The UCT first XV rugby side beat False Bay 29-19 in the annual Mark Jordaan fixture on Wednesday, March 17, scoring five tries to two.

But according to coach, Leonard Kaplan, the side made too many unforced errors to be happy with their performance. "Granted, the first league game is a full month away and the majority of the players are young and new to the UCT first XV, but too many scoring chances were lost through bad handling and we should have scored many more tries," he reported afterwards.

UCT dominated in the scrums, won close to 100% of their lineout ball - take note, Stormers - and launched one attacking movement after another, but too many promising movements petered out as the team gave away umpteen turnovers. Much of the game was spent in the False Bay twenty-two, but territory and possession weren't converted into points often enough.

"In the end we scored five tries, but should have scored about 12," Kaplan pointed out.

The coach is pleased with the commitment the team has shown in the run-up to the 2004 league championship. "The players have worked very hard on their pre-season fitness and skills and the vibe in the team has been superb - wonderfully positive and happy.

"There is enormous potential. When we settle into our pattern and apply patience in executing our game plan, this team could gel into a vintage Varsity team capable of beating anyone."

Rob Kelly (flank), Myles Brown (fly-half), Pieter Keevy (left-wing), Anthony Roberts (right-wing) and Grant Whitfield (flank) scored the UCT tries. Brown also goaled 2 conversions.

Other results on the night were:

UCT 2nd XV (68) - False Bay 2nd XV (3); UCT 3rd XV (55) - False Bay 3rd XV (0); UCT u/19 A (17) - False Bay u/20 A (17); Hiddingh Hall (16) - False Bay Jocks (0)