Amanzimtoti stun Saders to reach final
The South Coast Terriers pulled off an unlikely win beating the Crusaders 27-17 in Toti recently.
AS the final whistle blew at the end of a tough Murray Cup clash on a brisk and dewy night at the Amazimtoti Rugby Club; there was a contrast of emotions in the two semi-finalists camps. On the one hand the Nashua Crusaders looked dejected and forlorn, while their opponents Amanzimtoti rejoiced in unbridled ecstasy having reached the final of the prestigious Murray Cup for the first time in their club’s history.
The South Coast Terriers pulled off an unlikely win beating the Crusaders 27-17, an impressive feat considering the away team had led 17-0 in the opening minutes of the game. However two yellow cards and some ‘questionable’ refereeing decisions cost the Saders a victory, which would have meant a home final at their Ranleigh Crescent club.
The opening few minutes saw little in the way of action with both teams tackling hard and competing ferociously at the rucks. It was the boys from the North who opened the scoring through centre Steve Strydom, after a wonderful break from Cameron Dunlop. Dunlop converted and was instrumental in his team’s second try with a clever cross kick finding the opening arms of Charlie ‘Midas’ Mayeza who cantered in under the post uncontested.
A penalty three minutes later and the away team looked to be in control. However a few minutes later ill discipline from Cameron Dodds saw him sin binned for foul play. This allowed the partisan home crowd to throw their voices behind their side.
It seemed to work as Toti centre Richard Shore scored just before half time, the conversion was easy for Wimpie Pretorius. The score 17-7 at half-time.
Once the second half got underway, another yellow card to Saders captain Alex Curry for a high tackle swung the momentum in favour of the home team. A try from Toti forward and Sharks front rower Mondi Hadebe saw the home team edge closer to erasing the deficit.
Critically two more tries from Richard Shore and Thinus Volker ended the Saders chances of a comeback.
Coach of the Saders, Ronnie Uys said his team were gutted after the loss. “We are absolutely devastated. To lose after leading by 17 points is something hard to fathom. There were some refereeing calls that were questionable and the two yellow cards just swung the momentum of the game. Toti put our scrum and defensive line under enormous pressure.
“Credit goes to Toti, I wish them all the best in the final. Our focus now is on playing for the third/fourth place finish. As it is a home team we want end the season on a high and I hope the Durban North community will come out and support us,” Uys said.
