In what was surely the toughest weather conditions yet for both teams this season, Paarl Gim comfortably beat Wynberg on their home ground in pouring wet and windy conditions.
The first half started with Paarl Gim keeping the ball amongst their forwards and systematically gaining territory into the Wynberg half by means of forced penalties. This led to a try by No 7 Beets from a lineout driving maul within the first 6 minutes of the match. Thereafter it was a battle for territory with both teams being hampered by the extremely wet and muddy conditions.
Paarl Gim, however, handled these conditions much better than Wynberg who struggled with handling errors, which hampered their attack.
Wynberg, however, did manage to capitalise on some penalties in Paarl Gim’s half. The halftime score was 14-6 in favour of Paarl Gim.
The second half started with Paarl Gim scoring a try within 3 minutes from another lineout driving maul. After that, it was a see-saw territorial game with Paarl Gim scoring when in Wynberg’s quarter. Paarl Gim’s overall play especially their lineouts and driving mauls were exceptional despite the conditions and led to 3 of their 5 tries.
Paarl Gim's defence was once again rock-solid, especially when Wynberg managed to get close to their try line for the first and only time in the 68th minute of the match. This match showed that Paarl Gim can comfortably handle every challenging weather conditions and still play their structured and very effective game plan.
Match Timeline:
05:58 Try by Paarl Gim No 7 Beets after a lineout driving maul. Convertion by No 10 Koen (7-0).
12:50 Penalty by Wynberg No 10 Curry (7-3).
15:41 Try by Paarl Gim No 12 Van Niekerk after turnover ball from a Wynberg lineout in Wynberg’s quarter.Convertion by No 10 Koen (14-3).
19:58 Penalty by Wynberg No 10 Curry (14-6).
42:40 Try by Paarl GimNo 2Bakkes after lineout driving maul. Conversion missed by No 10 Koen (19-6).
54:50 Try by Paarl Gim No 2 Bakkes after another lineout driving maul from just inside Wynberg’s 22m. Conversion missed by No 10 Koen (24-6).
74:45 Try by Paarl Gim No 13 Kleinhans after a backline attack from a maul in Wynberg’s quarter. Conversion by No 10 Koen (33-6).
Final Score 33-6.
Scorers:
Paarl Gim: Tries:No 7 Beets, No 12 Van Niekerk, No 2 Bakkes(2) and No 13 Kleinhans. Conversions: No 10 Koen (3).
Wynberg:Penalties: No 10 Curry (2).
Article by: Francois du Toit