On a much colder day than last week we took on False Bay at Stephan Way in our last match of the season. Again it was a game of good and bad. Much more good than bad I am pleased to say. The bad all seems to come from a lack of concentration; interceptions, charge downs and a few missed tackles. The handling overall was much better than last week and there was a lot to admire in a game where we came out worthy winners.

Our first points on the board were a Jano van Zyl penalty, followed not long after by a try from Francois Prinsloo. A good try by Claude Burger, taking his opposite wing on the outside, was converted by Jano, taking the score to 15-0. A confident Hammies rejected 3 points in front of the posts and kicked to the corner. Another penalty and we took the scrum and play continued until we conceded a penalty and our advantage was lost.

However it was not long before we were on the attack again. The ball went down the line and a typical Terry Jacobs chip and chase saw him retrieve the ball on the line to dot down. We won the ball from the restart but a clearing kick was charged down by a bullocking False Bay forward who off-loaded neatly to a three-quarter who touched down under the posts for 7 points. The next time we were offered a kickable penalty, although much more difficult than the one we spurned, we gave the ball to Jano van Zyl and he duly obliged.

Half time score 23-7.

False Bay registered the first points of the second half when their nippy little scrum half made a 50 metre break and turned the ball inside for his centre to score, again under the posts. When Hammies did score next it was a beauty. We won turnover ball and there was a great handling movement with a superb final pass from Jano to Claude. The way Claude Burger skinned his man on the outside was a purists dream.

Now sometimes in the crowd you can see a clear intercept coming long before it happens, or at least the danger of it. I did, and Henri behind me even shouted watch out before we passed the ball for the False Bay player to scoot between our backs to run fully 75 metres for their third converted try to reduce the gap to seven.

Undeterred Hamies came back with another try, very similar to our previous one. This time with Jandre du Plessis finishing off after rounding their wing and full-back on the outside. Jano again converted. The Bay had one last flurry of activity in our 22m, still hoping to save the match, but a penalty to Hammies and the danger was gone. The final score of the match was when Alshaun Bock, who had come on for Terry, hacked a loose ball ahead following a Bay error. The bounce on the line was unlucky for the Bay full-back and Alshaun pounced on the ball, over the line, to score and Jano converted.

It was overall a good performance from most players, forwards and backs, with, for me, Claude and Jano playing exceptionally well.

Final score: Hamiltons 42 - 21 False Bay.