SPORT: NKZN dominates in PMB rugby clash

Northern KwaZulu-Natal (NKZN) has proven itself among the best in the province.

The team travelled to Pietermaritzburg two weeks ago, to compete in a gruelling Sub- Union Tournament hosted by the Midlands Sub-Union.

Zululand and Durban Sub-Unions were also in contention.

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NKZN faced Zululand first and despite trailing 5 – 14 at half time, scored 21 points to defeat Zululand by 26 to 21.

“The forwards did very well in the scrums and lineouts,” explained Andre Swanepoel, also the head coach of Boschpick Newcastle Highlanders.

Among the forward pack, Jurie Heyser (prop), Ruben Swanepoel (hooker) and Khumbu Khoza (eighth man) were singled out as top performers.

Outside centre, Ray van der Lith and centre, Gift Mabaso also excelled.

During the Man of the Match presentations, Heyser and van der Lith were lauded for their forward and backline play respectively.

The second match of the competition was a tight affair.

With a converted try, NKZN took the lead going into the halftime break, and mustered good defence to win 7 – 5 against Durban.

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“NKZN again created some scoring opportunities, but unfortunately Khoza lost the ball with the try line looming.”

Swanepoel said NKZN showed true grit during the match, facing a Durban team which featured a few Premier League players.

Khoza, Swanepoel and Wessel Botha (prop) were the top forwards.

Van der Lith, who hails from Piet Retief Rugby Club, continued his run of form in the tournament, as did Wandile Nkosi (fly-half), who was selected at fullback and then shifted minutes before the match began.

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