The Ultra Liquors Ballito Dolphins rugby squad recently claimed an historic away win against the mighty South Coast Warriors.
Playing their final away game of the season on June 22, the Dolphins travelled to Douglas Mitchell Park in search of a first league double against the men from Margate.
The Dolphins’ victory against the Warriors at home in May was the first time the South Coasters had lost a game in the league in over two years.
And that earlier win proved a perfect momentum builder when visiting Margate, previously an unhappy hunting ground for the Dolphins who had never registered an away win against the Warriors.
“It looked like the status quo would remain with the 2nds going down 34-7 but the 1st team, coming off a great win against log leaders Kokstad the week before, were still confident,” said Dolphins chairman, Mark Svenningsen.
It was clear early on that this would be a match won by the forwards, as a bruising close-quarters encounter got underway.
Photo: Studio 88 Photography.
The Dolphins’ big men were certainly up for the challenge, however.
“Sporting a combined age of 79 the Dolphins prop duo of Marvin Chakanyuka and Wandile Kushu showed age is but a number,” said Svenningsen.
“It is said that only sporting greats go by a single name and ‘Kushu’ is no exception with a Player of the Day performance!”
Early forward dominance saw Kevin Buck crossing the whitewash to give the Dolphins a 7-0 lead.
But the Warriors were not going to take the game lying down and grabbed back an unconverted try to come within two points at halftime.
An early Dolphins penalty in the second half calmed nerves and restored a five point difference, but the game was far from over.
Photo: Studio 88 Photography.
“It is in tight games that cool heads and experience comes to the fore and Siviwe Bisset is just the man for such occasions with both Craven Week and Currie Cup experience,” he said.
“The Dolphins flyhalf showed his class with a drop goal that was in the end telling, as the visitors scored a late try to take the score to 13-10. An historic win for the Dolphins!”
With the victory, the Dolphins now have a winning record of 5-4 heading into the final game of the season against Maritzburg Rugby Club.
The game was previously scheduled for to be played at Oaklands Equestrian Estate this weekend but has been postponed until July 20.
Keep an eye out on the Ballito Dolphins Facebook page for full information closer to the date.
- Note; This differs from the print version of this story, which had the original date of the game that has since been postponed.
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