Pirates manage to sink Wanderers in thrilling derby match

In an intense and unforgettable showdown with a fierce rivalry, Pirates Rugby Club showcased their dominance over Wanderers Rugby Club.

June 22, 2024

Naziya Davids-Easthorpe 2 minutes read

Pirates and Wanderers contest a lineout. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe

The atmosphere was electric at the Pirates Rugby Club in Greenside as the home side clashed against Wanderers in the ninth round of the Castle Lager Pirates Grand Challenge. This much-anticipated derby did not disappoint, delivering a thrilling encounter that saw Pirates emerge victorious with a commanding 35–5 win.

Wandererstake on Pirates. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe

Pirates, sitting third on the table, faced off against the fifth-placed Wanderers in what turned out to be a fiercely contested match. The first 17 minutes of the game belonged to Wanderers who dominated possession and kept Pirates pinned in their half. Despite their early pressure, Wanderers failed to capitalise, and their momentum began to wane once Pirates had secured their first penalty.

Murray Newlands gets tackled by a Pirates player after he releases the ball. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe

Pirates team manager Quentin Lynch acknowledged the rocky start but praised his team’s resilience. “We had a shaky start, but we finished it off well. The guys dug deep and they won the game for us,” Lynch remarked, looking ahead to the second round with confidence. “The second round at Wanderers is always a derby and will be a tough game.”

Christopher Ben Moore runs with the ball. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe

The Pirates’ resurgence was marked by two tries in the first half, which shifted the momentum firmly in their favour. Wanderers, undeterred, fought valiantly in the second half and managed to find the try line through Daniel De Jesus. However, their efforts were not enough to stave off Pirates’ relentless assault, which saw them add two more tries to their tally.

Bryn Dean runs with the ball. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe

Wanderers Christopher Brian Moore secures the lineout ball. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe

ITV Media commentator Phila Sixaba reflected on the match, noting the historical dominance of Pirates in this fixture. “It’s always a good derby between these two sides. Pirates traditionally dominate this fixture. Last year, Wanderers went through a lot of changes but today was a good comeback after what happened last year.”

Kevin du Randt secures the lineout ball. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe

Craig Kolarik goes for touch. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe

Wanderers’ head Coach Neil Kalify conceded that his team did not perform to their potential. “I felt Pirates did have a good game. We didn’t play to our strength and didn’t execute as we should have,” Kalify said. “We sat in their half for the first 17 minutes and should have been rewarded. But well done to Pirates on their home ground. There is a second round and hopefully, it’s a different result.”

Pirates’ Keagan Lailvaux, the man of the match, kicks a penalty. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe

Jabulani Rachia gets tackled by Siya Ngcobo. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe

Nqubeko Zulu, a standout player for Wanderers, echoed his coach’s sentiments. “I think we started well, we put the pressure on Pirates but unfortunately we let them back in. With a team like that, we can’t give them a sniff because they will do what they did tonight.”
Pirates’ Keagan Lailvaux, the man of the match, expressed pride in his team’s performance. “I feel great. I am very proud of the boys. Wanderers are a very tough side and I think the boys showed up.”

Pirates’ Keagan Lailvaux, the man of the match. Photo: Naziya Davids-Easthorpe

As the tide begins to settle and the feeling of ease begins to set in, the sails move on to the second round, where Wanderers will look to turn the tables on their home ground.