College backline had the extra fire-power, especially out wide. My son is one of the grade -11’s in the KC team and really enjoyed the game despite the end result. Thanks to social media he has kept in touch with his pals at MC and most of the other schools and their ability to stay in touch has undoubtedly added a positive dimension to their encounters on the rugby field. Having the last of my four sons at school for one more rugby season is such fun. I will sorely miss it when it’s over.
@GreenBlooded: Ja, have representation, sort of. My guys call themselves Mac – sound like upstanding guys, all motorbike enthusiasts. Never met them, but will make an effort, perhaps we can go on a little Breakfast Run, have some rooibos and bran muffins somewhere …
@Gungets Tuft: No chance of that in the tow-truck business I guess. About the worst that can happen to you is beaten to an accident site by another tow-truck. Still – don’t you okes have a union or something that looks after your rights?
@Redblack White: Agree 100%. I expect the matter is also subject to the Labour Relations Act and the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, so it might even be illegal for the school to comment on it in public.
I know that if I had a dispute with my employer – if I had a proper job that is – and they commented in public, I would be preparing an early retirement based on the damages claim.
@Redblack White: I fully respect that he is entitled to his privacy. I just wanted to know the truth because there are some wild accusations flying around a Facebook page that was created to suppprt him! eg Mike Bechet purposly tried to hurt College rugby and only promoted hockey… his office was broken into… he was evicted from his house on the College campus… the Acting Headmaster that fired him had a personal grudge against him etc etc. I was just hoping to find out what was true and what was , as you put it, You Magazine stuff!
@Dixon’s: Not sure we can actually comment. It is a matter between Bech and the school. The man has a family and a lovely wife, and as outspoken as he might be, would probably prefer his privacy being respected and not being discussed in all the social media. Unfortunately this flares up on facebook and everyone has an opinion. My motto about facebook is that I pay it as much attention as I would the You magazine to enlighten me on the state of our nation…………
I ask this specifically to the College guys…. I see on Facebook that this whole drama about Mike Bechet getting fired has started up againg…. anybody know exactly whats going on???
Really looking forward to Saturday, I will have a few cold beers hidden in the cooler box, feel free to come join me and have one, regardless of who you support. I will be sitting just in front of the pool closer towards the mini astro!
@McCulleys Workshop: Not entirely sure how to interpret your post, but not important. My point is this, on the day, the strongest team runs out, the opposite implies that we will deliberately leave stronger players out. Injuries are a fact of life. On Saturday College face the prospect of having 6 “in contention” players on the injury list, including 4 that did duty against KC. It doesn’t mean the players running onto Dixons on Saturday are 2nd team players, that’s silly, they get a cap. That’s our team, win or lose, and it goes in the books. It really is that simple. The players might lack the natural talent of those not available, such is life. Should Glenwood win on Saturday, they will have beaten College. We will afford the Glenwood team that runs out the same respect, no matter what the result.
@McCulleys Workshop: yep, also our 2nd team is not as strong as in previous years so depth is lacking a little. In fact the opens group is weaker in general than previous years. No excuses though, you play what you have and against what is in front of you. The Green Machine will give of their best, as always!
@Grasshopper: I agree with you and Star. When a second team runs out one is amazed at how small they generally are, especially when the first team runs out afterwards! Depth at school boy level is often poor and when a team loses two or three key players, it definitely has an impact on the team, no question. Lose a prop, eighth man, scrum half or flyhalf and it is often influential to the teams performance, especially when up against a top side playing at full strength. All this really means is that one cannot complain over a defeat when you are missing players but it is understandable, as world war 2 and in the trenches together MC would like this to seem.
Glenwood have prepared and have their squad of 22 1stXV players for the day, ready to honor those who have gone before them ,their jersey and their own hard work.
It will probably be a great game with the conditioning , heart and hunger on the day – being the difference between 100m in 10,1sec vs 9,58sec.
