The dream is over
It was reminiscent of the 2013 Community Cup campaign when the “Panne” lost out in the semi-final of the elite club competition.
The dream of Siyaya Brakpan Rugby Club to become the number one club in southern Africa will stay a dream.
Read: Panne looking to make biltong out of Impala
A 44-32 defeat to Rustenburg Impala in the South African Rugby Union’s (Saru) Gold Cup semi-final on Sunday, October 23 ensured another case of so close yet so far for the men from Bosman Stadium.
A yellow card to Brakpan’s skipper Francois “Bones” Robbertse within the first 20 minutes proved to be the crucial moment in the match along with injuries to both of the team’s star locks, which forced them to leave the field.
Impala led 34-6 about 10 minutes after the half time break, but the Brakpan attack was rejuvenated with the introduction of replacement scrumhalf Shaun Botes, who helped create a bit of a scare for the Impala team with 26 points added (four tries) in 26 minutes.
The fight-back was halted when Impala winger Dumisani Matyeshana broke clear to score a long-range try and effectively end the dream of advancing to the final for Brakpan.
It was reminiscent of the 2013 Community Cup campaign when the “Panne” lost out in the semi-final of the elite club competition.
Read: Community cup draw confirmed
Impala will now host False Bay in the final of the tournament on Saturday, October 29.
“We can still be proud of the club, the team especially and all the club people involved with the Gold Cup for their efforts on and off the field,” said club chairman Harry Nieuwenhuis.
“People don’t always realise that there are a lot of people working behind the scenes who make it all happen and the game cannot go on without them.
“We thank them all for their contributions this season.
“We had a great attempt at a comeback, scoring 26 points in as many minutes, but the damage was done in those first 20 minutes, unfortunately.
“It is ‘back to the drawing board’, as they say.
“A big thank you must go out to all our supporters, especially those who took the time and effort to go to Rustenburg.
“You were great this season.
“The management, the team and the coaching staff made us all extremely proud this year and we know that we will be back to have another crack at the Gold Cup in 2017.”
Brakpan’s try-scorers in the semi-final: Clayton Gindan (two), Jaco Lotter and Gido Horn.
Penalties: Horn (three).
Conversions: Horn (two).
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