Knysna opens Kanna worms for rivals

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KNYSNA RUGBY NEWS - Knysna's representative team in the SWD Municipal Rugby Challenge has finally earned its first win, triumphing over Kannaland on Saturday 12 October after previously losing to Bitou and Central Karoo.

Only a week after falling to their second consecutive loss in the league, Knysna knew they had to find a way to bounce back and earn themselves a win if they were to stay in the running for the title.

After travelling 300km to meet Central Karoo a week earlier, Knysna had to do the same to play Kannaland in Zoar, which would have only added to their existing pressure to grab a win.

Knysna's selectors once again went for a much-changed side, with eight changes to the starting 15. Of the seven who retained their starting positions, only Michael Kapp, captain Vaughin Avery, and Thurswin Phillips have played each of the three games for Knysna thus far. Lyle Bastian, Jason Bruiners, Howard Borchards, and Clayton Solomons all returned to the starting lineup after being rested for a week. Knysna scrumhalf Radian Williams would make history for the side as he became the first player from Greater Knysna to start a match for the municipal team.

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While it was all partly cloudy weather back home, the rugby boys were enjoying perfect conditions in Zoar, which allowed for some good rugby to be played. Knysna completely outplayed the hosts, managing to win 38-20 to bag a well-earned first victory in the pilot Municipal Rugby Challenge.

This win will prove vital for Knysna as the league reaches the halfway point, with the team standing on eight points from the three matches played thus far. Knysna now has three more games to play in the run-in to the end of the league, and luckily all three will be at home – meaning no more travelling for the Knysna side.

First they'll face top-of-the-table Bitou, and then Kannaland and finally Central Karoo to finish off the competition.

The Knysna team celebrates its first victory of the SWD Municipal Rugby Challenge.