Looking forward to top KZN SBR , may the team who plays the best rugby on the day take the honors.
” wore Ethan” translates to worse than
@kcob: Got to take those with a pinch of salt. There’s always one (or two or more) out there who clearly don’t know what they are talking about. Let me assure you that no College team will take a KC game for granted and we know we are going to get a battle out there. Believe me it is just as irritating for the level headed among us when some halfwit shoots his mouth off. Only thing wore Ethan a sore loser is a winner without humility.
@Grasshopper: And College will send out 15 boys in Red, Black and White on the weekend, and the best team will win.
@kcob: Where was that post – and who put it there, I did not see it. It’s very unlike a College boy to put that up, and also to have it survive.
@kcob: It was just a comparison to show that 2 or 3 players can make a huge difference. Look at the Bulls, rudderless without Big Vic, suddenly doing better. Same with the Stormers, much better now Schalk is back. For Glenwood they are still a good side but not a great side with these two missing….hopefully the two 2nd team players coming up perform well. It’s Old Boys Day so if that does not inspire them then nothing will. Look at College’s loss to Westville last year, there is no comments column saying half of the College side were recovering from a bout of stomach flu…
@Grasshopper: the doops played a total of six out of 19 matches for Kearsney in 2013. Guys should stop the comparison. Neither played vs Glenwood or College, Northwood and a ton others. This is why Schramm was player of the year. He was standout though. The stand 99% of the time will not disappoint.
It irritated me the other day seeing a College FB post saying; “ha ha about time Kearsney, now you are done with all your bought players the drought starts for you” in response to the loss to college this weekend.
Let me enter the fray if I may, Glenwood play College twice every year so this is no ‘decider’. Jaco Coetzee and Morne Joubert are in the SA Schools 7’s team and both are serious contenders for both Craven Week and SA Schools selection for the 15’s game this year. Losing those two is huge for Glenwood, they are our 2 game breakers. Morne can cut sides in pieces on his own and the same for Jaco, immense pace for a big lad. Gungets is right there is no comments column but it’s not a full strength Glenwood side, also missing Vidima our ‘enforcer’ lock. I think Palvie will come in for Jaco, a completely different type of player but very good too. It’s like removing the Doops and Schramm from the 2013 Kearsney side, suddenly not as threatening, Jaco and Morne are in their sort of league….
@star: I admitted to talking about it, but it was always regret that he was injured, never as an excuse. It was the introduction of Kelvin Elder and Marcel Coetsee, so an ill wind …
College are not the same starting lineup as early season and probably 4 injury induced change from Saturday, so opportunity knocks for someone else.
@ Gungets- when Daniel Kriel was injured in 2012 trust me it entered the conversation.
( that is taking nothing away from the boy that took his place and was rightfully considered a Ist team player). However we would be naïve to assume that all Ist team players are equal. CW and higher selection takes care of that( hopefully) 
We shall soon see what Animal Farm is going to throw at us 
@star: Ahh, I see. I think most us read it as saying that Westville could step up int a winner takes all scenario. It’s all about the points, and only in the first round where schools have return fixtures (Glenwood vs College and the Hilton vs House derbies).
Injuries .. naa .. shouldn’t enter the conversation really. College might have some injured players but the boys that run out every Saturday are first choice and wear the colours. No remarks column ….. even though we might have a bleet about it here, as I did at one stage last year. It’s all in the year book later, and around the table at Old Boys Reunions …
@ Gungets- the championship is theoretically between GW and College. ( Westville are out of it). The point is simply if GW beat College then it is more or less over. However if College beat GW but lose to Westville then we might have a tie of sorts and will make things interesting.
With regard to Joubert and Jaco, in any one team you will only have 4 or 5 players who are real match winners. You lose 50% of them and the team will feel it. Alternatively it can galvanise the players( as with the Sharkies). Either way it will have a real impact.
