Xerox Lions win keeps their play-off chances very much alive |
September 25 - The Xerox Lions made it six from seven as they came back after sustained attack in the last ten minutes to beat the log-leading Sharks 22-20 at Coca-Cola Park on Saturday.
The win does not change the Lions’ standing on the log where they are still in fifth place, but gives them an excellent chance to make the semis with only two league matches remaining. The Sharks remain on top of the log despite the defeat – only their third of the season.
It seems as if the Lions clash with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein next weekend could decide matters, permutations are of course also possible.
It was a well-deserved victory with greater enterprise and commitment from the winners probably securing the win against a side that tried to spoil on many occasions and simply didn’t have the penetration behind the pack despite three tries from their wingers.
The Sharks came back from 10-5 down to take the lead at 20-15, but then the resurgent Lions came back with a fighting spirit that could see them into the play-offs – and who knows, beyond.
The Sharks survived a torrid last ten minutes – or so it seemed, because the perseverance and good ball control of the Lions as well as their confidence to run brought reward with 30 seconds of the match remaining.
Captain Franco van der Merwe, who toiled throughout, was the man who drove over – and although it wasn’t the most difficult of kicks, Elton Jantjies converted after a very average afternoon with the boot to give his side the four points.
Of the three defining moments in the first half two went the Lions’ way. After just a minute and a few seconds Lions hooker Martin Bezuidenhout had a brainless moment when he tackled Sharks lock Alistair Hargreaves and then started hitting him repeatedly.
He was yellow-carded after winger Lwazi Mvovo rounded off the movement some 55 metres on and was lucky to escape with a yellow. The sitter of a conversion was missed by Patrick Lambie who hit the upright, but the Sharks were 5-0 up after only a few seconds.
The second moment of importance was after a sustained spell of attack by the Sharks over a period of four minutes or so – and when a score looked certain Derick Minnie brought off possibly the best tackle of his career on the corner flag to save what looked a certain try.
At this stage the score was 5-3 to the Sharks after Elton Jantjies had slotted a penalty.
While the Sharks had slightly more possession, most of the direct rugby was played by the Lions and Jantjies missed an opportunity when he too struck the upright from a penalty.
The Sharks returned and looked very dangerous, but once again handling let them down on the Lions tryline – and then Doppies la Grange broke from such an error and fed Jannie Boshoff. He ran well, evaded a tackle and gave to Jaco Taute 30 metres out to go over under the posts. Jantjies converted and the Lions led for the first time, 10-5.
But then came the third moment that had a major effect on the first half. The Sharks struck back – very fortuitously – when they took it wide and Mvovo evaded a tackle. The try was awarded with assistant referee Christie du Preez missing Mvovo’s foot touching the line. Lambie missed, and the scores were tied at 10-all.
The Lions then played some scintillating rugby in the last three minutes but Jantjies again missed a very kickable opportunity which would have been just reward before the break.
Waylon Murray rounded off some good attacking play by the Lions nine minutes after halftime, but Jantjies again missed the conversion – his fourth from six attempts, albeit that one was from 50 metres out (15-10)
The home side then drove the Sharks off the ball and turned over another ruck – the third in the half – that was kicked ahead, too far by just two metres for the chasers.
Lambie missed another penalty in a day the two young flyhalves would rather forget, but Odwa Ndungane, who had been busy throughout the match, received a pass on the overlap for an easy try with 25 minutes remaining. This time Lambie’s kick from near touch was good and the Sharks went back into the lead (17-15).
The lead stretched to 20-15 after 21 minutes of the second half as the Lions bungled a ruck in their own 22 following a Lions handling error on the other side of the field. A last minute conversion by Elton Jantjies secured the win.
Scorers: Xerox Lions: Tries: Jaco Taute, Waylon Murray, Franco van der Merwe. Conversions: Elton Jantjies (2). Penalty: Jantjies
Sharks: Tries: Lwazi Mvovu (2), Odwa Ndungane. Conversions: Lambie. Penalty: Lambie (3) |
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me modify the cost-free essay I came across from the internet abortion: one moral issue essay. That report fits my requirements yet is authored in an awful manner and there are syntax errors. Do you think I ought to proceed? I am simply just in need of support, and so any kind of idea could be wonderful.
Well done the Lions pack - both props and locks worked extremely hard and rucked and tackled relentlessly. Loosies, you guys are monsters...especially Minnie - you are superfit and keep going.
Only disappointed in the defense of Boshoff in letting Lwazi Mvovo get past him twice....
SHOW THE CHEETAS ON SATURDAY AND I WILL ALWAYS BE A LIONS SUPPORTER - WIN OR LOOSE!
THANKS TO CARLOS AND THE MANAGEMENT TEAM FOR DOING A GREAT JOB. WE CAN SEE THE DIFFERENCE IN THE WAY THE LIONS PLAY THESE DAYS!
EK BLY 'N LEEU!!!!!
They tackled hard,drove players back and turned the ball over a couple times, the sharks were expecting a hard game but they had no idea.Jantjies didn't have the best game but he definately has the tallent to become one of the best,lets not forget who use to wear that no. 10 jersey not so long ago.
Good job John Mitchell & the Lions
Lets give it to the cheetas on Saturday!
Jantjies is die regte man vir die werk, hy het wel swak geskop saterdag maar hierdie man het baie baie BMT.
Derick Minnie, Joshau Straus en Wikus - wow hierdie manne is seker die beste los 3 in die currie cup.
Net weer, well done boys!!!
GO LIONS
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