DHS vs Westville : 1st XV Rugby Match Report
One would have to look back more than a decade to see when DHS last beat Westville in the leafy suburbs. Prior to that it had been a foregone conclusion DHS would come out victorious; but times have changed and Westville’s rise has been a rapid one. But Saturday brought with it a warm scent of nostalgia as DHS turned back the clock to record a historic 25-24 win over their close neighbours.
It was by no means a classic affair, with both teams stuttering along struggling to put together any sustained pressure. The 1st half played directly into the home side’s hands as they were able to nullify the running threats of DHS by denying them ball. This was also due mainly in part to the lack of discipline from the DHS boys conceding far too many penalties early on. The majority of these penalties were conceded deep inside DHS half, and were expertly executed by Westville flyhalf, Jared Lombard, to give Westville a somewhat comfortable 9-0 lead.
Although DHs managed to pull one back, they were being penalised too often at scrum time and were struggling to find any rhythm to their game. DHS were dealt a further blow 7 minutes from half time when star scrumhalf, Sanele Nohamba, was given a yellow card for a late tackle on his opposite number. Westville managed to add another 3 points before DHS rallied to produce their best attack of the half, as outside centre, Onke Jiba, broke the line and gave the ball to in-form wing, Tonderai Ndudzo. It looked like a certain try before a miss-timed pass to flank, Phendulani Buthelezi, resulted in the DHS player being heroically tackled into touch.
With DHS being denied most of the ball in the first half, one was almost expectant that they would find some momentum in the 2nd period. It came through a training ground move from a scrum where Nohamba executed a wonderfully timed pass to wing, Tonderai Ndudzo, who slipped through the Westville centre pairing, breaking the tackle of the fullback and diving under the sticks.
DHS tails were up and they were feeding off the wonderful support of their schoolboys who drowned out any other support on the day. DHS were starting to stamp their authority at line out time as well, with lock, Mandisi Mthiyane, and flanker, Buthelezi, stealing as much as was thrown at them.
After DHS has spent a prolonged period of time in the Westville 22m, they were given a penalty. A quick tap from Nohamba saw him jink, jive and break through a tackle to find a clear path to the try line scoring a stunning individual effort in the corner.
DHS led 15-12 and were looking comfortable only for a poorly timed exit from DHS fullback Cham Zondeki, allowing Westville to charge down the kick and score. This turned the tide back in favour of the home team.
With DHS adding another penalty the score was in favour to the Horseflies 18-17.
DHS flyhalf, Gert Coetzee, was starting to control the game and DHS got their reward when a loose ball was hacked through by wing, Ndudzo, who managed to gather; his run brought him just short of the try line but was finished off by outside centre, Jiba, whose pick and go took DHS into the lead. But it was Nohamba’s conversion that would decide the game, slotting the kick from the furthest of angles giving DHS a buffer of an 8 point lead. Westville mounted one last effort and were able to score with no time left on the clock but ultimately falling short at the final hurdle. It was another loss for the Westville team who is low on confidence. DHS, however, celebrated with great gusto and march on with another well earned victory. The exciting brand of rugby coming from the Blue and Gold’s is exciting to watch and the belief they have amongst one another grows with every game. Expect even more big results going the way of “School” this year!
Scott Mathie
1st XV Rugby Coach/Head of Rugby
