A determined Barberton rugby side in sporting battle against the Hoedspruit Pumbas
The home side looked to be on the losing end, but through sheer determination and grit, fought back bravely to win the match.
The Barberton Rugby Club field was the scene of an epic battle between Barberton and the visiting Pumbas from Hoedspruit. From the onset, the visitors played exciting, fast-paced rugby and the home team looked bound for a defeat after the Pumbas scored the first try in the opening minutes of the match.
The players from both teams provided spectators with scintillating rugby. Apart from a few spills during the first half, a different Barberton emerged from the dressing rooms after the first half interval. The Pumbas led for the majority of the game, with the local team on the back foot.
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The supporters cheered Barberton on from the stands and injected a new energy into the team. Barberton’s strength showed in the rolling mauls. The local team made a concerted effort throughout to get the ball over the try line and were rewarded with seven tries throughout the match to the Pumbas’ five.
Cabous Engelbrecht scored one try, Mark Pretorius three, Jeandré Smit one, Meas Visagie one and Johan Oberholzer scored the winning try in the dying minutes of the game.
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After the latter made it over the try line, the stands erupted with deafening cheers as the home team romped home to take the match 45-41. Jeandré Smit’s contribution to the win deserves a mention after he managed five conversions to help Barberton seal the victory. There were tears of joy from the players in the dressing room after a riveting match and gritty play from both teams.
