Teine stun NWU with epic comeback victory
After a tough start to the day, Randfontein Rugby Club's first team produced a remarkable second-half comeback to defeat NWU, securing their first-ever victory in Potchefstroom ahead of a crucial top-of-the-table clash this weekend.
Randfontein Rugby Club endured a mixed but ultimately memorable outing this past Saturday, June 6, in their fixtures against North West University (NWU) at the NWU Stadium in Potchefstroom.
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The U19 match had been forfeited earlier in the week. Randfontein had informed NWU on Wednesday that injuries had depleted their squad, leaving them unable to field a team. NWU were awarded a 28–0 victory in line with competition regulations for forfeited fixtures.
At Greenhills Stadium against Wanderers Rugby Club, fortunes swung in Randfontein’s favour without a ball being kicked in the U21 fixture. Their opponents arrived with only 11 players, forcing a forfeiture and handing Randfontein a 28–0 win.
Back in Potchefstroom, the third team struggled against a strong NWU side, going down 38–10. The second team also found the students too sharp on the day, suffering a 32–13 defeat.
However, it was the first team clash that delivered one of the most remarkable turnarounds in recent club history. Randfontein found themselves trailing heavily at 35–7 at halftime, with the NWU side’s pace and intensity proving overwhelming in the opening half.
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The second half told a completely different story.
Randfontein mounted a sensational comeback, overturning the deficit to secure a thrilling 56–49 victory – their first-ever win in Potchefstroom. The turnaround was driven by determination, improved structure and clinical finishing.
Keagan Fortune was instrumental, successfully converting all eight of Randfontein’s tries in a flawless kicking display that proved crucial in the narrow win.
Franco Tiedt and Johan “Boeta” Swart each crossed the try line twice, while Wessel van Staden, Herman van Eck, Renaldo Visser and Michael Tolmay added one try apiece. Van Staden had the final say, scoring the decisive try to seal an unforgettable victory.
The result marks a significant milestone for the club and will serve as a major confidence boost moving forward.
Randfontein now turn their attention to what promises to be a blockbuster encounter this Saturday, June 13, when they face fellow log leaders Northam Wolves in a top-of-the-table clash at Greenhills Stadium.
