DELIGHTED Dave Cox hailed his Colts side as their resolute display saw them into the last 16 of the National Cup following a 23-19 home triumph against Windsor.

Things looked decidedly difficult early on as the visitors built up a 12-3 half-time lead, Jordan Navetta’s penalty sandwiched between two away tries.

But brilliant back rows Teagan Strydom and Byron Crow crossed to nudge Rams in front, and a sensational Josh Gouws effort made it 20-12.

Windsor kept the game alive at the death, but their converted try was not enough as Navetta knocked over a penalty with the final play of the game.

Having inflicted a first defeat of the season on their OBB Division One table-topping opponents, Dave said: “After the first 20 minutes I felt like people had said before the game, we were the underdogs – we started okay, but they started really quickly.

“They got the first couple of scores, but we dug very deep.

“We got the score at the start of the second half which was essential, then got ahead and I’d have been happy to hang on at 15-12.

“But then we scored a cracking try, perhaps against the run of play, and it meant their late try was not enough. I’m delighted.”

Having lost their three-year unbeaten league record seven days before, the head coach admitted honest conversations had prompted a phenomenal turnaround.

He explained: “I’m extremely proud of how we bounced back from the Chinnor game. We talked honestly in the week about what hadn’t gone so well, and we all as players and coaches looked at what we could have done better.

“We had great training during the week, and the proof of the pudding was going to be the game – thankfully we showed the difference and we just about did enough to get over the line.”

Leading the charge was the irrepressible Strydom, with Dave admitting his pre-match preparation was far from ideal.

He continued: “He was unbelievable. We were very lucky – there was an accident on the M4 so he nearly didn’t make kick-off! He arrived, shirt on and after a five-minute warm-up he was straight out there.

“If he has more performances like that he can be late more often!”

Fellow South African’s match-winning score was also an exceptional bit of quality, and Dave was quick to also praise the team effort and that of the crowd.

He admitted: “It was an amazing pass from Sam (Rodger) off his left hand and Josh just hit it full on. It was a great finish in the corner.

“The guts and determination in defence was extraordinary. It reminded me of the Old Pats game a couple of years ago where they were dominant for large parts, but we just held on and held on – and when we had a chance, we took it.

“It was great to see the crowd come up. We know from our run two years ago as you get into the latter stages, they get bigger and bigger, but to have a few hundred making a lot of noise is good for the lads to enjoy that kind of experience.

“It’s always the target to get past Christmas and into the last 16, we’re still in contention in the league and there’s plenty to play for in the rest of the season.”