The Benoni Northerns Storm first team concluded the first round of the Valke Merlin League after running in nine tries to thrash East Rand United (ERU) 57-21 at the Northerns main rugby field on June 29.
Seetebosigo Mokhine touched down three times for an incredible hat-trick while JD Labuschagne and Keiryn Holl registered a brace each.
Rohanne Botha and Werner Els added a single try each.
Bradin Anderson scored eight points with the boot while Ronaldo du Plessis and Labuschagne scored a single conversion each.
In the earlier game, the Storm’s second team ran riot with an emphatic one-sided 90-0 over the ERU reserve team.
Threo Pieterse and Labuschagne crossed the whitewash three times, Adriaan Keeve twice and Arny Engelbrecht, Sheldon Botha, Christiaan Willemse, Martin Steyn, Sully Sullivan and Ted Barber grabbed a single five-pointer each in this 14-tries rout.
Labuschagne kicked in nine conversions and Luthando Thokoane scored once.
First round summary
• Both teams enjoyed contrasting fortunes in the first round. The ERU will have lots to play for in the second half as both the first and second teams lie seventh on the log while the Storm are second and first, respectively.
• The Storm first team is five points behind leaders Nigel on 35. They have won six games, drew once and suffered a single loss. They lead the try-scoring chart with 48 and have scored 32 conversions.
• ERU has won two games and suffered five losses. They have accumulated 12 points and have scored 22 tries.
• The Storm second team had an incredible run after winning all their matches and are sitting comfortably on top of the log on 40 points. They have scored 62 tries and 43 conversions.
• ERU has won only two games and lost six times. They have nine points with 10 tries and a single conversion.
The two teams clash again this weekend (July 5) in Reiger Park to kick-off the second round of the league.
The second teams start at 14:40 and the senior teams will follow at 16:00.
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