Mixed fortunes for Northwood
Northwood School lived through the highs and lows of schoolboy rugby over the past week.
Following a hard fought and well deserved 19-5 away victory against Port Natal last Friday night, the Knights then let themselves down with a poor first half display before pulling it together to eventually lost 34-5 to a resolute Westville team this Thursday evening.
The game at Port Natal was start-stop affair and the clash of the kits did not help to bring about continuity either. However, when the action was on the go, it was an uncompromisingly tough game of rugga for all to enjoy.
Northwood always looked the better team on the occasion and their strong carriers by forwards from the first receiver channel were amongst the highlights of their play.
The Durban North team gained the upperhand when centre Dane Elson took full advantage of a Porties error to weave his way all of the 40-metres to the tryline.
Northwood's two other tries were scored in similar fashion. Close range power drives using good low body positions enabled prop Nkanyezi Kunene and impressive ball-carrying lock Calvin Maduna to cross the chalk.
The Porties try was scored by their lock. Credit must be given to their talented left wing Philo Mzileni who once again made the most of a handful of opportunities to show off amazing footwear and lightning pace.
Believe it or not Thursday's outing against Westville was Northwood's first home game of the season. An incredible thirteen away games in a row had preceded the event.
The Reece-Edward field, part of Northwood's beautiful facilities, was in immaculate condition and the home team was cheered on by some vocal supporters.
Playing into a strong wind, handling errors, sloppy defending and weak execution of the basics were amongst the chief reasons for Northwood being down 24-0 at the break.
The Knights then emerged from the half time huddle and pep talk a different team. They played with far more desire and the noticeable improvement in handling and decision-making gave them the opportunity to play to their strengths. As a result a fairly one-sided contest was transformed into a more even challenge in a second half with Northwood losing it only 10-5. Centre Thabo Thebese was their try-scorer.
Westville had shown all the "C's" of rugby. Their composure, commitment, cohesion, communication and continuity for the most part of the game were all very good. They translated their advantage in all areas of the game into points in the form of six tries.
It was a team effort that won the day but several players produced outstanding individual performances for the visitors. Once again Westville tighthead prop Nqoba Mxoli showed off his high work rate and superior ball-carrying skills. He was justly rewarded with a try. Scrumhalf Reece McHardy continued to impress and managed to cross the line three times. Fullback Louis Snyman tried hard to involve himself in the action whenever possible and it paid off with a charged down try. He also contributed four points via conversions with the boot in windy conditions. Bradley Ellse also scored a try. Jackson Buthelezi, who filling in for injured captain Thabo Ngcongo in the backrow, exhibited a good turn of pace and had some nice long runs through traffic. However, if an award had to be given to the most valuable player on the evening, Westville inside centre Dylan Aylward had an absolute blinder and would have been a worthy recipient.
Next up for Northwood is an away game at Glenwood, a team they stunned by 9-8 in 2011. Westville and Port Natal will also meet each other on that same date being 5 May 2012.
By Beet