Knysna thumps Thistles

Gallery Update

KNYSNA RUGBY NEWS - Knysna United Rugby Club took on a weakened Thistles Rugby Club side in a clash at Loerie Park on Saturday 8 June and caused a slight upset as they won by more than 20 points.

Both went into the fixture off a week-long break thanks to a bye the weekend before with Knysna United on a glorious high having narrowly edged Greater Knysna Rugby Club in a nailbiting Knysna Derby which they won 23-22.

Thistles were, according to log standings, the more favoured club heading into the weekend as both the first and second teams were above Knysna in the SWD President's League Coastal, but Knysna were determined to continue the turnaround in their form.

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Their resurgence was in turn aided by Thistles who on match day had to forfeit the second team game as they were unable to field two full teams. This led to Thistles' first team fielding an almost B-side against Knysna, and the latter put this advantage to good use early on in the game when they were awarded a penalty try due to illegal scrummaging by Thistles on the try line.

While Knysna's forwards were dominating by out-muscling Thistles at the breakdown and scrum time, Thistles were by far the better side at line-outs and in open play, leading to an equalising try shortly after the penalty try. The first half continued to heat up as both sides traded blows with Knysna scoring but not before Thistles equalised again. Knysna extended their lead to seven points with a third try before halftime, but Thistles reduced the lead to four points with a penalty that brought about the end of the half with the score at 21-17 to Knysna.

The opening exchanges of the second half saw tentative play from both sides, but in due time Knysna secured the bonus point with a try that was the beginning of the end for Thistles. Knysna dominated the remainder of the game with strong scrums and fast-paced flowing rugby that Thistles simply weren't able to match.

Knysna would dot down two more tries before the final whistle as they emerged victorious by 23 points as the match ended 40-17 in favour of the men in blue.

Greater Knysna's teams were also in action last weekend taking on Young Roses, but unfortunately lost both matches by a small margin of five points.

Michael Kapp attempts to find a gap in the Thistles defensive line.