Mixed results for Masiphumelele in City League clashes

Kerryn Rehse

Masiphumelele Rugby Club travelled to Elsies River on Saturday, May 10, in a challenging City League triple-header marked by rain, heavy footing and determined efforts from both sides.

Masiphumelele came away with one win from the day, alongside two hard-fought encounters against Elsies River United.

The Third Team kicked off proceedings in wet and slippery conditions, which made ball-handling difficult throughout.

The first half was scrappy and full of handling errors, with Elsies River capitalising on early opportunities to take a 10–0 lead at the break. Masiphumelele responded with a try early in the second half to narrow the gap, but a late converted try by the hosts sealed a 17–5 win in Elsies River United’s favour.

In the Second Team fixture, it was a bruising contest up front, dominated by forward play.

Masiphumelele took a narrow 10–7 lead into the break, thanks to tries from Sinisipho Tiliwa and Lolita Lolli. In the second half, Masiphumelele built momentum, controlling the scrums and applying pressure at the breakdown.

Flanker, Inga Ingoloti, crossed the line off an attacking scrum, with Tiliwa adding the conversion. Elsies River replied with a long-range try, but Masiphumelele controlled the closing stages inside the home side’s 22-metre area to secure a 17–14 win.

The First Team encounter began in greasy conditions following early rain. Elsies River made a fast start, running in three tries in the opening 20 minutes and converting one for a 17–0 lead.

Masiphumelele captain, Richwen Warries, led the fightback with powerful carries, with consistent support from the hardworking Nondumiso Mhlanzi.

Ayabulela Nadyokwe opened Masiphumelele’s account with a try, followed by a strong attacking passage that saw Gregory Cleophas cross the line with Masiphumelele’s second try. Mowabo Totsini slotted a penalty before half-time to close the gap to 22–13.

In the second half, Elsies River struck again from a well-worked lineout, extending their lead to 29–13. Masiphumelele maintained their intensity, challenging Elsies River with structured and physical forward play. Nadyokwe scored his second try with nine minutes remaining. Cleophas converted to bring the score to 29–20, but despite late pressure, Masiphumelele couldn’t close the gap.

Players from both teams were left spent at the final whistle after a fiercely contested match played in good spirits.

This Saturday Masiphumelele travels to Cloetesville, Stellenbosch, to take on Blake’s Rugby in the last away fixture of the current season schedule.

Kerryn Rehse is a member of Masiphumelele RFC.