IN a thrilling game played on April 8 at Union Bulldogs’ home grounds, Johannesburg Police handed the home side a second successive defeat in a tough game that was never short on excitement.
The match ended 10-17, with the home side leading 10-5 at the break.
The home side started the more impressive of the two sides and launched wave after wave of attack, predominantly with their backline, which looked reasonably effective except for the odd knock-on.
The defence of the backline was very good and the visitors employed the tactic of running at the man and not into the gaps. The physical nature of the Bobbies attack meant that holes eventually appeared in the defence of the Union, with the Bobbies able to create overlap situations.
Up front it was hard and uncompromising, with the line-outs being a bit scrappy at times for both sides. The scrums and loose were a good contest as the sides took turns at dominance in these departments.
The scrums were a very good contest throughout. It appeared that whoever got the early shove dominated that scrum.
The hosts were first to score when their impressive fullback Jason Johst slotted a huge drop goal from near half way after some good early pressure from the home side had come to nothing due to great defence.
Photo: Wayne Raath
The visitors hit back with an unconverted try shortly after. It was a full backline move. It must be said that the speed and accuracy in the Police backline was superb.
Union carried on attacking out wide and the left wing of the hosts Lindley Clint was very impressive every time he got the ball. This eventually lead to the Bobbies’ defence eventually cracking when captain Duncan Delport powered his way to score under the posts to regain the lead for his side.
The home side fully deserved to be in the lead as they had also missed two-long range penalty efforts from Johst, the first of which was a monster from halfway but just dropped below the bar.
The second effort was a touch closer and had all the distance but just faded away to the left of the upright. They are certainly blessed with a fullback who has a massive boot on him.
In the second half the visitors seemed to apply more and more pressure and managed two tries, one of which was converted for a deserved victory.
There are good signs that this team is starting to come together as a unit. They displayed a great team spirit throughout.
Union Bulldogs will have a bye this coming Saturday. The next match will take place on Saturday, May 6, when Union Bulldogs take on Jabulani at home. The club’s home grounds are situated at Klipriversberg recreation centre, Kibler Park.
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