The second-half of the rugby season started off on a good note for the Muir 1st XV beating local school John Walton 39-21. The hosting Muir was narrowly leading 22-14 at the break.

The visitors made good use of their opportunities in the first ten minutes of the game as they ran in two converted tries.  Both tries were scored by left wing Dylan Steenkamp, flyhalf Damien Kriel kicked the conversions.  Muir now had to play “catch-up” rugby to try and get back into the game.  Muir’s first try was scored by right wing Siviwe Tize who covered some ground and beat his opposite number to dot down in the corner.  Left wing Neo Mehlwana showed some pace and left the defence wanting to score the teams second under the sticks.  Scrumhalf Sonwabo Majola kicked the conversion.
Muir took the lead when Mehlwana scored his second of the game after some individual brilliance.  The hosts further extended their lead when Tize crossed the line for his second of the game just before the break.

Both sided defended well at the start of the second half and ran the ball from all sides of the field to get an advantage over their opposition.  Reserve flank Keegan Strauss scored the teams’ fifth try to extend their lead.  After some good interplay amongst the forwards and gaining ground for the backline, Majola finished off with a try in the right corner.

The visitors did not give up and continued attacking Muir’s defensive line valiantly.  They got rewarded when eighthman Sicilian Snyers crossed the line after some hard work by Kriel to put him into space.  Kriel kicked the conversion.

Frank Adonis running at centre had the final say as he forced his way over two defenders to score Muir’s seventh try of the game and seal victory.  Reserve flyhalf Darren Wates kick the conversion.

Dylan Steenkamp, Damian Kriel and Riaan Avontuur stood out for John Walton in the backline, while Ryno Smith and Sicilian Snyers had a solid game up front.

Mention must be made of Muir’s tight five who did the dirty work and secured ball for the backline to cross the advantage line.  Players that put their “hand-up” for the hosts were;  Benjamin Madlingozi fullback, Lisa Banzi inside centre and eighthman Lwandile Vabaza.

Scorers:

For Muir:
Tries: Siviwe Tize 2, Neo Mehlwana 2, Sonwabo Majola, Keegan Strauss, Frank Adonis
Cons: Sonwabo Majola, Darren Wates

For John Walton:
Tries: Dylan Steenkamp 2, Sicilian Snyers
Cons: Damien Kriel 3