The Ultra Liquors Ballito Dolphins surged to victory in a remarkable display of home field prowess, toppling the league-leading South Coast Warriors last Saturday.
It was the perfect house warming party for the new home of local rugby, after the Dolphins moved from their previous ground at Maidstone in Tongaat to Oaklands Equestrian Estate outside Umhlali.
Coupled with new sponsorship from Ultra Liquors, it is perhaps no surprise that the team is seeking new records after besting their South Coast competition for the first time in 12 years.
Boasting a full-strength team, the Dolphins entered the game quietly confident in their ability to get a result despite the previous domination of the Margate-based men.
“The South Coast Warriors are not only the 1st Division log leaders and defending champions but they hadn’t been beaten by anyone in the 1st Division for over two years,” said Dolphins chairman, Mark Svenningsen.
Nevertheless, the Dolphins entered the game unphased and got to work with two early penalties slotted by captain Carlo Gresse.
At 6-0 the early momentum was with the home team and they pressed their advantage further with a try from winger Wanga Shumi.
“Carlo started an enterprising move in the backline before putting through a well-weighted grubber for Wanga to chase,” said Svenningsen.
“Luckily Wanga is Ballito’s version of Usain Bolt – perhaps not quite as quick but certainly as confident – and he was able to regather the ball and score under the uprights.”
The Dolphins entered the break at 13-0, with confidence rising among the vocal home support.
But it was the Warriors who would strike first in the second half, dotting down an unconverted try to make it 13-5.
It proved little more than consolation points in the end as the Dolphins ratchetted up their physical presence to force late handling errors from the visitors.
“Brutal defence eventually led to a crucial knock on, just five metres from the Ballito line. Leighton Taljaard pounced on the loose ball and ran in a 90m try to seal the match,” said Svenningsen.
The excellent 18-5 final scoreline was the Dolphins’ first win in what has otherwise been an up-and-down season.
They have lost all three of their other games – all away from home – the first two of which were by just two points apiece.
But with more home games upcoming there is a renewed sense of optimism around the team.
They would certainly appreciate some extra supporters getting behind them too.
The Dolphins are away at Pietermaritzburg this Friday, but play three home games on the trot afterwards, against Amanzimtoti (May 25), Hillcrest (June 8) and Kokstad (June 15).
Keep an eye out on Instagram
@ballitodolphinsrugbyclub for details closer to the time.
Stay in the loop with The North Coast Courier on Facebook, X, Instagram & YouTube for the latest news.
Mobile users can join our WhatsApp Broadcast Service here or if you’re on desktop, scan the QR code below.
