Afirst-half blitz was enough to give Macassar RFC a bonus point 10-22 win over Strand United in their Super League C match at Abattoir Sports Ground in Strand on Saturday afternoon (13 August).
The win handed the MC Boys a guaranteed play-off spot in a most likely home quarter-final. However, given how close it now is between Macassar and the students from CPUT in second and third place, the four-try bonus point will be a valuable achievement for the MC Boys.
On the other hand, United will have it all to play for in their remaining two fixtures as they look to avoid relegation.
After the heroics of the first stanza, where the MC Boys blitzed four tries, the next 40 minutes became a frustrating affair, with both sides trying to play but hampered by a plethora of costly mistakes and ill-discipline.
Both teams saw a player each red carded for foul play.
Debutant Byron Kleyn had a dream debut as he crossed over for a brace. His first score came from a well-organised phase interplay by the forwards and backs, before Kleyn dived over for the first try of the match.
Cheslyn Cyster and Dillon Booysen with a five-pointer each added to the first half tally of 3-22.
The second half though was hardly worthy of the contest that transpired in the first 40 minutes.
While Strand United had control of most of the possession and territory, their inability to convert this into points perhaps bears testament to their performance this season.
The gutsy efforts by hooker Brent Morris and attacking flair by Wesley Joseph and Fareez Sebastian deserve praise, underlining their tenacity and prowess in a team that just have not been able to garnish momentum this season.
Morris was exceptional and was aided by Sebastian, who scored for the home side.
One positive take home for Macassar is the efforts of Lynson Andries who put in a stellar performance and was solid in defence with eight tackles, five carriers and gaining 38 metres. Andries also had a hand in Kleyn’s opening try.
But as much as the game was almost settled in the first half-hour, there will be plenty of facets to work on for Macassar this week, and there were plenty of missed opportunities as well.
It was nowhere near the MC Boys’ best performance, but coach Chris Langeveld will be happy with another win that keeps them moving upward as the play-offs approach.
Strand United will have to find some confidence and self-belief in their remaining fixtures. Victory should be non-negotiable for the newly appointed Taariq van der Ross and his coaching corps.
V Macassar – Tries: Byron Kleyn (2), Dillon Booysen, Cheslyn Cyster; Conversion: Bradley Daniels
V Strand – Tries: Fareez Sebastian; Conversion: Wesley Joseph; Penalty: Wesley Joseph
