KNYSNA NEWS - The A team of Sedgefield Eagle Stars Rugby Club hosted the All Blacks from Oudtshoorn this past Saturday, and lost the game, 27-17.
This SWD Super B League match was played at Smutsville in Grassy Park.
It was a tough encounter, with Eagle Stars not willing to buckle under any sort of pressure the men in black initially threw at them.
At half-time the visitors had their noses only slightly in front, at 10-7, with all to play for.
In the second half, the All Blacks were able to poke more holes in the defensive system of Eagle Stars, earning them two more tries, which proved vital in securing them a valuable away victory.
For Eagle Stars, it's back to the drawing board, knowing full well that they can compete with the big dogs in the league on any day - now it's just a matter of finishing the opponent off when the opportunity arises.
This was one of those games that Eagle Stars will certainly know could have gone either way.
For Eagles Stars, Averon Jafta, Ezhrin Damane and Renier Jantjies each scored a try, with Junaid Ruiters converting two tries.
The All Blacks' tries were scored by John Jackson, Tshepo Moopela, Altheabo Matolla, EAJ Carew and Gerard Malgas. Jason Plaatjies slotted one conversion.
An Eagle Stars player loses the ball in a tackle.B team
Eagle Stars' B team were thumped 24-3, and trailed 7-0 at the break. For the All Blacks, Keanu Goliath scored a try, with Nigel Buys scoring a brace. Roberto Botha made no mistake with his conversion kick, while Herschelle Botha was successful with two conversions.
The All Blacks players receive a warm welcome from the crowd and their opponents. Photo supplied
C team
The day started with both clubs fielding development teams, to make sure there was a full day of rugby. Although the First League A competition does not require clubs to have three teams, both clubs gave young players the opportunity to display their talents, and entertain the crowd who attended this match.
Both teams played with passion and determination.
The result was of this battle was of little importance, as for both teams as this was clearly a case where rugby was the big winner at the end of the day.
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