Helderberg produced a remarkable second-half comeback to edge UCT 24-26 in a thrilling encounter at the Green Mile on Saturday (15 August).

In their final match of a stellar Super League A season Berge endured a difficult opening stanza, struggling to find their rhythm as the home team took control.

The Ikeys opened the scoring in the 30th minute when Meyer Prinsloo crossed the line, with Alex Vermeulen adding the extras (7-0).

The hosts extended their advantage five minutes later when Vermeulen calmly slotted a penalty (10-0).

Helderberg finally got on the scoreboard just before the break, Darren Hendricks succeeding with penalty to reduce the deficit (HT: 10-3).

Whatever was said in the Helderberg changing room during the break clearly had an impact, as the visitors returned with renewed determination.

Five minutes after the restart, Liam Tattersall scored the visitors’ opening try, breathing new life into the comeback (10-8).

In the 58th minute Junior Fortuin crossed for Helderberg’s second try to put them firmly back in contention (10-13). Two minutes later Michael Visser slotted a penalty to extend the lead (10-16).

The Ikeys responded in the 63rd minute when Steph van der Merwe scored their second try, with Vermeulen adding the extras (17-16).

But Berge refused to surrender. Fortuin struck again in the 65th minute for his second try of the afternoon, with Visser converting to keep the scoreboard ticking over (17-23)

A fitting reward

The match descended into a frantic final quarter. UCT’s James Kobrowisky scored in the 68th minute, and Vermeulen converted to put UCT back in front and set up a tense finish (24-23).

With six minutes remaining Helderberg were awarded another penalty and Visser stepped up under pressure to put the kick through the posts to seal the deal (24-26.)

UCT had one final opportunity in the 80th minute when they were awarded a penalty, but Vermeulen’s attempt went wide, bringing the contest to a dramatic end.

The result was a fitting reward for a side that refused to give up when the odds appeared to be against them.

From a slow start to a thrilling finish, Berge’s second-half performance demonstrated the resilience that has become a hallmark of the team and a fitting end to their campaign.

Meanwhile, it was a weekend of high drama in Super League B (SLB), with All Saints suffering a bitter blow as they dropped to ninth position on the standings. Falling just outside the vital top-eight, All Saints have officially been relegated to Super League C for next season. Conversely, Hamlets secured their spot in the top eight, marking themselves safe for 2027, thanks to a helpful result from Vineyards.

All eyes now turn to Macassar RFC, whose postponed clash against CPUT stands as the lone remaining fixture of the SLB schedule.

While Collegians have already celebrated as the newly crowned SLB champions, the MC Boys’ rescheduled match will bring the curtain down on the league season.