A pre-season club rugby derby between All Saints and Strand rugby clubs at Helderzicht Sports Ground this past weekend proved a clinical display of power and pace, as the home side started their campaign like a house on fire, dismantling their local rivals with a comprehensive 45-9 victory.

From the opening whistle on Saturday (21 March), the intent from All Saints was unmistakable. Launching attack after attack, they pinned the visitors deep in their own half, refusing to let the Strand defense catch its breath.

The foundation of the victory was laid by the Olla Boys’ massive forward pack. Boasting a significant weight advantage, they dominated the setpieces and collisions throughout the afternoon.

This physical supremacy provided the perfect platform for the backline to operate with clinical speed and confidence.

Among the standout performers in the engine room was veteran prop Jason Latief. Showing that age is but a number, he powered his way over the line to get his name on the scoresheet, anchoring an impressive team performance.

While the forwards provided the muscle, the backline provided the magic.

Robin Petersen was the undisputed star of the show, carving through the Strand defense with a combination of elite pace and superb vision.

Petersen crossed the whitewash twice, his brace of tries highlighting the gap between the two sides on the day.

The momentum didn’t falter when the replacements came on, either. Nathan Jacobs made a significant impact off the bench, charging into the fray with several strong runs that kept the Strand defenders on the back foot.

Ensuring that every entry into the “red zone” was rewarded, Dylan Scholtz was in fine form with the boot. He was on song throughout the match, slotting conversions and penalties with ease to keep the scoreboard ticking over and out of Strand’s reach.