Hornlee's rugby Titans earn tough draw

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KNYSNA RUGBY NEWS - Hornlee-based Titans Women's Rugby Academy earned themselves a hard-fought draw against Harlequins on Monday 17 June despite being at a numerical disadvantage.

The women took to the field following a friendly match between Greater Knysna and the Harlequins men's team, which acted as a fitting curtain raiser for the thrilling game that would follow.

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The two men's teams were evenly matched in many aspects, despite neither side fielding their first and strongest XV, but regardless, a tough game would follow which saw Greater Knysna manage to edge the military side from Oudtshoorn 16-10, setting up a perfect atmosphere for the women's game that would follow.

The match was Titans' third league game of the season thus far, and things looked slightly glum for them when only eight of their players pitched up at the community sports fields in Hornlee. This meant they would start the match with only eight players, while Harlequins (who could field a full side) played with 10 players and were allowed to use rolling substitutions.

Despite the numerical disadvantage for Titans, they were very nearly able to make their mark early on in the game when a player made a break down the right-hand side of the field and found herself clear through to the try line. She had the chance to put Titans into an early unexpected lead, but was instead tackled over the dead ball line by a Harlequins defender.

Harlequins seemed to finally capitalise on the numerical advantage when they scored two tries in a few minutes to take a 12-0 lead over the home team. This didn't last long however as the determined Titans outfit fought hard to get within five points, but not before Harlequins scored again. The game went into halftime at 19-12 to Harlequins.

The second half promised to be no different for Titans, and soon Harlequins extended their lead to 12 points, which should have been the final nail in the coffin for Titans. But, having acquired a ninth player at halftime, the women showed incredible fight to score two light tries that would see them tie the game at 24-24.

The second late try's conversion would be the deciding factor, as Siphenathi Yeko managed to convert from the sideline with the last touch of the game to tie it all up.

With a chuckle, Prelene Pregram fends off a Harlequins player attempting to bring her down. Photos: Blake Linder