Strand United struggled at their formidable home ground, Abattoir Sports Grounds, when they narrowly lost a tight Super League C clash to fellow stragglers Masiphumelele by 13-12 on Saturday (27 July).
Both teams battled to find momentum in the early minutes in cold, wet and windy conditions, with United applying early pressure. Masi then reaffirmed possession in the latter half of the first stanza, with the pressure leading to two penalties after United lost some grip on their defence structure.
Two yellow cards were brandished to both the home and away team, with a little scuffle happening just minutes before the first half ended 0-6 in Masi’s favour.
Just a few minutes later, in the second half, the opposition pinned United to one side of the field, quickly unleashing a rapid backline attack, with the ball moving through the players hands and ending with a converted try in the left corner (0-13).
The game heated up and the visitors lost another player to a yellow card 20 minutes before full-time. United needed a change of players, and both teams sent on subs to make a difference.
The United replacements had an immediate impact on attack, as quick tries by Zain Essa and Zain Daniels brought the hosts back in the game. Only one try was converted as United clawed back and trailed by one point (12-13).
The resurgence was too little, too late for the home side as only seconds remained on the clock and they were forced to bow the knee.
Meanwhile, Macassar RFC’s Super League C fixture against Rangers RFC was postponed due to a waterlogged field.
In Super League B, Strand RFC continue to languish rock-bottom of the standings and in danger of relegation following a 36-13 loss to Hands & Heart RFC.
All Saints RFC’s scheduled Super League B match against UWC was postponed, again due to the adverse weather conditions and its impact on the playing field.
In Super League A, Helderberg RFC lost to Tygerberg RFC in their annual “Berge” derby, played at Florida Park in Ravensmead.
Two early interceptions against the flow of play proved to be Helderberg’s undoing.
In the 14th minute the first interception happened 10 m from Tygerberg’s line and their right-wing Brandon Collins ran the length of the field to score under the posts (7-0).
In the 19th minute the same interception recurred on the other side of the field, 15 m from Tygerberg’s line, with left-wing Angus Green speeding through to dot down under the posts (14-0).
Later in the half, a penalty stretched the host’s lead at half-time (17-0).
In the 69th minute, after a forward drive, Berge lock Shane Kennedy scored his team’s lone try, which Michael Visser converted (17-7).
Although the visitors had the upper hand in the half, they could just not manage further success.
Tygerberg added another penalty to their score to clinch the match 20-7.
Also in Super League A, St George’s recorded an important 8-5 victory over False Bay RFC – see the report on page 19.
In the Top 9 Promotion League, Sir Lowrians started their campaign off with an important 20-13 win over Blue Stars United RFC in Sir Lowry’s Pass.
V Fixtures for Saturday 3 August:
- Super League A: Helderberg vs UCT (Green Mile), St George’s vs Hamiltons (Green Point).
- Super League B: Strand vs Langa (Gustrouw), All Saints vs Hamlets (Mamre).
- Super League C: Macassar vs Atlantis (Atlantis), Strand United vs Eerste River (Eerste River).
- Top 9 Promotion: Sir Lowrians vs Delft (Delft).
