Benoni defeated in Vereeniging
All three of Benoni Rugby Club's teams were defeated at the hands of Vereeniging on Saturday, August 3.
Benoni Rugby Club’s teams squared up against Vereeniging, in away games, on Saturday, August 3.
Benoni’s first XV were defeated 36-23 in a match where the result could have gone differently.
The team came out very strongly and dominated play for the first 25 minutes, enjoying the lion’s share of the possession and territory.
That was until they allowed their opposition back into the game, just before the halftime break.
Benoni’s flyhalf, Renier de Jager, opened the scoring by running 35m to score a try which was converted by fullback Mornay Rossouw.
Still dominating, 10 minutes later, the fullback himself scored a long range try after some excellent defence by lock forward Colin Pretorius, who dislodged the ball in a tackle which Rossouw picked up to run in for his try.
At this stage it looked like Benoni’s dominance would persist, but with five minutes to go to half time, Vereeniging scored two tries and it seemed as if Benoni were beginning to tire.
The teams went into the break 14-12 in favour of Benoni.
When the second half commenced, Benoni started to make frustrating mistakes which allowed the big Vereeniging pack the opportunity to run at the visiting defence at will.
Both teams scored two penalty goals each before Vereeniging scored another two tries to put the final nail in the coffin for the Benoni team.
Benoni had a good game overall, but fitness and lapses in concentration at crucial times proved to be their downfall.
This result now makes life very difficult for Benoni.
They will go into their last three matches having to win all three games in order to finish in the top four and to get into the play-off games.
The second team were also defeated 45-12 on the day, while the young u-21 side were also on the end of a strong performance by a well-oiled Vereeniging team, losing 46-0.
They are, however, still in a good position to advance to the play-offs early next month.
Benoni will hope to turn around their form with their next fixtures, on August 17, away to Sasolburg.
