Beijing Cup Final: Match Report
Beijing Aardvarks vs Devils
FT: 21 - 29
Tries: Franics Afuamua, Momo, Henk van Rooyen
Conversion: Luan Kleynhans (x3)
Match Report
Beijing Cup Final between Aardvarks RFC and Devils RFC kicked off at 13:00. The previous meetings between the Devils and Aardvarks have been colossal encounters that have come down to the wire and have displayed the true strength of the Northern teams. Aardvarks set out the day to defend their Autumn title. Both teams have qualified for the All-China Cup but this game would also determine the Northern team seeding. The winner would advance to the semi-finals and the loser will have to go through the gauntlet of the quarter-final tournament. The game kicked off on a sunny but windy day in Baxi as both teams prepared to lay it all out on the line.
Fili Toaiga powering through two Devils players
The game began in favour of the Devils who piled the pressure on the Aardvarks who committed serveral unforced mistakes. The early stages of the game were played in the Aardvarks 22. The Devils were the first to draw blood by securing the first try of the game and landed themselves a 5-0 lead.
Aardvarks forward back preparing for a scrum
The intensity of the game rose as the game went on. Aardvarks scrum and forward line fronted up to the challenge that the Devils pack notoriously brought. Collision after collision the game was fought well in the middle of the park. The Devils focused much of their game trying to utilize their forward pack and runners off the ruck to break the gain line and found little opportunity to spread the ball wide. The threat of the Aardvarks backline somewhat forced the Devils to enter the contact zone were the Aardvarks contested each ruch furiously.
Devils forward breaking the Aardvarks line whilst being hunted by Richard Mafi.
Aardvarks showed signs of their talented players. They began to attack from deep and use the width of their backline. Mark Sykes restarted the game from a 22-drop out which was chased by Francis Afuamua. The ball was pinned dropped between the Devils back three and their forward line and it bounced up perfectly for the Aardvarks centre to collect and use his pace to bring the score to 5-7. The gauntlet was thrown down and from here on out the two teams fought fiercly for every inch of grass.
Francis Afuamua collecting a chip and chase pass to score Varks first try
The game continued to be physical as big hits were seen all over the park. The Devils struck back just before the end of the half to re-take the lead but their shots at goal cost them a comfortable lead going into the second half. The half ended 10-7 to the Devils.
Momo on the recieving end of a hard hit
Nelly & Fili preparing for a lineout in the Aardvarks half.
The beginning of the second half was slow and ridden with mistakes from the Aardvarks. However the Aaardvarks struck back with a try from Momo who coollected a loose ball and slipped past the Devils back three players and attempted to reignite the poor start that the Aardvarks had. Momo’s superb pace swung the game once again the the Aardvarks favour 10-14.
Steven Brinn and Milo Reynolds competing in the lineout
Aardvarks try had failed to reignite the furiousity of the Aardvarks and the Devils scored two tries in quick succession which made the score 24-14. Moments later Momo was shown a yellow card from the officials following a bookable offense on the ground against a Devils player. The Aardvarks were now down to 14 players with a mountain to climb.
Henk van Rooyen put in a superb recovery tackle
The Devils sealed the fate of the Beijing Cup with another try that now left the Aardvarks with a difficult task to retain their Autumn title. The score stood at 29-21. However the Aardvarks dug deep and fought their hearts out for eachother and showcased why they are a serious contender for the upcoming All-China Cup tournament next March 2022. Henk van Rooyen’s beautiful snipe ensured the last score of the game would go to the men in blue. A healthy reminder that whoever faces the Aardvarks will face a difficult battle. The final whistle blew and the final score was sealed as 29-21 in favour of the Devils.
