In a highly contested clash between log contenders Strand United RFC (SU) and Whistling Wheels RFC at Abattoir Sports Grounds on Saturday (3 June) the Helderberg team dominated all facets of play, clinching a home-ground win over their diehard opponents.
The local lads proved victorious with a 29-19 win over their visitors, who not only suffered the loss but the blow of losing their third spot on the log to the local outfit.
United were all over Whistling Wheels from the first minute and never allowed the visitors to settle. United scored as early as the seventh minute through lock Moenier “Bakkies” Davids. The try was impressively converted by number 9 Ebrahim Pedro.
Whistling Wheels responded by scoring two penalties as well as a converted penalty halfway through the first.
In the 36th minute, SU was on the attack, which resulted in wing Rezah Wanza scoring a brilliant try after great work from returning former Griquas centre and SU legend Jonathan Francke. Pedro converted again.
Whistling Wheels reacted by scoring another penalty on half-time, taking the score to 17-9 with United in the lead going into the break.
In the second half things got heated and after five minutes United’s eighth man Zain Essa darted over the tryline, adding to the scoreboard. Pedro missed the conversion and another penalty kick was tallied.
With United leading 22-12, flank forward Rushin Petersen scored the bonus point try which was converted by Pedro (29-12).
The last 15 minutes were brutal and the SU’s defence stood firm to keep the visitors from scoring.
After numerous attack plays, Whistling Wheels scored one last try just on time to give the score more respectability.
) Other weekend results:
- Strand United II lost 6-3;
- Strand United III won 20-3; and
- Strand United u-20 won 22-0 over Delft u-20.
V Strand United takes on its next derby encounter against Raithby Universal RFC, which is second on the log, in Raithby on Saturday (10 June).
