Ballito Dolphins claim double 1st and 2nd XV victory in physical Maritzburg clash
Both teams grabbed their first win of the season in their second outing.
An immense physical effort pushed the ACDC Dolphins to their first victory of the season against the spirited Pietermaritzburg Rugby Club.
The men from the North Coast travelled inland on Saturday afternoon, hoping to register some league points and build momentum for the season.
The Dolphins’ 2nd XV got things rolling with a comfortable victory, led by a brace from Fana Madlala and one try apiece from Cambridge Ngubane, Vuyo Tshabalala and Simba Funguro.
Captain Joey Mpyana was named man of the match as his team ran out 32-14 victors.
It was far tighter in the 1st XV match, which went scoreless for most of the first half until a strong maul allowed the Dolphins’ Yamcha Ngodwana to dot down for a corner try, later converted by captain Carlo Gresse.
“The second half didn’t see the game ignite, in part due to good management by PMB, who slowed the game down, perhaps realising they were outgunned and outclassed!” said Dolphins chairman, Mark Svenningsen.
“Eventually their resistance was broken down by the ever-consistent Sandile Mamba who outran everyone for a breakaway try, which was again converted by captain Carlo.”
The Dolphins’ 14 points went unanswered, providing the team their first win of the season in their second outing. Carlo was named man of the match, while Donny Booth and Sandile were named forward and backline player of the match respectively.
A week earlier on April 5, the Dolphins travelled to the South Coast for a tough assignment against Toti Rugby Club. The Dolphins’ 2nd XV went 28-0 down at half time, but showed immense character to score 21 points in the second half to lose by just seven. The 1st XV went down 28-8 and also took positives from keeping Toti scoreless in the second half, showing the pre-season fitness sessions had paid off.
The Dolphins travel to Kokstad for their third away game of the season on April 26.
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