PLETTENBERG BAY NEWS - The Hot Steppers rugby team from Plettenberg Bay faced off against a tough San Isidro side from Argentina in an exciting match at the Knysna High Sport Field last week.
Despite performing well in a hard-fought battle, the Steppers were narrowly defeated 19-20, but the resilience and determination they displayed throughout the game left a lasting impression on all who watched.
Physical dominance
The Hot Steppers, a team made up of players from the Plett Junior Rugby Development Academy, had their work cut out for them against a physically dominant San Isidro squad.
The visitors used their size and strength to their advantage, taking an early lead by scoring three tries and making a conversion.
Strong response
However, the Steppers, led by flyhalf Carl Dixon, didn't let the early setbacks define them. Just before half-time, the Steppers mounted a strong response.
A San Isidro lock catches the ball in a lineout.
Dixon's perfectly executed grubber kick was pounced upon by speedster Zavie Sekgoka, who dotted down for the Steppers' first try.
This effort narrowed the gap, and the score at half-time was 5-17 in favour of the visitors.
Energy and focus
In the second half, the Steppers came out with renewed energy and focus. Their passing game clicked, and they began to frustrate the San Isidro team with quick ball movement and smart plays.
The breakthrough came from a quick tap penalty taken by scrumhalf Shaya Harris, which led to Sekgoka's second try under the posts. The successful conversion narrowed the Steppers' deficit to just 5 points, with the score now at 12-17.
No mercy was asked for or given in this tough match-up.
Powerful runs
With the momentum shifting, the Steppers continued to apply pressure. San Isidro's strong forward play was beginning to falter under the relentless tackling and ball-carrying efforts of debutant Chulu Zana at No 8 and flanker Jesse "The Terminator" Lottering.
The two forwards led the charge with ferocious defence and powerful runs, setting up Sekgoka for his hat-trick. The Steppers' third try of the game saw them take the lead for the first time, 19-17, with just five minutes remaining on the clock.
Penalised in dying moments
Despite their best efforts, the Steppers were unfortunately penalised at the scrum in the dying moments of the game. San Isidro capitalised on this gift, kicking a penalty to reclaim the lead, at 20-19.
The Steppers fought valiantly to hold off the visitors but were unable to regain possession before the final whistle.
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