In an exciting rugby match on May 10, the Elande finally ended their losing streak against the Raiders, winning 27-17 in a game filled with action and drama.
This victory was significant because it had been more than a decade since the Elande last defeated the Raiders.
The Elande started the game strongly, with Shaun Potgieter making a crucial steal early on. Lindo Dladla and his teammates dominated the Raiders in the scrums despite being smaller in size. This strong start set the tone for the match.
The Elande’s defence put a lot of pressure on the Raiders, leading to the first score of the game by Jason Botha. Botha then kicked an impressive long-range penalty to extend the lead.
The teams were tied at halftime, but the Elande came out determined in the second half.
Ryno Hendrikz, the Elande’s flyhalf, played a key role in the second half by leading the team to play faster and more aggressively. This strategy paid off with SJ van Zyl scoring a crucial try. Christiaan Le Roux then sealed the victory with another try.
What made this win special was that the Elande didn’t just defend their lead but kept pushing for more points until the end. Their dominance in set pieces, strong defence, and precise attacks led them to break the long drought against the Raiders.
This victory was a collective effort from everyone involved, including the players, coaches and passionate supporters. It was a moment of celebration for the entire Elande community, who had been waiting patiently for this win.
Looking ahead, the Elande are determined to build on this success and continue their winning streak.
