LAND Rover Durban-Hillcrest Villagers RC travelled to Uvongo on Saturday to take on South Coast Warriers (SCW ) in the semi-finals for the Castle Junior Murray Cup Knock-out Competition. SCW has a standing reputation for being unbeatable at their home grounds at the Douglas Mitchell Sports Grounds.
The second XV clash started out with both sides competing heavily for territorial control. The highly-disciplined Villagers side, however, eventually started to display dominance in the set pieces and their fitness began to pay off, reaching half-time with a score of 5-3 in favour of Villagers. The second half saw the ‘Boys from the Crest’ ramp up their hold on the game, with a well-deserved final score of 20-13.
Tries were scored by Mike de Kock, Justin Eben and Wade Windell, with Eben converting a penalty and conversion. The Man of the Match titles went to Chaise McLaughlin (forwards) and Wade Windell (backline).
In the main game of the day, Villagers first XV showed that they had travelled to the South Coast with the intention to win. The match was ‘fought’ throughout at high intensity. Early into the game, Villagers lost two of their starting front row to injuries. Not to be deterred, the upper Highway outfit pressed on regardless. At half-time, Villagers were down 15-5. The second half saw Villagers’ pride and determination rise to the top. Competing for every scrap of territory and possession and tackling everything that moved eventually paid dividends, with Villagers showing their true grit and determination for a triumphant 26-20 win.
Tries were scored by Hayden Van De Merwe (two), Alex Klewinghaus and Tommy Bezuidenhout, with Mitch Coe kicking three conversions. Man of the Match went to Brian Lewis (forwards) and Byron Volek (backline).
Villagers’ chairman, René Missen, praised the players, coaches and team management for the double win, emphasising that hard work, passion and true clubmanship were the ultimate winners on the day.
Cup finals: Villagers first XV will face Richards Bay in the Castle (junior) Murray Cup Final. Villagers second XV will take on Harlequins second XV in the Keith Parkinson Cup Final. Both games will be played on Saturday afternoon at Crusaders Rugby Club in Durban North in an action-packed afternoon of top-class KZN club rugby.
Villagers calls on all supporters to attend the matches and show their support. The times for the games will be confirmed on the club’s Facebook page.
