It had been 652 days since White River’s first team played a competitive match, and 617 days since Barberton’s first team last played a competitive match.

On Saturday club rugby resumed in the Lowveld for the first time since the conclusion of the 2019 season. White River hosted Barberton and claimed a convincing 45-29 victory in the Ehlanzeni Premier League match.

The home team were on fire from the kick-off and scored three tries in the first 15 minutes.

Willem de Villiers barged over for the first, followed by Dillon Afrika who dotted down in the left corner after a classic backline attack, and Marcelino Marais made a mockery of the Barberton defence to claim a try.

Stephan van der Bank slotted the three conversion and with a 21-0 lead it seemed Barberton were in for a hiding.

The away team were not in the game, seemed very rusty and could not cope with White River’s pace.

Then, as if someone had flicked a switch, Barberton came alive and played White River at their own game, running the ball at every opportunity.

Herman Engelbrecht scored Barberton’s first try, but it belonged to Sikhle Maseko who sprinted 70 metres down the left touch line to create the scoring opportunity.

Dane Heyneke kicked the conversion. Matheus Oberholzer scored two minutes later after White River had lost possession in their own half and the ball went through numerous phases before it went over.

Mark Pretorius scored Barberton’s third try after continued attack on the White River try line. Heyneke converted.

White River hit back shortly after the restart when De Villiers scored just before half-time and Van der Bank added the two points.

As much as White River dominated the first 20 minutes of the half, Barberton controlled the second 20.

The half-time score was 28-19.

Afrika scored and Van der Bank added the conversion and then a penalty early in the second half to give the home side a 38-19 lead.

But Barberton were not out of it yet and hit back with tries from Kabous Engelbrecht, after Barberton had kept possession until he barged over, and Heyneke after the backs moved the ball down the line. Heyneke converted his try.

Nine points separated the teams with 15 minutes remaining.

Afrika sealed the White River victory with his third try after Siyanda Eba broke through the Barberton defence. Van der Bank converted.

Both teams played high-risk, high-reward rugby which made for a thrilling match.

The players on both sides made too many unforced errors, a sign of the long break since last playing.

The home team proved to be too strong for the visitors.

White River II beat Barberton II 47-0. The home club’s third team won 50-17 against the Leeulopers in a friendly match.

But rugby was the true winner at White River Rugby Club on Saturday. The boys were back where they belong – on the pitch playing the game they love.

White River will play away to the Pumbas in Hoedspruit on Saturday.

Barberton will host Nelspruit.