United defies the odds in Vereeniging

Vereeniging took a slender three-point lead into half-time, with the score reading 6-3 in their favour, in the rain-affected Peregrine League encounter.

United’s points came in the way of coach Derrick Sampson’s side’s only try by replacement back Duane Brown, while in-form teammate Cameron Lentoor converted the try and added three penalties.

Coaches have their say on the absorbing encounter.

Boksburg Advertiser: Coach, your thoughts on the game?

Derrick Sampson (United coach): ”We went to Vereeniging very prepared. ”Unfortunately, we had to adapt the way we attack because of the rain. We dominated them, the referee kept them alive.

”Our kicking was good, they tried to intimidate us but we didn’t fear them. We’re the only team that’s got something from them; all the other teams have lost there. My players put their bodies on the line, our defence was key. I did say we’re not here to fill up the numbers – we want to go to the Gold Cup.”

BA: What was the game plan for one of the in-form teams in the league?

DS: ”To deny them momentum, especially from the scrum. We knew they have a heavy pack, but we scrummed them backwards and we stopped them around the fringes.

BA: How pleased are you with the result?

DS: ”For this moment, I’m very pleased, it makes a difference in this league. We’re qualifying in the top six like we’ve always wanted.

”Cameron [Lentoor] scored a late try with around five minutes left to play, but it was disallowed because he was adjudged to have stepped out. It was tense, fast and physical. The referee was a little bit biased. We had that game won.”

Boksburg Advertiser: Coach, a rather surprising result in a match you were expected to win. Your thoughts please?

Fanie van Wyk (Vereeniging coach)

FVW: I really think they [United] played good, structured rugby; they’re a well-coached side. The weather played a role and they might’ve handled it better than us.

BA: Would you say the guys might’ve underestimated United?

FVW: No, I don’t think we underestimated them. We knew East Rand United were going to bring it. Sometimes the ball bounces your way and sometimes it doesn’t. They played really well.

BA: Do you see the result as points gained or points lost?

FVW: It’s not the outcome we would’ve liked. We drew. We didn’t lose or win – nothing has been decided yet. We’ll go back to the drawing board and correct our mistakes. – @SabeloBoksburg