Marlow win FNB Classic in Riversdale
Match Report
In the wet South Western Districts Marlow Landbou of Cradock beat Oakdale Landbou of Riversdale 25-18 un a close FNB Classic Clash on Saturday.
It took a try in the last minutes to clinch the victory, for till then the scores had been locked at 18-all.
Close as it was, Marlow, who are enjoying their best season ever, deserved the victory. It was as close as it was only because of Oakdale' fighting spirit.
There had been two days of sunshine before the match after heavy rains and the day itself was beautiful but it was certainly not a dry field.
The Marlow backs were better than Oakdale's but the slippery field made back play difficult. As a result Marlow's finishing frustrated their efforts. Their backs are, in fact, the stronger unit in the side. They are fast wide out and have a brilliant attacking fullback in Nielbert Kitching who pops up in unexpected places in the backline.
Marlow did most of the attacking in the first half, but the home side's defence was determined and the half-time score was just 8-3 to Marlow. Two tries in the second half gave Oakdale heart but for the latter part of the half, Marlow were in charge.
Marlow scored four tries to two but their kicking at goal was not successful. Oakdale had the benefit of a penalty try, awarded at a tackle for a "professional foul".
For Marlow, Nielbert Kitching, flank Jacques van der Westhuizen and lock Jacobus Odendaal were outstanding. For Oakdale Stefan Ferreira and Boeta van der Watt played well.
For a preview of the match with links to information about the schools and profiles of the captains, click here.
Scorers:
For Marlow:
Tries: PW Roux 2, Graham Heyneke, Neilbert Kitching
Con: Jan du Toit
Pen: Jan du Toit
For Oakdale:
Tries: Stefan Ferreira, penalty try
Con: Duan van der Berg
Pen: Duan van der Berg
Drop: Boeta van der Watt.
Teams:
Oakdale: 15 Thys Jamneck, 14 Stephan Ferreira, 13 Boeta van der Watt, 12 Sias Grundling, 11 Nico Human, 10 Duan van der Berg, 9 Wimpie Louw, 8 Nicolas van Zyl, 7 Albert van Deventer, 6 Albert Boonzaaier, 5 Landré Meyer, 4 Johan Möller, 3 Riaan Kemp, 2 Derek Harwood, 1 Johan Smit.
Marlow: 15 Nielbert Kitching, 14 PW Roux, 13 Dirk Karstens, 12 Jacques Watson, 11 Johan Hurter, 10 Jan du Toit, 9 Danie Schoeman, 8 Daniël Muller (captain), 7 Jacques van der Westhuizen, 6 FC Cloete, 5 Hennie Linde, 4 Jacobus Odendaal, 3 François Hanekom, 2 Graeme Heyneke, 1 AJ Oelofse
Coaches: Douw Odendaal, Neels Dreyer
Referee: Rudie van der Poel (South Western Districts)
Otherr teams:
Under-19B: Oakdale won 13-6
Under-16A: Oakdale won 24-8
Under-15A: Marlow won 7-0
Under-14A: Oakdale won 43-0