Error-prone Ballito Dolphins downed in scrappy clash

Kokstad Rugby Club beat the Ballito Dolphins 14-7 in a scrappy encounter at Oaklands Equestrian Estate on Saturday.

Both teams scored a try apiece, but it was ill-discipline that separated them in an error-strewn game, as Kokstad added three penalties to their unconverted try. It is the fourth time in five games that the North Coast club has lost by seven or fewer points.

Fourth-placed Kokstad (20) increased their lead over the Dolphins (9) to 11 points in the First Division South standings following the win.

Discipline was an issue for the Dolphins, who conceded double-digit penalties in both halves. The visitors took full advantage, playing most of the contest inside the opposition’s half and adding to their score at every opportunity. Ballito’s line-outs were messy and poor handling stifled every attack.

Kokstad opened the scoring with a 20th-minute penalty. Moments later, a well-worked try made it 8-0. A late penalty stretched the lead to 11-0 with two minutes remaining in the opening stanza. However, the hosts struck with the final play of the half when Harry Masinga shrugged off two defenders to score under the posts. Asanda Nduku added the extras.

Injuries to key players hampered the hosts, who lost two of their best forwards in the first half. No. 8 Keegan Goosen injured his ankle, while Jared Rivers – the boiler-room enforcer – left in a sling after hurting his shoulder. This left the pack light on ball-carriers, physicality and leadership.

There was no momentum shift after Masinga’s try. Instead, the Dolphins came out flat. A third-quarter Kokstad penalty was the only scoring play of the second half.

Dolphins head coach Jared Stanford said his team deserved defeat despite a slew of injuries.

“We didn’t execute our plans well and too many basic errors proved costly,” he said.

“We have had a really bad spate of long-term injuries this season – especially in the last few weeks where we have had about seven players missing. Today did not help, but we have to pick ourselves up and get ready for next week against Hillcrest Villagers.”

The Dolphins’ second XV won a 22-21 thriller against Kokstad after a sensational late Victor Campher score under the posts.

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