Middelburg edge Nelspruit in thriller

Three points would draw them level with Middelburg and force the Protours Premier League semi-final into extra time.

Scrum half, Tjokkie van Tonder shanked the kick. It flew past the left upright and the Middelburg players raised their arms in triumph. They were through to the provincial final.

It was not Van Tonder who lost the match for Nelspruit, even with his 29 per cent success rate at goal for the day. Nelspruit’s defence was shoddy.

Middelburg scored their first try in the fourth minute when right wing, Danie Malan, accelerated through a gap between last defender, Nelspruit full back Morné Crous, and the right touch line.

Fly half Gerhard Munroe missed the conversion. Between him and full back Rohan Stander, only one of Middelburg’s six tries were converted.

Middelburg were soon ten up after left wing Thabo Thabang sprinted 90 metres after gaining possession against the run of play.

Van Tonder claimed Nelspruit’s first try. Eighth man Francois Koch did all the hard work, running 60 metres before offloading to Van Tonder to score.

Stander hit back with a try for Middelburg to take the half-time score to 7-15.

Nelspruit winger Tiaan le Roux scored from a five-metre penalty early in the second half. Van Tonder converted. Shortly after, he had a chance to give his side the lead. The penalty kick at goal was mistimed and missed.

Armand Els, Malan and Thabang dotted down for the visitors and wing, Dylan Sonderlund, fly half Wilmaure Louw and centre Lloyd Malatji scored for Nelspruit.

With the score on 29-32, Nelspruit were awarded that fateful penalty. Extra time was not to be.
Middelburg were deserved winners.

Middelburg will travel to Secunda this coming Saturday to face Rugby Club Secunda in the final.

White River Rugby Club II will play Rugby Club Secunda II in the Protours Premier Reserve League final in the main curtain-raiser.