Photo gallery: Barberton II hunt down Impalas

Barberton II edged out the Impalas of Komatipoort Rugby Club 31-19 in a pulsating Phakisa Mayor’s Reserve League semi-final at Coronation Park on Saturday.

It was a battle of attrition between two evenly match teams. The match was played in the true spirit of club rugby enjoyed by the hordes of spectators around the field.

Barberton started the match strongly, scoring two tries in the first 14 minutes, both from tapped penalties. The first by Leon Pretorius and the second by Matheus Oberholzer.

Elmar Nolte converted both and Barberton held a 14-0 lead.

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The Impalas hit back with a try by Xolani Malamula, who gained possession from a line-out and stormed 40 metres through the home team’s defence. Caswell Khosa converted.

Pretorius grabbed his second try to put Barberton II 19-7 ahead.

Komatipoort number 8, Brennon Jordaan scored a try just before half time to keep his side within striking distance of the home team. The score, 19-12.

The Impalas started the match showing a lot of nerves. Their kick-off and two restarts went into touch. As they settled down they lifted their game.

Barberton did hold territorial advantage and had the better of the possession in the first 40 minutes.

Komatipoort hit back early in the second half with a another try by Jordaan.

As the game progressed Barberton II started taking control and set the pace.

Winger Sugar Myeni put the home team into the lead with a try.

Hooker, Wynand Klaver put the game in the bag for Barberton II with the final try late in the game. Nolte converted.

The Impalas played with pride and gave their all. Barberton II were simply too strong.

In the other semi, Matsulu beat the Rooikatte II at Hoedspruit. Matsulu ran in seven tries to Lyenburg II’s four.

The final will be played at Coronation Park at 14:00 on Saturday.