Helderberg Rugby Club secured their place in the Western Province Super League A Top 8 semi-finals with a hard-fought 33-25 victory over SK Walmers at Charles Morkel Stadium in Strand on Saturday 5 September.

The quarter-final produced an entertaining and closely contested encounter, with both sides refusing to give an inch, but Helderberg ultimately held their composure in the closing stages to book their place in the next round.

The home team opened the scoring in the 12th minute when they were awarded a penalty, as Michael Visser making no mistake from the kicking tee. In the 24th minute, Visser added another three points to give Berge an early 6-0 advantage. SKW responded in the 27th minute when Matthew Coenraad crossed the try-line, with Moegamat Kannemeyer adding the conversion to put the visitors ahead (6-7).

Helderberg hit back almost immediately, when Dian Koen crossed over for his team’s first try of the afternoon in the 31st minute. Visser converted to restore the host’s lead (13-7).

SKW continued to apply pressure and were rewarded with a penalty in the 34th minute, which Kannemeyer converted. Three minutes later, Quade Solomons crossed to put the visitors back in front (13-15).

Helderberg, however, had the final say before the break. Ricardo Links scored just before half-time, giving the home side an important psychological boost going into the interval with an 18-15 lead.

The second half continued in the same competitive fashion. After 56 minutes, Visser crossed the line for Berge and converted his own try, extending the home side’s advantage (25-15).

SWK refused to surrender, with Solomons scoring his second try in the 59th minute. Four minutes later, Mueez Damon added another try for the visitors as the momentum swung back in their favour (25-25).

With the match evenly poised, Berge produced a crucial response in the 72nd minute when Junior Fortuin scored to put the hosts back in the lead (30-25). Then, with the clock reaching the 80th minute, Helderberg were awarded a penalty, which Visser calmly slotted to seal a 33-25 victory.

All Saints advance

The result sees Helderberg progress to the WP Super League A Top 8 semi-finals against league winners Villager Rugby Club this coming weekend, with the venue yet to be confirmed at the time of going to print.

Super League B Top 8: Macassar’s campaign came to an end following a nail-biting 31-28 defeat against NTK.

Meanwhile, in the Super League B Bottom 8 All Saints advanced following a no-show from Goodwood, while St George’s forfeited their fixture to exit the competition. The Olla Boys now face Bellville at Helderzicht Sports Grounds on Saturday (12 September).

In the Super League C Bottom 8, Sir Lowrians outplayed Strand United 24-7, Raithby Universals edged Atlantis 36-32, and Scottsdene-Central ground out a 17-12 victory over Strand RFC. The results set up a mouth-watering local derby in the semi-finals, with Sir Lowrians hosting RU at Sir Lowry’s Pass Sports Ground this weekend.

In the Northern League, the fixture between Faure and Gordon’s Bay Pioneers was cancelled.