By Chesley Daniels
Klipfontein United claimed bragging rights over Kowie United with a narrow 24-22 win on 19 August 2023. The win saw them earning the Sunshine Coastal Champs tag in their EPRU SEDRU Regional League second-round fixture at the Never Quit Stadium in Klipfontein.
Coming into this Derby contest, Klipfontein held the favourites tag after their narrow 7-6 win over Kowie in the first round in Port Alfred on 27 May. It was a tight, close, and brutal affair from the kick-off as Kowie was out for sweet revenge to win at all costs in order to level matters. Both teams gave the ball a lot of air and came hard at each other. Both young and exciting backline players used their skills and pace out wide and attacked each other with fearless attacking prowess. The breakdowns were also evenly contested as both sides proved their effectiveness in that department throughout the game. The scores were consistently rotated as both teams scored points, with their deadly goal kickers keeping their sides in the game with their accurate kicking. A late penalty by young John Hutchinson was the difference between the two sides on the day as he clinched the winner late in the second half to secure a 24-22 win for Klipfontein.
POINTS FOR KLIPFONTEIN
TRIES: Duncan Van Rensburg, Denver Miles, Rowaan Cannon
CONVERSIONS:. John Hutchinson (x3)
PENALTY: John Hutchinson
POINTS FOR KOWIE
TRIES: Jason Potgieter, Duane Brown, Andley Jones
CONVERSIONS: Duane Brown x2)
DROP GOAL: Mason Brooks
MAN OF THE MATCH
The try-scoring machine and speedster Dylan Graaff of Klipfontein United was again voted the Grocott’s Mail Sport and Daniels MEDIA Man of the Match. The powerful speedster again was a headache for his opponents both on attack and defence and more dangerous with the ball in hand with his explosive pace. Graaff was also involved in creating tries for his side and he was outstanding in his general play on the day.
LATEST SEDRU REGIONAL LEAGUE LOG AS AT 19/08/2023
- SWALLOWS – 53 (12)
- OC – 35 (11)
- RHODES – 33 (10)
- KLIPFONTEIN – 27 (10)
- KOWIE – 25 (12)
- TIGERS – 12 (11)
- ROSEBUDS – 4 (10)
