The second round matches of the on going Ghana Rugby Club Championship 2014/15 (GRCC) league games of pool A, continued on February 28th 2015 at the Legon Rugby pitch in Accra.
The first match of the day was between log leaders Cosmos Buffaloes and struggling side Accra Sharks. Sharks have not won any of their league matches this season, clearly making them the underdogs coming into this encounter.
As expected, the Buffaloes hit the ground running at the start of the game by scoring three successive tries in the space of five minutes. The massacre continued as they scored five more tries in the half and only managing to convert one kick.
The second half was not any different as they dominated proceeding scoring five more tries and managing to convert two of their kicks. The Buffaloes won the game emphatically by 71 points to 0.
The coach of the winning side, Amazolou Salim sat comfortably throughout the game, which to many was very unusual as he is always seen shouting instructions and pacing back and forth at the touch lines during his teams matches.
When asked about his calm demeanor during the game, he tried to avert the obvious reason that he was playing a weaker side as compared to other teams his side had played. " I wanted to see how effective they(Cosmos Buffaloes) will be on the field when I was calm and it seems to work".
I guess we'll have to wait and find out if he will be sitting comfortably in next week's crunch playoffs decider against title chasers and arch rivals, Legon Titans.
The second game of the day was between Dansoman Hurricanes and Tema Anchors. Both teams have had their fair share of defeat this season and are both out of the title contention, but were both playing for honour. The Hurricanes were obviously the stronger side coming into this game. They scored six tries and made two conversion in the first half whilst the Anchors managed to score only a try and missing their conversion kick.
The second half of the game was not any different from the first as the Hurricanes dominated proceeding and scored six more tries and converting three more kicks. They won the game comfortable by 65 points to 5.
The highlight match of the day was between defending champions Idas Sports, and runners up, Legon Titans RFC. The Titans knew coming into this stiff encounter that they had to win to put them in contention for the playoffs.
As expected by all, the first half was very tough with neither teams willing to yield to the pressure. With about 10 minutes to the end of the first half with neither teams on the score sheet, Idas conceded a penalty, which was converted by Marshall Nortey for three points. The half ended in favor of Legon Titans. It was the second half that will prove more exciting.
At the resumption of the second half, the Idas side conceded a line out close to their try line. Titans sensing an opportunity to score the first try, made a smart call which confused and opened up the defence of the opposition and the forward of the Titans side, Theophilus Opai, scored the first try of the game.
Idas fought as hard as they could with the hope of repeating their comeback episode against the Buffaloes last week, but were unable to match up their performance this time around.
Kalous Obinna of Legon Titans intercepted a pass meant for the running back of the Idas side near the centre line and made a beautiful run and scored the final try of the game in the dying minutes, increasing their tally to 15 points. Legon Titans won the game by 18 points to 0, after they converted their kick.
With this victory Legon Titans have set themselves up for a very tough and exciting encounter next week against Cosmos Buffaloes. Cosmos Buffaloes RFC has already secured a place in the semi-finals and Legon Titans RFC will have to win this encounter to remain in second place on the log as it is expected that Idas Sports RFC will win their match against Tema Anchors RFC comfortably.
Source: Peacefmonline.com
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