Olifante face tough foes in first league match

The Olifante’s first and second teams started off their Mayors League and Mayors Reserve League campaigns on home turf against Lydenburg on Saturday afternoon.

Malelane 2 were victorious with 31-19 thanks to try scorers Louis Wolmerans (2), Eric Mabuza (2) and Franz van der Merwe. Gorder Mashele and Reef Masilela made successful conversions.

The Olifante’s second team and their opponents exploited every gap in defence they could find and one Malelane player even lost his shirt in a scuffle.

PHOTO GALLERY: Malelane Rugby Club face Lydenburg in first league match

Several light injuries were testament to the players’ rough style of play. The man of the match was forward Dylan Veldsman and the backline’s Masilela.

Malelane’s first team had a very hard match, with Lydenburg seemingly getting their second wind in the second half to win 22-31.

Mandla Shongwe, Arno Hoffman, Vusie Nyambi and Dryke Breytenbach each scored a try for the Olifante with Phil-Lee George making a successful conversion.

Throughout the first half, both teams looked for any weaknesses and had moments of brilliant defence or great attacking movements.

Lydenburg’s backline players exhibited great teamwork and Malelane struggled to break through their defence, desperate to put more points on the scoreboard.

The first half ended with 15-10 in Malelane’s favour.

Lydenburg dominated the match during the second half, despite Malelane’s determination to keep their lead.

They managed to score three tries, with successful conversions, before Malelane’s last-ditch efforts were rewarded with a try for a final score of 22-31.

Frans Gouws was the man of the match among the forwards, while the backline choice was George.

Malelane’s second team will be travelling to Ngodwana on Saturday for their next match, while Malelane 1’s next showdown is on home turf against Lydenburg’s Ratels on May 5.

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