Ballito Dolphins secure double wins against Kokstad Rugby Club
Dolphins 2nd XV dominate with 54-12 victory.
The Ultra Liquors Ballito Dolphins returned to winning ways last weekend, handing Kokstad Rugby Club their first defeat of the season.
Using home ground advantage to the fullest extent, both the Dolphins 1st and 2nd XVs delivered wins at Oaklands Equestrian Estate on Saturday afternoon.
The 2nd XV was first to kick off, fielding a strong side amid the return of some experienced campaigners.
“There has recently been a massive resurgence for the Dolphins 2nd XV, mixing experience with a growing number of youngsters,” said Dolphins chairman, Mark Svenningsen.
Photo: Precision Photography Ballito.
“It is a great sign for the future and left the coaches with several selection headaches on the day!”
The decisions of the coaching staff proved pitch perfect as the team ran out decisive 54-12 winners.
Leon van der Bank claimed the forward of the match award, with Harry Masinga taking home the backline player of the match title.
The platform laid by the 2nd XV provided a growing sense of hope among the dedicated supporters that the Dolphins could be the first team to topple unbeaten Kokstad who were 6-for-6 entering the weekend.
Photo: Precision Photography Ballito.
And the Dolphins made good on that promise early on with Leighton Taljaard scoring yet again to set up a 7-0 lead.
Kokstad soon bounced back however, adding an unconverted try to pull within 2 points.
“The battle up front more often than not determines the outcome and the two packs really shared the honours at scrum time but the Dolphins backline was the ultimate difference,” said Svenningsen.
Photo: Precision Photography Ballito.
“Newcomer PJ Venter showed why he is on the Sharks U21 radar with his first of hopefully many tries for the Dolphins and Wanga Shumi continued his great form with another scintillating try to take the game away from the log leaders!”
Kokstad could only muster a penalty in response and the Dolphins ran out deserved 22-8 winners.
The win takes the team to third overall in the 1st Division log with two games left to play.
The are away to the South Coast Warriors this weekend, before finishing their season at home against Pietermaritzburg on July 6.
Photo: Precision Photography Ballito.
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