SIC defeated Cuba 44-30 in the Top-12 on Friday evening, securing their second consecutive victory after a heavy defeat to CASI earlier this month. The visitors moved further clear of the mid-table pack while Cuba remain rooted near the bottom of the standings.
By then, SIC had already proven they could bounce back — they'd won three straight before that loss to CASI, including a 71-19 demolition of La Plata earlier in the season. Cuba, meanwhile, had won one of their last five, beating Belgrano 33-21 on the road, but had lost four of the previous five matches.
And here's the thing about a 44-30 scoreline: it doesn't tell you everything. SIC controlled the second half after a tight opening, reaching for their pocket when it mattered. The away side had not won since their midweek defeat, and this result changed that.
To be fair, the standings tell a clearer story than the score. SIC sit fifth with 81 points from 25 games — 17 wins, eight losses. Cuba are ninth with just 49 points, nine victories and 16 defeats. The gap between them is 32 points, and that gap has barely moved all season.
We had predicted an away win with 63 per cent confidence, and that came through. SIC were simply too strong for a Cuba side that has been caught in possession far too often this campaign.
What this means is straightforward. SIC extend their lead over the teams below them, while Cuba remain where they've been — ninth, 32 points adrift of fifth, and still searching for consistency.
