Berge were convincing winners over the Lulu Boys in Saturday’s derby match at the Charles Morkel Stadium in Strand as were all their other teams.
The massive crowd was entertained with sparkling rugby, which yielded 36 tries in four matches.
The third minute produced the first sparks when from a full backline-movement right wing Jodi Koul scored in the corner for an unconverted try (5-0).
In the eighth minute, left wing Hughwan Engelbrecht stormed in from the touchline to score behind the posts for an easy conversion by scrumhalf Michael Visser (12-0).
In the tenth minute, St George’s left wing Faaziel Robertson reduced the lead with a long dazzling run and a try in the corner which was not converted (12-5).
In the 27th minute a defensive kick by St George’s was fielded by Berge’s hardworking flanker Estehan Visagie, who crossed the line to score in the corner. Michael Visser converted from the touch (19-5).
In the 39th minute left wing Engelbrecht intercepted outside the Lulus 22 to run in for a brilliant try under the posts. Visser added the extras, taking the halftime score to 26-5.
Five minutes after the restart Visagie got his second try after hooker Jacques van Zyl won possession to score. This try was converted by flyhalf Darren Hendricks (33-5).
In the 54th minute, St George’s right wing Cuan Maree sped through for a Castle Corner try (33-10). In the 58th minute Maree repeated his brilliance with his second five-pointer and in the process injured a hamstring. Nazim Wood converted this time (33-17). Darren Hendricks added a penalty goal for Berge (36-17.
Finally, in the 73rd minute flanker Schalk Burger, after sustained pressure, scored a try which was converted by replacement flyhalf JJ Stover. Final score: 43-17.
The man of the match for Helderberg was undoubtedly their live-wire hooker Jacques van Zyl, with wingers Engelbrecht, Koul and fullback Jeandre Lukas also excellent.
Both clubs have byes next week (1 July), and on Saturday 8 July Berge face the formidable False Bay at Charles Morkel, while St George’s host the on-form Hamiltons at Gustrouw.
