Day 6 – Wynberg Boys High School

Prior to KO the entire boy’s had been apprehensive about playing such a highly regarded rugby school but after the opening sequences all worries were forgotten as Norwich quickly had the upper hand. Wynberg were forced to play rugby in their own half and kept coming up against brick wall in the form of Norwich’s forwards. Again and again they tried to find rhythm but only found a stubborn side not willing to allow any advantage and eventually the pressure started to show with Norwich pushing a mauling over for the only try of the match which was superbly converted by David Treglown. The second half was much like the first with Wynberg desperately trying to find space but the forwards time and again pushed them back. When the ball did find its way into the hands of the backs they quickly moved the ball out wide with superb hand a quick running. With time and options running out Wynberg had to run everything including kickable penalties. With try stopping tackles being made all over the pitch it was a fantastic defensive display by everyone involved. Eventually something had to give and again it was Wynberg, giving a difficult but very kickable penalty. Up stepped David Treglow and after a very deliberate and calming preparation he duly dissected the posts, 10 – 0. Finlay Barnham then showed exactly why Leicester Tigers have signed him by displaying the very game slowing tactics that you see week in week out in the Premiership. Final whistle, job done, two in two, time to shake hands shower and enjoy a well earned drink in the Bill Bowden Pavilion. Match report by Ian Grisewood The second match of the tour once again took place in fabulous playing conditions. There were I or 2 changes to the line up with Ollie Best, Dan Worthington, Alex Morrison and Richard Williams all starting. It took us a little while to establish the right pattern to play to, which really involved moving their large pack around the park. Our defence was ferocious throughout the match not allowing the opposition any time or space when they had the ball. Our cohesiveness told halfway through the first half when we drove them over the line from a lineout. Duncan Eaglesham eventually came up with the ball revealing himself as the try scorer; Trig’s added the extra 2 points, 7-0. That was how the first half ended with defences. Worthy of note from our side was, Jacob Bolton who never took a backward step and Nick Jones covered magnificently in the centre. The opposition were obviously rattled by our tenacity and constantly infringed at the breakdown and eventually the referee had had enough and awarded us a penalty. Trig’s once again put the ball between the posts to extend our lead to 10-0. Although we had controlled much of the game with Chris Price and Sam Hopwood dominating up front we couldn’t cross for another try. Nevertheless it was a hard earned victory and one the boys certainly savoured after the game. The coach trip back to Stellenbosch was an enjoyable journey with George Sargent voting himself choir master. Ironman Tom Plowman Player of the Day Fin Barnham The Captain’s View The second game of the tour brought tougher opposition which the lads were definitely ready for. The forwards were as powerful and dynamic as ever with “Bid Man D” scoring from a driving maul which started on Wynberg’s 22. The backs squandered a lot of good ball from the domination of our forwards although Dan Worthington must be commended for a great display in his first full game with the team1st XV. Dave Treglown kicked 5 points in a solid performance at fly-half but player of the day Finlay formed the crucial link between the forwards and backs. The Ironman or Iron Maiden as he likes it to be known went to Tom Plowman for his awesome display at prop. Overall the day was a huge success and was finished in style with a well deserved beer.