‘Young Guns’ fire on all cylinders

After a nail-biting defeat away to East Rand United a fortnight earlier the “Young Guns”, Benoni’s first XV, delivered a winning response with a full-time score of 24-18.

In the first minute of the Valke Peregrine League match-up it was the visitors who would open the scoring with a converted try.

Benoni responded through brilliant attacking play that led to a try from number eight Jacques Dorfling and the subsequent two-point conversion from fly-half Eugene Horn that levelled the scores.

Kempton fullback Janu du Toit took over the kicking duties for his side after their number 10 Andre Smith was forced to leave the field after being on the receiving end of a massive collision from Benoni’s inside centre Takkie van Staden.

This interrupted Kempton’s rhythm. However, they managed to take a 10-7 lead into the break with a late penalty kick.

Benoni’s coaches Rocco Duvenage and Hennie Pieterse had some stern words for their men at the halftime break and the team came out firing in the second period.

Despite another successful penalty from du Toit’s boot in the 46th minute the Young Guns started bossing the match.

Hooker Wessel Duvenage went over for a 50th minute score followed shortly afterwards by a 56th minute try from Dorfling and again on the hour mark by scrumhalf Jean Louis van Niekerk which was converted by Horn.

This was enough to give the Young Guns a comfortable lead of 24-13 and the Benoni boys made sure Kempton stayed out of reach for the next 15 minutes.

Kempton did score a final try in the 75th minute, but that was all they could muster as their hosts secured the victory.

“Once again our Young Guns showed pure commitment and determination to clinch this match,” said club secretary Tiana Oosthuizen.

Veteran lock Andrew Edwards announced his retirement from club rugby after the match.

He thanked the young players for ensuring that his rugby career ended on a high.

Edwards has been a member of the Benoni Rugby Club for many seasons and played in the first team for the last three to four years.

“On behalf of the club management and players we thank and commend Andrew for his loyalty and commitment over the years,” Oosthuizen added.