False Bay Rugby Football Club

False Bay have had something of a dream start to their return season in the SLA, having beaten Hamiltons and then Helderberg, both at Constantia. This was their first away match and Groote Schuur is a tough venue to play at with it's odd weather conditions, especially a strong south easter more often than not playing a major role in results at the grounds.

That dream start came within a hair's breadth of continuing as the Bay took the game to the students. Indeed, this week is something of a "student orientation week", as False Bay play three varsity teams within seven days, with Vics and Maties(Varsity Cup Champions) their next opponents.

The Constantia outfit took the challenge to UCT, who appeared to be expecting a tough game. They gave as good as they got but at times it appeared as if the ferocity of the Bay tackling struck fear into those near the ball and they rushed moves. But to create the impression that the Ikeys were rattled is by no means the truth. They were polished and confident, especially in the second half when they retained possession in a masterful display of ball retention through angled running and movement away from contact.

The cold south easterly wind definitely contributed to the accuracy of play on both sides, and while not seeking pithy excuses, UCT are after all far more adept at playing in these conditions by virtue of it being their home pitch, whereas the Bay have rarely had the opportunity to visit Groote Schuur over the last decade.

However, despite the stiff breeze, a surfeit of attractive, running rugby was on display.

The battle started up front. In the scrums, Bay tighthead Herbie Mayosi had a classic ding-dong battle with Wesley Chetty, while hooker Hugo Lambrecht and loosehead Mark Farr enjoyed similar encounters in the set piece with their opposite numbers. Spare a thought for Lambrecht, who in the pre-season played for the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University in the Varsity Cup, and he was itching to exact some form of revenge for their heavy loss to the Cape students this year.

The set pieces are one thing but the forward play of both sides was of a wonderfully high standard. Strong, big and mobile, both sets of forwards fronted each other with unrelenting ferocity and big hits. In the "Big Hit Department" the Bay undoubtedly took honours through the unforgiving slab-like tackles of players such as Lungelo Payi, Whalied Heyns and Ryan Williams. Indeed Payi's experience and physical presence was felt and helped to feed the confidence of the visitors, while the play of Heyns and lock Graham Knoop maintained an energy central to their team's competitive edge.

Behind the pack, Ridhaa Damon was once again a giant in a small frame, and centres Brendell Brandt and Marc Davids were ingenious on attack and solid on defence. At fullback, Riaan van der Vyver set the pitch alight with his strong running, initiating both of the Bay's tries with strong runs from the middle of the field.

Both of these attacks were finished off by powerful flyer Danie Roux, who had lots to do when receiving the ball on these occasions. It was the interplay of those involved, forwards and backs, which enthralled as the stocky wing was given the chance to bank the points. For UCT, flyhalf Matthew Rosslee was a huge influence. This man has talent and a calmness synonymous with class. This was of great value to his team mates, especially when the pressure was on them at 12-6 down with ten minutes to go.

Centre Sean van Tonder was a constant threat when the ball was played in his direction. The player who constantly caused the visiting blood pressure to rise was fullback Marcel Brache. His positional play was impeccable, combined with a good understanding of the much mentioned wind conditions, and his counter attacks were breathtaking. They featured pace, agility and guile and it was only brave and sometimes desperate tackling which prevented these from ending in touchdowns.

This was a ferocious, yet very entertaining match. The play was of an exceptional standard from both sides and False Bay, it must be said, were not in any way outclassed or outplayed. Indeed they would count themselves unlucky not to bag the victory, but this is Super League A rugby, the league in which they have sought to compete for a number of years and in this competition one has to take one's chances. With official time up and the score at 12-10 to the Bay, Rosslee stepped up to calmly convert a penalty into the teeth of the wind.

The vocal visiting support were gutted. They then prematurely celebrated a wicked twist of fate as the referee awarded the Bay a penalty about 40 metres out to the Constantia team. Bay flyhalf Demitri Catrakilis bravely took the ball and slotted what was always going to be a dream kick, only to have fate(and that south easter) pull the ball marginally to the left of the upright.

The relief on the faces of the UCT players and supporters was palpable, as the final whistle was blown.

For False Bay Roux scored two tries of which Catrakilis converted one as well as a penalty.

The Ikeys scored one try through centre Mark Esterhuizen. Rosslee was responsible for the rest of his team's points by virtue of a conversion and three penalty kicks.

This was a wonderful advert for club rugby in the Western Province and False Bay certainly won much deserved accolades for their performance.

They host Victorians on Tuesday and then play Maties at Constantia on Saturday.

Kick off is at 4pm. Entrance is R10 (scholars free) and all are encouraged to come and support club rugby at Constantia.