St George’s RFC suffered their second defeat in as many weeks, going to 23-27 to Hands & Heart RFC in a Super League B encounter at Gustrouw Sports Grounds on Saturday (9 April).
The Lulu Boys came agonisingly close to sealing their first victory of the season, but had to be content with a 23-27 loss at the end of the day.
The encounter was played in blistering conditions, with the home side having the tough task of playing against the wind in the first half. As is always the case with these two sides from the kick-off, though the game was evenly poised from then the visitors succeeded in breaking the deadlock with a beautiful try when Brandon Collins broke the Lulus defensive line from a distance out. The try was converted by Hagan Mumba (0-7).
Collins again dotted down and Mumba added the extras for the visitors (0-14). The game then went up and down with both teams trying to get the upper hand.
Winger Nazeem Wood brought much delight to the loyal Lulu supporters when he crossed the line for his team’s first try. Marco Anderson could not add the extras (5-14).
There was again much jubilation when eighthman Kurt Titus scored the home side’s second unconverted try (10-14). The Lulus finally managed to take the lead in the match through a penalty from the boot of Wood (Half time: 16-14).
The first points of the second half went to H&H, as Mumba slotted a penalty (16-17). Then Collins, the thorn in the Lulus’ side, crossed the whitewash for the third time in the afternoon, for a try which Mumba failed to convert (16-22).
St George’s soon reclaimed the lead as backline replacement Peter-John Sauls provided his side with a glimmer for his side when he dotted down for their third five-pointer. This time, Anderson succeeded with the conversion (23-22).
The win seemed certain, but the Lulu faithful’s hearts were broken when H&H speedster Fabian van der Vent scored an unconverted try in the dying moments of the match to hand his side 23-27 victory.
This coming Saturday (16 April), there will be no club rugby as all teams in Western Province takes a break for the Easter weekend.
