Masiphumelele looking to bounce back

Patrick Nuthall

Masiphumelele Rugby Club endured a tough outing in icy, wet conditions when they travelled to Fisantekraal on Saturday. The Third Team match was called off, leaving the spotlight on the Second and First teams.

The Second XV had to contend with a waterlogged field that turned the contest into a forward-heavy battle. Despite plenty of effort, little went their way. A try from loosehead prop Siphundo “Beast” gave Masi a glimmer of hope, but Fisantekraal proved sharper on the day, running in three tries, two converted, to claim a 19–5 win.

The First team took to the field with their Super C playoff hopes still alive and started brightly. Captain, Richwen Warries, and flanker, Sibonelo Kitshini, crossed the whitewash, with one try converted by Gregory Cleophas, giving Masi a 12–7 halftime lead.

Their scrum also impressed, holding dominance in the many resets caused by handling errors in the wet. However, the second half proved costly. Lineout struggles and difficult calls at the breakdown denied Masi attacking momentum. As the weather worsened, Fisantekraal kept their composure, slotting three penalties to edge ahead.

The final score line read 16–12 to the home side, a narrow defeat that left Masi with plenty to reflect on. It was a challenging day in tough conditions, but Masi will be eager to bounce back. After a bye this weekend, they return to action on Saturday, August 30, when they host Rocklands Rugby Club at the Noordhoek Sports Fields. The club encourages supporters to come out in numbers to back the boys in black and red.

• Patrick Nuthall is a member of Masiphumelele Rugby Club