@Gungets Tuft: ha ha ya! No way the ville better than college or gw regardless of this weekends game
@star: Help me out with the “If they do win then the game against Westville could be the championship decider” thingy.
If College beat Glenwood, and then Westville beat College, then Westville win some sort of “championship”, despite losing to Kearsney, Glenwood and House???
The points system that Westville used so successfully last year to narrowly lose to Kearsney for KZN Top School not being used any more?
@star: Shoo, lots being made of Glenwood missing 2 players. Why?
A huge difference in quality of opposition between College and GW. Per BHP’s ranking GW have played 5 top 20 winning 3. College have played only 1 losing to Wynberg. College on paper look very good but as yet have not been really tested or put teams away as you would have expected. Maybe this weekend will be when it all comes together( especially with Joubert and Jaco not available). If they do win then the game against Westville could be the championship decider. Much better than a dead rubber.
@Jimbo: In fairness to KC, the scores in the second half were not exclusively as a result of the yellow cards – remember the last try was scored when we were back to 15. They just seemed the more determined team, particularly later on in the second half and a lot of their good work was undone at times when College countered with good scoring opportunities. Remember that College were down by two backs, so the go forward to get them into the sustained pressure areas that they achieved later in the second half was a good effort by your forwards combining with Hall & Tedder – make no mistake, despite the first 50 mins or so they were extremely competitive and impressive when they did try and get back into the game
@CRC: Nope – couldn’t get anywhere near it. Ended up next to the scoreboard watching posh people in front of us quaff their wine and nibble on salmon crepes
Just a minor correction to the match report. Kearsney’s first try was scored by tighthead prop David Brown, not Visser. I thought that the much lighter KC pack held their own against the MC pack and KC suffered from the permanent loss of the talented Harris, their first choice fullback. MC cleverly exploited their weakness at no 15 and certainly neutralised the outstanding Tristian Tedder at 10. The fact that KC outscored MC in the 2nd half was a likely result of the yellow cards. The KC vs MHS clash on 14 June at KC on founders day should be a cracker. As a neutral, my money is on Glenwood to win on Saturday.
@Redblack White: Did you make yourself comfortable near the eats in the tea tent though?
@rbw1863: No interestingly the closest is Westville who College vs in a 20-min per half neutral venue pre-season with half the game played in rain and won 12-5 I think.
Proper
Maritzburg College 38 17 Sarel Cilliers
Maritzburg College 31 6 Northwood
Maritzburg College 42 28 Pretoria BH
Linden 14 29 Maritzburg College
St Andrew’s 20 23 Maritzburg College
Wynberg 17 16 Maritzburg College
Maritzburg College 56 15 Wildeklawer SARU
Maritzburg College 21 9 Diamantveld
KES 25 25 Maritzburg College
Maritzburg College 29 17 Kearsney
Westville 15 32 Glenwood
Glenwood 17 14 Michaelhouse
Glenwood 23 11 Bishops
Glenwood 20 14 Jeppe
Glenwood 31 17 Dale
Glenwood 31 18 EG Jansen
Glenwood 31 29 Framesby
Waterkloof 39 27 Glenwood
Outeniqua 20 15 Glenwood
Glenwood 38 13 DHS
Glenwood 65 0 Port Natal
@beet: Looking forward to your write up to preview this match, will be interesting to get a neutral perspective. Are there any teams both Glenwood and college have played for something of a barometer?
That’s brilliant. College vs Glenwood, 2011 Stuart Berry (30-31) 2012 Stuart Berry (16-16 & 27-27) 2013 Craig Joubert (40-44) and now 2014 Marius Jonker. Doesn’t take a genius to see that some of the best matches to have taken place in KZN SBR in the last few years have been with such high quality refs at the helm. Let’s hope Saturday will continue this rich tradition of high class encounters. Although I don’t know if my heart can take it anymore!
@Gungets Tuft: Still think the game has now swayed College’s way with Coetzee and Joubert away, they are our two X factor players who create the space for the likes of Sparks and co to run into…..oh well we will have to cope without them…
@Redblack White: And I am certain that MJ having a son at Glenwood will have no effect until the lightie plays 1sts.
