Berge edge Lulu Boys in weekend derby highlight

In a ding-dong encounter in the Super League A fixture that drew a record crowd attendance at Gustrouw Sports Grounds, Helderberg Rugby Club pipped St George’s RFC by 27-25.

With a lot of anticipation and the added fact that All Saints and Strand RFC experienced byes, on the same day, accounted for the massive crowd.

Also a fact though, was Helderberg’s four bonus-point tries to the single five-pointer by St George’s.

However, the home team’s sure-footed scrum half Kyle Alexander, who provided a fine performance behind his forward pack, slotted four penalties and a conversion, for 14 of his side’s score. When he was replaced, full-back Kurtley Hendrikse added a further two penalties to the tally.

The first half of this exciting match delivered two powerful tries by Berge’s new hooker, Mauritz Swart, and two penalties by Alexander for the half time score of 10-6 in the visitors’ favour.

The second half started with another successful penalty by the Lulu Boys, followed by a try by right wing Keanu Maree, duly converted by Alexander (10-16). Then a magnificent try by Berge’s number 8, Conway Pretorius, plus the extras by fly-half Darren Hendricks, to take the lead back (17-16). Alexander’s fourth penalty restored St George’s lead (17-19), then Berge’s classy full back Jeandre Lukas ran a 50 m try of the match, converted by the replacement fly-half Errol Jaggers (24-19).

Lulus full-back Kurtley Hendrikse took over the place kicking role (24-22) and minutes later to tremendous cheers repeated his success with another. (24-25.)

The joy was short-lived, however, when in the dying minutes Jaggers slotted the match-winning penalty which took the score to 27-25 in Berge’s sweet favour.

V Other results:
– Super League C: Macassar 21-20 Goodwood, Pniel Villagers 15-13 Strand United.

– Northern League: Albions RFC 31-20 Raithby Universals, Sir Lowrians 21-24 Stellenbosch Coronations.
V Weekend fixtures:

– Super League A:St George’s vs CPUT (Gustrouw), Durbell vs Helderberg (away).

– Super League B: All Saints vs Hamediehs (Helderzicht), Strand RFC vs Kylemore (away).
– Super League C: Strand United vs Gardens (Abattoir)

Jody Koul is all a gumguard grin as he congratulates his teammate on a crucial score for Helderberg.

Conway Pretorius (centre) leads a Helderberg charge with Roux Niewoudt (left) and Mauritz Swart in close support.

Keanu Maree on attack for St Georges.

St Georges scrumhalf Junaid Sylvester sets up another attack.

Kyle Alexander (left) and Lynson Andries playing for St Georges, combine to take down Kurt Titus from Helderberg.

– Northern League: Gordon’s Bay Pioneers vs Albions (Paarl), Raithby Universals vs Blakes (Raithby).