Westville overcame a strong start from Port Natal to run out comfortable winners by 45 points to 17 to maintain their unbeaten domestic record. Played on Saturday at the Voortrekker main field under lights, the Highway team were pushed hard by the White Knights in the first half. The Port Natal backs looked threatening on attack in the first half but in the second half, the tide turned and the Highways boys put on an entertaining display of running rugby to seal a comfortable victory.
Westville began strongly, winning the ball at the kick off and keeping possession through multiple phases but Port Natal’s robust defence kept the highway team at bay. Port Natal scored a penalty through their scrumhalf but this was quickly cancelled out by an excellent try by Westville’s left wing Jason Wilks which fullback Louis Snyman converted. Snyman then kicked a penalty to stretch the lead to 10 – 3 midway through the half. Port Natal were playing a high tempo game and looked to use their threatening outside backs at every opportunity. They were rewarded for their attacking endeavour with a fine try by right wing. Westville launched a counter attack from deep inside their half which took them deep into Port Natal’s 22m before lock Adrian Heystek finished off the attack by crashing over to the left of the poles leaving Snyman an easy conversion and the highway team a 17 – 10 lead at the break.
Westville responded to the inevitable half time talk and shifted up a gear in the second half. Flyhalf Reece McHardy and centre Brad Ellse were particularly impressive in launching attacks with some strong ball carrying, slick handling and clever offloads in the tackle. Westville scored five tries with centre Brad Ellse helping himself to two and No 8 Zane Weir also showing his try scoring skills. Snyman added the kicks to stretch the lead to 45 – 10. To their credit Port Natal refused to lie down and they were rewarded with a late try which was converted.
Westville take on a resurgent Northwood at home next week in what should prove to be a competitive fixture for both teams. Westville will be looking to stretch their unbeaten run to seven games.
The full set of results are as follows:
1st vs Port Natal 1st won 45-14
2nd vs Voortrekker 1st won 48-11
3rd vs Alexandra 1st won 40-0
4th vs Port Natal 2nd won 17-0
5th vs Amanzimtoti 1st won 14-0
6th vs Voortrekker 2nd lost 12-33
7th vs Alexandra 2nd won 38-8
16a vs Port Natal 16a won 22-0
16b vs Voortrekker 16a lost 18-28
16c vs PMB Development 16a won 47-0
16d vs Cancelled
16e vs PMB Development 16b won 24-0
15a vs Voortrekker 15a won 61-3
15b vs Port Natal 15a won 10-5
15c vs Alaexandra 15a won 38-12
15d vs Amanzimtoti 15a won 10-5
15e vs PMB Development 15a drew 10-10
15f vs Voortrekker 15b lost 7-19
14a vs Voortrekker 14a won 94-0
14b vs Port Natal 14b won 39-0
14c vs Alexandra 14a won 65-5
14d vs Amanzimtoti 14a won 24-0
14e vs Cancelled
14f vs Cancelled