IF the Nashua Crusaders were looking to banish the demons of their opening loss of their Fidelity Moor Cup season, they did that emphatically with an improved all round performance on Saturday.
Replacement Crusaders hooker Byron van der Nest scored in the dying minutes of the game to hand the Durban North side a thrilling 21-15 win over Jonsson College Rovers.
The game had a blistering start with Saders winger Troy Chiochetti scoring within the first minute of the kick-off. The home side’s flyhalf, Cameron Dunlop, easily slotted over the conversion to give his side a 7-0 lead.
His side went further ahead after some impressive forward work thanks to Buzwe Mpothulo. Dunlop again converted to give the home side a dream start at 14-0.
College Rovers’ reply was swift though, and two tries from former Sharks’ winger Dusty Noble brought them to within two points of the Crusaders.
The scores stayed that way going into the break.
Rovers fullback Jeandre Small had a chance to put his team ahead in the second half with a penalty but missed. The Crusaders weren’t that lucky the second time around, after a yellow card to their hooker Byron van der Nest, allowed Small to put the visitors ahead by three.
However with 10 minutes to go, two sin binnings (one for a high tackle and the second for a tip tackle) for Rovers gave the home team the edge they needed.
Van der Nest went from villain to hero as he scored a wonderful last gasp try to send the home crowd into raptures. Dunlop’s conversion was the cherry on top as the home team closed out the game by three tries to two (21-15).
Saders coach Ronnie Uys, who was the most vocal member on the day, praised his side for their mental fortitude and all-round play.
“Coming back in the manner we did was just phenomenal. The boys stuck to their guns. We were hurting after the first loss and we worked really hard to turn things around after the first game.
“I’m extremely proud of the boys and would like to thank the Durban North community for their support today,” he said.
Related Article
Crusaders lose opening encounter
