Match report: Garsfontein beats Waterkloof 44-19

Some observers called the clash between neighbouring Waterkloof and Garsfontein the battle for Pretoria. It is a bit premature though, as both schools still needs to face up to stiff opposition in matches to come, but such was the interest in the match – as the thousands of spectators in attendance will testify. But a battle nevertheless, as both schools defeated a number of rivals all over the country.

Waterkloof managed a convincing win against Affies and also remained victorious against top schools such as Glenwood, Grey High and Paul Roos. Outside the Pretoria region Garsfontein also managed a few scalps such as Outeniqua, Nelspruit and Boland Landbou. But once the sides took the field, past results meant nothing. The will to win was going to play a very important role.

As early as the kick-off it was clear who the more determined team was. Garsfontein took control of the ball and their forwards dominated the first excursions, a feature that was to repeat itself throughout the match. Garsfontein’s determined forwards crossed the advantage line regularly and this provided the platform for the backs to showcase their talents. It was no surprise when Garsfontein lead 12-0 after two well worked tries within the first 15 minutes. However, the assistant referee intervened after some foul play and Waterkloof was restricted to 14 men for the rest of the match. This didn’t help Waterkloof’s cause at all, but in itself wouldn’t have caused a different outcome as it was Garsfontein’s day. The two teams exchanged penalties via Waterkloof’s outstanding flyhalf Tinus de Beer (2) and JP Wegner from Garsfontein which brought the scoreline to 15-6. Garsfontein then started another well worked move from their own territory which resulted in another seven pointer. Another penalty by De Beer made it 22-9, with a couple of minutes to go to half time. However, Garsfontein who ran the ball from almost anywhere, crossed the advantage line through a powerful forward drive which was rounded off by the backs to bring the half time score to 27-9.

Garsies almost score again from the kick-off, but Waterkloof held out and managed a series of penalties in Garsfontein’s 22. Garsfontein was heavily penalized at the breakdown points and no turnover balls could be managed to relieve the pressure. Garsfontein was warned after a reflex high tackle. Shortly afterwards the referee handed out two yellow cards to Garsfontein for high tackles. Waterkloof launched a number of attacks at the try line but Garsfontein’s defense held. With 14 against 13 the wall eventually broke and Waterkloof had the space to score which made it 27-14. The momentum appeared to swing as Waterkloof launched another attack from deep inside their half, but poor handling and Garsfontein’s brilliant defense prevented another try. Then in a moment of brilliance from a scrum in Garsfontein’s 22 meter the scrumhalf Embrose Papier took control of the match. He took a gap, side stepped two players and with sheer pace won the race to the tryline. Still with 13 players on the field Garsfontein managed another two tries in three minutes for the scoreline to read 44-14. In this period Garsies were simply breathtakingly good! Waterkloof scored a consolation try at the end for an end result of 44-19.

All in all this was a brilliant game of rugby with both sides showing great skills under pressure. On the day though, Garsies seemed more determined than Waterkloof. It must be said though that the mutual respect by both teams and schools towards each other were clearly visible throughout the day and after the match.

As a matter of interest, Waterkloof’s u/14’s won 19-15, but Garsfontein’s u/15 and u/16-teams won 31-15 and 26-24 respectively. On the day Garsies won 8 of the 13 games.