Two Eastern Province Rugby Union Wellman Harmse Super League fixtures took place in town over the weekend.
Two Eastern Province Rugby Union Wellman Harmse Super League fixtures took place in town over the weekend.
Easterns took on Paterson Lions at Miki Yili Stadium, while Swallows played Kowie United at the Military Base.
Early in the Eastern/Lions match, the Lions were already on the attack as they forced their way into their opponents half but the defence worked well to clear the ball.
In the eighth minute while trying to break through the Lions defence, Easterns were awarded a penalty kick but lacked power and direction as the ball went wide.
Easterns then produced great passes that saw them moving into the Lions half and closer to the try line but the ball was turned over to Lions.
The visitors were awarded a penalty kick which brought them three points. Lions then scored a try, making it 8-0 at half-time.
The scoreline stayed the same in the second half with a number of missed opportunities from both sides. The match ended 0-8 to Paterson Lions who are also celebrating their 50th anniversary this year.
Easterns team Manager Mzukisi Mali said “Our performance wasn’t good because the players didn’t follow instructions and the opponents were heavier so we then started playing contact rugby.”
In the Swallows match, the home side went on an early attack until they received a penalty which was kicked over by fly half Brian Goliath.
A forward drive from Swallows overpowered the United pack for lock forward Pieter Beets to score the first try of the game.
Before halftime Beets came back and scored his second try after snatching the ball from the ruck which Goliath converted.
Swallows went into the break with a 15-0 lead. Minutes into the second half, Swallows winger Glenville Lewis out sprinted the United side, slicing through to score a try which Goliath again converted.
The Swallows pack penetrated 20 metres into United’s territory, whereby flanker Hilton Delaan found space and dived for the another try.
The Swallows side was attacking using their forward pack which put more weight than United. Nevertheless United almost went on the scoreboard but Swallows solid defence kept them at bay.
Later in the second half, from a full backline movement, Swallows substitute Mark ‘Fish’ Plaatjies scored the fourth try for the home side and Goliath was on target as the game ended 36-0.
Winning Coach Phillip Oerson says “There is room for improvement and we are taking it game by game. I am happy with the players’ good discipline and positive attitude on the field.” Other results: Swallows 1st Reserves 28-0 Kowie United, Swallows 2nd Reserves 28-0 Kowie United.
