Benoni eclipse Elsburg
Benoni Rugby Club’s first XV hosted Elsburg on Saturday, June 21, in the Valke Merlin League, with only one plan in mind: dominate the opposition.
Although the 39-22 score line against the team from Germiston may suggest a stroll in the park for the home team, it was by no means steady sailing for captain Frans-Louis van Greunen’s men.
Things did not all go according to Benoni’s demolition plan and, although they outscored Elsburg by seven tries to three, the game proved to be an immensely physical and extremely bruising encounter.
Benoni will, however, be pleased about picking up an always vital bonus point, after scoring four tries in the first half.
Flanker Stefan Nienaber dotted down twice within the first 20 minutes, followed by front rower Freddie Welman and lock Steward van der Merwe chipping in with a try each.
After the halftime break, Benoni scored another three tries (Mornay Rossouw, Joshua de Necker and van Greunen), with the visitors scoring only one at the death.
Fullback Ettiene van Staden put in a solid shift and was selected as the Man of the Match for his excellent performance from the back.
Meanwhile, the Benoni second team ensured a clean sweep, with a 17-0 victory in the match prior to the first team kick-off.
Benoni dominated this game and scored three tries through fly-half Raymond Nel, lock Renier Esterhuizen and centre Ruan du Plessis, while scrum-half Martin Venter was named Man of the Match in this encounter.
Both Benoni teams top their leagues after the first round of matches and are eagerly awaiting the start of the second round of games, on Saturday, July 5, against Kempton Park, at Hoërskool Hans Moore.
The teams will take a break this weekend, before the second round of games get underway.
The club will also host some of the “Golden Oldies” teams on July 5, before the main games against Kempton Park, and invite the public and former players to come down and enjoy the day.
