Midrand’s Tshuma Stingers team sinks Pirates

Tshuma Stingers recently battled out for a win while playing against Pirates Rugby Club at Phoenix High School in Vereeniging.

According to Vusi Nkosi, Stingers coach and club manager, the team made an effort to take home a win after driving a bit of a distance. “Weather conditions were wet and the boys loved gaining more experience playing under such conditions.”

In an explosive start, Mxolisi Hlophe crossed the whitewash for an opening try. A conversion from Lwando Yiliwe added the extras to take Stingers into an early 7–0 lead.

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“Opportunities for Stingers to flourish opened up again with the Midrand boys displaying lots of comfort with the ball-handling skills. Before the end of the first half, Tshuma Stingers set-pieces produced the desired outcome to allow for sufficient ball possession to pile pressure and muscle their way over the try line as they extended their lead with two more tries, one from Phillip Hlekani and another scored by Mxolisi Hlophe putting them at 19 points.”

The half-time score was as follows, Tshuma Stingers 19 and Pirates 0.

Nkosi said explained coming back for the second half, the Stingers injected fresh legs which helped pick up the scoreboard further. “The Stingers defence made it impossible for the Pirates to produce any points in the second half as well. The Midrand boys were quick to recycle possession at the breakdowns and apply the right pressure with quick hands from left to right to bring them once again to a striking position.

“Following a series of passes and evasive running Tshepo Seakhoa found his way over the whitewash to score the Stingers forth try and extend the lead more. At this point, it became clear that closing the gap was going to be very difficult. Pirates Rugby Club paid a heavy price, while the Stingers embraced the win with both hands.”

He added that Rofhiwa Mundalamo and Khulani Khumbako took their share of the try-scoring as well, putting their team 40 points ahead. Despite the loss, Pirates should be credited for staying in the fight to the very last whistle.

“Tshuma Stingers Rugby Club continues to develop players in the township area holding training clinics in schools. This is in preparation of the local Midrand Junior Rugby league.

“Women and children are invited to join the Midrand team and enjoy the beautiful game of rugby.”

Nkosi concluded that the Tshuma Stingers women’s team were set to travel to Pirates Rugby Club for the launch of the 2020 Women’s Rugby League on Saturday 14 March.

Details: Tshuma Stingers Rugby Club tshumastingers@gmail.com

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https://www.citizen.co.za/midrand-reporter/244554/beaulieu-hockey-team-impress-in-presidents-cup/