Eastern Province's Curwin Bosch set day two of the U18 Coca-Cola Craven Week alight with a stunning solo try in their 26-25 victory over the Bulls, writes BRENTON CHELIN in Middelburg.
Trailing 19-9 following a lacklustre first half, the product of Grey PE got the ball in the Bulls 22m line following a quick tap from scrumhalf Rouché Nel. What happened next was a moment of pure genius – he dummied, stepped and ghosted through a stunned Bulls defence for a memorable try.
His involvement in the game didn't end there, though, as he kicked a further penalty before being heavily involved in Attenkosi Mayinje's try at the death. Faced with a touchline conversion to win the game, he showed great composure to split the uprights and send the Eastern Province players and supporters into delirium.
His 21-point haul earned him the Man of the Match award and made him Coca-Cola's Hero of the Day.
Speaking after the game he told SARugbymag.co.za that the victory was down to his team's never-say-die attitude.
'We have been in this position before. We're a team with a lot of spirit. In two of our warm-up games we found ourselves down and we were able to come back and win,' said Bosch who played fullback on the day as opposed to his favoured flyhalf position.
'I should be back at flyhalf for the next game, but I enjoyed playing fullback today and being able to join the line from deep.'
While the diminutive flyhalf caught the eye with his fancy footwork and classy distribution, the blood still drying on his face as he spoke showed that he doesn't shirk the physical side of the game either. Speaking on his match-winning conversion, the humble 17-year-old student put it down to experience.
'I've been in that situation before against Paul Roos playing for Grey PE, so I drew on that. I just went through the motions and kicked it like I would kick any other kick, and luckily it went over.'
Having played Grant Khomo Week for EP last year and been selected for the U18 SA Sevens side earlier this year, this talented youngster looks set for a bright future.
Photo: Duif du Toit/Gallo Images
