In a rescheduled Super League A (SLA) match between Helderberg Rugby Club and Maties at Charles Morkel Stadium in Strand over the weekend, the home team performed strongly in the first half, but bent the knee in the second.
The half-time score was 0-5 in Maties’ favour, and at the restart Maties added a converted try to take the score to 0-12.
Berge responded quickly with a corner try by full-back Stewart Jacobs after a full backline move (7-12).
It was also the only resistance from Helderberg, as the visitors took full control of the game, scoring four more tries (7-40).
In the dying moments of the encounter, Berge hit back with two tries, one each for centre Lynn-Jay Hendricks and captain Michael Visser, to take the final score to 19-40.
The win takes Maties to the quarter-finals of SLA, while Berge end their season in eighth position on the log standings.
In Super League B (SLB), All Saints were no match for UWC who outplayed them by 24-68 at Helderzicht Sports Grounds. The loss for All Saints means they have been relegated and will play in Super League C (SLC) next season.
Fellow SLB outfit Strand RFC, however, now have a chance to redeem themselves as they qualified for the play-offs for a chance to remain in Super League B.
“It’s been a journey of ups and downs, and it seems that out of nowhere we have a fighting chance,” said Lesley Grootboom of Strand RFC. “We are grateful for this opportunity and will give it our all to win the play-offs and maintain our status in the SLB.”
The play-offs will most likely take place towards the end of September.
In SLC, table-toppers Macassar RFC will play in the semi-finals against Atlantis RFC at City Park in Athlone on Saturday (31 August).
A victory will ensure the MC Boys’ promotion to Super League B.
