Helderberg managed to stay unbeaten by the narrowest of margins at Belhar, winning by 31–32, after leading by 19–24 at the break.
The home team was 7–0 up in the second minute after kick-off thanks to an exhilarating converted try. In the seventh minute Berge’s scrumhalf Michael Visser reduced the deficit with a penalty goal (7–3). In the 16th minute, flanker Naym Jansen secured a loose ball, linked with number 8 Conway Pretorius, who fed his centre Lyn-Jay Hendricks, who sent scrum-half Visser over for a try, which Visser converted (7–10).
In the 23rd minute, Belhar retook the lead with a try (12–10). Almost immediately Berge responded, when their fly-half JJ Stover made a line break and through the safe hands of Hendricks, his centre mate Quiwen Bauman made the running to score, for Visser to add the extras (12–17). In the 32nd minute Visser broke strongly to send Hendricks away for his team’s third try. Visser converted (12–24).
Moments before the half-time whistle Belhar scored next to the posts and added the conversion (19–24 half-time).
In the 54th minute, Berge’s lock-forward Shane Kennedy drove strongly through the opposition, Visser was on hand to send replacement centre Bokkie Carstens away for the bonus point try (19–29).
The home team became desperately rampant to dominate play midway through the half, during which they added twelve points with two tries, one converted (31–29).
Helderberg was awakened by this setback and were on attack for the remainder of the match.
Seven minutes to the final whistle Visser missed a penalty attempt, but three minutes later he made amends with an accurate kick (final score: 31–32).
Apart from a stellar performance from Visser, among the backs centres Hendricks and Bauman as well as the replacement Carstens gave their all.
The forwards, captain Pretorius, debutants Kennedy and Estehan Visagie and prop forward Jurgen Dorfling, were the pick if their seriously outweighed home team pack.
The under 20s were in their element against weak opposition winning by 7-40. Try scorers were Dane Bezuidenhout (2), Jan Maree, Jady Labuschagne, Zane Walters and Neville Cooper. Quin Visser added five conversions.
Other results: Second teams: Belhar 38 – 33 Helderberg.
Tries by Ovain Engelbrecht (2), Kyle Erasmus (2) and Kyle Leibrandt. Conversions by Jibo Douman (4).
No Helderberg teams play over Easter weekend and the league resumes on Saturday 23 April with home fixtures against the formidable Belville club.
