Rhinos claim win over Queensburgh
The first-round match was a tense affair as each side had a burning desire to progress to the 4th division next year.
THE Fidelity Reservoir Hills Rhinos and Queensburgh clash at Jonssons Kings Park lived up to all expectations as players were also forced to battle the cold and rainy conditions.
As the only two unbeaten teams in the CF Glew 5th Division League after four rounds, this match promised to be a humdinger from the outset. The Rhinos were keen to prove that the four wins under their belt was no fluke. The Queensburgh team were on the warpath, coming off resounding double digit wins against the Jaguars and Ogwini.
The first-round match was a tense affair as each side had a burning desire to progress to the 4th division next year.
ALSO READ: Rhinos claim well-deserved win
Queensburgh stormed their way into Rhinos territory but a combination of bad handling, a slippery ball and a committed defence prevented them opposition from getting across the line.
The Rhinos slowly fought their way back into the match by executing their first time tackles to perfection. Led once again by captain Lerato ‘Glass’ Khuzwayo, the team harassed the heavier opposition with kicks into the corners that the team’s nippy wingers, Ndumiso Mbambo and Lunga Ngcobo, successfully chased.
The game see-sawed in the bucketing rain as referee, Dylan Botha, had his hands full due to the many off-the-ball skirmishes. The game was tied at 14-all at half-time.
Club chairman, Niren Misra, stood in for coach, Andrew Osborn, for the game. He gathered their reserves for one final attack after falling behind 21-17 heading into the final quarter.
In a moment of inspiration and flash of brilliance, Captain Khuzwayo, sidestepped his opposition and shot past the despairing fullback to steal the game with one minute to spare.
The team beat Queensburgh 24 – 21.
“The qualities of this Rhinos team is starting to shine through. Its in games like these where 15 players come together as a unit, and stand strong in the face of a larger more experienced side.
“To see such grit, competitive spirit and sportsmanship from such young men proves that what we are trying to achieve at the Reservoir Hills Rhinos this year is working! We are truly grateful to our sponsors for helping us achieve this vision,” said Misra.
Any companies wanting to support the team as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme, contact Angie Hatting on 062 548 4753 or e- mail reshillsrhinos@gmail.com.
You can follow the team on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @reshillsrhinos.
