Macassar utility back Cheslyn Cyster sent the packed crowd at Van der Stel Sports Grounds into ruptures as he crossed over in the dying seconds, allowing the MC Boys to clinch a thrilling 22-24 win in their Super League C match against Van der Stel Evergreens (VDE) in Stellenbosch on Saturday afternoon (22 July).
Macassar led the game from as early as the eighth minute, but the hosts stayed in the fight throughout and led the final minutes by five points.
The MC Boys then mounted a final attack from a line-out as the clock ran red, working their way onto the VDE 22m after about 10 phase attacks. VDE conceded a penalty right in front of the posts, and Cyster spotted a squandered defensive shape, quick-tapped and dived over to level the score. Coolheaded Garth de Bruin converted, giving the visitors the valuable win.
The visitors got off to a promising start with a try by winger Breyton Kleyn in the opening eight minutes, which gave them an early lead. De Bruin converted (0-7).
Macassar was dominant in their approach and put on the pressure with some good ball retention, with youngster Joshua Moses recycling the breakdowns swiftly. De Bruin added a penalty for their efforts (0-10).
The hosts showed great composure and weathered the Macassar onslaught. They soon hit back with a try of their own through winger Marshallino Brits. The homeside captain Bronwyn Gurrah was instrumental in the team’s fightback and had a hand in their second score through right wing Keegon Johannes. The two sides went into the break deadlocked at 10-10.
The second half then started with VDE winger Brits immediately after the restart crossing over for his brace. VDE now took control of the match, and it wasn’t long before inside centre Theo Marinus converted, the score now 22-10.
Macassar started to clear their bench in the hopes of providing the necessary impact. This they certainly did with loose-head prop Anwar Benjamin providing the necessary in the tight facets. Veteran Gurston Cupido provided the energy for the fight-back when he went over in the corner. De Bruin converted (22-17).
With a re-energised surgency Macassar certainly looked as if they were not going away without a fight. The impact from the bench, the discipline and shape on an attack that often can become disjointed in pressured moments all contributed to those final moments when Cyster snatched the final score (22-24).
Macassar are now two points behind VDE, with a game in hand. They will look to claim the top spot in their next fixture against the men from Blue Jets this coming weekend.
