Nigel clinches league rugby title in Kempton Park

The Nigel Rugby Club took on Benoni Northerns in the final of the Valke Merlin League.

The teams played the match on the main field at the Barnard Stadium in Kempton Park.

Nigel seemed more prepared for the game, and their tactics were on point. They were ruthless and left nothing to chance, immediately displaying their dominance.

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Benoni went 3-0 ahead in the fourth minute through the boot of flyhalf Bradin Anderson after Nigel was penalised for an infringement.

Nigel responded with two tries within four minutes for a firm grip on the game.

First, winger Rhys Thompson crossed over for the game’s first five-pointer in the 10th minute, which centre Lincoln Baatjies converted.

Fullback Craig Pienaar added to Nigel’s score with a second try four minutes later as Nigel ran amok.
Baatjies again converted as they led 14-3 at the water break.

Benoni tried to push ahead, but Nigel stopped their attacks and launched their own, looking threatening whenever they advanced in the opposition’s territory.

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Odwa Gcobo put the game out of Benoni’s reach when he added another try in the 23rd minute before Baatjies slotted a penalty as Nigel raced to a 21-3 lead.

Soldiering on, Northerns flanker Ernest Ehlers scored his team’s first try two minutes before half-time.
Anderson converted as the match went into the break, with Nigel 21-10 ahead.

Nigel quickly squeezed Northerns with three tries early in the second half to move closer to a memorable win.

Thompson crossed over a minute after the break to make it 29-10 after Baatjies’ kick.

Keanan Mouton and Steven Kok ensured it was game over for Benoni when they crossed the whitewash in the 54th and 57th minutes, respectively.

Benoni had a late surge when Allan Janse van Rensburg and Anderson crossed over.

Janse van Rensburg’s captain, Dorian Robertson, set up him and Anderson to run in unchallenged on the left.

After winning a lineout, Anderson collected and forced his way through traffic for his team’s third five-pointer, which he converted.

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That comeback came too late as Nigel held on to win the game 41-22, securing the league title.

Earlier, the Benoni second team ran in three times to clinch the reserves league title 21-8 against Nigel.

Arny Engelbrecht, Brendan Kruger and Lucien Bester touched down for Benoni, while Sheldon Botha added two conversions and a penalty.

Henry van Biljoen scored Nigel’s only try, and Handerik Deyzel scored their only penalty.