The Sharks Under 19s had to endure some pressure going into the final minutes of a closely-contested Absa Under 19 semi-final match against the Golden Lions in the curtain-raiser to the main game at The Absa Stadium Durban before eventually running out 28-25 winners.
Michael Marnewick of Sharksrugby.co.za
As games go, this one was as tight as they get, although it wasn’t always that way. The visitors struck first with an early try but the home side weren’t to buckle as they hammered away until they started to assert themselves, with two runaway tries and a penalty taking them into a 17-7 lead at the break.
However, pressure turns situations around and they were rewarded for their fine work, especially at the breakdowns and setpieces. In the scrums, the Lions simply had no answer, although the stronger Sharks’ side unfortunately got penalised for their stronger scrumming time and again as their advantage could not be turned into pressure.
The second half was closer with the Lions enjoying a resurgence and with the time ticking away on the clock, it appeared that they might spoil the Sharks’ party. A couple of tries scored against one from the home side suddenly had the cat among the pigeons and matters not quite as assured as they had seemed earlier.
However, the pinpoint kicking of Ross Cronje proved the difference as the home side kept their noses in front. As the clock got closer to zero, so the Lions exerted a late charge and all of a sudden, it was a three point game. However, the try conversion was missed and despite their best efforts, the visitors were unable to capitalise on their possession and it was an elated home side who raised their arms in victory when the final whistle was blown.
Sharks Under 19 Wing Mark Richards scored two tries and Arno van Zyl the other, with captain Ross Cronje contributing via the boot with two conversions and three penalties.
For the Lions, Winston Williams scored one try and Luan Steenkamp the other, as well as a penalty and two conversions. Demetri Catrikilis converted one penalty.
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Yeah boys! Those Cronjes are unstoppable
Well Done kiddies.
Now go take the trophy next week.
We will play the winner of the WP v Cheetahs Semi. which kicked off at 14:00
was at the Leopards vs Griffons game, in the curtain raiser, there was a u/19 final game, also from the griffons, there was a flyhalf playing for them, boy that guy has potensial. Naas also mentioned it on Supersport. has a great future. dont know his name, but hope we can lure him to sea… 😉
Blue Bulls 31 – 19 Cheetahs
So the clashes in Dbn will both be Sharks v Bulls. 😎
@KSA Shark © (Comment 5) : you sure? Pretty sure we’re playing WP in the u19 final…
That Ojiambo kid who plays wing for the u19s is a massive beast of a Kenyan – 1,96 and 104kg already – lets hope he develops nicely. 😯
@Big Fish (Comment 7) :
Is he quick… how did he end up at the Sharks?
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 6) :
See what happens when i rush a comment before getting on a plane? 😳
That result I posted is the CC result. 😆 😳
@Big Fish (Comment 7) :
😯 😯 😯 😯 F%^K That IS big for a wing.
Who was that guy that we were discussing the other day who was a reasonable sized lock? This guy is bigger than him 😯
About time SA tap into the athletic goldmine that is africa. 😎
Congrats so it will be WeePee vs the Sharks in this one. Yesterday got the bad news Balie Swart poaches one of WeePee and Paarl Gimmies best player U18s, the tallest timber at this years Craven Week Scoombie a taller then Matfield 2.06meters.
Hopefull the only one we’ll lost and maybe Ruaan Smit will get a run in this final.
The WeePee U19s revense their Craven Week loss of last years Craven Weeks final and only just!
Still hoping we’ll bag at least one silver ware. 😳
@PaarlBok (Comment 12) : Poached him for us?
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 13) : Balie already did, he is going to Natal Academy in 2009. A pretty tough guy not only playing wise but losing his dad at a early age his mum did the hard yards and this kid a through and through Paarl Gimmie coming through the ranks of KleinGim. I was actually surprise the WP U19s havent used his service until I got the news over the weekend. The way WeePee let this kind of talent slip is beyond me! 😈
Theres it Robbie, my percent from Paarl! Hope you’ll keep him and his talent get him where we expecting from this kid!
@PaarlBok (Comment 15) : much appreciated. Between him and Theissinger, we’re looking good for the future
Gert Schoombie? Is that the one?
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 17) : No Gert is his brother and also played for Gimmies first team, Boland U19 & u21 last year. Also a lock.
Here he is if I can get a picture posted.
