U20s jubilant after hard-fought victory
The young guns seriously enjoyed their first win of the season.
Light rain and a gloomy sky did nothing to deter celebrations as the Southern KwaZulu-Natal U20s made it a day to remember by beating top of the log College Rovers in their Frank Norris Trophy clash at the Genesis field in Port Shepstone last Saturday.
The game was tight throughout and tempers flared a touch at times (but nothing serious) and afterwards the Rovers were complimentary of the massive effort it took to beat them.
College Rovers were met by fierce tackling and defence which resulted in an historic 15-10 win for the home team’s first match on home soil.
Lina Mahlati opened the score for SKZN with a penalty in the fifth minute with the balance of the score coming from four more penalties from the thumping boot of Dillon van der Merwe.
Rovers replied with two unconverted tries. Had their kicker been a bit more accurate things may have been different but that’s rugby,
Man of the match for SKZN in the backline was outside centre Dillon van der Merwe with prop Jordan Campbell the man of the match for the forwards.
This was Jordan’s second consecutive MOM award and he is playing some great rugby.
SKZN rose to the occasion and were deserved winners on the day.
They gathered in a huddle on the field after the game, rain now coming down quite a bit harder, and belted out some war cries.
For a side that has only recently come together, it was a massive unifying moment.
No doubt, other teams in the league will treat them with a little more respect than their opening losses may have suggested was necessary.
Next week sees the U20s host UKZN Durban, with kickoff at 15:00.
Squad from last Saturday: 15 Liqhawe Mokuene, 14 Ruwan Saayman, 13 Dillan van der Merwe, 12 Marvin van der Merwe, 11 Joiner Mnisi, 10 Rowaan Simon, 9 Lina Mahlathi, 8 Seluleko Zulu, 7 Ben-J Hlengwa, 6 Kolunga Qishe, 5 Barend Beukes, 4 Lutho Mpendu, 3 Manelisi Ngubane, 2 Azallia Bantom, 1 Jordan Campbell.
Bench: 16 Roy Mchunu, 17 Teboho Mofoka, 18 Ntando Msomi, 19 Mohapi Moeletsi, 20 Keyette Gwynn, 21 Siyanda Mathengwa, 22 Dante van Whye, 23 Stryda Perry.
Manager: Hendrik Malan. Coaches: Elton Barnes, Gromingo Mzunga.
HAVE YOUR SAY
Like the South Coast Herald’s Facebook page, follow us on Twitter and Instagram
