Mixed results against Middelburg

The u-21s had the best result of the day when they ran in nine tries in a 49-0 win.

“For a young team who came together only the week before the game, they looked good and there were also some excellent individual players who put their hands up,” said club public relations officer Steve Myburgh.

“We are looking forward to watching them when the league starts in April.”

Point-scorers for the u-21 team included tries from JP Bryder, Charl Carelse, Lionell Meintjies, Armand Schmidt, Jacques Carelse, Marius Bezuidenhout (two tries), Peet van Niekerk (two ties) and Jeff Geral (two tries), while Chris du Preez and Johan Botha scored two conversions each.

The club is still looking to invite young players in the u-21 age category to come and play.

The second and first teams did not have it all their way on Saturday, but did put on a good show.

The Second XV experienced a good game, but had to play catch-up rugby for most of the clash, which ended at 16-8 to Middelburg.

Their points were scored by Aubrie Pierrie, with a try, and a drop-goal from fullback Cheston Daniels.

Benoni’s First XV came out positive and were looking to play strong running rugby against a Middelburg team who took their chances and capitalised when Benoni made mistakes.

They were leading from the third minute, with a penalty, and Benoni found it difficult to gain momentum in the first half.

“We kept Middelburg at bay for most of the time, and had a couple of missed kicking opportunities and went into the second half trailing 6-0,” said Myburgh.

In the second half, the hosts conceded an early penalty that put more pressure on them.

Benoni had a few close calls, where they should have scored, but they could not round off their chances in a match where Middelburg never looked threatening.

In the 73rd minute, with Benoni close to the opposition try line, Middelburg kicked a loose ball, intercepted and won the chase to the Benoni try line to score under the posts – a move from which Benoni could not recover, losing 16-0.

“Although it is not nice to lose your first home game of the season, we at least know where we must improve and what we can work on,” added Myburgh.

“We, unfortunately, had two injuries in key positions, so we’ll have to test our depth early on this season.” The club will play their second friendly matches at home, on Saturday, February 21, against Sasol Secunda.

The u-21 game will start at 1.30pm, the Second XI game at 2.45pm and the First XV game at 4pm.