Westville defeats Parktown

Match Report

Westville continued their fine run of form with a convincing 31-16 win over visitors, Parktown.

The game started at a frantic pace, with the home side racing to a 19-0 lead.

An early break from fullback Gareth Jollands lead to the opening score; this was immediately followed by another from scrumhalf Tian Meyer, after a quick throw in on the half-way line caught Parktown napping.

The third try of the half was added by right wing, Wikus du Randt, who beat his man on the outside, and raced in from 40 metres to score. Neville Talbot converted two of the tries.

The visitors seemed shell-shocked by the initial onslaught, but remained composed and began to build phases and gain turn-over ball.

The final ten minutes of the half saw a complete change in fortunes, as Parktown punched holes in Westville’s first line of defence. A try from flank B Chalmers and three penalties from the astute boot of Parktown fullback R Hope, saw the lead reduced to 19-13 in Westville’s favour going in to the half-time break.

The second half belonged to Westville, as they tightened their stranglehold on the game. Parktown seemed to fade early on in the half, allowing the Westville backs to spread the ball wide. Two tries, both scored from scrums in the visitors' 22, were a clear indication that the Parktown lads had simply run out of steam.

The first was scored after a clever dummy switch from flyhalf Ntando Mabaso, followed by a flat pass to fullback Gareth Jollands who ran in a simple touchdown under the posts, easily converted by Neville Talbot.

The second try came minutes from the end; an eight, nine, fifteen, fourteen blindside move that saw the ball transferred through the hands for Wikus du Randt to dot down in the right-hand corner.

The 31-16 win brings Westville their 9th win in a row. The team will now face DHS (Wednesday 7 June - 15.30 kick-off - Bowdens 1) in a midweek game, followed by Richards Bay on Saturday, also at Westville.

Scorers:

For Westville:
Tries: Gareth Jollands 2, Tian Meyer, Wikus du Randt 2
Cons: Neville Talbot 3

For Parktown:
Try: B Chalmers
Con: R Hope
Pens: R Hope 3

By Jonathan Farrell