Quins narrowly lose out to Bay boys

IT was another spirited performance from the Mighty Quins 1st rugby XV this weekend as they came within inches of handing Richards Bay their first home defeat of the season.

The final score of 31-29 indicates how close the match was.

The second team came unstuck and went down 47-10 to the runaway log leaders.

Richards Bay away is traditionally one of the toughest outings in 1st division rugby, but a rejuvenated Harlequins Rugby Club went there with a positive mindset and a good attitude. The 2nd team suffered a big setback in the early morning when flyhalf Rouche Kleynhans pulled out due to illness and this meant a reshuffle in the backline with Matthew Havenga standing in, in the pivotal role.

Quins made a good start to their match and had the home side under pressure early on. Richards Bay were defending like Trojans and showed why they are leading the league when they scored the first try in the 15th minute. Quins were still playing well, but then the flyhalf voodoo struck again and Matthew Havenga and flanker Colin Scheepers collided heads and both had to leave the field with concussion.

With another reshuffle, the team lost rhythm and structure during the last 20 minutes of the half and conceded a fourth try just before halftime. The second half didn’t start well either with three tries conceded within 15 minutes and before the hour mark with the entire bench on already, scrumhalf Chris Schulenburg went over for Quins to take the score to 47-5. With their backs securely against the wall and another quick team reshuffle, it was suddenly a different team on the field and Quins played really well until the final whistle.

Captain Gavin McArthur was rewarded for his efforts when he barged over towards the end for his second try of the season. The final score of 47-10 shows a one-sided match, but it was the response by the team that stood out for most. Well done to every player who gave it their all in trying circumstances. Man of the match awards went to Chris Shulenburg and Ernest Rudman for their outstanding performances.

The 1st team was in good spirits after their recent performances and went into the match full of confidence. Quins made the best start to the match and centre Siyanda Madlala went over for a try as early as the 7th minute. Jean Spies added the conversion and then a penalty for the visitors to an early lead of 10-0. Richard Bay were stunned but showed why they are a good side and scored a try of their own in the 20th minute.

The match was a see-saw affair as play went up and down the field at a high intensity. The teams had the good crowd on the edge of their seats and it was Quins that stunned the home side when centre Riaan Nel and wing Jean du Rand went over for two tries in two minutes to take the visitors into a commanding 22-7 lead.

However again Richards Bay came back and scored a converted try with the last play of the half, to take the score to 22-14 and everything to play for.

The second half was even more thrilling, with both teams giving it their all. Quins scored first when winger Carl Donovan rounded of some good backline play with some pace and hard running to stretch the lead to 29-14. The home side was not to be outdone and responded magnificently when they ran in two tries of their own and set up a tense last 10 minutes with the score at 29-28. The home side got a penalty which was as expected well received by the home fans and with mixed emotions by the visiting camp. It was converted and Richards Bay led for the first time in the match, 31-29.

With the match almost done, it was Quins that were running the ball from all angles of the field, in true blitzbokke fashion and the home side’s defense was tested and they were hanging on for dear life. Flyhalf Jean Spies who had a magnificent game at 10, broke through one more time and chipped over the defense’s heads. It was a frantic chase and the Richards Bay players stretched out a hand to snatch the ball with their fingertips and dot in down as the final whistle went. Two inches either way and the bounce of the ball would have favoured the Mighty Quins.

As they say, ‘cowboys don’t cry’ and the much improved performance will stand Quins in good stead in the last few games of the season. Man of the match awards went to Van Zyl Koch and Jean Spies.

This week sees another away game against Ballito, which takes place on Saturday, 27 June at 1.30pm and 3pm.

The juniors played at Amanzimtoti Rugby Club this past weekend and the spectacle was enjoyed by all. Well done to everyone involved and to all the youngsters who made these matches so wonderful to watch.