Underdogs win hostel rugby: Excelsior triumphs over Caput

In a display of grit and determination, Excelsior Men’s Residence defeated Caput in the hostel rugby finals Tuesday night (22 August) at the Fanie du Toit Sports Grounds, 11-8. The match was won with a successful penalty kick in extra time, as a winner could not be determined in regular time.

Initially, Caput’s players dominated with their physicality. They were unmatched in the scrum and almost scored the first try but spoiled their opportunity with a knock-on. 

The Caput forwards left their mark on the Excelsior pack, but Excelsior’s backline was superior. At halftime the match was still scoreless, much to the excitement of the spectators.

Shortly after halftime, Joop Pasque, the Caput vice-captain, scored their first try but the kick went awry. Excelsior was cracking under the constant pressure and the chinks in their armour were starting to show. 

Caput was awarded with a penalty which they were able to kick through the posts to add three points to their tally.

As the intensity of the match grew, Excelsior’s determination did as well. They were awarded with a penalty, and they opted to aim at goal. They did so successfully which made their confidence grow even when Caput defended like men possessed. Excelsior implemented an excellent play, scoring their first hard-earned try, evening the score at 8-8.

FC Kotze, Excelsior’s right wing, was a standout performer. He was exceptional on both attack and defence.

In the last few minutes of the game Caput was awarded with a kickable penalty. The crowd closely watched for what could determine the outcome of the final, only to erupt when the kicker missed.

With the time up and scores still level, extra time was instituted. The rules state that teams play five minutes a side, 10 minutes in total, and whoever scores first wins. During the last 10 minutes, the players gave their final bits of effort and strength.

Excelsior was awarded with penalty, this time it could mean that they take the lead for the first time and ultimately win the league. As they prepared to take the kick, the crowd fell silent.

With an excellent kick, Excelsior won the hostel rugby trophy.

Albert Steyn, the outside centre, said: “The game was really hard, Caput played with a high intensity and we had to stay up there with them, but the men next to me gave it their all and pushed through until the final whistle.”

Victor Arnoldi, HC member of Excelsior, said that it was a big privilege to see how hard his team has worked.

“Now they can reap the fruits of their efforts. I am unbelievably proud of these brothers of mine, and I hope we can bring the trophy home again next year.”

2nd team finals:

Caput’s 2nd team played against Over-de-Voor.

In the first half Over-de-Voor, or Overs as they are colloquially known, camped on the try line but could not convert the pressure into points. It was a tough match, deep in the first half, there were no points scored.

Overs scored the first points after a successful penalty kick, but Caput scored a try shortly after, taking the score to 7-3.

Just as the second half commenced Caput scored another converted try. From here on out they dominated the game and scored a few minutes later once again. In the last 10 minutes, Overs got a consolation try, but it was too little, too late.

Caput won the match 21-10.