JON HARRIS
False Bay RFC retained their unbeaten status in Super League A when they ground out a convincing 31-0 victory over Primrose at Kenilworth on Saturday. They lead 12-0 at the break.
By no means a spectacle of rugby, the match was constantly interrupted by injury breaks, some serious, others, perhaps, breathers. It took favourites False Bay half an hour to break the duck on the scoreboard.
During this period their attempts to score were stymied by passionate defence and clever slowing of the ball at the breakdown.
While it is not a popular game pattern, it is nevertheless effective in containing an attacking team to remain within striking distance of a win.
The Primrose defence was solid for the most part and they had done their homework on the Bay.
Lethal ball carrier Danie Roux, for instance, was policed by a posse of defenders whenever in possession, limiting the threat he poses as a try scorer.
Their pack were physical in open play and solid in the scrums.
Flank Sizwe July was prominent among his peers. The Bay were constantly on attack throughout the contest and from the outset opted to attack off line-outs from penalties received.
As the half progressed and their attempts to cross the line were negated, the nerves of “those-in-the-know”, the supporters, began to fray more and more.
Fortunately, those on the sidelines aren’t as informed as the coaching panel and the Bay’s persistence and refusal to panic eventually resulted in a try by standout prop Wesley Chetty, converted by flyhalf Adnaan Osman.
Moments before the end of the half, lock Simon Askew was rewarded for his outstanding play when he swooped on a loose ball and crashed over to give the Bay their half-time score.
Askew is evidence of the depth of the Bay squad which has encouraged healthy competition.
His decision to focus on lock instead of his chosen eighthman has delivered a robust and mobile ball carrier with a high work rate.