Been over this often – no way a test ref is going to blot his reputation by being one-eyed. I am happy.
@oldschool: LOL!! Did not know that, But hey, these guys are pro’s so we put our trust in a fair game – plus he’s a solid bloke so no worries here!!
@Redblack White: Jonkers lighty plays center or 10 for the Glenwood u14A side ….so there may be some leaning to towards the lads in green !!
@GreenBlooded: Brilliant. Any thoughts I had of possible not making my way across the N3 are dismissed. Don’t take it amiss but it is an opportunity to see schoolboy rugb with an invisible ref. Boys will be amped, spectators should all just chill … lovely stuff.
@GreenBlooded:
A very good balanced ref and a good decision I think. Being from a high school in PBM sways him College way, but it was an Afrikaans high school so sways him back to GW way 
Just kidding okes
Actually not sure if most people know but Marius played his rugby in the front row (from what I can remember of him at school ) so I always imagine he has a bit more of an appreciation for the scrummaging – heaven knows I don’t?
OK – it now seems official enough. The Glenwood vs College match on Dixon’s will be refereed by former Test Referee Marius Jonker. Cannot think of a better man to handle this epic encounter.
@rbw1863: Yip – they can do reffing as an extra-curricular. Only problem is that sometimes opposition sides get impatient with these youngsters, particularly in the beginning stages when they shadow the more experienced refs. And yes, those guys mentioned do know what they are doing!
Someone mentioned on Saturday that College has now made reffing an official sport? Even if not true the College refs society has done a lot to improve the standard of refereeing amongst the schoolboys. Recent old boy Zane Watson seems to be getting bigger and bigger games every week and also Martin Lotter controls a game very well from what I’ve seen. Following in the footsteps of a certain Mr Joubert one hopes
@GreenBlooded: And if Jeeves just swings by, drops you off and then picks you up later, is there a “circling fee”?
8)
@beet: Hey Beet – was only R 70 if you parked inside the ground. For strategic reasons, such as quick getawyas etc. I parked outside on the street and it was gratis!!! (ok I admit I am cheap
)
@beet: Yeah – but thats Michaelhouse vs Hilton. I mean really………
I wonder what the landing fees are for the helicopters? Although I understand that has been stopped now due to the risk of mid-air collisions.
@GreenBlooded: Michaelhouse vs Hilton was R70.00 but still thought it was worth it. Was a great game.
Still waiting for a refund from the Union for the Sharks vs Cheetahs tho
Jokes
@Gungets Tuft: If you catch it and you are out then it is out. Crossed the plane or not. If you knock or kick it back into the field then it depends on the plane. If you knock it forward – then it is either out (crossed the plane) or a knock-on (not crossed the plane).
@Redblack White: Ja – indeed!! And we don’t have the benefit of TMO’s and sow motion replays. We have to call it in real time. We don’t always get it right.
@GreenBlooded: It’s the difference between catching it and knocking it back into play (and the effect of the plane) that confuses me.
@Redblack White: I think the discussion is actually valid. We have lots of okes in the stands, and esor, who have a lot to say about the refs blowing of the game (me included, it’s why I have recently started actually examining the law book .. sorta .. via a referee that apparently doesn’t mind me asking endless questions
). Rugby is bloody complicated, the laws are way, way too complicated. The ref and linesmen need to be sharp and informed – but they still have a 1/2 gaffed spectator that last played in 19-voetsek, and didn’t know the laws then either, shouting the odds. I had a little mumble myself on Saturday, I thought the one College knock-on was bad enough to warrant a third yellow card (and said so loudly, and was shushed by the okes around me who thought I might be encouraging ou Nicholson to do exactly that 
). The more I have the laws explained, the more I realise I should just watch and enjoy, and shut up.
