Wynberg absorb Rondebosch resurgence to emerge victorious

In what can only be termed a physical encounter the likes of which this author has not previoulsy witnessed at this level of rugby Wynberg once again proved tenacious in defence to emerge 15-12 victors.

Wynberg hosted Rondebosch in this return fixture after having succumbed to their opponents by the same margin (12-15) at Rondebosch earlier in the season.

Wynberg have changed their approach in the first half and once again came out the blocks with intent after receiving the kick. They immediately went onto the offensive and were rewarded with a try scored under the posts by outside center Ayanda Mkhonto. Center partner Mika Ekstrom converted and for a sustained period of the half the hosts lead 7-0. 

During this period Rondebosch attacked the Wynberg defensive wall ferociously but the hosts put their bodies on the line and were equally determined in meeting their opponents. Rondebosch were denied time and again by the defensive wall.

Nearing the end of the first half Wynberg scored a breakaway try through some enterprising play by captain Labib Kannemeyer at scrumhalf in kicking the ball downfield with center Ayanda Mkhonto and right-wing Cameron Samuel in hot pursuit. Cameron snaffled the ball and scored on the right. Mika's conversion attempt was wide and halftime saw the hosts lead 12-0.

Early in the second half Wynberg were awarded their only penalty of the match and Mika converted this into into another three points on the board. The score stood at 15-0 to Wynberg.

The change in halves saw a change in fortunes as the penalty count against the hosts soared. With hardly any possession Wynberg were forced to spend 98% of the second half defending. The manner of their defensive effort was stupendous in the face of the relentless attack from Rondebosch.

Although the visitors scored two unanswered tries in the second half with one of them being successfully converted, it was the hunger for victory within the hosts which kept them ahead on the scoreboard at the final whistle.

Final score: 15-12 to Wynberg.

The team keenly awaits a visit from SACS next week to wrap up their 15-a-side season.

Scorers:

Tries: Ayanda Mkhonto, Cameron Samuel

Conversions: Mika Ekstrom

Penalties: Mika Ekstrom

Click here for the photo gallery from the game.

Video highlights

Full results (to follow):

Wynberg scores listed first.

U13A: 15-12
U13B:

U12A: 5-21
U12B:

U11A: 7-14
U11B: 

U10A: 0-17
U10B:

U9A:
U9B: