Raithby Universals claimed local derby bragging rights in a high-scoring encounter over the weekend, while Macassar produced a dominant display in Super League B as crucial promotion and relegation fates were sealed across the Western Province super leagues on Saturday 8 August.

The match of the weekend belonged to RU, who came out on top in an entertaining Super League C local derby against Strand United, winning 42-27.

Raithby set an intense early pace, opening the scoring with a penalty before Strand United quickly leveled with one of their own. The first half developed into a thrilling seesaw battle as both sides exchanged unconverted tries. Late in the opening stanza, RU’s formidable forward pack asserted control, creating clean quick balls to unleash their rapid backline.

Despite United crossing for a converted try of their own, the home side held a 27-15 lead at the break.

United refused to go away silently in the second half, striking first after the restart to put the pressure back on Raithby. That wake-up call sparked the home side back into gear, as Raithby responded with a series of converted tries to seal the 42-27 victory.

For Raithby Universals, centre Lezainne Botto, scrumhalf Elzedan Herbert and flanker Aidin Robertson produced outstanding individual performances.

Despite the loss, Strand United played with immense grit in a game fought in great sportsmanship, proving that their current log standings dont fully reflect the quality they bring to the pitch.

League campaigns completed

Elsewhere in SLC, Strand RFC earned a hard-fought 24-18 victory over Eerste Rivier to end their campaign on a high note. Sir Lowrians fell 38-13 to Rangers, who were officially crowned SLC Champions.

Both Strand United and Strand RFC have now completed their league campaigns and will move on to play in the Northern League next season. Raithby Universals, relegated now to SLD alongside Sir Lowrians, have one final league fixture remaining on August 15 against Busy Bees at Langa Stadium.

In Super League B, Macassar put on an attacking masterclass, thrashing Young Peoples 53-7. Macassar, riding high in SLB, still has one final match left on their schedule – an away clash against CPUT on Saturday 15 August.

All Saints wrapped up their SLB campaign in style with a clinical 19-0 shut-out victory over Hamediehs. Despite securing the win, All Saints must nervously wait on the outcome of the final fixtures of Violets and Hamlets, with all indications pointing toward a potential drop to SLC next season.

St George’s saw their season come to a painful end, suffering a heavy 68-22 defeat at the hands of Hamlets. With their campaign now concluded, St George’s have been officially relegated to SLC for the upcoming season.

At the top of the Western Province club rugby hierarchy, Villager RFC has been officially confirmed as Super League A champions.

Second-placed Helderberg Rugby Club prepares for a SLA showdown this coming weekend as they travel to take on the UCT Ikeys in their final fixture.

Fixtures for Saturday 15 August:

• – SLA: UCT vs Helderberg RFC
• – SLB: CPUT vs Macassar
• – SLC: Busy Bees vs Raithby Universals