Impalas scores vital victory over Malelane
The season's second clash between the Komatipoort Impalas and Malelane Olifante in Malalane on Saturday showcased some great defence and the fast-paced match gave spectators plenty to shout about.
The visitors from Komatipoort were determined to even the score after their home-ground defeat earlier this season and scored a 22-14 victory.
The first try was scored barely 10 minutes into the game, thanks to teamwork from the forwards. A successful conversion followed.
The Impalas stayed on the attack and shortly afterwards Chris Botha scored three more points with a drop kick over the goalposts.
The Malelane Olifante fought back and despite several approaches to the Impala try line, struggled to get the ball past the Impala defence.
Botha once again scored when he dove over the try line, but the conversion was unsuccessful.
Gordon Mashele then scored Malelane’s first try and a successful conversion by Rudolf Botha followed.
The whistle blew on a half-time score of 15-7.
Mishaek Khumalo helped close in on Komatipoort’s score with a second try for Malelane which was converted by Botha.
Ruan Minnaar scored another try for the Impalas and Botha successfully slotted the ball over the goalposts.
The Olifante tried their best, but could not get close to the Impala try line again.
Moses Ngwenya was named the forward of the match and Gordon Mashele the back of the match.
Ideon van der Merwe from the Olifante was the Cell C sponsored player of the day.
Malelane’s next match will be against Nelspruit on Saturday at Nelspruit Rugby Club, while the Impalas will travel to White River. The Impalas are working hard to build momentum for the play-offs and hope to take one more step in the right direction.
The local rugby teams hope to see all of their loyal supporters next to the field and hope to make them proud.
View more photos of the match here.
