It was a scorching 38ºC when the match between the Pumas Amateurs and the Cheetahs Amateurs kicked off at the Nelspruit Rugby Club on Saturday.

The spirit of amateur rugby was as hot as the weather. The two teams, selected from various clubs in the respective provinces, put on a scintilating display of rugby.

But is was the Mpumalanga team that dominated on the pitch. They outmuscled the Free Staters in the set pieces and were particularly powerful in the scrums.

The possession the forwards secured was well used by the backs, much to the delight of the Pumas supporters on the pavilion and around the field.

Both teams showed the effects of the hot Lowveld weather, and a water break in either half gave them a chance to receive much-needed hydration.

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Despite their valiant effort, the Cheetahs could not match the Pumas. The home team players were slicker and faster and the tries flowed in.

After securing a 26-12 half-time lead, the Pumas clawed their way to a 52-12 win.

Points scorers
Pumas Amateurs
• Tries: Skindy Nkosi, Vukani Ngwenya, Mark Pretorius, Kyle Leukes (2), Boeta Botha, Cassie Jansen, Johan Aspeling.
• Conversions: Skindy Nkosi (1), Cassie Jansen (4), Boeta Botha (1).
Cheetahs Amateurs
• Tries: Nhlanhla Senoamadi, Tisetso Yika
• Conversions: TJ Majiedt (2).

In the curtain raiser, the Pumas U21 team defeated the Pumas Amateurs Invitation team 50-27 after leading 33-10 at half-time.

The U21s dominated the first half, and their training and match experience were evident in their play.

The Pumas Invitation team came back strongly in the second half, but it was too little too late.

The Pumas U21s have topped the north section log in the SA Rugby U21 Shield. They are undefeated in the competition and have secured a bonus point in every match.

They will face defending champions, the Griffons U21, in the north section semi-final at Hoërskool Middelburg on Saturday. If they win the match, the Pumas U21 team will play either Border U21 or Eastern Province U21 in the national shield final.