Masi's promotion hopes still alive despite mixed results

Patrick Nuthall

Masiphumelele Rugby Club hosted Watsonians in a critical Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) City League Top 9 fixture this past Saturday in Noordhoek. Despite strong support from fans and moments of brilliance across the teams, it was a mixed bag of results for the home side.

The day got off to a promising start with the Third team delivering a confident 19–14 victory. Their performance set an encouraging tone for the afternoon. This momentum continued into the second match, where Masi’s Second team played with structure and heart to overcome a determined Watsonians side, winning 18–7. Points came courtesy of a well-taken try by Inga Ngoloti, two penalties, and a conversion slotted by the reliable boot of Dylan Malander.

The First team game, however, told a different story. Watsonians came out firing and dominated the early exchanges, racking up four tries and two conversions to take a commanding 24–0 lead at halftime. A fifth try shortly after the restart threatened to put the result beyond doubt.

But Masi was not finished yet. Scrumhalf Yamkela Mangxola sparked a spirited comeback with a sniping try, converted by Khanyiso Doyi. This was followed by further tries from Doyi and Siyabonga Mbali, one of which Doyi converted. Masi had found their rhythm in the second half, outscoring the visitors 19–12 during that period.

Unfortunately, the first-half deficit proved too large to overcome, and the match ended 19–36 in favour of Watsonians. Despite the loss, the second-half fightback was a credit to the team’s resilience and character.

Masi will look to regroup ahead of their next Top 9 fixture, an away clash against Raithby Universal RFC in Somerset West on Women's Day, Saturday, August 9. With promotion hopes still alive, the team will be eager to deliver a full 80-minute performance.