KEAGAN MITCHELL
Known among their fans as the Riva Boys, Retreat RFC are in first position on the log with 19 points, registering three bonus point victories from the four wins.
On Saturday, Retreat faced a determined Northerns side that were relegated from Super League (SLC) last season. The home-side recorded the first points of the match when scrum-half Marshall Diergardt converted a penalty early in the first half.
However, the visitors responded immediately to score the opening try while full-back Lorenzo Gordon slotted over the conversion.
Northerns did not let that get them down as Diergardt slotted over his second penalty while outside centre Theo Isaacs scored their first try.
In the second quarter of the game, Retreat fly-half Donivan Pietersen got a yellow card for a high tackle and Northerns took advantage of that as centre Aron Arendse scored their second try.
Retreat put the last points on the board in the first half when Gordan converted his penalty. Northerns led 18-10 at the break.
The game changer came in the second half when winger Shuraan Jamalodien scored an interception try for Retreat and they managed to score a further two tries. The home-side did not record any points in the second half.
Retreat coach Anthony Almacin said his side showed too much respect for their opponents but as the game progressed their game improved.
“In the first half we were a bit shy in the sense of that we played panic rugby and we put ourselves under pressure. I told them at the break we are still in the game and I could see the improvement and how my players started to believe in themselves.
“I was impressed with their character and with the way the few of the youngsters played,” he said.
The Allenby Drive-based side dominated teams away and at home this season.
Coach Almacin believes good preparation leading up to the start of the league, which included taking part in the Blakes RFC Easter Weekend tournament in Stellenbosch, helped to get them off to a good start.
“Although we did not win any game at the tournament, I believe it was more of a building the team spirit.
“We took a number of youngsters that normally play second or third team and they proved to me that they are capable of playing first team rugby,” he said
Retreat will host unbeaten Eerster River on Saturday May 7 in their next encounter.
“This year we are going to show them that we are the better team and that we have improved on our game. No one comes to Allenby Drive and beats us.
“I believe we will continue with this good run of form if we stick to our structures and play the full 80minutes,” he said.
Almacin said the main goal for the season is to qualify for the promotion to Super League C.
The promotion league is where the top three teams in the Southern, Northern and City leagues play and the top three sides in that league will gain promotion to SLC.