Macassar grind out a hard-fought 21-16 victory over Bellville RFC, staying top of Super League B despite a performance riddled with unforced errors.

Back on home soil following last week’s sobering defeat to NTK at their stronghold, Macassar RFC returned to their home ground with a clear mission – bounce back, restore confidence and claim a full five-point haul to cement their position at the summit of Super League B.

The hosts started with exactly that intent, and for large stretches delivered the kind of forward-dominated rugby that has defined their season – but a persistent string of unforced errors ensured this never became the comfortable afternoon Macassar had targeted.

The opening exchanges set the tone for what Macassar were capable of on their day. Hooker Jeraydo Louis dotted down in just the second minute, crashing over after the home forwards had bullied their way through the Bellville defense.

The Macassar faithful were on their feet and the home side looked ominous, but rather than pulling clear, a succession of handling errors and poor decisions handed Bellville a lifeline they gratefully accepted – the visitors converting Macassar’s generosity into points and staying very much in the contest.

“A tightly contested affair shaped by unforced errors – Macassar’s forwards laid the foundation, but the team were just struggling to finish off well-organised play.”

At the coalface, the Macassar pack were authoritative throughout. Jaydean Machelm and Lynson Andries were the standout operators in the tight phases, providing the go-forward and physicality that created many of the home side’s best opportunities.

Machelm was rewarded for his efforts with the second converted try of the half, and the sides went into the break with Macassar holding a slender 14-11 lead – a scoreline that flattered Bellville given how much territory and possession the hosts had enjoyed.

The second half began with renewed purpose from the home side. Centre Ronaldo Conradie stretched out in the corner to make it three converted tries for Macassar, pushing the lead out to 21-13 and putting the bonus-point try firmly within reach.

With 10 minutes remaining, Macassar pressed relentlessly in pursuit of the fourth score, camped deep in Bellville territory and throwing everything at the visitors’ defence. But the error gremlin that had stalked the home side all afternoon refused to leave and despite wave after wave of attack, Macassar could not find the finish.

Bellville snuck in for a late score of their own to close the gap to 21-16 and deny the hosts any margin for error.

The final whistle brought relief rather than elation. This was not Macassar’s best performance, and the coaching staff will be acutely aware that the wasteful execution that has crept into their game cannot become habitual as the Super League season enters its business end. Nevertheless, the five-point chase notwithstanding, Macassar did what they needed to do – they won.

The log leaders remain at the top of Super League B and that is what matters most when the dust settles.

Attention now turns to next weekend and a trip to Kraaifontein for what promises to be another blockbuster Super League fixture. Macassar will need to be sharper, more clinical, and considerably more composed if they are to continue their charge at the top of the table

Other results:

SLA: Primrose 38 – 38 Helderberg

SLB: Young People’s 40 – 38 All Saints

SLC: Strand RFC 30 – 21 Caledonian Roses, Raithby 44 – 41 Kylemore

Northern League: Whistling Wheels 37 – 17 Gordon’s Bay Pioneers