Zwartkop shows strength of character in their win against Marais Viljoen
Alberton can be proud of this team. The character they displayed, without doubt, suggests they will be there again next year.
MARAIS Viljoen’s u-15 team came up against Zwartkop in the final of the Virsekerbeker on August 17.
From the first whistle, it was a tough and physical encounter.
Zwartkop put pressure on Marais Viljoen and looked to have the upper hand physically.
They also seemed solid in the back line, taking the lead in the first few minutes with a seven pointer.
This was to prove vital as the game progressed.
Marais Viljoen were always on the back foot.
They were unlucky not to have scored after a try when fly half Drikus Bisschof lost the ball within a few metres of the line.
Had he scored, it would have been a different game altogether.
They did show good defence for the rest of the first half, and even clawed their way back into the game with a successful penalty from Bisshoff.
Leaving the halftime score at 7-3, Marais Viljoen were not out of it at all, although a lot of the attacks they launched were either defended well or were ineffective due to a number of errors.
After half time, Zwartkop got a penalty to stretch the lead to 10-3, and from there on Marais Viljoen would have to dig deep to win.
They didn’t win, but boy did they show character and fighting spirit.
They threw everything at Zwarkop in the final third of the game, and were deservedly rewarded with a super try to Ryan Langford after a period of sustained pressure.
The pressure consisted of intermittent bashing the ball up with the forwards and full back line moves.
Zwartkop’s defence must be praised, but you have to leave a gap somewhere. The conversion was missed as it was taken hastily. They still had to score again to win the title.
With them throwing everything forward, the defence always looked a little frailer, and Zwartkop seized the opportunity to put the game beyond doubt with a converted try right at the death.
Although they won the silver medals, Alberton can be very proud of this team. The character they displayed suggests, without doubt, they will be there again next year.
Coaching staff of Johan Matthysen and his assistant can be proud. On another day the result might have been reversed.
A little extra
In the finals of the Virsekerbeker, teams competed not only for a trophy and medals but for bragging rights for the following year.
The Virsekerbeker represents a cherry on top for both players and coaches as well as for rugby supporters.
It ensures that every division plays to its strength.
The Virsekerbeker is a reward for making the finals in own league which would normally comprise at least five schools.
Then each team has to play off against other league winners or runner ups to get to the finals.
Every team that participated is true champions to even get this far.
