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June 11 – The MTN Lions must feel that the rugby gods have something against them as they again came so very, very close to a win but had to be content with their 30-all draw against the Sharks at Coca-Cola Park on Saturday.
Full marks must however go to the Sharks who scored three tries in the last 26 minutes to claw their way back from an20-9 halftime deficit that became 30-9 after 48 minutes.
Although the Sharks weren’t at their very best, most of this could be put down to the aggressive and patient play of the Lions at the breakdown; some outstanding defence and good interplay. Two wonderful mauling tries from lineouts, one in each half, showed that the young Lions have come of age this year to end the season on a relatively high note with two wins (both overseas) and a draw from their last five matches.
The match turned in the last quarter when Sharks coach John Plumtree brought on the more mobile and aggressive Bismarck du Plessis for John Smit, and also more running power at the back in the persons of Frederik Michalak and Adi Jacobs. But the main setback was probably the dangerous high tackle by Butch James on the 60th minute that saw the Springbok sin binned.
James was outstanding until then and one of the main reasons why his side was in the ascendency before he left the field. While flanker Cobus Grobbelaar scored two tries from the lineout mauls and Jano Vermaak the other after good interplay, James kicked 15 points from six faultless kicks. And he came so close with the winning drop goal that seemed on its way in the 80th minute when Du Plessis got his hands to the ball on its flight for a precious charge-down.
John Smit said the turnaround in this game of two halves was due to the fact that the Sharks got their hands on the ball and protected their possession better. And while the draw instead of a win could cost them a place in the play-offs, Lions captain Doppies la Grange was just as disappointed. He admitted that his side defended their lead for the last 30 minutes, but was pleased with the improvement of his side.
“Of course we’re disappointed; it’s another one like last week. But we’re improving.”
And the Lions supporters, who have now been without a home win for more than two seasons, will agree. With a fair smattering of Sharks supporters also present, the home side were well-supported and La Grange afterwards thanked them for their support.
“We’ve got awesome supporters, and we can’t thank them enough tonight,” La Grange said.
Scorers:
MTN Lions:Tries: Cobus Grobbelaar (2), Jarno Vermaak; Conversion: Butch James (3) Penalties: Butch James (3)
Sharks: Tries: Patrick Lambie, JP Pietersen, Lwazi Mvovo; Conversions: Patrick Lambie (3); Penalties: Patrick Lambie (3) |
