Griquas impress at they open Craven Week with a victory over EP
CAPE TOWN. – Griqualand West produced an impressive performance in the opening match of 2022-edition of the u18 Craven Week Rondebosch Boys’ High’s Tinkie Heyns-field.
The team from the Northern Cape managed to beat Eastern Province by 39-22 in an exciting first encounter of the prestigious tournament. This was Griquas’ first victory over Eastern Province since 2007.
The flyhalves of the two teams, Wynand Botha (Griquas) and Logan Muller (Eastern Province) exchanged penalties before Griquas’ lock Phillip Visser was red-carded for a dangerous tackle.
In the next 12 minutes that Griquas had to play with only 14 men, they scored 14 unanswered points to set the perfect platform for the victory. Visser’s lock partner, JP Senekal, made up for his missing partner during this time period.
Senekal was named Man-of-the-Match for his effort. He received some good support from AJ Wiese (hooker) and Vice Hofmeyer (tighthead prop) during the match. Griquas scored within a minute of the red card with Senekal crossing the whitewash.
Their loosehead prop, Damian McClean, crashed over less than a minute later but he dropped the ball over the try-line. McClean however made up for the error as he scored about two minutes later.
Griquas’ fullback, Eldridge Jack, also produced an impressive performance, and his try in the corner just before half-time gave the victors a healthy 27-3 lead at the break. Jack was dangerous every time he got possession and managed to beat the first line of defence on a regular basis.
Eastern Province’s replacement flanker Max du Pisani produced the spark in the second half which helped his side to get back into the match. Du Pisani made a couple of big hits while also contesting very well for possession at the breakdown.
EP’s left-wing, Luvuyo Nkomphela, as well as inside centre, Matinise Mihle, could also feel happy with their performances on the day.
Griquas’ scrumhalf, Neil Petro, provided his team with some quality ball and made the right decisions while making sure his team is in control of the tempo of the match.
Scorers:
Griqualand West 39 (27) – Tries: JP Senekal, Damian McClean, Eldrige Jack, Melvin Diedericks, Ruben Pienaar. Conversions: Wynand Botha (4). Penalties: Botha (2). Eastern Province 22 (3) – Tries: Joshua Swart, Max du Pisani, Burrie van Heerden. Conversions: Logan Muller (2). Penalty: Muller.
