Malelane scores decisive win over Barberton

Both teams made far too many unforced errors and were continuously penalised by the referee. The players in both teams forgot to stick to the basics and tried to play far too expansive rugby. It made for a poor spectacle for the fans. 

Frikkie Odendaal put Malelane in the lead in the 15th minute. Barberton’s backs caught a serious case of butterfingers, giving Odendaal possession for an easy try in the right corner. Chris Botha sprinted 45 metres after intercepting the ball and scored to give Malelane a 14-0 half time lead. 

Barberton held territorial advantage and had the best of the possession in the first half. Their execution of any game plan was poor and they never looked threatening. 

Barberton started the second half well. They stuck to the basics, kept possession through various phases to advance on the try line. Dieter Marnewick barged over for a try which was not converted. 

Barberton then came within two points of Malelane when Phulani Sowane turned on the burners and ran 50 metres to dive over in the right corner. Banie van Aswegen converted. The final 25 minutes of the match was a bore fest. Neither team could get out of second gear and seemed to be trying too hard to create opportunities. The ref was busy with his whistle with players from both sides transgressing. 

Malelane winger Lucky Mashele scored on the hooter. The ball went down the backline, an overlap was created and Mashele polished off the move. Botha made it a seven-pointer. Barberton’s second XV beat Malelane’s second team 22-19. Riaan Leonard slotted a penalty in the final seconds of the match. 

Jurgens van Staden, Martin van den Berg and Nelis Minnaar scored for Barberton. Eric Mabuza, Xolani Mhlongo and Flip van der Merwe scored tries and Rynardt Ludick slotted two conversions for Malelane to take the score to 19-19. 
Barberton were awarded a penalty in the 80th minute. Leonard had no problem with the pressure kick.