The Epru Adams Cup Sunsed second-round match between Swallows and Rosebuds concluded on a high note for the visiting team, as they secured a 31-19 bonus-point victory in Alicedale on Saturday, 12 September. Despite fielding a relatively young and inexperienced side, Swallows dominated the match, showcasing their prowess in the set piece and backline. The encounter was a battle for pride and bragging rights, as both teams played their final league fixture of the season.
Swallows asserted their control early in the match, taking a commanding 21-5 lead into the halftime break. The visitors' dominance was largely due to their superior performance in the scrum, where they won numerous penalties and put the Rosebuds pack under sustained pressure. Swallows' backline also proved effective, as they crossed for three tries in the first half. The team's young players rose to the occasion, producing an impressive performance in a high-tempo and intense contest.
The second half saw Rosebuds respond strongly, introducing several senior and semi-retired players from the bench. Their experience immediately made an impact, as the home side scored two quick tries to put Swallows under considerable pressure. The match developed into an entertaining end-to-end contest, with both teams producing some spectacular attacking rugby. However, handling errors and discipline issues cost both sides valuable scoring opportunities.
Discipline became a major factor in the second half, with three yellow cards issued for off-the-ball incidents. Rosebuds appeared to be gaining momentum as they launched a determined comeback and closed the gap, putting Swallows under pressure and threatening to score further tries. However, their discipline ultimately proved costly at a crucial stage of the match.
Swallows' exciting young backline had the final say, as Ryan Welgemoed scored a brilliant try under the poles, effectively sealing the victory and extinguishing Rosebuds' hopes of completing the comeback. The match ended with a well-earned 31-19 bonus-point victory for Swallows, who marched away from Alicedale with a dominant performance and a fitting finish to their second-round campaign.
The points for Swallows were scored through tries by Brayton Plaatjies, Nickwin Plaatjies, Zane Stokes, and Ryan Welgemoed, with Brayton Plaatjies converting four tries and scoring a penalty. For Rosebuds, Shaneed Peterson, Nico Kock, and Goliath scored tries, with Peterson converting two tries. The victory marked a satisfying end to Swallows' second-round campaign.
The win demonstrated the depth and potential of Swallows' young squad, who were able to overcome a relatively strong Rosebuds side. The match showcased the competitive spirit and determination of both teams, as they battled for pride and bragging rights in their final league fixture of the season. The result will likely have a positive impact on Swallows' confidence and momentum heading into future matches.
Key points
- Swallows secured a 31-19 bonus-point victory over Rosebuds in their final Epru Adams Cup Sunsed second-round match.
- The visiting team's young and inexperienced side rose to the occasion, producing an impressive performance in a high-tempo and intense contest.
- Ryan Welgemoed's try effectively sealed the victory and extinguished Rosebuds' hopes of completing the comeback.
