PHOTOS: Strand Liga claims SLC derby spoils against All Saints

In a match that delivered all the drama a Super League C local derby promises, Strand Rugby Club secured a hard-fought 34-29 victory over a tenacious All Saints Rugby Club in front of a packed Gustrouw Sports Ground this past Saturday (2 August).

The hosts ultimately triumphed, but only after fending off a stunning second-half comeback by the visitors, who had the crowd roaring.

Liga began the game like a house on fire, with their powerful forwards asserting early dominance. They launched attack after attack, putting immense pressure on the Olla Boys, who seemed unable to get out of the starting blocks. The early pressure paid off as Strand raced to a commanding 18-0 lead, with tries by captain Junaid van der Heyde and Mikyle Thomas.

All Saints eventually found their footing, but Strand’s relentless assault, including another try from Matthew Durr, saw them take a comfortable 25-12 lead into the half-time break. Kicking duties for Strand were shared, with Ethan Beckett contributing a conversion and Steven Samuels adding another.

The second half, however, belonged to the visitors. The Olla Boys returned to the field with renewed purpose, and their efforts quickly paid dividends. They fought their way back into the game with a series of well-worked tries, as they took a narrow 28-29 lead. The momentum had completely shifted, and an upset seemed on the cards.

Unfortunately for All Saints, their brave comeback was derailed by a series of ill-disciplined plays that resulted in yellow cards. This handed the momentum back to Strand, who capitalised with Beckett slotting two penalties to add to his earlier three, securing the win and putting the game just out of reach.

While the hosts’ pack was a key factor in their success, providing quality ball for their backs to run riot, the try of the day belonged to All Saints’ outside centre, Aiden January. With a breathtaking burst of pure pace, January sliced through the Strand defence to score a spectacular try under the posts.

All Saints’ points came from a number of players, with tries also scored by Geraldo Jacobs, Dillin Andries, Eagan Christians, and Odwa Gwe. Dylan Scholtz added two conversions to round out the scoring for the visitors.

In Super League A, Helderberg Rugby Club hosted the UCT Ikeys at the Charles Morkel Stadium in the rain last on Wednesday (30 July). It turned out to be a low scoring encounter and a defensive display by both teams.

In the fifth minute, the Ikeys scored the opening try thanks to their illusive winger and also added the extras (0-7). For the balance of the first half, both teams out in some hard hits.

For Helderberg their loose forwards trio of Dian Koen, Blaine Skelton and Waylin Pick proved exceptional, together with hooker Mauritz Swart.

The second half delivered more serious tackling and it was in the 55th minute when UCT was awarded a penalty try (0-14).

In the 59th minute the replacement Ikeys scrumhalf scored his team’s third try (0-19).

At this point the game was called because of playing conditions being too severe and the final score was recorded as a 0-19 victory for UCT.

Other results:

– Super League B: Macassar 39-24 NTK;

– Super League C: Busy Bee 53-26 Strand United;

– Promotion League: Raithby 22-18 Blue Stars United.

Fixtures for this Saturday (9 August):

– SLA: Maties vs Helderberg (Danie Craven Stadium). Kuils River vs St George’s (Jagtershof);

– SLC: All Saints vs Langa (Helderzicht), Violets vs Strand United (Chukker Road), Busy Bee vs Strand (Langa);

– Promotion League: Sir Lowrians vs Fisantekraal (Sir Lowry’s Pass), Raithby Universals vs Masiphumelele (Raithby).