Olifante continue their winning strike

It was preceded by a friendly between a Malelane Development XV and the Laeveld Leeulopers. The Malalaners set the tone for the day’s main match with a winning score of 26-7.

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 Malalane 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 Nelspruit’s defence and score two tries.

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

The home side’s defence finally broke and Nelspruit’s Don Govere scored a try. 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 took cover in their cars fearing a very wet end.

The weather held out and so did both teams’ defences, with the final score of 17-14 in favour of Malelane.

Their next match will be on May 7 at White River Rugby Club. On the same day Nelspruit will travel to Lydenburg to face the Rooikatte.