Double win for London South Africa at Imber Court

Saturday 2nd December 2006

London South Africa’s (LSA) two teams both secured victory at their home ground, Imber Court, on Saturday afternoon. The Shield XV were first up against Staines, a professional and well-organised side that looked like favourites to win the game after the early exchanges. But a collective effort by LSA’s forwards and backs saw LSA take four tries, two conversions and one penalty to win the game 27-24.

While the first half saw LSA take a good lead, the second half saw LSA struggle to stay on top of their game as Staines came back in a concerted effort that pushed LSA to the limit. The closing minutes proved a very tense affair. Having squandered their lead LSA found themselves tied with Staines at 24 – 24. Staines had all the momentum at this point but one last rally by a tired LSA took them into Staines territory where they secured a penalty, calmly slotted home by the LSA fly half to seal the game 27 - 24.

In the forwards, Hanno Vermaak and Willem Marais certainly made their presence felt on the field, with Hanno showing his usual excellent attacking and defensive play, while Willem’s efforts led to a well-deserved try. In the backline, Trevor Grundelingh’s outstanding play was awarded with two tries. But special mention goes to the club’s veteran player, Trevor “the Major” Johnson for his stirling effort at loosehead prop in the first half anchoring the LSA scrum and securing line-out possession. The Major has been with LSA since the club’s inception, contributing his experience as the former manager of the British army rugby team, and his passion and support for this young South African side has earned him much admiration and respect from all the players.

LSA’s Surrey XV followed on with their own 38-7 victory over the Law Society. A great start to the game saw LSA 14 – 0 up inside 15 minutes with wing Gary Johnson scoring the first with a superb chip over his opposite number. The second again involved Johnson but this time his great work was finished off by Mark Howell supporting well from the back row.  Two more scores from Ryan Williamson and Tiaan Visser took LSA in leading 24-0 at the break.

With LSA well ahead, the second half afforded them the opportunity to try more of a running game. However, this proved difficult as handling errors compromised LSA’s ability to remain in full control of the game. Although LSA would like to have scored more, coach Bert Merrit was pleased with the 38-7 win, saying “it was a good result and cements our place in the table”. Merritt singled out Gary Johnson, who played very well and keeps getting better; Malcolm Mirfin at fullback showed some very good attacking form and brilliant turn of pace; and Justin Rose’s efforts in the line-out, in the tight and in taking the ball up, made him the backbone of the team. Reflecting on his players’ efforts for the day, skipper Aldo du Plessis praised his team, especially for the efforts of the much-revered “Baksteen”.