Olifante dominate in fast-paced encounter
A fast-paced fifth MRU Ehlanzeni Rugby League match at the Malelane Rugby Club last Saturday saw the Malelane Olifante trampling the Lydenburg Rooikatte by a 42-19.
Barely five minutes into the game, Malelane’s Arno Hoffman scored their first try, with Rudolf Botha making a successful conversion.
Lydenburg’s defence tried their best to get the ball to their side, but Malelane’s Gordon Mashele managed a second try for the team with another successful conversion by Botha.
A third try followed as Mandla Shongwe broke away from the pack with impressive speed.
The Olifante managed to get close to their try line again, but the tough Rooikatte’s defence brought them to a halt with several tackles.
Shongwe used his speed to break through the ranks, evade all the opponents and place the ball between the goalposts.
A fifth try by Mfundo Mabunda and successful conversion by Botha had the Rooikatte more determined than ever to get some points on the scoreboard.
In the last few minutes of the first half, Lydenburg finally crossed the try line and followed up with a successful conversion for a half-time score of 35-7.
After the break, Lydenburg looked like they had gained their second wind and scored a try and conversion within the first three minutes.
The Rooikatte’s fastest players then showed their prowess by outrunning Malelane. Although the Olifante managed to catch up, the ball was passed on for a successful try and conversion.
The game only got nastier, with the referee having to send several players off with yellow cards. A few players were also helped off the field with minor injuries.
Malelane stayed determined to widen their lead and with a spectacular burst of speed and support by fellow players, Ideon van der Merwe scored the last try of the game.
Botha had his sixth successful conversion affording his team the 42-19 win over Lydenburg.
Coach Shane Adcock says the Olifante played a good, fast-paced match. “The boys kept to the game plan, played good rugby and made us proud,” he commented.
Charles Baggot was chosen as the forward of the match and Rudolf Botha as the back.
The Olifante will play their next match away against Barberton Saturday at 16:00. On May 28, they will play on their home field again against the Impalas of Komatipoort.
Kick-off is at 16:00. Entrance is R10 per person.
See more photos of the match here.
Read about Malelane’s previous matches:
Olifante still on a winning streak in MRU Ehlanzeni Rugby League
Olifante wen harde wedstryd teen Impalas
Rugby season kicks off with tough matches
