Rugby season kicks off with tough matches
The Impalas from Komatipoort and the Olifante from Malalane faced tough opponents during the first matches of the season last Saturday.
Despite having home-ground advantage for the first game of the season, failure to execute their game plan cost the Malelane Rugby Club a victory against Barberton.
Great determination from the Olifante had them slowly catching up to their competitors, ensuring the final whistle sounded with a brave 43-31 bonus-point loss. The Olifante scored five tries by Lucky Mashele, Martin Mhlongo, Jack Lemstra, Mfundo “Eddy” Mabunda and Ndumiso Masinga, with Gordon Mashele making three out of five conversions.
Stand-out performances of the day came from forward Arno Hoffman and backline player Mabunda.
Malelane head coach, Martin Botha said players provided an entertaining game with many tries. “We have a young team playing a fast, high-paced brand of rugby. It was just a few basic errors which cost us the match, however I am proud of the boys and we will take the loss as champions. A lot of hard work lies ahead but watch this space because it’s going to be a great season,” he said.
Botha also thanked supporters for the great turnout and encouraged them to continue supporting the team throughout the season.
View more photos of the match here.
Komatipoort kicked off their season by beating the Rooikatte by one point in a thrilling match in Lydenburg.
In the first 10 minutes the Rooikatte kept possession of the ball, but the Impalas managed to keep them at bay with some great defence.
The first points were scored by Komati’s Brennon Jordaan, who sent a penalty kick neatly through the goalposts. This was shortly followed with a try by Tiaan Nel, from a great scrum. The first half concluded with a 8-0 lead for the Impalas.
The Rooikatte fought back in the second half, scoring a try in the corner and making a successful conversion. After a mistake by the Impalas, 10 minutes before the end of the game, the Rooikatte received a penalty try.
This was followed by successful penalty kicks for each of the teams. Going into overtime with a score of 15-11 for the Rooikatte, the Impalas went for the attack and right wing Jacques Liebenberg aimed a kick at the opposite corner flag. It bounced perfectly and was caught by left wing Jan-Hendrik Odendaal, who scored the winning try.
Following an unsuccessful conversion, the game ended 15-16, in favour of the Impalas.
Komati player Corné Dippenaar thanked the team’s great supporters for their encouragement. “It doesn’t matter where or how far from home we play, they’re always there, supporting us until the bitter end.”
The two local teams will face off in Komatipoort on Saturday, for the first time in years, and both are intent on bringing their best game.
Kick-off is at 16:00 at the Komatipoort Rugby Club and entrance is R10 per person.
