Match Report: Saturday 8th October 2005
Blackheath Dev't vs LSA

Another win for LSA!

Following on from a superb first win in the previous week, London South Africa gathered on 8th October at Blackheath Rugby Club, eager to show one of the oldest sports club in the UK what the new boys were all about. LSA expected a tough game after Blackheath had only narrowly lost the previous week away to the well-organised London Scottish 3’s. LSA were bedding a couple of new boys in but had come better prepared than for their first two fixtures after their first mid-week training session under the guidance of Tim Walsh (Pertemps Bees & former Queensland Reds no.10). 

With much enthusiastic support on the sidelines, LSA turned the pressure on from the start, controlling the game well upfront and showing excellent control in the lineouts. After 10 minutes the forwards’ hard work was rewarded with a penalty in Blackheath’s 22 and they chose to keep the ball in hand – the deserved result was John Turner crossing for the first try of the game. Blackheath responded and took advantage of a lapse in the LSA defence to score a try of their own, which they converted. LSA were trailing 5-7.

LSA were undaunted, and despite the disadvantage of having to play uphill and into the wind, they kept the pressure on. 20 minutes in, Arnold Spaumer and Gert van Devnter combined with a wide-ranging move across the field finished off by skipper Ryan Hendrikz in the corner. The first of the LSA substitutions were led by former SA water polo star Bruce McClelland replacing Ryan Williamson in the second row.

On 30 minutes Blackheath came back again with a try of their own following a misunderstanding in the LSA midfield leaving LSA trailing 10-14 at the break but not before James Saunders had replaced Hendrikz who had picked up an injury in crossing for his try. Mark Otto was on for John Turner whose abrasive style had also earned him some time with the LSA pyhsio.

Now holding the downhill and wind advantage, LSA came out fighting in the second half with JT back on for Jake Hoddinot and Hendrikz reinstalled in the front row. Dan Jones was back on for the unlucky Bryn Jefferies. Good early pressure by the forwards and some excellent interplay by the backs resulted in a try for Nick Osman, now playing at 10 with Karl on for Arnold Spaumer. Plaatjies added the 2 points. Leading 17-14 LSA began to play with more purpose and power in the forwards – another penalty was slotted by Plaatjies to make it 20-14.

The second half saw Justin Rose (lock) and Johan Du Plooys (wing) make some telling contributions to the LSA cause. Although Blackheath managed one more try, the final quarter of the match belonged to LSA who took control of the game. Two more tries were scored by James Saunders (back on for Hendrikz) and Gert van Devnter.

The 33-24 score line demonstrated the improvement in LSA, stepping up as they had to the challenge of playing a more established team. As the team continues to consolidate, backed by regular mid-week training sessions and the strong support of their management team, the Canterbury Division Four will certainly see more upsets from the new kids on the block.

Starting XV

Ryan Hendrikz, Tom Modinger, Aldo du Plessi, Ryan Williamson, Mark Porter, Jake Hoddinot, John Turner, Warren Ross-Alan, Dan James, Arnold Spaumer, Nick Osman, Gert van Devnter, Gary Johnstone, Gerhard Harmse, Hannes Plaatjies.

Replacements

Mark Otto, James Saunders, Justin Rose, Bruce McClelland, Karl, Bevan Williams, Quentin van Wyk, Johan Du Plooy, Bryn Jefferies. (All replacements were used)