Jaquars roar to victory

PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - It was a game of two halves as the Jaguars clawed their way back from a nervy start to claim a thrilling 26-19 victory over Uniondale in a pulsating rugby encounter last Saturday.

This SWD Super B League final was played at Outeniqua Park in George.

The match began at a snail's pace, with both sides cautious and clearly affected by the occasion.

Nerves were on display, and neither team seemed willing to take early risks. The ball ping-ponged between the halves as both coaches barked clear, simple instructions from the sidelines: kick deep, force penalties and take the points.

Uniondale stuck to the plan, but failed where it mattered most - in execution. They left a costly 15 points out on the field from missed penalty kicks.

Despite this, they still held a slim 6-3 lead at half-time, a scoreline that flattered their performance, considering the missed opportunities.

After half-time, the Jaquars returned to the field with a new level of intensity and purpose, immediately putting Uniondale on the back footing. The pressure mounted, and Uniondale's defense began to crack. Missed tackles, rushed clearances and mounting penalties told the story.

Then came the breakthrough.

A powerful surge from the Jaguars' tight five softened the defence, and flanker Mabhelandile 'Bells' Ngcelwane finished the move with a hard-earned try that brought the crowd to its feet. Jaguars took the lead for the first time, 10-6, and never looked back.

The momentum firmly shifted and the backline took full advantage. Scrumhalf Roshe Harris delivered a textbook up-and-under, collected expertly by flyer Ronaldinho Hunter.

Harris quickly recycled and threaded a grubber through the chaos for centre Gared 'Pa Ger' Louw, who bulldozed his way over the line for a brilliant team try.

With the score now 17-6 and the crowd in full voice, it looked like a long road back for Uniondale.

To their credit, the visitors dug deep. They clawed their way back with a try, although the conversion went astray. Another try and a late penalty gave them hope, but it was too little, too late.

Jaguars' fullback, Abrian 'Puntemasjien' Willemse, was the very picture of composure, slotting four penalties and two conversions to take his personal tally to 16 points. His boot kept the scoreboard ticking and ensured Uniondale could never quite close the gap.

A hard-earned win for the Jaguars, and a performance that will be remembered by fans for seasons to come.