LAST year’s Provincial First Division Rugby champions, Land Rover Durban – Hillcrest Villagers Rugby Club, claimed a double win against the recently relegated Premier Division Club, Empangeni Rhinos, at home at the weekend.
The 2nd XV match had a scrappy start but the team quickly asserted themselves and dominated the first half of the game.
In the second half, Empangeni staged a short-lived comeback, but it was not enough to challenge the healthy lead established by Villagers.
At full-time the scoreboard read 46 – 12. The Man of the Match went to Wandile Shelembe (forwards) and Damien Heyneke (backline).
From the onset, the 1st XV team demonstrated their well-honed skills allowing for a try fest as they devoured the Rhinos with a final score of 80-15.
The Villagers’ saw it as an opportunity to test its player and leadership depth.
The Man of the Match went to Trevor Mvundura (forwards) and Tyler Smith (backline).
At the aftermath proceedings, Njabulo Dludla, vice chairman of Rhinos, praised the Villagers’ performance but warned the home side the teams would look to reverse the score later in the season.
In return, the Villagers’ 2nd XV manager, Brian Harradine, complimented the Rhinos on their spirit and exceptional club discipline.
The Villagers’ will take on the Westville Old Boys Rugby Club in a Highway Derby on Thursday evening at the Durban Shongweni Club from 7pm.
