Scottsdene Central bounced back to winning ways, beating Lagunya 33-24 in a Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) Super League C (SLC) match, in Kraaifontein, on Saturday.
The home side recorded the first points of the match with a converted try, early in the first half.
The visitors, however, did not sit back as flyhalf Anathi Ndukwana went over for his side’s first try of the game while fullback Sandile Xhasa was on target with his conversion.
The boys in green did not let that dampen their spirits.
Scrumhalf Theodore Christians and centre Colin Lombard scored within a space of five minutes while flyhalf Elroncio Smith kept his 100% record with the boot.
But, it was Lagunya that ended the half on a high as Thulani Bakumehi and Anathi Ndukwana scored in quick succession while Xhasa slotted over one of the two conversions.
Still, Scottsdene Central led 21-19 at the break. They started the second half in fine style when Donovan Hermanus scored his side’s bonus point try.
They continued to put pressure on Lagunya when Ashwin Dube went over the try line while Leroy Ruiters slotted the conversion.
The boys in red did not walk away empty handed, though, as Bongani Mukume scored his side’s fourth try of the game, earning them a bonus point.
Scottsdene coach Alastair Siegelaar said the goal was to walk away with a bonus point victory but the win was tougher than expected.
“We had to work hard for the win. In the first half we had a number of chances but we did not use them. Lagunya were good at ruck time which stopped our momentum. As the game progressed we put on a better performance and it showed as we only conceded one try in the second half,” he said.
Siegelaar believes his side dominated the set phases in terms of line-outs and scrums but did not use their chances.
“We are not sticking to what we are supposed to be doing. When we do gain momentum we spoil it with the 50/50 passes or allowing our opponents to steal our ball. If we can get that right we will be well off,” he said.
Scottsdene have had a mixed bag of results this season, winning three and losing five of their league matches.
Siegelaar said the positive was that his side did well to bounce back after their 36-17 defeat against Paarl, last weekend.
“Things have not gone according to plan in the first half of the season but anything is possible in the business end of the league. It’s about building the momentum and keeping the players positive. We hope to reach the top six in order to play in the President’s Cup,” he said.
Scottsdene will play in the Tinus Linee rugby day tournament, in Paarl, tomorrow, Thursday June 16. Linee was a former Western Province centre that died after losing his battle against motor neuron disease, in 2014.
“The aim of the rugby day is to give players in the second and third teams who stood out in the first half of the season a chance to play in the first team but also to show our respect for Tinus,” he said.
* In other SLC action, Paarl beat Kylemore 21-10, Franschhoek United beat Elsies River United 14-0 and Langa beat Raithby Universals 28-27.
* In SLB action, Bellville beat Young Peoples 22-19 and Uni-Mil beat Kraaifontein 69-7.
* In SLA action, Brackenfell beat NNK 17-14, Sir Lowrians beat Kuils River 25-24 and Durbell beat Hamiltons 55-32.
