Olifante still on a winning streak in the MRU Ehlanzeni League

The match between the Olifante and Nelspruit was a tough one and provided plenty of action and entertainment.

Surrounded by supporters on their home field, the Malelane team wasted no time after the first whistle blew.

Within 15 minutes, two of their fastest players, Mfundo Eddy Mabunda and Ndumiso Belafonte Masinga, managed to break through the Nelspruit’s defence and scored two tries.

Nelspruit were soon on the attack but the Olifante were solid on the defence.

The home side’s defence finally broke and Nelspruit’s Don Govere scored a try while Neil Grobler converted.

Mandla Shongwe scored a try for the home team and the half-time score was 17-7 in Malelane Rugby Club’s favour.

Nelspruit were determined to gain the lead from the first moment of the second half.

The visitors’ Mishak Fakude scored first in the second half and Martin van der Merwe converted to narrow the gap to three points.

With a fierce wind blowing and a storm on the horizon in the last minutes of the game, supporters feared a wet end. The weather held out with Malelane winning the match.

Masinga was named the best back of the match, and Hernus van der Nist was the best forward.

Malelane’s next match will be on May 7 at White River Rugby Club.

View more photos here.

Read about the previous matches:

Olifante wen harde stryd teen Impalas

Rugby season kicks off with tough matches