Garsfontein lost in the semi-final of the 2019 VirSeker Cup against eventual winners Menlopark. Nelspruit is one of the top schools in Mpumalanga and is in the process to rebuild their rugby after being kicked out of the VirSeker Cup competition.
It was an arm wrestle between Garsfontein and Nelspruit for the first 15 minutes of the game with Garsfontein's discipline costing them attacking opportunities. Garsfontein's first try was a long-distance effort to take the lead with 7-0 with 20 minutes to go in the first half. The speed of play by Garsfontein allowed their loose-head an opportunity to stretch their lead to 14-0.
Nelspruit struggled to adapt to the speed of play by Garsfontein and a second try by Deacon Pretorius stretched Garsfontein's lead to 19-0 with a big score against Nelspruit looming. A yellow card against Garsfontein resulted in a forward try with 4 minutes to go in the first half.
Garsfontein's reply was clear and precise. Garsfontein 4th try was scored from the kick-off (26-7). With only seven players upfront for Garsfontein, Nelspruit's maul resulted in their second try.
Garsfontein's speed on the attack and defence is too much for Nelspruit. However, Nelspruit showed that their mauls will be used extensively as Garsfontein seemingly has no answer. Especially with only 7 men.
Halftime: Garsfontein 26-14 Nelspruit.
Nelspruit started the second half like a house on fire, using the wind to put Garsfontein under pressure. Several penalties were awarded against Garsfontein with Nelspruit converting a penalty (26-17) after several unsuccessful attempts to score tries. Nelspruit dominated the first 15 minutes of the second half but had little to show.
A long-distance try by Kyle Thompson from Garsfontein came after Nelspruit made a mistake in Garsfontein's 22m (33-17). Nelspruit's dominance up front continued to grow and with 15 minutes to go Nelspruit are in complete control setting up camp in Garsfontein's 22.
Garsfontein has shown today that when their fitness levels increase, the speed they play the game with will be hard to defend. Nelspruit on the other hand is a well-coached team with a massive pack of forwards that will be hard to beat if the can control the speed of the game.
Fulltime: Garsfontein 33-17 Nelspruit.
Scorers and teams will be added later as and when we receive the information.
Scorers:
Garsfontein: Tries: Deacon Pretorius (2) Thansville Mayman, Andre Pieterse, Kyle Thompson. Conversions: Deacon Pretorius (3), Ethan Maasdorp
Nelspruit: Tries: Quin van Zyl (2). Conversions: Christiaan Gates (2). Penalty: Christiaan Gates