Beijing Cup Round 2: Match Report

**Beijing Aardvarks vs Shanxi RFC**

FT: 47 - 5
Tries: Momo, Fili Toaiga, Luan Kleynhans (x3), Sakkie van Rensburg (x2), Milo Reynolds, Steven Brinn
Conversion: Luan Kleynhans

Click here for all the photos of the game!

Match Report

Beijijng Cup Round 2 kicked off at 13:30PM as the Aardvarks were preparring for their opponents Shanxi RFC. Aardvarks won on their last outing against the Beijing Ducks in a gruelling match which was tightly contested. Aardvarks eager to kick on and aiming for a bonus point victory to set themselves up for an advantagous position to re-renter the All China Cup.

Shanxi RFC on the other hand have had a difficult first season in the Northern league. Beaten heavily by both the Beijing Ducks and the Devils. Shanxi RFC are a young and proud side that have learned much this season. On their day this team is no roll over and they wanted to end their campaign on a positive note.

***Beijing Aardvarks pre-game huddle before kick-off***

The game started as expected as the Aardvarks took an early 10-0 lead within the first 10 minutes through Momo and Fili Toaiga. This explosion start was only the begininning of the afternoon as Shanxi struggled to adapt to the physicality of the Aardvarks.

***Steven Brinn (L) and MIlo Reynolds (R) make a double tackle***

Shanxi RFC shot back immediataly and showed the quality that the young team possess. It scoreline was now 10-5 but this never phased the Aardvarks as they asserted their dominance from this moment onwards. The brillant duo of Luan Kleynhans and Sakkie van Rensburg took over the game and began showcasing their talent in the backline. Aardvarks quickly took back control of the game with tries from Luan Kleynhans and Sakkie van Rensburg. The scoreline was now 25-5.

***Sakkie van Rensburg slipping a tackle before making a break***

The game seemed out of reach for Shanxi but they showed great heart and kept throwing themselves at the Aardvarks. The tries kept and flowing in as Sakkie van Rensburg added his second of the game while Luan Kelynhans completed his hat-trick. A compilation of outrageous passes from Mark Sykes set the team up for success throughout the game. At 35-5 the Aardvarks had already acomplished their goal of a bonus point and fresh legs came onto the pitch to finish out the game.

***Christopher Moore fending off the Shanxi player***

As the game tuned down the Aardvarks became more comfortable with the win in sight. A rare stunning Milo Reynolds try occured. The mountain shifted his hips and side stepped four players before diving for the line.

***Full-back Mark Sykes restarting the game***

***Aardvarks pack preparing for a scrum. (From L-R: Tim Jones, Andrey Fedulov, Michel Nelson)***

The final score came from the Limerick man Steven Brinn. The final try of the day sealed a great win for the Aardvarks.

***Steven Brinn sealed the final try of the match.***

Aardvarks now look forward to a big test against rivals Devils for the top spot of the league. It is expected to be a physical game and the match of the season.

Final Score: Aardvarks 47 - 5 Shanxi