A last-minute try gave the University of Fort Hare (UFH) a 13-8 victory over Rhodes University in a close encounter on Saturday 17 August.
A last-minute try gave the University of Fort Hare (UFH) a 13-8 victory over Rhodes University in a close encounter on Saturday 17 August.
The Rhodes U21s started their last rugby match of the season with much intensity, dominating Fort Hare in both territory and possession in the early stages of the match.
The excitement grew as Markus Nel scored a penalty in the early minutes of the game, giving Rhodes an early lead. Rhodes fought hard despite their many sloppy line-outs and handling errors. Nic Blue scored an unconverted try to extend the lead, and then UFH began to fight back as Rhodes began to tire.
Fort Hare’s play was at times messy, with numerous knock-ons interrupting the flow of the game. However, they managed to break into the Rhodes 22, allowing Linathi Morogo to score a try just before the half-time whistle, giving Rhodes an 8-5 lead going into the break.
The second half saw a change in play as Fort Hare pressed hard, creating a more evenly-contested game as they converted an early penalty to level the score. Fort Hare was much more physical in the second half and Nic Blue had to come off after a wrist injury.
A last minute change in hookers saw a tired Sibusiso Magenuka come off, which strengthened the Fort Hare defence. After a tough second half, Fort Hare grabbed a try in the final minute of the match, although the conversion went astray.
Rhodes head coach Qondakele Sompondo was clearly disappointed, saying, “We had a chance to close in the first half. We gave it our all and we played well. But we allowed them back in the second half and I think fitness is a big problem – not just fitness, but also the decision-making”.
