Semi-finals beckon for young side

The Benoni young guns have been a revelation this campaign and have played some scintillating rugby to finish at the pinnacle of the Merlin u-21 table.

Their only loss this season came against their nearest rivals, Kempton, earlier in the year, after a good start was foiled by circumstance, after the referee failed to pitch for the match.

Kempton were definitely the team that could spoil the young Benoni side’s party, but they were adamant about proving that they deserve their spot at the top end of the log.

Once again, 10 thrilling tries were scored by the Benonians and it looked like every player wanted to get their name on the scoreboard.

They showed the same composure that has contributed to their success this season and they wrapped up the game in style, with a mammoth score of 64-9.

JP Bryder, JP Flemming, Jeff Gerall, Frederick van Staden, Christopher Gouws, Carel Nimb, Arnold van den Bergh (two), Len le Roux and Brenden Kruger all dotted down in the match, while Eugene Horn slotted seven conversions.

The first team, who did not qualify for the semi-finals, ended their season on a high, with a 51-38 win over their guests.

The Benoni first XV ran in nine tries on the day, with five of these scored in the first 25 minutes and with the hosts leading 31-14.

Kempton, however, staged a comeback and played good rugby to take the lead to 33-31 going into halftime.

The second half was a lot better for Benoni, who ran in another four tries to Kempton’s one.

Arno Fourie, Jacques Dorfling (two), Dee Jay Koekemoer, Dirk Bloem (two), Daniel van der Merwe, Ruan du Plessis and Anthony Henricho got their names on the try-scorers’ list.

• At the time of going to press, the u-21 team’s semi-final opponents and the date of the clash were still to be confirmed, however, it was looking likely that they would face Nigel.