Elsburg win against long-time rivals

As the sun set over the Elspark Sports Complex on Saturday, long-time rivals Elsburg Rugby Club and East Rand Police Rugby Club took to the field for the 17th round of the Kestrel League.

Both teams were eager to make their mark and walk away as the victors, so gave it their all from the first whistle.

East Rand Police were the first to get some points on the scoreboard in the brutal and fast-paced match when they converted a penalty.

ALSO READ: Elsburg defeated in tough away match

This seemed to spur the home side on and they soon scored a try giving them five points, but missed the conversion, meaning they only had a two-point lead.

As the game continued and became more physical, both supporters and players began to question the referee’s decisions.

Through all the stop-and-go, as the referee continued to penalise both sides for repeated infringements, the visitors were able to score a try to put them in the lead heading into half-time.

During the break, both coaches offered their players some stern words and encouragement before sending them back onto the field.

Each team had made changes to their line-up during the break.

The second half started where the first had left off and the teams soon found their stride.

During an attempt from East Rand Police to reach the try line, the ball was intercepted with the Elsburg player running a full half of the field to score another try for the home side.

This was converted bringing the score to 12-8 in favour of Elsburg.

ALSO READ: Elsburg soar to victory

Not going down without a fight, the visiting team threw everything they had at the home side but were unable to make it through their defence to the try line.

However, a penalty for an offside gave the East Rand Police just the opportunity they needed when they were able to steal the ball in the line-out and charge to the try line.

Despite missing the conversion, the try put them once again in the lead.

Play continued in a back-and-forth motion with each team scoring another try before the final whistle, but it was the home side who came out on top as they were able to execute two conversions, one from a penalty, to bring the score to 22-21.

The club was thrilled with the result and hope to carry the momentum into their next match and get one step closer to the play-offs.

The next match will see the team travelling to Eden Park, on Saturday, to face Eden Park Rugby Club.

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Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.zaor Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist) kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za

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