Impalas claim victory in first Onderberg Cup match

From the get-go on Saturday afternoon, home team Malelane and the Impalas were determined to hold their ground. Play was even tougher than usual as the teams strived to win the first match in the Onderberg Cup and gain another league match victory.

Malelane almost made it to the try line first, but Komatipoort’s Goodman Nkozi utilised his speed for a brilliant try. The conversion was unsuccessful.

After three failed attempts at a try, the Olifante scored in the last minutes of the first half. A successful conversion gave them a 7-5 half-time lead.

The second half proved even more action-packed than the first, with fans shouting and chanting to support the home side.

Cashwell Khoza scored three more points for the Impalas with a penalty kick.

A few minutes later, Komatipoort managed to fight their way to the try line and Nkozi once again put five points on the scoreboard for the Impalas.

Khoza converted it successfully to widen their lead over the home team.

Teamwork and great handling skills ensured another try for the Impalas, this time from captain Frikkie Odendaal.

The successful conversion also gave the Impalas their winning score of 22-7.

Despite Malelane’s best efforts to fight to the try line, they could not close the gap in points over the course of the second half.

The match featured several great strategies, line-outs and spectacular tackles by both teams. Despite several hard knocks and falls, the players were determined to help their team to victory and stayed on the field as long as they could. Several are to be commended for their good sportsmanship in tense situations.

The man of the match winners in the various categories were Pieter Engels, Frikkie Odendaal and Tiaan Nel.

The annual Onderberg Cup derby consists of three matches, with the cup going to the victor of the most matches.

With the Impalas taking the first win, Malelane are even more determined to make sure they do not get another.

Malelane are now preparing for their next league match, for which they will travel to Lydenburg on July 7 to face both the local club’s teams.

READ: Malelane Rugby Club face Lydenburg in first league match

The Impalas will continue their Ehlanzeni Mayor’s League matches with a home match against Hoedspruit on July 14. They remained undefeated in the first round of the matches and are currently at the top of the log.

READ: Impalas gee Ratels pak in rugbyseisoen se vierde wedstryd

The Olifante’s second team will also have the home field advantage on July 14, when they come up against Ngodwana’s first team.

View a gallery of photos here.