Rugby was the winner

We were all spoilt for choice over the weekend. Those that opted for anything other than watching the Royal vs SPC game missed a treat. The weather Gods were kind and whilst the sun was hidden behind the clouds the temperature was still in the 30s. The atmosphere was charged and there was a level of expectancy all around.

The two teams did not disappoint and after 80 minutes of hard, gruelling and scintillating rugby, the spectators were treated to 91 points on the board. It was apparent that it was going to be battle between the Royal pack and the Peterite three quarters. Both sets gave us our money’s worth, as with the ball in hand they made inroads into opposition territory at will. The ball handling skills of both sides was at a high level and that made it fascinating to watch. Given the ball each side ensured that they made use of it and whenever they made it to the opposition half, we were assured of a score. The support play of the teams was great and the number of times that the teams were able to score off third and fourth phase ball was a treat. If at all one were to look at the game critically, I guess the kicking form of Royal was a letdown – maybe the nerves of the occasion were the reason. The game was played at a fast and furious pace and the coaching staff of both teams must be congratulated for the brand of rugby that was dished out. This is what the crowds yearn for and is substantiated by the large numbers that come in to witness the game. I am sure that club sides and their coaching staff will take a leaf out of this and give us a brand of ruby that is both enjoyable and entertaining. It would indeed be an injustice to pick up a single player as the man of the match and I will err on the side of caution by saying that it was the entire 30 that did duty on the day.

It was a little irritating at times to see that a certain section of the crowd decided that they knew the laws of the game better than the referee. In my view the referee maybe occasionally missed a knock on, but was spot on and consistent in terms of interpretation of the laws. Given the pace of the game it was credible that he managed to keep up.

At the end of the game there were many that stayed back chatting about the game and no doubt savouring the fact that they had witnessed a grand exhibition of open rugby. The atmosphere was like a carnival and the only thing that was missing was the Beer stall, food outlets and the loud music – Fr Rector – you may wish to cash in on such an opportunity. The viewing stands of the spectators that cough up Rs 500 for the game must be improved, if one is to watch the entire game and savour the finer points.  

There were three entities interested in the result but the eventual and worthy winner was the fourth – Rugby.