By Chesley Daniels
Klipfontein United handed Kowie United their fourth consecutive defeat on 27 May, while Swallows recorded an impressive bonus point win against log leaders, Rhodes. Old Collegians (OC) stunned Ndlambe Tigers in their own backyard, and St Marks Alicedale is back to winning ways with a win over arch-rivals Paterson Lions.
EPRU SEDRU REGIONAL LEAGUE
KLIPFONTEIN UNITED VS KOWIE UNITED – NEVER Quit STADIUM
Klipfontein United hosted Kowie United’s fixture in Klipfontein at the Never Quit Grounds where the two mountains met in a war battle. The hosts Klipfontein handed Kowie United their fourth consecutive defeat in the competition with a narrow 7-6 win in their Ndlambe Coastal Derby. The win saw Klipfontein move up into fourth position on the overall log, with Kowie remaining second from last in sixth position. Kowie is under immense pressure and still needs to register a win in the competition.
From kick-off, the battle between the two united sides was very personal and cold. Kowie United was great on the attack in the first 20 minutes of the game, while the hosts showed off with their collective tight defences. Kowie won early in the 20th minute and Zenovan Denston made no mistake to give the visitors an early 3-0 lead.
Klipfontein’s attack got stronger from the lineouts, where Paarushin Govender was ever prominent. Duncan Van Rensburg played a great Role in the attack as well as in defence in the backline for Klipfontein. Later in the first half, Kowie United got another penalty and Zenovan “Kowie United’s” Magic Man slotted another penalty and put his team in front with 6-0, as the first half ended with United in frustration.
In the second half, the Klipfontein Coach got very motivational with the boys in Green and Gold and gave them a stern halftime talk. Straight from the kick-off in the second half, Braden Jacobs became dominant on the attack for Klipfontein, and changed the game with blazing fire as he inspired his teammates with their scrums. Kowie got even stronger in defence. Klipfontein made some great phases with the ball in hand and from those phases, the substitute Rowaan Cannon scored a great try. John Hutchinson converted to put the home side in the lead 7-6.
Both sides fought to the very end and as they say “may the best team win”. The Green and Gold prevailed after hard work and leadership and came out victorious with a narrow 7-6 win. The spectators enjoyed a clean game of rugby and in the end, Rugby was the winner and won it all.
MAN OF THE MATCH
Braden Jacobs earned the Grocott’s Mail Sport and Daniels MEDIA Man of the Match for his outstanding performance. The loose forward was equally impressive both with the ball in hand on attack and on defence. He was also very effective at the breakdowns and rucks and had a storming game.
