RSRC 1XV 27 – 12 Octopus 1XV
With a few familiar faces returning to the team after having spent a semester abroad, we set out to avenge our loss (22-12) against the men from ‘het boerenland’ earlier this season. Octopus played as they always do, battering away at the gain line with brute farmer force and kicking to the corner at every opportunity they got. This eventually got them their first try and they took an early lead. Rotterdam had a lot of possession, but lacked the patience and accuracy to turn possession into points. Before half time, the Students finally caught a break and a beautiful piece of support play ended in our ‘funsized’ hooker diving over the tryline. After half time the Students really got into their flow and started putting more and more pressure on Octopus, scoring another try, this time due to a phenomenal catch and assist from that same hooker. RSRC didn’t allow Octopus to score, while building their lead to 13-7. Just when they had the game under control, a miscommunication in the back three, combined with the fact that some backs still refuse to buy boots with metal studs, led to an embarrassing slip up and Octopus scoring between the sticks. Rather than letting their heads down, Rotterdam decided to keep pressing on and added two more tries to their tally. The remainder of the match was characterised by ferocious defence by the Students, highlighted by a huge hit from Mos, stopping a potential try and thereby making up for his earlier mistake.
The final whistle blew, the showers were cold, and the beer tasted as sweet as the victory.
– Gianni Croes