The MC Boys carved out a grim 24-12 Super League C (SLC) derby win over Raithby Universals at Riverside Park on Saturday (11 June).
About 2 000 die-hard fans who ventured to the Macassar fields hoped for a quality derby encounter, but they were forced to sit through a howler of a second half, punctuated by handling errors – most notably by the home side who was restricted the entire half and could not add any points to their half-time score.
However, the five log points gained have cemented the MC Boys’ position in second on the standings, with the 13th placed RU 22 points behind.
But it must be said that Macassar were far from their best and never really looked like dominating their lower ranked opponents.
The hosts only got into the opposition 22 on a couple of occasions, but managed to score four tries and take a 24-5 lead into the break.
Macassar’s lively full-back Bradley Daniels delivered a typically robust performance; his first-half counter-attacks and tries by Zenodene Isaacs, Johan Lavin, Gurston Cupido and Enver Eyman were ultimately enough to secure victory for the MC Boys.
The RU charges made early inroads to lay down their presence and were rewarded multiple penalties, but winger Juan Keet failed to convert these into points.
Raithby enjoyed 80% of the possession and territory in a rather forgettable first half, but had just a single try from Riaan Faroa to show for it.
The visitors continued to dominate play in the second half, but they couldn’t get over the try-line despite coming close on several occasions.
Jacques Steyn eventually crossed over for a converted try to take the score to 24-12 with 20 minutes remaining.
Somehow, through RU’s passion and resilience, they dragged themselves back into contention, although they misfired opportunities and were up against a superior and more balanced MC Boys outfit.
For the home side, the second half score remained as it ended in the first, with the visitors giving a good account of themselves.
RU should be proud of their performance as they defended stoutly for much of the game and competed well at the breakdown, but a lack of depth held them back and they had little in penetration other than flyhalf Brandon Herbert, centre Imeraan Flaendorp and ever-present flanker Grant Maart.
For the MC Boys, Daniels’ enormous energy saw him contributing across the park. Cheslyn Cyster had the better of the reliable Leonard Jacobs in the midfield stakes and the MC Boys’ loose forwards were a better unit, with the massive presence of Cupido, Clint Stewart and Eyman in general play finally told.
In other results, St George’s were 13-17 victors over Belhar in Super League B, while Strand RFC were dominant in their 55-10 win over Kylemore and Strand United suffered a 13-15 loss to Surrey Estate Rangers in SLC. In the Northern League, Sir Lowrians mustered a 25-20 win over Stellenbosch Coronations.
