Tough matches kick off rugby season
Injuries, some brilliant interceptions and the fighting spirit of the Malelane Rugby Club players on their home ground had supporters on their feet on Saturday afternoon during the first matches of the season.
Malelane Rugby Club entered a second team in the Mayor’s Reserve League this year and started their journey to the trophy with a match against Lydenburg’s second team on Saturday.
Both teams were eager to be the first to score and fought hard until Lydenburg managed to score a try. Shortly afterwards, Lydenburg intercepted the ball and their player outran the others to place it right behind the goalposts.
Malelane then managed to put seven points on the board after a successful try and conversion.
After a brilliant kick over the Lydenburg defence and a fight for the ball, Malelane made another try attempt, but were halted when Lydenburg intercepted.
Malelane’s backline players exhibited excellent teamwork but Lydenburg’s defence proved very strong. The home team luckily managed their second try and conversion just before the half-time whistle when they slipped through the gaps in Lydenburg’s defence.
With the score at 14-10, Lydenburg was eager to even the score, but Malelane managed another try. Lydenburg fought back with a try and conversion of their own.
After some back-and-forth play, where tries were attempted and thwarted, Lydenburg intercepted the ball for their fourth try of the match. The conversion was also successful.
Malelane answered with another try, but Lydenburg had the last word with a match-winning try for a score of 24-29.
Dylan Veldsman and Pointer Mhlongo were named man of the match.
Both the Olifante and Rooikatte proved tough to beat in the first round of the Ehlanzeni Lowveld Mayor’s League.
During the first half play was conducted all over the field, both teams aiming to score but failing. Despite a yellow card for Malelane, no points were on the board by half-time. Returning to the field with renewed vigour, Malelane scored their first try thanks to Lucky Mashele. A penalty kick to the goalposts by Michael Volschenk put them in the lead with eight points.
Spectators were on their feet and shouts and applause were heard as Caswell Nkosi from Malelane scored their second try for a 13-0 victory.
The man of the match award was shared by Arno Hoffman and Lucky Mashele.
Malelane Rugby Club would like to thank the following sponsors for making this season possible: Malalane Toyota, Mascor, Obaro, Coastal Hire, Global Fencing, Gunning & Son, Lowveld Machinery and Sand (LMS), Salchain, Impala Electrical Wholesalers, Securicon Emergency.
To browse more photos of the match, click here.
Local rugby fans can support the Impala Rugby Club in Komatipoort this weekend in their first match of the season. The Impalas will face Barberton tomorrow (March 18) at 15:30.
Entry is R10 per person, which includes entry into a lucky draw. There will be face-painting and a jumping castle for the kids. A cash bar and food stalls will be available.
Malelane and Komatipoort will face off on March 25 at Malelane Rugby Club.
