Local club rugby-loving spectators were treated to an epic Western Province Super League B encounter played between hosts Strand RC and Belhar RFC at the Gustrouw Sports Ground on Saturday (20 May).
The home side managed to hold on to a three-point lead, claiming a memorable 21-18 victory against their very experienced opponents.
Strand headed into the final 15 minutes of the game with a commanding lead and the fitness of the hosts allowed them to hang on for the victory. Tries were scored by Leodien Latief, Riyaat Adams, and Kaywin Love while Jerome Visagie kicked two penalty conversions. The wind albeit a very slight, but crisp breeze on a mild afternoon played a pivotal role in many of the conversion attempts at goal – for both outfits. Strand flyhalf, Darren Huys failed the earlier conversion attempts while Jerome Visagie was not successful with the third try attempt.
Despite the lacklustre performance off the tee, Huys and Jerome Visagie ran hard at a resilient Belhar defence. Captain Diego Visagie led well with carries in the midfield while Eduardo Titus paid no respect to his body, putting himself on the line, tackle after tackle. Scrumhalf Reagan Bosman cleared the rucks with speed and clinical precision while his forwards held firm against a more seasoned Belhar pack.
With five minutes left on the clock, Strand was reduced to 13 men when two yellows in quick succession left the home side to dig deep and defend their try line with the scoreboard on 21-11. Belhar believed they could outlast the home side despite having to score twice to claim the lead.
A testament to their excellent fitness and conditioning, the hosts kept the former Super League A side at bay. With the match deep into extra time, the resilience and clinical defence of the home side allowed them to hang on for their second win of the 2023 season.
“The boys played hard today, and their fitness really pulled this one through for us,” Director of Rugby, Strand RC, Ramone Samuels said. “I am grateful to every player who put in a concerted effort to pull this one through, it isn’t always about winning but when you work hard on the training ground, a win is just so much sweeter.”
Springbok and Stormer utility back, Damian Willemse was among the hundreds of spectators witness to the emphatic battle that was playing out on the field. Willemse is the younger brother of Samuels.
Samuels continued: “We will regroup, and look forward to our next encounter, which will possibly be the match against CPUT which was postponed a few weeks ago.”
) Other weekend results:
- Super League B: Vineyards 7 – 20 All Saints RFC;
- Super League C: Busy Bee RFC 11 – 28 Macassar RFC; and
- Northern League: Gordon’s Bay Pioneers 27 – 38 Excelsior RFC, Strand United 24 – 12 STB Coronations, Raithby Universals 10 – 13 Sir Lowrians.
) Saturday 27 May fixtures:
- Super League A: St Georges vs Hamlets (away);
- Super League B: All Saints RFC vs Langa (away), Strand RC vs CPUT (Gustrouw); and
- Northern League: GB Pioneers vs Sir Lowrians (home), Strand United vs Windmeul (away).
