The last match of the season was crucial for several reasons. First, a win against False Bay meant the 2nds would win the league, in spite of the Bay having a few games in hand. Second, though not a comprehensive win in the end, Hammies wanted to prove they could beat the second place team and end the year on a high at our home ground. Mission accomplished as Hammies edged the Bay 14-10 in a very physical contest. Champagne rugby it was not, but deep down the players and coaches knew the Bay would throw the kitchen sink at us, and it was about weathering the storm to ensure victory.

In the first few minutes, Hammies launched a first-phase strike from the scrum, only to see the ball passed marginally forward and whistled by the referee. Shortly after, Hooker Caspar Lotter counter-rucked manfully, leading to the Bay being penalised just outside their 22. Fullback Ian Coetzer cooly slotted the penalty to give us the early lead.

Hammies only try of the day was scored from a second phase of attack. Scrumhalf Vaughn Botha found Ian Coetzee who made a few hard yards and the Bay players were well cleaned by our forwards. Botha quickly recycled to Flyhalf Ruaan Coetzer who fed speedster Dugald Robertson for his 15th try of the season, dotting down in the corner (no conversion).

False Bay demonstrated some powerful driving mauls throughout the contest and perhaps gave Hammies at taste of its own medicine as the maul has been such a key area of our attack in 2011. The Bay almost scored a try out wide as our defence got sucked into the midfield, but Centre JC du Plessis and Ian Coetzee covered a lot of ground and gang tackled their wing into touch, to thunderous applause from the home crowd.

Hammies was then penalised for a breakdown infringement which the Bays kicker made good on. The Constantia boys were not finished their scoring for the half and added a first try to their efforts going into half time.

Halftime score: 10-8 False Bay

A lesser group of players and coaches may have panicked, but the Secies were determined to regain the lead in the second half, even if it was going to be ugly. For much of the game, the Bay was successful in getting us away from structured play, and into making poor decisions and handling errors.

WP and Stormers stand-off Lionel Cronje replaced Ian Coetzer who had played a good half. Cronje distributed the ball beautifully to the men on his outside, resulting in several linebreaks. Hats off to the Bay who defended though their lives depended on it and thwarted several attempted incursions towards their try line.

False Bay, who pushed the envelope with break-down indiscretions, were blown up by the referee in comfortable kicking range for Coetzee. The Fullback calmly slotted the 3-pointer, giving Hammies a vital 1-point lead. Though offering some temporary relief, the Green Point boys were not out of the woods yet as our opponents continued to pile on the pressure and contested in every aspect of the game.

False Bay were again punished for illegal play with Coetzee putting the final nail in the coffin with a third penalty, sealing the win for the Secies 14-10 as the final whistle sounded.

Tries for Hammies: Dugald Roberston 1

Penalties: Ian Coetzer x 3

Man of the Match went to Eightman Maurice Reid who was a pillar of strength against False Bay, and indeed throughout the season.

Wing Dugald Robertson won the try tally, finishing the season with 15. This feat is particularly impressive since Roberston, who was trained as flanker, played on the wing for the first time in 2011. He is someone to watch for the future. Maurice Reid scored 6 tries, the most for a forward in the 2nd Team set-up.

Flanker Waldo Prinsloo had the most Biggest Hits to his name, giving free chiropractic adjustments to any ball carrier foolish enough to enter his vicinity.

It was also announced that club stalwart and Scrumhalf Vaughn Botha and NNK defector and Lock Gavin Gappie Nash will hang up their boots for good. Though, it must be said, the consensus at Hammies is they both have more good years of rugby ahead if they choose to carry on!

A big congratulations to Coaches Frikkie Coetzer and Niekkie Viljoen, and the Secies players, for winning the division with an impressive 16-2 record. Also a big thanks to Strength and Conditioning Coach, Marius Cornelissen and Physio Nico Claassen for their efforts in keeping the boys healthy and fit throughout the long season. You have all made the club extremely proud!

Best of luck to Prop Forward Nizaam Bewee who has accepted a contract to play in England. Bewee, who has represented Hammies since U16 level, and played through to U20 and senior ranks, has also volunteered his time to coach the Hammies U16s for the past five years. Bewee is a club man through and through and we wish him the best of luck during his upcoming season in the UK.