Double win for Villagers in Empangeni

THE Land Rover Durban – Hillcrest Villagers’ took the long trip to Empangeni to face the Mancosa Zululand Rhino’s on Saturday, in a KZNRU first division fixture.

In the 2nd XV encounter, the Rhinos were eager to make amends for the losses they suffered against HVRC earlier in the season.

The Villagers 2XV started well and ran in two early tries to put their stamp of authority on the game. Showing real skill and pace, the Villagers’ carved through the Zululand side but missed some opportunities due to some poor execution.

Not a team to back down, the Rhino’s ran in a try from 60m off of a tapped-back-in touch finder mixed with excellent support and well-timed passes.

The half time score was 8-19 to the Villagers.

Supported by a bench of overflow talent from the Villagers’ 3rd XV, the team put another try past the Rhino’s in the second half, but momentum swung in favour of the home side in the latter stages. A spirited fight back saw the final score 20-24 to the Villagers.

Man of the Match went to Nic Tyler (forwards) and JP van der Westhuizen (backline).

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The Land Rover Durban – Hillcrest Villagers 1st XV wasted no time in turning on a masterclass of first division rugby. From the get-go, the game was expertly controlled and marshalled by flyhalf, Tommy Bezuidenhoudt, who ran in three of 10 tries himself.

The Villagers’ forwards came up against a spirited opposition up front. With solid scrumming, gang tackles and defensive dominance, the hosts’ forward pack found it a difficult afternoon, but never allowed themselves out of the game, and were able to swing momentum in their favour at several points in the game.

The home side scored three unconverted tries in response to the Villagers’ onslaught. With fullback, Jaco de Jager, slotting all 10× conversions, they were never able to significantly stem the flow of points and the final score ended 70 – 15 to Hillcrest.

Man of the Match went to Kyle Bester (forwards) and Jaco de Jager (backline).

The 2nd XV captain, Nic Tyler, said, “We have a great mix of players and people in the club this year. The brotherhood ethos that we have been fostering and enjoying over the last few years is really paying off now, for all the teams in the club. It’s a very special rugby club to be a part of.”

The Villagers’ 1sts and 2nd XV will take on the Westville Old Boys RC in a Highway Derby at Jimmy Bellows Sports Grounds in Westville from 2pm on Saturday afternoon.

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