The Hollywoodbets Sharks XV were in near sublime form as they secured a rousing six try 40-21 Carling Carrie Cup victory over the visiting Suzuki Griquas at Hollywoodbets Kings Park on Sunday afternoon.
It’s been a season of learning, but on the evidence of this performance and the outcome of the game, this is a Hollywoodbets Sharks side that has really developed into a competitive side.
An exciting, patient and focussed start to the game delivered the rewards when Jaden Hendrikse, back from a long term injury, dummied and dived over after his forwards had initiated a series of pick and drives, having dominated the early exchanges. Lionel Cronje converted for a 7-nil lead in the seventh minute of the game.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks continued to dominate possession and territory, Griquas reduced to a defensive role in the game as they had to throw all their energies into preventing another try. But the dam wall finally broke after 20 minutes, Hakeem Kunene running the perfect line to score after a sustained effort from the forwards to hammer away before the defence was found wanting. Cronje converted for a 14-nil lead and the home side were well in control of the game in every facet.
Five minutes later, Eduan Keyter went over, a free kick at the scrum providing the quick option to attack out wide and there was no hesitation as the wing powered his way for try number three, with Cronje adding the extras for a 21-0 lead.
With rare opportunities on attack, the visitors finally managed to craft a score after a break in midfield and scored their opening try as the game headed for the half hour mark, cutting the lead to 14 points with just over 10 minutes of the entertaining half remaining.
Their joy was short-lived as they lost the ball at the kick-off following serious pressure from the chasers and the ball was quickly recycled with ever-present flank Jannes Potgieter going over for the bonus point try, handing Cronje an easy conversion which he made successfully for a 28-7 lead.
Griquas managed to build some pressure towards the closure of the half, but in their haste under pressure, threw a loose pass in the midfield and Jurenzo Julius showed a clean pair of heels as he grabbed the ball and sprinted to the tryline for try number five, converted by Cronje for a well-deserved 35-7 half-time lead.
Griquas were battling with the scraps they had, but finally managed a good try, a midfield break opening up the attack as they surged ahead for their second try, together with the conversion making it a 21-point game.
The visitors struck again, this time taking the ball from a halfway line lineout across the field and then rounding the defence to score their third try with the final quarter left to play. The successful conversion cut the lead to 14 points.
The impressive SA Under 20 hooker, 19-year old Ethan Bester, broke out of a rolling maul to score his team’s sixth try after an understanding from the Hollywoodbets Sharks not to let up the pressure against a resurgent Griquas’ team and at 40-21 up with 17 minutes remaining, it was the best response at the right time.
With the game headed for its conclusion, Griquas took a sustained attack through 19 phases as they chased a result that was beyond them. It was brave, but ultimately thwarted by a side that has been growing in stature, confidence and belief and demonstrated how far this young team has come in the tournament.
