Macassar RFC are in high spirits following their 5-29 bonus-point victory over Pniel Villagers in the Western Province Super League C on Saturday afternoon (2 April).
Local rugby clubs returned to competitive action after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, and the two clubs delivered enterprising rugby at a packed Pniel Sports Ground.
The MC Boys managed to secure full points on the day, with young scrumhalf Jade Rodericks undoubtedly the player of the match, scoring a brace early in the first half, and strongman Zenodene Isaacs crashing over just before the break.
Replacement loose-forward Lynson Andries secured the bonus point with a late second-half try. Flyhalf Garth de Bruin converted three and added one penalty, while Villagers’ only points came via a single try from winger Austin Linders.
The home team displayed plenty of attacking endeavour in the opening exchanges, but could not pierce the resolute MC defence. However, the Macassar boys were the better of the two sides at the breakdown and boasted a superior scrum.
When Pniel were restricted to 14 men through a red-card offence by lock Xavier Martin, advantage shifted to the visitors, which allowed them to close out the game.
Based on the performance, the MC Boys will feel confident playing with the power and precision of a well-balanced team. “I am very happy with the victory and relieved to have started off the competition with a win,” said Macassar coach Chris Langeveld.
“Pniel Villagers were physical in their approach, but our guys held their own up front. We tried to play in our framework, but made a few crucial errors which stifled our rhythm.”
Macassar will host Elsies River United this Saturday (9 April).
V Other results: Pniel Villagers II 3-28 Macassar II; Pniel Villagers u-20 0-32 Macassar u-20; and Hamilton Reserve 0-3 Macassar Reserve (Friday 1 April).
