Shark-infested Terriers lead 80-0 charge on Zululand Rhinos

ZULULAND Rhinos made the long trip from Empangeni to Hutchison Park on Friday evening, 27 June to take on Amanzimtoti Rugby Club’s 1st team, and, with a number of Vodacom Cup players in their ranks, they were perhaps hoping to avenge their first round defeat at the hands of the South Coast Terriers.

A packed Hutchison Park, however, proved to be no happy hunting ground for the visitors, as a rampant Toti team with Sharks stars Ryan Kankowski and Tera Mtembu in harness ran in 12 unanswered tries – 10 of them converted – to emerge 80-0 victors, giving their loyal supporters plenty to cheer about.

Just a week before, Lourens Adriaanse, now with the Springbok squad, had set the standard and his two Sharks team mates did not disappoint, with Kankowski, in particular in scintillating form, running in three tries. His tally for the evening could well have been four had he not unselfishly passed the ball to winger Corne du Toit, when he had already crossed the try line.

Mtembu himself got over the try line twice, only to be called back by the referee who had adjudged the last passes to be forward. Had those tries been awarded, they would have been just reward for the amount of work he put in around the park, with some typically strong carries which kept the visiting team’s defence busy all night. A number of the Toti players also stood out, none more so than Zander Erasmus who moved from his usual position of eighth man to the side of the scrum to accommodate Kankowski at eight. The young man clearly revelled in having Mtembu and Kankowski as his loose trio partners as he turned in a huge performance on the evening, proving that he is up there with the best loose forwards in the league. Big Tyrone ‘T-Bone’ Trembath also put in another great showing at loose head prop, carrying strongly and clearing rucks with his usual venom, and providing much-needed ballast at scrum time.

Among the backs, scrumhalf Matthew ‘Cheese’ McDonald put on another typically terrier-like performance, pressurising his opposite number and being a general nuisance on the field, as all good scrumhalves should. Flyhalf Wimpie Pretorius was accurate with the boot, slotting 10 of the 12 conversion attempts, while the centre pairing of Louis Joubert and Richard Shore have formed a formidable midfield partnership. Big left wing Kyle Lubbe was also impressive with his strong tackling and powerful runs, one of which saw him run almost the length of the field to score. Fullback Sheldon Higgo, back after an injury lay-off was at his usual best, always safe under the high ball and as the last line of defence, where he never disappoints with his robust tackling.

It was however right wing Corne du Toit who was adjudged to be the best backline player on display, just reward for a standout display on attack and defence and a very high work rate in general play.

The evenings try scorers were Richard Shore, Thinus Volker, Zander Erasmus, Pieter Harmse and Kyle Lubbe who each scored one. Corne du Toit and Levan Kilian weighed in with two each. Ryan Kankowski completed the scoring with three of the best. As mentioned, Wimpie Pretorius was successful with 10 of the 12 conversion attempts.

The value of having players like Kankowski, Mtembu, Adriaanse and Tyler Fisher playing for the club, when national and provincial commitments allow, cannot be overstated. The energy that these players bring to the practise sessions and games, have an amazingly positive influence on the players around them.

What was also great to see was that both Ryan and Tera stayed on the field for over an hour after the game, signing autographs and posing for photographs with many of the youngsters, and a number of women, who had come to watch the game. Surely the Sharks won over a few supporters that evening, thanks to these two players.

Toti seconds also enjoyed the crowds that the Shark stars had attracted and had an amazing win against the Zululand Rhinos, beating them 83–7.

They started off quickly, which normally results in structure being lost and the game plan falling to pieces. However, Friday night proved otherwise. Toti held it together and maintained forward momentum with most of the side getting a chance to cross the line.

Well done to Jason Hines who was kept busy kicking for poles, converting the many tries. Try scorers were Jarrod Byrne, Ignus Dreyer, Henry Woest, Johnny Botha, Grant Hadiaris, Sabata Mochakane, Wesley Smith and Dan Janse Van Rensburg. The man of the match for the forwards went to ‘Big’ Pierre Vermaak, who was awesome in defence and attack. The backline man of the match went to none other than the young Dan Janse Van Rensburg who distributed the ball brilliantly. He is a young man whose name seems to be on everyone’s lips at the moment. Again, well done to Dylan Kelly who captained the side well, keeping the players focused and the structure in place. All the players need to be congratulated for playing in good spirit. A fun night was had by all.

Toti has a bye this weekend, much-needed rest after last weekend’s excitement but will be back on the field the following week with the thirds travelling to Hillcrest on Thursday, 10 July. The club calls on supporters to turn out in support, as Hillcrest has a great vibe. Toti 1st and 2nds take on the Mighty College Rovers for the second round in the competition at KP3 on Saturday, 12 July.