Month: May 2019

The 1st XI played a very threatening Michaelhouse 1st XI on Saturday. The match started with Michaelhouse applying maximum pressure from the first whistle. With Michaelhouse pressing high and so many numbers up, they left themselves exposed at the back and this gave Tyler Tomsett far too much freedom up front and within five minutes blasted the first opportunity Northwood had home to take the lead slightly against the ruin of play. This seem to energise Michaelhouse who then came firing even harder and created their best chances just minutes later but Quinn McKenzie made the save of the season to keep the 1-0 lead in tact. from that outlet, Northwood forced a penalty corner which Dylan Ferreira sent flying home to double the lead just before the end of the first quarter. Michaelhouse continued to press high and this left them too vulnerable and just six minutes into the second quarter, Chris Sarafidis burst away and exquisitely chipped the keeper to make it 3-0. A minute later it was Nick Wright’s turn to add to the lead and a minute after that saw the goal of the half from Northwood captain who waltzed his way through the Michaelhouse defence to rocket a shot into the side netting to leave the visitors stunned at 5-0 down at half time.

The second half saw Northwood let up on the intensity they showed in the first half and Michaelhouse soon capitalised by scoring the only goal of the third quarter. They then hit the back of the Northwood net early in the fourth quarter to make it 5-2 and a comeback seemed likely until Tyler Tomsett scored the goal of the season after some sublime skill to create a backhand opportunity that ended in the top corner. This snuffed all hope for Michaelhouse. Both teams went on to score a further goal each but the damage was done. Michaelhouse was completely blown away by the Knights, who were devastatingly accurate and ruthless in front of goal.

What a game! Well done.

Northwood vs Westville 4 May 2019

A physical game that had everyone the edge of their seats, that would be the best way to describe the match that saw Northwood’s 1^st XV beat Westville at home 19-15 for the first time in decades.

The visitors were extremely physical upfront and the young Northwood tight 5 did well to lay a solid platform for the backs. With the ball being kicked away too often by the Northwood backs it gave lots of hope to the Griffons who made good ground on the counter.

Fortunately, a small box chip by scrumhalf Luke Cornelius paid off when captain Sasko Ndlovu collected after the chase to go over for the opening try of the match.

Westville made many metres in mid field where their big number 12, Mbambo, had some strong runs up field getting them on the front foot nicely. Westville had missed a few kicks at goal and this saw momentum swing back into the favour of the Knights. Taps Nyangani, the inside centre of the Knights, broke a few tackles of his own on the day, this led to many opportunities to link with Lina Majola at 13 who missed a few passes out wide where Northwood could’ve found themselves a few more tries ahead.

Westville did well to score at the end of the first half making the half time score 5-5.

With the game able to go either way both teams came out even more physical than before, could both sides showing hunger for the win. Fortunately, Sivu Mpendu the number 6 is always wherever the ball is and collected a great pass from a chip and chase to score under the poles making the score 12-5 to the Knights.

Northwood had found a new gear in Onyi John-Osunkwo who replaced injured Sivu Mpendu, the momentum left the Knights missing out on a few chances that they just didn’t capitalize on.

Westville got back quickly and managed a good try of their own taking the game to 12-12.  Shortly after Westville received a penalty and took the chance at goal getting the score to 12-15 in favour of the Griffons.

With 7 minutes on the clock Taps Nyangani made a strong break off a set piece scrum and linked up well with Ntokozo Makhaza who was proving dangerous at fullback all game long. Northwood got a try that Ciaran Bigwood slotted from in front of the poles. With continued pressure Northwood did well to hold up a ball carrier resulting in a scrum with just seconds on the clock. The ball was subsequently kicked out and the Knights added a W to their score sheet as they gain even more momentum to take on the last 5 games of the season.

Report by:  Mr J Scruby – Northwood Director of Rugby

Picture Credit:  Marius Oosthuizen – Northwood Press Club