Macassar RFC carved out a 20-13 win over Eerste River RFC in a Super League C derby at Riverside Park on Saturday (23 April).
Much had been said about the clash in the lead-up and the men from Eerste River were full of confidence and delivered the goods against the more experienced home side, who suffered a blow before the match when pivotal lock forward Dillin Andries withdrew for health reasons.
While it is fairly common that the most disciplined side is more likely to win derbies, it’s by no means a given that the penalty count predicts outcome the all the time. When looking at this match, despite having a superior penalty count against them, the MC Boys still managed to notch up a victory.
It was a dour spectacle with a total of 22 penalties disrupting the momentum; Macassar’s key attacker Cheslyn Cyster barely touched the ball.
At the close of the first stanza, the MC Boys had bulldozed to a 15-0 lead thanks to tries by influential captain Clint Stewart (converted) and flanker Enver Eyman (unconverted) as well as a penalty by Garth de Bruin (15-0). The hosts looked set for a dominant final 40.
Ten minutes through the second half, the MC Boys lost De Bruin through injury; he was replaced by utility back Leeroy Plaatjies, who didn’t last long either as he sustained a shoulder injury minutes after running on the field. Centre Ryan de Wee also departed through injury, which resulted in the coaching team having to shift players out of position.
Macassar had to close out the match with flankers Francois Phenelope and Eyman covering centre and wing respectively. Fullback Cyster also had to show his worth by stepping into the flyhalf role.
With the home side clearly unsettled, Rivas fought back and got on top quickly. They were tougher when they needed to be and got the reward with two quick penalties through flyhalf Ulrich van Oordt (15-6).
The MC Boys looked to reassert their dominance and put some good facets of play together, with lock Oliver Gila and front rowers Arno Linders and Wilbur Smith instrumental in the tight facets.
After sustained periods of play, and an open tryline for winger Breyton Klein, the efforts were nullified, as Rivas speedster Anthony Dehuis intercepted to come within striking distance of the home side (15-13).
The MC Boys regrouped with a well worked score through speedster Klein, who touched down in the corner and extended the lead with five minutes remaining (FT: 20-15). The home side pushed for a bonus-point score, but an increasing penalty count allowed the visitors to camp on their 22 in hopes of fighting out a merited draw.
But the resolute MC defence held strong to secure the cliffhanger victory.
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Other results: Macassar II 27-7 Eerste Rivier II; Macassar u-20 52-0 Eerste Rivier u-20.
