Ballito Dolphins stage thrilling comeback to draw with Kokstad
The team secured a dramatic 24-24 draw in their First Division South clash at Oaklands Equestrian Estate.
Trailing by 14 points at half-time, the Ballito Dolphins staged a remarkable second-half fightback to earn a share of the spoils against Kokstad on Saturday.
The team secured a dramatic 24-24 draw in their First Division South clash at Oaklands Equestrian Estate.
Carlo Gresse held his nerve to slot a pressure-filled conversion from the touchline in near darkness, securing a deserved share of the spoils after flanker Yamsha Ngodwana powered over for a crucial late try.
Photo: Penny Miskin.
“The boys showed a lot of guts today, and the crowd really fuelled us,” said Gresse after the match.
“It was an honour to have a chance to show my inner Handré Pollard at the end. I practise all the time, but I was very nervous before that kick.”
Both teams scored four tries in a seesaw encounter played in the midwinter gloaming following a delayed start.
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Trailing 14-0 at half-time, the Dolphins looked in danger of slipping out of contention after Kokstad dominated the opening exchanges.
The visitors controlled the set-pieces and breakdown, forcing penalties that pinned the hosts in their own half and led to two well-worked tries.
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However, a stern half-time team talk from coach Craig Dawson sparked a transformation.
The Dolphins returned with renewed urgency, raising both their tempo and intensity as they launched an unlikely comeback.
Left wing Joel du Preez ignited the revival, weaving through the defence to score shortly after the restart. Scrumhalf Lwazi Madiba followed moments later, burrowing over from close range, with Gresse’s conversion reducing the deficit to just two points.
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Kokstad responded to edge ahead again, but slick handling out wide allowed right wing Tristin Parsons to dive over in the corner, narrowing the gap to 19-17.
With 10 minutes remaining, Kokstad stretched their lead once more, and rising tensions saw both teams reduced to 14 men.
As the clock ticked down, the Dolphins seized their chance when a quick-tap penalty sent Ngodwana crashing through three defenders to score. Gresse then stepped up to convert from a difficult angle and level the scores.
Dolphins assistant coach Muzi Luthuli praised his side’s resilience.
“I’m proud of the boys and the way they fought back. They weren’t mentally ready because of the delayed start, but they woke up,” said Luthuli.
The Dolphins second team lost 14-12 to Kokstad.
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