@Gungets Tuft: The plane of the touchline only comes into play when a player is on the ground and in-touch. If the ball crosses the plane and is touched by such a player then it is out. I remember it like this: Player In + Ball In = In. Player In + Ball Out = In. Player out + Ball Out = Out.
When the player JUMPS – the plane becomes irrelevant and it depends of the player lands in or out. In is in and out is out!!
Simple hey??
@GreenBlooded: He was tackled and held on to the ball as he grounded it, but the grounding was outside touch in goal – could only verify that on the still photo though – as I said it was quite funny because with the naked eye in real time no-one could be sure anyway – I just found it amusing that there were two definite and confident varying opinions from the side of the field, yet one could be proven wrong. Proves my point that we spectator refs might think we know it all but we actually don’t. So safer to shut up and let the refs make the calls.
@Gungets Tuft: Ja I know it is quite complicated so my comment was in jest – will never quite understand that one – but I get it the KC guy clearly knew the law so his attempt to catch the ball whilst staying in play was well calculated – as I said I was just praating kak
@Gungets Tuft: From the law book: when is it in-touch or not:
The ball is in touch when it is not being carried by a player and it touches the touchline or anything or anyone on or beyond the touchline.
The ball is in touch when a player is carrying it and the ball carrier (or the ball) touches the touchline or the ground beyond the touchline. The place where the ball carrier (or the ball) touched or crossed the touchline is where it went into touch.
The ball is in touch if a player catches the ball and that player has a foot on the touchline or the ground beyond the touchline. If a player has one foot in the field of play and one foot in touch and holds the ball, the ball is in touch.
If the ball crosses the touchline or touch-in-goal line, and is caught by a player who has both feet in the playing area, the ball is not in touch or touch-in-goal. Such a player may knock the ball into the playing area.
If a player jumps and catches the ball, both feet must land in the playing area otherwise the ball is in touch or touch-in-goal.
A player in touch may kick or knock the ball, but not hold it, provided it has not crossed the plane of the touchline. The plane of the touchline is the vertical space rising immediately above the touchline.
@Redblack White: Was the player in-touch-in-goal carrying the ball? If not – it doesn’t matter that he is in-touch or in-touch-in-goal. He can still score a try. If the grounding is simultaneous with him being in-touch or in-touch-in-goal then there is no try.
@rbw1863: Not sure about Gold, or Koekemoer.
And that whole touchline, ball in, ball out thingy – ask Greenblooded to explain. It’s a frikking nightmare. GB and another ref had a discussion about it during the main game.
It seems that if the ball … er .. let me see, crosses the plane but he catches it with his body infield, then no issue. If he jumps for it outside the field of play, the ball crosses the plane and he lands back in play, then the ball is not out. If he jumps, the ball crosses the plane, and he lands outside play, then the ball is out. If he is outside the field of play, even with his feet on the ground and hits it back (note – does NOT catch it) – and it has not crossed the plane, then it is IN??.
GB is going to correct me now, but I tell you, you need to be damn sharp to understand it, so I can see why people give the refs and Asst-refs a hard time, but I guarantee about 1:100 spectators know that law.
@Gungets Tuft: Talking about seating. The spot next to the scoreboard is always a great place to be – height wise (except when GW play there because of the noise from the band
sorry GW guys 
) Funny one though on Saturday – When the seconds were playing there was a period toward the end when KC were coming back nicely from 24-3 down and scored a few quick tries. one in the far corner near the outside cricket nets. Big argument amongst some old toppies about the player being tackled out of play in goal, and of course the KC uncles biting back that it was in. From the top of the bank one of the ladies who normally takes plenty photographs rewound her frames one by one and ditto – there it was, the try was scored just outside the in goal touchline – but hey – was a good move and deserved something so no interference from the unofficial TMO 
@beet: Thanks Beet – that make sense , I was following the ball and he only called the foul play a bit later. In general I thought the ref handled the game well.
