‘Scottie’s Viewpoint’
With results not often appearing in the newspapers, it has been decided to introduce a new weekly article called ‘Scottie’s Viewpoint’.
As the first team Rugby Coach, Scott Mathie will publish an article each Monday, related to the 1st XV endeavours on the previous Saturday.
We hope you enjoy this first article about last Saturday’s College match.
The annual fixture against our oldest rivals College is always a massive occasion and provides us with a guaranteed test in physicality. It was to be an exciting game, with the Horseflies running out 45-30 victors and ensuring two consecutive victories on the trot against our respected foes.
Our emphasis in training this week was largely focused on our physicality at the breakdown and the boys showed their commitment to this cause as they out-rucked their opponents throughout. It was this brutality at the breakdown that set up the platform for some front foot ball and allowed DHS to score seven tries on the day, ensuring our first home win over College in more than a decade.
College however had the best of the opening exchanges as “School” looked to play too much from deep early on. The DHS team team lacked discipline throughout the match and conceded numerous penalties that allowed College a foothold in the game. This is an area we will have to address. The team however is encouraged to take calculated risks in defence as we try to enforce turnovers, an area where most of our tries result from. We just need to find that balance.
College took a 6-point lead before a break from Captain Celimpilo Gumede allowed Hooker Stoney Stenekamp to race through under the sticks. DHS found some rhythm after this and were able to add two more tries through centre Lwandile Menze and Captain Gumede. Unfortunately School conceded just before the half to keep the game a tightly contested affair at 19-16 in favour of the hosts.
The second half saw DHS draw first blood as C. Gumede scored another try only to concede again straight after from a grubber that fortuitously bounced into the hands of a College attacker. The game looked poised to be a nail biter as both teams traded blows with each other. It was DHS however who seized the advantage, with an excellent skip pass from replacement scrumhalf Darren Booysen who found replacement winger Ulrich Brown to race through untouched to take DHS lead to 31-23. Flyhalf Shakur La Douce added an excellent conversion from the byline. DHS created some breathing room for themselves as flanker, Asande Mnguni scored for DHS from a well-worked lineout drive ensuring “School” rumbled over from 5m out.
In true College fashion, they never stopped fighting and responded with another try to keep the score line to 8 points. However, DHS was proving too creative on attack and their interlink play ensured another try for Brown and DHS restored the 15 point buffer.
The final whistle drew a close to an entertaining affair, DHS the victors with a 45-30 result. “School” played with their usual brand of rugby “keeping the ball alive” but added a new zest at the breakdown to ensure a thrilling victory over the respected opponents. The team has continued to exceed expectations this year and I have been very pleased with the continuation of the culture and brand of rugby at DHS.
