Pigs go top at halfway stage

(CRFU): The Queensgate Pigs Trotters are top of the league at the halfway stage of the 2013 DART Alex Alexander Memorial Championship, following Saturday's hard fought 17-0 victory over the John Doak Iguanas.  However, the Advance Fire Buccaneers have now also played themselves into championship contention after smashing the Century 21 Storm 55-6. Storm have suffered a nightmare campaign so far, with three league defeats in a row in addition to their defeat in the Heineken Charity Shield.  They are missing key players through injury and there was more bad news for them on Saturday when Howard McLaughlin, celebrating his 40th birthday on the day, was ruled out with a knee injury sustained in the warm up. 

Nevertheless, the Storm made an encouraging start to the 2pm game.  Despite problems elsewhere on the pitch, their pack remains a formidable force.  The rucking of barrel-chested captain Jacob MacAdam, ably assisted by the feisty Allain Forget, produced a penalty which was expertly despatched by Josh Brown.  However, after that it was one-way traffic as the Buccaneers took control and blew the Storm away.  With Jon and Paul Murphy showing such telepathic understanding that one thought that they might be twins, not just brothers, the Buccaneers ran in try after try.  Captain Dan Bond led his troops forward and was ably assisted in the task by the lithe Richard Adams and the youthful exuberance of Ron Arscott. 

The Storm's injury problems mounted when Keswick Wright left the field with a strained finger.  The final score of 55-6 reflected the Buccaneers' dominance and they will go into the second half of the season buoyed by this thumping win.

The top of the table clash between the Pigs and the Iguanas kicked off at 4pm.  With flaxen-haired captain Doug Anderson and flanker and ex-professional boxer John Killian returning after rib injuries, and veteran Paul "No knees" Parker back on the bench, the Pigs pack had an energetic feel about it.  This was reflected in a penalty won through good work by the little and large combination of the slimline Dan Florek and the gargantuan Connan Hill. The Pigs' Number 10 Marco du Plessis brought his shooting boots along this week, unlike previous weeks, and he converted the penalty for a 3-0 lead.  As the half drew to a close, led by the kicking of Chris Bunce and the driving runs of Marcus Cumber the Iguanas exerted sustained pressure on the Pigs try line. 

However, the Pigs defence was fanatical, with players such as Paul Westin, David Acutt and Alistair Lum recklessly throwing their bodies into danger in the manner of crazed Japanese kamikaze pilots.  This ensured that the half-time score remained 3-0 to the Pigs.  The second half was another war of attrition, but as the Iguanas tired, the Pigs backs showcased their attacking rhythm.  James Waters used his height and size advantage to break through and set up a try for Iain Currie to finish in the corner. 

Again, the Iguanas pushed for a try and spent a sustained period of time near the Pigs try line.  However, again the determined defensive work of players such as the tenacious Neil Montgomery and the irrepressible Sam Anderson ensured that the Pigs achieved a rare shut out.  Du Plessis kicked three more penalties in the second half, veteran Graham Thomson displayed his renowned turn of pace and the match ended in a 17-0 win for the jubilant Pigs players.

Whilst games are televised online on www.caymanrugbytv.com games can bewatched (at no charge) in South Sound at the Cayman Rugby Football Club and spectators will not be disappointed with ample fast, hard hitting action!

Next games:
16th February 2013
2pm Century 21 Cayman Storm (Home) vs. John Doak Iguanas (Away)
4pm Queensgate Pigs Trotters (Home) vs. Advance Fire & Plumbing Buccaneers (Away)
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See standings below