Hollywoodbets Sharks XV head coach Mike Vowles praised his team’s tenacity, character and the way they hung in against enormous pressure to restrict their opponents to a draw in Friday evening’s Carling Currie Cup pool clash.
“What a rollercoaster of a match!” he enthused afterwards. “I felt that was probably the best 80 minutes we’ve put together this campaign, so I’m just so incredibly proud of the effort, the fight and the overall performance from the group.
“I think in the first half we probably disappointed ourselves, let ourselves down with some poor discipline which didn’t allow us to really get a foothold in the game.
“That was the message at half-time and I think in the second half, the way this team defended and how they fought for 80-odd minutes was exceptional. I’m so proud of the guys‘ performance.”
Talking through the defensive effort from his team, he explained that, “I’ve said it all along, this team has such fight and character and when we were able to show that within our system, it was a really good effort.”
Vowles praised the performance of Carling Man of the Match Award winner World Rugby Under 20 winner, Junior Bok and Hollywoodbets Sharks fullback Luan Gilliomee, who only just recently turned 20
"Luan's a special player," Vowles said. "He does things at 20 years old that not many people can do. He really understands the game and he's tough as anything. I’m just so happy he could put a performance in for the team like he did.”
The coach also paid tribute to the Maritzburg crowd who came out in their numbers and were vocal and passionate in their support of his team.
“Isn’t KZN fantastic? We’ve played two games away from home and the support has been phenomenal. Pietermaritzburg came out in their numbers, they made a massive difference to the team, they really lifted them up when they needed it.
“It was an awesome experience and a massive thank you to the people of Pietermaritzburg, their faithful support is appreciated and I hope the crowd enjoyed our performance.”
Taking the game to the community was a big part of the theme of this match, but so too raising funds for the family and treatment of local rugby player Jeremy Swan who sustained a serious, life-changing neck injury while playing for Maritzburg Rugby Club against Amanzimtoti Rugby Club in July.
“That’s the special thing about rugby, it’s bigger than any team or individual, and when you play for a special cause like that, it does make it that much more meaningful.
“I’m just glad the guys could put on a display like that to honour Jeremy and we wish him all the best in his recovery.
“We hope this game plays a small part in bringing something positive to him and his family.”
