Diggers wipes the floor with Wasps
Diggers wins the semi-finals of the Senior Grand Challenge convincingly
Diggers Rugby Club’s first team wiped the floor with Wasps in the semi-finals of the Senior Grand Challenge at Marks Park.
Diggers showed early signs of hunger for the win as NF Joubert scored two quick tries to give his side 10 points on the scoreboard after Jason Godwin missed both conversions.
Bruce Coetzee introduced himself in the game with another try to take the score up to 15–0. The visitors clapped back and pushed Diggers back and manage to get a try and kept themselves in the games (15–5).
Read more: Golden Lions Youth Rugby Union is calling on local business to step up as IPT sponsors
The host were not shaken and they sticked to their game plan. A quick play and Diggers’ Werries Kleynhans stunt the visitors with a well-played try and taking the game up 22–5 into halftime.
Godwin’s kicks were looking better and better as he converted a second conversion after left flanker Shae Hiepner’s try early in the second half (29–5). Diggers was having a field day with Wasps as Coetzee struck again to take the score up to 36–5. Joubert shortly afterwards registered his third try of the games and Diggers were comfortably sitting on 43–5. Coertzee put the game to bed with another try to take the tally up to 48–5.
Also read: Traffic disruptions expected around Ellis Park for rugby showdown
The visitors refused to go down easily; they continued fighting and managed to get their second try of the day and converted the conversion to take the game to 48–12 at full time.
Kane Mavrodaris, Diggers’ first team coach, said that the lads started well and with intent, and got the job done. He is feeling confident for the final.
“There was a lull in their performance before halftime but they definitely used the attack structure well, combined with our fitness prep meant we finished well. Getting off to a good start is huge, sets the tone and dictates the whole tone of the contest.”
He added that they will work on kick-off reception, defensive line speed, and finishing off opportunities for the next challenge.
“The confidence and self-belief have been the best to report on in years and will be so crucial for a grand finale.”
Follow us on our Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok pages. Join our WhatsApp group for any story ideas you may have.
Related article: Local tag rugby player receives national colours
