Barberton and Nelspruit rugby clubs clashed in an Ehlanzeni Premier League match at Coronation Park on Saturday, April 26.

The match was a thriller, with Nelspruit’s fitness pulling them through, 38-26.

Nelspruit had the better of the first half, running in four tries to host Barberton’s two, for a 26-14 half-time lead.

Barberton played well in patches in the first half, but were not clinical in executing their game plan.

Nelspruit stuck to the basics and the rest fell into place. Their set pieces were solid and secured them the majority of possession.

It is not known what advice was given to the Barberton team at half-time, but it worked.

They came out snorting fire, raised their game and were far more disciplined in the second half.

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The boys in green scored two quick tries to take the lead, 28-26, but this is as good as it got for Barberton. Nelspruit fought back with ferocity and Barberton simply could not maintain the pace at which they started the second half.

Two more tries gave the team from Nelspruit a well-deserved victory.

The visitors were fitter and ended the match stronger. Barberton showed glimpses of brilliance but were simply the weaker team on the day.
Scorers
Barberton
Tries: Gerrit Engelbrecht, Bernick Bezuidenhout (2), Jaundré de Beer
Conversions: Robbie Malan (4).
Nelspruit
Tries: Asande Kunene, Delton Thusana, Jerome Mgwenya, Divan Spangenberg (2), Lifa Mashlangu
Conversions: LJ Jordaan (3), Divan Spangenberg.

White River Rugby Club defeated the Rooikatte 39-17 in their Ehlanzeni Premier League match in Lydenburg on Saturday, April 26.

This weekend, White River will host Barberton and Malelane Rugby Club will host the Rooikatte.