White River Rugby Club defeated Nelspruit Rugby Club 33-22 in a thrilling Mpumalanga Premier League match at Kudu Park on Saturday, May 9.

The match was played at a frenetic pace with both teams producing quality rugby. Nelspruit Rugby Club’s stand and braai areas were packed to the rafters with supporters from both clubs.

Nelspruit scored first on 10 minutes with a try from Ricardo Correia which was converted by Johan Aspeling.

The visitors hit back 12 minutes later through a 60-metre try by Andeon Pringle. Divan van Rensburg added the conversion points.

Estian Schroeder regained the lead for the home team with Aspeling’s conversion taking the score to 14-7.
White River scored twice in the latter part of the first half, with Joubert Willers and Zain Christians dotting down. Van Rensburg slotted both conversions.

White River held a 21-14 half-time lead.

Aspeling narrowed the gap with a penalty goal on 44 minutes.

The final 20 minutes belonged to White River. Franco de Lange scored on 60 minutes and Nico Liversage in the 68th minute. Van Rensburg added the two points for Liversage’s try.

Nelspruit’s Asande Kunene scored a consolation try on the hooter but it was too little too late.

It was club rugby at its best with massive crowd support.

White River made better use of their opportunities and were the fitter team in the latter stage of the game.

Other Premier League results:
• Barberton 31-5 Sasol Secunda
• Newcastle Highlanders 23-24 Witbank.

Fixtures for Saturday, May 16 (home team first):
• Barberton v Nelspruit
• White River v Newcastle
• Witbank v Sasol.