The Bruin Bere showed their mettle in the final quarter to claim a hard-fought 28-22 victory over newly-promoted Middelburg in a match that swung back and forth.

In what turned out to be an absolute arm-wrestle at the coal face, Wesvalia demonstrated why they’re a force to be reckoned with in the Noordvaal, turning the screws when it mattered most to see off a spirited Middelburg outfit.

Middies drew first blood, but Wesvalia’s response was clinical. Spreading the ball wide with purpose, they created space for winger Damian Potgieter to dot down in the corner, bringing the hosts within touching distance at 7-5.

The momentum shifted dramatically when outside centre Viandre Heymans produced a bone-crunching tackle that rattled the ball loose from Middelburg’s grasp. Flyhalf Wian du Preez read the play like a book, scooping up the loose ball and burning off the cover defence to score under the sticks. Wesvalia had turned the tables, leading 12-7.

But Middelburg weren’t about to lie down. Earning a penalty they opted for the tap, and prop Melchior van Niekerk showed exactly why front-rowers are worth their weight in gold, powering over through sheer brute force. The conversion handed the visitors a 14-7 advantage at the break.

Second-half seesaw

The second stanza began with Wesvalia finding their width once more. Another sweeping backline move saw Potgieter bag his brace in the corner, and suddenly the Bruin Bere were back in front at 17-14.

However, wasteful goal-kicking threatened to derail Wesvalia’s charge. Missed penalties and conversions left precious points on the paddock, the kind that can come back to haunt you in tight affairs.

In the 50th minute, Wesvalia were handed another shot at goal and this time made no mistake, stretching their lead to 20-14. But two minutes later, a misfielded box kick gifted possession straight back to Middelburg. Exploiting the acres of space, they worked the ball to flanker Siya Mokgoatjana, who crashed over to make it a one-point game at 20-19.

The tension was palpable.

Crucial final quarter

Wesvalia’s small errors in crucial moments handed Middelburg the momentum. With 12 minutes remaining, a penalty gave fullback Jano Wilson the chance to reclaim the lead, and the composed young man duly obliged. Middelburg 22-20.

Ten minutes left on the clock, and Wesvalia earned a kickable penalty. Du Preez stepped up under immense pressure and slotted the three-pointer. Wesvalia 23-22. Game on.

The Bruin Bere found another gear in the closing stages, playing with renewed intensity and purpose. Now it was Middelburg’s turn to make costly mistakes.

In the 68th minute, they kicked for touch, set up the driving maul, and hooker Fanie Linde broke away to score the match-sealing try. At 28-22, Wesvalia had done enough.

The final whistle confirmed a gutsy victory for the Bruin Bere against a Middelburg side that earned promotion to the Noordvaal Cup last year.