Oakdale scored six tries to beat local rivals Outeniqua 42-35 in an end-to-end derby in George on Saturday. DYLAN JACK reports.
A see-saw battle saw both sides scoring three tries in the first half to make it 20-20 at half-time.
After Outeniqua centre Darren Fortuin and Oakdale flyhalf Jan Strydom traded penalties, the home side took the lead when wing Trevino Gordon received the ball from a favourable bounce and sprinted clear to score. Some poor tackling from the hosts allowed Fortuin to break through and dive over.
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The lead changed hands several times throughout the match, with Oakdale adding further tries from lock Hannes Gous and tighthead Peter Maritz, but Outeniqua levelled the scores at the break through centre Aylan Schabort and lock Peter Ferreira.
The home side received a blow early in the second half, with Clyde Lewis getting a yellow card for a tip-tackle. Fortuin put his side ahead from the subsequent penalty, but Oakdale continued to threaten the line, with Gous picking up his second from close range.
Outeniqua were eventually able to make their numbers count when Ridge Gaffley sprinted clear from a pass from flyhalf Zinedine Robinson. Oakdale again regained the lead when flank Henco Beukes crashed over.
Lewis then made up for his card, sprinting from the halfway and stepping through tackles to score under the posts.
Outeniqua regained the ball from the kickoff, which saw Fortuin cut through for his second and bring his side within a try of winning the game.
Strydom kicked his second penalty to stretch his team’s lead to seven points, which proved to be enough to claim the victory.
Oakdale – Tries: Trevino Gordon, Peter Maritz, Hannes Gows (2), Henco Beukes, Clyde Lewis. Conversions: Jan Strydom (3). Penalties: Strydom (2).
Outeniqua – Tries: Darren Fortuin (2), Aylan Schabort, Peter Ferreira, Ridge Gaffley. Conversion: Fortuin (2). Penalties: Fortuin (2).
