It was a mixed Saturday afternoon for Springs Rugby Club at their home ground as its three teams recorded a win, a draw and a loss against Benoni Northerns.

The first team dominated their game, leaving with a 29-12 win, while the second team shared spoils in an 8-8 draw and the U21 were hammered by the visitors in a 69-0 loss.

U21 coach Alan Chapman told the Springs Advertiser that coming into the match, he knew his side would face a stern challenge against one of the strongest teams in the league.

“We always knew that Benoni was going to be one of the top teams in our league. They are a very good U21 squad and have had a few more years of experience together,” he said.

He explained that the Springs U21 team is made up largely of players who have recently graduated from school rugby and are still adapting to the demands of the club game.

“Our guys are still very young. We have got players who have just left school, basically 18 turning 19. We have a three-year plan with these boys, and we would like to keep them together and get them up to scratch,” indicated Chapman.

He believes the transition from school rugby to club rugby has been one of the biggest challenges facing the team this season.

Despite the disappointing result, Chapman identified several positives from the performance, particularly in the forward pack.

He said that the team’s scrumming was good and our set-piece play looked very good today.

“Our line-outs worked well, and some of our scrums didn’t look too bad. Our own ball and our rucks were also quite well handled and managed,” said the coach.

The coach added that the team still has areas that require attention, particularly when defending under pressure.

“We’ve got to work on a few more areas and hold our tackle shape when we’re under pressure, but it’s definitely something that we’re going to work on and get right,” shared Chapman.

The second team’s captain, Delan Prinsloo, described the result as a reflection of two sides determined to secure victory.

“It is not the result you want. A win is better than a draw, but it shows that both teams wanted the win,” said Prinsloo.

Prinsloo said decision-making played a significant role during the encounter and highlighted the importance of backing teammates and officials regardless of the outcome of key calls.

He said that if the wrong decision or call was made, then it depends on the player to show character and support the decision.

Despite not claiming victory, the captain praised his teammates for their commitment and determination throughout the match.

“They left their bodies on the line, stood together and motivated each other,” he said.

Prinsloo acknowledged that his team had opportunities to secure a better result but failed to capitalise when it mattered most.

He added that one of the team’s greatest strengths was the unity displayed among the players.

“Playing together for each other, uplifting each other to do better and work harder, and fighting until the end were positives we can take from the game,” noted Prinsloo.

Looking ahead, Prinsloo said the draw offered valuable lessons for the team as they continue their season.

“It was a big lesson. There is a lot of work to be done. We will go back to the drawing board, find a new plan and execute it properly,” concluded the captain.