ChemSpec Jaguars got their 2009 House of Paint Premier Division campaign off to a solid start in their opening round match when they beat a never-say-die Maritzburg Varsity side 28-20 in the curtain-raiser to the Vodacom Super 14 clash between the Sharks and the Brumbies at The Absa Stadium Durban on Saturday.

Playing with a new look side with five debutants in the starting line up and eight in the 22 man squad, the first 20 minutes belonged to Varsity but after that Jaguars slowly got into the game and found space to work, which turns them into an incredibly dangerous attacking force. Two tries scored by Jaguars' wing Thokazani Mdluli in the first half ultimately led to the students falling behind in the first half.

The Mighty Cats eventually led 25-3 early in the second half but it wasn’t by any stretch of the imagination all over as the Whites came bouncing back with their typically enthusastic Varsity spirit running in three good tries. They weren’t going capitulate especially as former Natal skipper and Varsity old boy Craig Jamieson, the man that had led his province to their first-ever Currie Cup final with that memorable victory against the Bulls at Loftus in 1990, had presented the jerseys to the team representing his Alma Mata before the game.

In the picture (left), the handover of the no 9 jersey to the current Maritzburg Varsity incumbent Luke Songwiqi by Craig Jamieson

The students penetrated deep into Jaguars territory on numerous occasions in the second session eventually scoring tries through lock Mathew Mackay, centre Ralph Eggers and wing Gareth Borchardt. Fly half Dean Wraith slotted a penalty and a conversion to conclude their scoring. Jaguars' other points' scorers were fullback ‘Bongs’ Hlubi and flyhalf Ryan Jerone who both crossed for tries with the imperious Jerone kicking two penalties and a conversion.

House of Paint College Rovers will want to forget their match against the visiting Hamilton Sea Point Rugby Club going down 20-10 to the oldest club in South Africa last Friday evening in the third Roy Dryburgh Memorial match. Should the 2008 Moor Cup champions wish to retain their title they will have to be a lot sharper than what they were against their visitors. Rated second on the national club rankings list, Rovers looked all out of sorts against the team from Cape Town who have improved immeasurably in the last few seasons. Hammies had beaten Jonsson Crusaders 27-25 earlier in the week.

Rovers had some consolation when their second stringers beat their Hamilton counterparts 27-5 in the earlier game.

In the First Division competition it looks as though Amanzimtoti are the side to watch this season after edging out 2008 champions Hillcrest 17—15 away from home. The South Coast Terriers now take an early lead on the South Section log table after two rounds. In the other games Ballito Dolphins edged out Maritburg Warratahs 5-3 in the Capital and Maritzburg Collegians hammered Wentworth 49-10 out on the Bluff.

In the Under 20 ‘A’ Division Frank Norris Cup competition, 2008 title holders College Rovers, with their forwards dominant, narrowly edged out Envirosan Old Boys 13-11, which was a good away win for them. Their Under 20 ‘B’ side, the Kings Park Challenge Cup holders, looked even more impressive against ‘Oldies’ winning 34-3. In the other games Airtron Costal Durban Harlequins beat Acer Durban Collegians 24-11 at Collegians, Thanda Empangeni got off to a good start beating Crusaders 23-20 and Midlands beat Jaguars 48-0.

- Jos Robson - The Mercury