Impala squeaks over the line against East Rand United
It was a valiant effort from Stephan Nel’s men, but it was not their day.
A late second-half surge saw Impala Rugby Club overturn a 25-21 first-half deficit before upsetting East Rand United 33-32 in their Carlton League game at the Reiger Park Sports Ground on May 26.
With momentum favouring the travellers in the latter part of the encounter, United, protecting a slender lead, were kept honest with their backs against their try line but their defence remained watertight.
But as the beautiful game of rugby goes, if you keep the ball in hand and protect it through the phases, a gap will open. It’s all but inevitable.
A combination of suspect officiating combined with United’s repeated off-ball infringements as they desperately held on, did not help their cause as the Impala maintained the pressure on attack.
The breakthrough finally arrived in the dying minutes – a deserved reward for the travellers.
The coach did recently say that one of the biggest takeaways from what has been a testing Carlton League campaign for his troops are the lessons learned.
His team’s recent performances have proven his words true. Unlike the few opening games which saw his team blown off the park, the latest results have been much closer affairs.
Good preparation for the less taxing Valke Peregrine League, which they resume with on Youth Day.
It was also a full strength side which saw the re-installation of incumbent kicker Cameron Rooi, who contributed 12 points off the boot.
Fellow star back Leon Potgieter also returned from injury. The half-back combination was also back to the first choice with Tiaan Ramat’s return.
Adding to Rooi’s 12 points was Potgieter, who scored a pair of tries. Right wing Jackie Jonkers scored his second brace of tries in as many games.
United closes its Carlton League campaign with a trip to Centurion on June 9.
Scorers: United: Tries – Jackie Jonkers (2), Leon Potgieter (2); Conversions – Cameron Rooi (3); Penalties – Cameron Rooi (2)
United:
1 Sakkie Klaas, 2 Shaun de Wet, 3 André Myburgh, 4 Bakkies Bakumeni, 5 Brendon Snyman, 6 Jonathan Botha, 7 Piet Mnguni, 8 Fanie van Staden (c); 9 Tiaan Ramat, 10 Clayton Gindan, 11 Leon Potgieter, 12 Reagan Fourie, 13 Cameron Rooi, 14 Jackie Jonkers, 15 Juan Botha
Reserves: 16 Raymond Herron, 17 Dirk van Wyk, 18 Jacques van Tonder, 19 Flex Bosman, 20 Stanley Steward, 21 Bruce McKenzie, 22 Waylon Thompson, 23 JP Fleming – @SabeloBoksburg
ALSO READ: Tukkies beat United in Carlton clash
