Warriors slaughter Dolphins

IT may have been a rugby game, but the scoreline at the end of the Fidelity South Coast Warriors game against the hapless Ballito Dolphins looked like something you might see in an IPL T20 game after about 14 overs on a turning track.

The Warriors were rampant, running in 12 tries to win 78-7. How they conceded the one try was a bit of a mystery and put down to a momentary lapse in concentration.

Not that it mattered. It was pretty much a point a minute, with the hosts totally dominating the game. Coach Christo Henderson was obviously pleased with the result, especially bearing in mind that the Warriors have a huge game this coming Saturday.

Tries were scored by Francois de Kock (2), Ben Oosthuizen (2), Dawie Durrheim, Chris Mitchell (2), Tienie Viljoen (2), Juandre Koekemoer, David van Zyl and Dylan Kroon, who converted nine of them.

Henderson admitted that while the Dolphins were weaker than usual, the Warriors had been outstanding in capitalising on opportunities.

Newcomer Francois de Kock, who played on the right wing, was man of the match, while Ben Oosthuizen was the forward of the match.

There was some history made during the game, with Coetzee brothers Jacques, Jaco and Dewaal forming the front row when Dewaal came on for Oosthuizen, the first time this has happened at the Warriors.

Further, twin brothers Josh and James Fourie played together for the Warriors first team for the first time when James came on as a sub later in the game. Josh started at flyhalf, while his taller ‘boet’ came on as a replacement lock. Their father Juno and uncle Boet are club stalwarts, having played for the club many moons ago.

“We have gelled well as a squad and the boys believe in our system. Everyone is enjoying their rugby and that is important for a club – that players want to play. We’re taking it game by game and will ensure that we are well prepared going forward,” said Henderson.

“The boys are playing to their potential and we are seeing that in the results.”

This will be put to the test against Harlequins this Saturday, a team the Warriors are wrestling with for top spot on the log.

“This will be one of our toughest games of the season as we will be playing them away from home,” said Henderson.

“We will have a high focus on the forwards’ play this week as Harlequins have a very strong pack. We will also ensure that our defence structure is working well and that everyone understands the game plan in full,” he said.

The team for last Saturday’s game was: 1 Ben Oosthuizen, 2 Jacques Coetzee, 3 Jaco Coetzee, 4 Nicolaas Engelbrecht, 5 David van Zyl, 6 Juandre Koekemoer, 7 Dawie Durrheim, 8 Juan van den Berg (c), 9 Chris Mitchell, 10 Josh Fourie, 11 Marcell Sass, 12 Jurie Geldenhuis, 13 Tienie Viljoen, 14 Francois de Kock, 15 Dylan Kroon. Bench – Dewaal Coetzee, Rassie Venter, James Fourie, Bongi Mhle, Brendan McGarr, Doug Strachan.