The “Horseflies” opened up their 2018 campaign with a trip up to Hilton College on a very wet and dreary afternoon in the Midlands.
It was to be a disastrous start to the game for DHS as the Hilton forwards were able to exert their dominance up front, especially in the breakdowns. Playing their direct style of rugby they were able to make in-roads into the DHS defence and conceded a few soft tries through pick and go’s. The first half deficit was compounded when Flanker, Stoney Stenekamp, received a yellow card for a professional foul. This coincided with Hooker, Donovan Adams, getting injured and meant DHS were stuck with 13 men on the field for 5 minutes. DHS also lost their Captain and Craven Week Centre, Lwandile Menze, in the first 20 minutes through injury. It was a testing first half and the deficit was 19-0 in favour of Hilton.
Throughout the game DHS had ample opportunities to score tries and the team can be very happy with the amount of clear-cut opportunities they created. However, they will need to work hard on finishing these as they threw away about five tries, if they had been more clinical. Hilton were continually gifted tries in the 2nd half as DHS defence once again let them down. This coupled with a few catastrophic errors allowed Hilton to run away with the game.
DHS, although physically outmatched, appeared the fitter team and dominated the final 20 minutes, scoring two excellent tries and spurning a few more.
It was a disappointing start to the season in regards to the result and injuries accrued to key personnel, however, DHS can be pleased with the amount of creativity they have in attack. They just need the composure in the final actions to ensure these chances get converted.
S Mathie
Director of Rugby/1st XV Coach
