HAIL THE THIRDS
The False Bay Third Team created history (as long as those “older” guys at the Bay can remember), by beating Maties at Stellenbosch on Saturday.
Not only did the Bay beat them but they performed a unique “shutout” in that they did not concede a try against a club who systematically racks them up against any opposition at will.
The final score was 24-12, with the Bay scoring 4 tries through Salie van der Forte, Steve Newman, Luke Esterhuyse and Kendrick Sass.
Traditionally the most volatile team in the club, by virtue of the fact that they suffer the most as a result of player drain upwards when the top two teams experience fallout through injury, illness or general absence, the Thirds have stabilised and are rallying for a late run into the top four teams in the league.
This has come about through a combination of a number of factors, and here the writer is aware of offending some through omission. Coach Kurt Botha has proved his worth as a coach, a silent motivator of men and a developer of talent. His commitment to his troops, despite other demands on his time, is admirable to say the least, and is being rewarded now with some wonderful results.
Botha has been ably supported by a number of “part-time” coaches, players of immense presence who find themselves temporarily unavailable to play while recovering from injury. Khwezi Mquombothi set the mark and when he returned to the pitch to entertain in his own inimitable way, an (un)fortunate injury gifted the Thirds with another charismatic, energetic and committed man, Jono van der Walt.
Among the players the team is fortunate to have a core of players who stabilize the ship when rocked by promotions. A spine of players exists and produces exciting rugby, while giving younger players the stability so important at this level.
Here one has to mention the likes of Bokkem Harmse, Brendon Shields, Steve Newman and Kendrick Sass. They have given stability and room for others to display their ability and grow within the squad. Lock Luke Esterhuyse has grown immensely as a “pylon” of the forwards; Josh Allen, visiting for the winter from the UK, shines week in and week out, his traditional number eight play in the form of cover defence and ball support a feature of his game; Francois Breytenbach, a gifted number eight; Tyrone Bloor, a scrummie with guts, forever exhorting his team mates to do better through his own effort; Angelo MacKaiser, a wonderfully talented player who always seems to have so much time, a sign of talent; Muneeb Galant, enthusiasm and ball carrying talent abounding; Brendon Britz, blistering pace on the wing. There are so many to be mentioned, the offence has already occurred.
If indeed some names were omitted, take a look at the passion, spirit and slick execution of this team to know you have been a part of it and its success. Taste the nectar of success, now through until season’s end.
Cheers False Bay Thirds. Take a bow.