[img]http://www.myremote.co.za/storage/WTF.jpg[/img]
His profile http://www.sarugby.net/profiles.asp?id=45618&Search=Schoonbee
Sorry this one will work
http://www.myremote.co.za/storage/WTF.jpg
Wish I knew more about Ojiambo; he must be pretty quick if he is not playing loosie or lock.
I saw a bit of him, and he looks very raw, but like with JPP; you can coach basic skills, but you cant coach speed and size.
@PaarlBok (Comment 19) :
Hell, Rainbow chickens is going to have to start a seperate production line just to keep this dude in schnitzel (his fav food)
How does WP let these guys slip through their fingers??
Hi Rob, could you confirm anything from Mr Theisingger?? Looks like weve started to recruit GOOD youngster… if you take a look at our U/19`s, there`s a few good players there… good to see them coming through
@Salmonoid (Comment 21) : Personally I think Balie Swart played a huge role signing him. Balie a Gimmie legend attended this year interschools and was the main speaker at KleinGim rugby big brag which the first team players also attended. Myself was sitting behind Scumbas mum at this function and a tall tannie.
I had a talk to one of the first teams players dads (his son havent make the WeePee Craven Week team) and he told me the news. Pretty interesting those players not making the Craven Week team (trust me those playing just outside Craven Week do have some huge talent) it will cost R80,000 to go to the Academy. Well they’ll rather go to Maties and do the usual student swotting and playing koshuis rugby. WeePee’s Academy now in it second year can only take 50. Myself think if the poachers wants to buy good value for money, thats the area they should target!
@VanWilder (Comment 22) : he is my pal on facebook – I’ll ask him.
my word, but that kid is huge… almost as tall as Tribbes Bekker
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 24) : He has confirmed he’s coming to the Academy
@PaarlBok (Comment 23) :
Ja, Balie Swart is much appreciated at the Sharks. Good man.
@Salmonoid (Comment 27) : must be honest (and I know this is terrible) but I didn’t realise Balie was still involved. Thought he’d been pushed out along with Kevin
Regarding Theissinger :-
“But we have decided that it would be better for him to accept an immediate senior contract from the Sharks. It enables him to immediately be part of the Sharks’ structures and as a bonus they also have a very good academy.”
which was copied from http://www.playon.co.za/index.php/October/Rugby/All-Blacks-set-their-sights-on-Grey-rugby-players.html.
Already a senior contract – these okes are serious. 😯
@Salmonoid (Comment 29) : I have asked him a pretty direct question about that… will let you know what he says
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 28) :
I knew he was still involved after Putt but until recently, when his name surfaced again, I also thought that he had moved on.
Maybe he’s an agent these days.
@Salmonoid (Comment 31) : I hope not! I think he’s employed by the Academy
The future of Sharks rugby is looking very bright!!!
@Big Fish (Comment 7) : How much more development do you need from a wing?
@beez (Comment 34) :
Skills development matey – he didn’t start the semi, and from what I saw, he looked like a bit of a rough diamond.
Anyway, another 5-10kg won’t be a bad thing if he can keep his pace – looks lean enough at the moment.
@Big Fish (Comment 35) : Doesn’t he weigh 104 already?
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 36) :
Yeah, but 110kg at pace would be just that much better!
@Big Fish (Comment 37) : Size queen 🙂
@Big Fish (Comment 35) : Yeah ,Yeah.. realised the flaw in my comment straight after posting it.
Size ain’t everything, rather have shane williams than dean hall
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 38) : could start calling him jake 😉
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 38) :
@beez (Comment 39) :
For every little Shane Williams who makes it, there are 20 Gio Aplons who don’t.
Don’t under-rate a Jonah-style winger.
@Big Fish (Comment 41) :
I’ll take a Lomu, Sivivatu, Rokokoko (sic), Lote over a Williams any day…
@robdylan (Go Sharks!) (Comment 32) : Balie coach the Sharks forwards and is involve with your academy as far as I know. Think he also cross paths with Plumtree with his time in NZ some time ago. Balie is a legend playing as a WC winner in 1995 and as a coach in 2007. Cant think of any person having this accolades as a rugby person? Wish I can upload his speech to the KleinGim kiddies at this years interschools Big Brag. He is our legend!
@bryce_in_oz (Comment 42) :
I don’t see the need to pretend that size doesn’t matter in rugby – history has shown otherwise.
And a good, big winger can wreak havoc in open space.