mom's match report

“Dreams are always crushing when they don’t come true. But it’s the simple dreams that are often the most painful because they seem so personal, so reasonable, so attainable. You’re always close enough to touch, but never quite close enough to hold and it’s enough to break your heart.” — Nicholas Sparks

A bit too sentimental and romantic to describe a rugby match but last night's rugby was heartbreaking stuff.   We sat watching transfixed as Griquas played hard and solid rugby, leading all the way through 80 minutes, only to have their dreams snatched in the second minute of injury time.

(If you want a proper report.  Click here)

They did not focus much on the Griquas team after the whistle blew but I have an uncanny ability to know where Matthew is on the field at any given time.  There was a quick flash of his face in the corner of the screen and there was heartbreak written all over it.

However it was a wonderful game of rugby to watch, Western Province are our home team and have never won this trophy so hats off to them, Nic Fenton-Wells, their captain (and a close friend), Nic Groom and Marcel Brache (great friends and fellow Bosch Boys).  It was quite something watching Matthew and Marcel square up on opposite sides in the No. 12 jersey.  They played together - Matt the flyhalf and Marcel his centre - from the U10A rugby side at RBPS, all the way through school and then at UCT in the Varsity Cup.

"Only a game", "You did your best", "You tackled well" "They should have passed more ball to you", all those silly little things you say to your son after he has lost an important game ("Every game is important, Mom").  This time I said nothing - just "I am proud" and an unsmiley face.

However, this morning on seeing this photograph, I felt instantly better to see that the disappointment of the loss is something that cannot be changed and the team will move on.  The man is always bigger than the game and your friends will always be there for you.

Nic Groom, Howie Kahn, Nic Fenton-Wells and Matt

Drive safely Matthew and see you tomorrow.  YEAH!!!!