Raithby Universals (RU) secured promotion to Super League C after an epic 15-15 draw against Morning Star in a fiercely contested promotion play-off match at City Park in Athlone on Saturday (27 September).
RU won promotion to the higher league on the strength of scoring more tries during the game.
The local lads started the match with blistering pace, with wingers O’Ryan Gordon and Leighton Lombaard each scoring tries within the first 20 minutes, giving them a 10-0 lead in windy conditions. But Morning Star, using their powerful forwards, managed to put points on the board with a penalty, taking the half-time score to 10-3.
The team from Durbanville emerged from the break with renewed vigour, quickly scoring a converted try to level the score (10-10). This remained the score at full-time, forcing the game into 20 minutes of extra time.
Raithby again ignited, scoring an unconverted try to push ahead 15-10. But Morning Star refused to yield, promptly answering with a try to level the scores again (15-15). The final moments of extra time saw Morning Star pushing hard for a winning score, but a heroic defensive effort by back Sherwyn Prins, who was subsequently named man of the match, kept them at bay.
In a dramatic conclusion, RU was awarded a penalty late in extra time. Brandon Manuel’s attempt at goal was deemed unsuccessful after a lengthy discussion among the officials, leaving the score tied at 15-15. However, under the competition rules, RU was awarded the victory as they scored more tries, confirming their promotion to Super League C next season.
In other the promotion/relegation action on Saturday, Helderberg Rugby Club secured their place in Super League A with a 51-34 victory over Kraaifontein.
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