GRAAFF-REINET RUGBY NEWS — Union's High School's first rugby team's 2018 season has been about maturity and constant improvement.
The team was in the fortunate position of retaining the bulk of the 2017 first team, which allowed them to reinforce the positives from last season and introduce new structures and playing styles.
The team has adopted an expansive and positive approach to what they do, allowing for mistakes but striving for perfection.
The forward pack is a unified unit and rely on a combined effort to win set pieces and provide the backs with front-foot ball. They have dominated against far larger opponents and have pleasantly surprised supporters with how effective they have been in the tight. Their greatest asset is the skill level of each forward, often seamlessly linking with the backs to create overlaps or manipulate defences.
With five of the seven regular backline players from 2017 still available this year, there has been an almost telepathic understanding between the backs. A pleasing aspect and sign of good game awareness have been that the backline has scored regularly from set-piece moves.
This shows that decision makers are choosing the correct options and the strike runners are executing their roles. Defensively, although small in stature, they have been colossal and held out teams that were faster and bigger.
As things stand, the team has won 9 from 14 matches (Pearson and Volkskool fixtures remaining). The highlight was undoubtedly beating Graeme College in Grahamstown at the end of the second term.
With the season drawing to an end, the team is desperate to make a lasting positive impression on those who have supported them throughout the season and promise to leave it all out on the field come 16:00 on 11 August...
Union High School's first rugby team: Mateo Mahona, Luthando Skapu, Gary Shell, Zusake Ngwane, Luke McNaughton, Matt Harpur, Ronan Retief, Ben Kroon, Daliwonga Mathiale, Terrance Siyaya, Matthew Broeksma (captain), coach Carl Bezuidenhout, Michael Krige (vice-captain), Iviwe Ndamane, Cleathon Koeberg, Mthawelanga Mzimba, Jason Beaumont, Breyton Damons, Cowan Swartz, Damon Fouche, Ikhona Koeberg, Thando Hermans, Sibongiseni Baatjies and Olwethu Ngcai.
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