Tough encounters in Secunda

The Mpumulanga club is much improved, with well-oiled and well-trained teams, as well as strong sponsors backing them.

Benoni fielded a combined team of u-21 players and seniors in the first encounter of the day, as Sasol does not have an u-21 side.

This team played with unknown combinations in a tightly contested affair, which saw the Benoni players run in three tries.

Captain Jacques Dorfling led the attack well and also scored a try.

This match ended with a score of 17-29, in favour of Sasol.

It was a different scenario for the second team, who could not find a good rhythm as Sasol ran amok with some good rugby. The second team could not score a point in the game, which ended at 0-45 to Secunda.

Benoni Rugby Club’s first team also came up against a very good Sasol side and were beaten 14-47.

Sasol controlled the game for most of the match and ran in eight tries – Benoni managed to go over the try line only twice.

Morne Rossouw went over for the firsts, following some good skill from centre Jeandre Naude, who chipped the ball over the defensive line, gathered his own kick and eventually put Rossouw in for the try.

The other five-pointer was scored by youngster Karel van Wyk, who went in under the posts after some solid pressure from Sasol.

Steve Myburgh, Benoni Rugby Club public relations officer, commented: “It is still pre-season and the first of two warm-up matches before the Assupol League starts.

“There is still time to regroup and put together the best and strongest team possible for the league.”

The teams will take on Delmas away, Saturday, at the club’s annual rugby day.

The first XV will play Harlequins, the seconds will play Ferro and the u-21s will play Elsburg’s u-21 team.