Knysna falls prey to Black Lions

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KNYSNA RUGBY NEWS - Greater Knysna came within two points of continuing their winning streak over Black Lions, who managed to win the Garden Route's "African Derby" for the first time in a few years when the sides clashed at Loerie Park on Saturday 10 August.

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Heading into the fixture, both clubs have had a season that has left a fair bit to be desired as they both lie in the bottom half of the SWD President's League Coastal log, as well as the bottom half of the overall combined log encompassing all three SWD regions.

Greater Knysna found their second team in eighth place on the coastal log, and 22nd (of 27) on the combined log while the first team came in in seventh and 21st in the respective logs.

Match days between the two clubs are always a sight to behold, as the fixture is regarded as the "African Derby" of club rugby along the Garden Route according to Greater Knysna coach Aschin Klein.

With typically beautiful late-winter weather overhead, the second teams kicked off just before 15:00, which meant their match had to be reduced to only 20 minutes per half to ensure the first teams start on time. Knysna seemed to be dominating the opening exchanges, as they held onto the ball for a large portion of the first 10 minutes, but a lack of clinical finishing cost the home side, and the match went into halftime at 0-0.

The second half was a far more exciting time that wielded a very high-tempo pace for the game, but Knysna was still unable to capitalise on chances while Black Lions were clinical and made use of their chances. One penalty and two converted tries saw Black Lions emerge victorious, winning 17-0.

The first teams were, as always, the deciding factor in who wins this African Derby. Greater Knysna had won the return fixture in George in the first half of the season, but Black Lions were out for revenge and managed to narrowly hold the edge over the home side as the game went into halftime at 7-6 in favour of Black Lions. Knysna showed far more promise in the second half, as they barely managed to keep Black Lions from scoring a try, with the men from Thembalethu relying solely on two penalties to get them over the line.

Knysna were trailing 13-6 as the game reached the final 10 minutes, but they managed to cross the whitewash in the corner, leaving a difficult conversion that was missed.

No points were scored after the try, meaning the game ended in a nailbiting 13-11 victory for Black Lions.

Mzoleli Am attempts to make a run around the Black Lions' defence before being tackled out.