Round 1 of the Alex Alexander Cup continued on the weekend with the Queensgate Pigs Trotters hosting the Cayman Storm at the South Sound Rugby Club.
The Cayman Storm were looking for their first ever victory after joining the Alex Alexander Cup competition last year and having an average age of just 18. Despite their hunger for a victory, they had their work cut out for them as the Pigs Trotters were the pre-season competition favorites, and boasted a monster forward pack.
With the wind at their backs, the Pigs got off to a strong start, dominating all forward play, yet they were surprised at the tenacity of the Storm as their much larger players were consistently brought down by excellent Storm tackles. Despite their staunch defense, it was only a matter of time before the Pigs crossed with a strong drive by Jan Louw. Ade Porter converted the try from out wide, and the Pigs had their heads up.
The Storm counter-attacked strongly from the restart, but the Pigs huge forwards and defense were up to the task, until a neat chip and chase from the Storm outside centre turned the fullback around and earned a penalty right on the goal line. Storm fly-half Stu McMillan cleverly balked the Pigs defense forcing them to retreat, then dived over for the try. Josh Clark converted to tie the game, and the Storm were back in the match.
The game see-sawed for the rest of the half, the Pigs huge forwards dominated and desperate Storm defense gave away penalties. Ade Porter and his magic boots took full advantage to slot two more penalties and it was 13-7 at the half.
The second half commenced with the Pigs looking tired, the Storm with the wind at their backs and the lead within one score. Five minutes into the half, Chris Jackson stole a Pigs lineout and drove himself over the try line to make it 13-12, and the Storms could almost smell victory.
Their hopes were slowly eroded as the Pigs kept the ball in tight for the rest of the game, dominating scrums and line-outs. Frustrated Storm players gave away penalties, and the game slowly slipped away as Ade Porter slotted 3 more penalties.
Eventually the final whistle blew and the Pigs had won a tense match, losing the try count, but winning where it counts with a smart game plan – literally starving the young, fast Storm team of ball. The Queensgate Pigs Trotter forwards were the difference, dominating the match, and giving Ade Porter the chance to slot an amazing 6 from 6.
This Saturday the Iguanas host the Pigs,4:30pm, at the South Sound Rugby Club. Both teams undefeated, and looking to go a game clear of the table.
Related Videos
