Umee Gibraltar Rugby Championship Round 3

IBEX Buccaneers 27- 22 DHL Stormers

With both teams going into the contest unbeaten, the winner would clearly have the upper hand going into the last three games and, unsurprisingly, it was a lively start to the game. The Stormers exerted the early pressure resulting in the Buccaneers conceding one of too many penalties - discipline being their nemesis this season. With a kicker like fly-half Cruz in the Stormers team, it was an expensive mistake, and he opened the scoring with an accurate kick. Both teams tried to establish control of the game, but it was the Buccaneers forwards who began to win the contest in the scrums, although the wind was playing havoc for both lineouts. Pressure from the Buccaneers continued and from a quick tap, Eastwell managed to score from the ensuing ruck. Although the Buccaneers were edging the possession and territory, the Stormers were the more efficient, coming away with points on each visit to the opposition 22, and just prior to half time Beazley gave them the lead crashing over following another infringement.

8-5 was the halftime score and the Stormers started the second half stronger, with the Buccaneers conceding another series of penalties close to their line. It was only a matter of time before their defense was breached and Southern broke through to give the Stormers some clear water at 15-5. There it stayed for around 20 minutes as the Buccaneers gradually squeezed the pressure on the Stormers forwards and lock Graham was able to score in the corner to bring the score back within five points. Buccaneer’s fly-half Lewis was kicking well from hand, despite the wind, and put his team in a great field position. From the lineout, Payas was able to gather a loose ball and go over to level the score. The Buccaneers had their tails up and five minutes later, from a dominant scrum, the ball went wide and Payas was in space to finish off the move, grab his second try, and with it the lead. Kells added another and with Jones’s conversion it was 27-15, but the Stormers weren’t finished and came right back into the game with a charge up the centre finished off by Ecclestone in the closing minute. 27-22 was the final score from an enthralling game between two evenly matched teams, but the Buccaneers must now be favourites to win the league and repeat their 2019-20 success

Spirit of the Rock Man of the Match

Man of the Match was awarded to Luke Eastwell for his fantastic control in the game and scrum. As well as his brilliant work in and around the breakdowns.