Even though the score lines reflect massive scores against the Benoni teams, this was, perhaps, not the truest impression of the games at Bosman Stadium.
The second team stood their ground against an immensely strong Brakpan pack, but went down 45-10, while the firsts made an impression on their revered opponents despite a 90-10 defeat.
“At times, Brakpan did not have answers for the gutsy ball handling and running skills, but in the end they got the better of both our teams,” said club secretary Tiana Oosthuizen
“Both teams played good, well-disciplined rugby, despite their deficits on the scoreboard – not once did they stand back for even a minute.”
Inside centre Dillan Keys scored the second side’s first try in the first half and outside centre Ruan du Plessis dotted down their second in the second half.
The Benoni first XV became the first team in the Peregrine League to score a try against the mighty Brakpan team this season and, even though the opposition were tough to beat, the young guns made an impression on their opponents with their committed defence and handling skills.
Outside centre Marius Bezuidenhout opened the scoring in the third minute of the first half with a well directed penalty, but the opposition replied with a series of tries to lead 43-3 at the break, after scoring seven tries and four conversions.
The second half saw a repeat of the try-scoring spree by Brakpan, with another seven tries and six conversions in reply to the Benonians’ only try in the second half, by inside centre Takkie van Staden, and a conversion by lock Peet van Niekerk in the 40th minute.
“Even though this was their fourth consecutive loss of the season, the attitude of the Benoni boys is extremely positive,” added Oosthuizen.
“They know that they are an extremely young squad who have had to step up from u-21 level to face huge competition against the likes of champions Brakpan.”
The club will host the students from Vaal University of Technology (VUT) on Saturday, April 16, at their Hoërskool Hans Moore home base.
The seconds will kick-off at 2.40pm and the firsts at 4pm.
