After coming off four consecutive losses, the U20A were keen to get back into winning ways. During the two-week break, we didn’t stop working hard and it showed in their performance against Tygerberg. We knew Tygerberg weren’t going to be an easy side as they are sitting third on the log and has put in some massive performances against tough opponents.
The game was delayed by about 15 minutes but this didn’t affect our focus. We started off controlling the game steadily and put some in good phases and gained many meters. Tygerberg were a nuisance at the break down which slowed down momentum. The U20’s didn’t take long before debut lock, Conor Kirkpatrick, scored the first try of the match.
We struggled at scrum time which lead to many technical penalties. The momentum shifted to Tygerberg and the U20’s were on the back foot towards the end of the first half. Tygerberg eventually scored in the corner after several phases and quick play.
Half time score 8 – 5 to Hamilton’s.
With the score so close, the instructions from the coaches at half time was to stick to the basics and play to our strengths. The U20’s showed some barbaric defense and denied Tygerberg anywhere near the try line.
Dominic Van Der Walt scored the U20’s second try of the match after a quick pick and go from the base of the ruck and shrugged off any would be tacklers. With 10 minutes remaining it was time to lift the tempo and bring on the super substitutes and it didn’t take long before they made an impact. Substitute fullback Matthew De Villiers showed off this stepping boots and carved his way right through Tygerberg’s defense and managed to find the offload to captain Ettiene Spies who dotted down the third try between the sticks. The U20’s defended well in the second half to deny Tygerberg to score a single point.
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Man of the match was flanker Dylan Andrews.
Final score 22 – 5 to Hamiltons
TRY SCORERS: Conor Kirkpatrick, Dominic Van Der Walt and Ettiene Spies
CONVERSIONS: Leoneal Pietersen (2)
PENALITY KICKS: Leoneal Pietersen