This Saturday in particular will be well worth any entrance fee I think. Huge game.
@Gungets Any idea on when Gold might be back? Thought he was brilliant at lock before his injury against St Andrews. Physical presence like him would be more than welcome on Saturday.
@Gungets Tuft: Was sitting next to the new scoreboard looking down on things. When he made the tackle it seemed like a lunge but certainly nothing that I haven’t seen other guys carded for before, and that’s why for me was not a rough call. I agree with Beet though that it was certainly not intentional but still a fair call.However, if we wanted to be pedantic about things
, I could always point out that the incident would not have happened had the passage of play leading up to the tackle been managed correctly. I am referring to the College clearance kick that was taken by the KC player (not sure who) on the touch line, finely balancing to ensure he was in the field of play – from there they swung it wide and boom – high tackle. But from my vantage point, ie looking straight down from Princess Margaret drive along the touch line, the ball had clearly crossed the line, something the touch judge missed because he was even further to the left and not on the line. Blah Blah Blah …long story short could have would have should have … all history now. As my Dad always says, plenty to have a post-mortem about but will not bring back the dead. It is what it is, let’s move on!!! 
@rbw1863: Indeed. Jess herself is normally in attendance to cheer the Green Machine along. For those who don’t know – Jess Foord was gang-raped in front of her father a few years ago whilst walking through a park. She opened a rape crisis centre for rape victims – read all about it here: http://www.jff.org.za/ I’ll pay my R10 gladly on Saturday.
@TJ: Regarding the entrance fee? I have no problem. I think it is R10 and I get to see 5 or 6 great rugby matches. Can’t get entertainment like that anywhere else for that price. And the money is going to a very worthy cause. I really don’t know why it creates such a hoo-haa every time. Half a beer in a pub costs less. KERF entrance was R50 per day – didn’t have a problem with that either – would have gladly paid double for the entertainment value.
@GreenBlooded: Awesome. If I remember correctly that’s also why Glenwood play with green laces and shorts every now and then?
@Greenblooded: What are your thoughts?
@rbw1863: To the Jess Foord Foundation. Rape crisis centre.
@Gungets Tuft: Glenwood stand to make a small fortune on Saturday. Huge crowds expected I hear. Any idea where that money goes Glenwood bloggers?
@GreenBlooded: Tja, the name pencilled in would be just the ticket. Just need to save up my breakfast money so that I can afford the gate entrance fee …
@Grasshopper: Check your email.
@GreenBlooded: I’m confused now….am I missing something….?
@TJ: Ok – now I follow. Eeeeessssshhhhhh. Not good.
Saturday will also be Sparks Ngcobo’s 50th game for the Green Machine
@grasshopper: good deflection
@TJ: Hmmm, it’s Old Boys dinner the night before so other reasons too
@Gungets Tuft: Onto this weekend: with the Premier Club League in full swing and KZN having firsts dibbs on the top referee’s I wonder who will be left to blow what is going to be a very very tough match? Can’t be allowing refereeing issues to dominate. Well I am hearing we may have found just the right man. Just waiting to confirm…….
@Grasshopper: By the sounds of it you are not the only person connected with Glenwood flying up from the Cape for the College game….
@Redblack White: Were you closer than me, I was on the College road side 10m line. From there it looked more like a shoulder high tackle, looked worse because the tackled player spun around?
Anyway, take your word for it (Honesty, Integrity … ). Everyone knows Andrew Nicholson is a stickler for discipline, so squeeky clean is the standard …
@Redblack White: Kearsney were attacking down the right and it looked like MvdL late tackled a player.
Looked at some pics on the game, wow the College front row is huge. Hopefully Tredoux and Van Niekerk can hold their ground this weekend. Also hoping Coetzee, Mac, Venter, Sparks and Joubert are all on form. Flying up from Cape Town for the game….
Beet, I saw Watson’s high tackle so no arguments there about the card. What was vd Linde carded for? Did not see what happened there?