The half-time score was 13-12.
The thrilling Merlin League encounter, which produced a combined nine tries by both sides, saw United outscore Sasolburg 5-4.
Reagan Fourie, Gamat Ndanda (brace), Dominique Perries and Vuyisile Nqweniso crossed the whitewash for the home side; while Rodney Smith, Armand Botha and Frans Ketlemen scored for the visitors.
Sasolburg were also awarded a penalty try.
United weathered the Sasolburg scrum storm and counter-attacked efficiently; a tactic that produced most of the home side’s scores. Their counter-attacks were led by blitz outside centre Jackie Jonkers, who broke the visitors’ line almost at will.
Jonkers was later announced as the Man of the Match.
Sasolburg threatened to take the game away from United, particularly in the second stanza, where their scrum bullied United’s – an assault to which the home side seemingly had no response.
The visitors also enjoyed the lion’s share of the territory, but a combination of careless mistakes and resolute defence by United kept them at bay.
“We attacked them wide because we knew they had big forwards, that’s why most of our tries came from wide positions,” said United’s coach, Derrick Sampson.
“The plan was to hook the ball quickly during scrum time, because we were always under pressure . I also think our line-outs were very good.”
Sampson lauded the team’s approach to attacking rugby.
“We, at East Rand United, are trying to bring back traditional running rugby and our intention is to make it to this year’s final,” said the coach.
The Merlin League final is scheduled to take place on August 22.
Scorers:
ER United: tries: Reagan Fourie, Gamat Ndanda (2), Dominique Perries and Vuyisile Nqweniso.
Conversions: Reagan Fourie (2), Dominque Perries (2).
Penalties: Reagan Fourie, Dominque Perries.
Sasolburg: tries: Rodney Smith, Armand Botha, Frans Ketleman, penalty try.
Conversions: Wayne Weyers (2), Jurgens Crowie.
Other scores:
Second team: ER United 13-29 Sasolburg
U-21: ER United 15-24 Sasolburg – @SabeloBoksburg
