Victory for Masi in muddy and slippery conditions

Patrick Nuthall

Masiphumelele Rugby Club delivered a clinical performance on Saturday, June 7, securing victories across all three teams despite wet and windy conditions at Noordhoek Sports Fields.

The day kicked off with the third team, a youthful side brimming with energy and raw talent. They showed composure and flair to dominate Police RFC, securing a convincing 26-17 win despite the intermittent downpours.

The second team followed with an equally impressive display.

Facing into the wind and rain in the first half, Masi struck first and gradually asserted control.

Their superiority in the scrums was evident, consistently pressuring the Police and setting a solid platform for attacking play. As the weather cleared, the game opened up, and Masi ran in multiple tries to seal a well-earned, 31-0, bonus point victory.

The First Team took the field under clearer skies but found themselves in a slow-burning first half. It was the brilliance of outside centre Manelisi Mbana, striking twice from counter-attacks, that gave Masi a 10–0 lead at the break.

In the second half, the Pumas continued to pressure the Police defence, with strong attacking plays from the home side, with the inside centre, Warren Morgan, showing great determination by bouncing off players.

However, Masi struggled to capitalise on these opportunities, adding to a high tally of knock-on infringements. 

It was the dominant Masi scrum that once again proved vital, with 8th man, Ndumiso Mhlanzi, scoring off the back of a 5-metre shove.

Mhlanzi later intercepted a loose pass and sprinted 40 metres to secure the bonus point try. Replacement Anvil van Wyk added to the tally with a strong finish from 8 metres out, while conversions from Gregory Cleophas and Monwabo Totsini pushed the final score to 31–0.