Poorte walks tall after almost securing Community Cup

The Roodepoort Rugby Club first team stumbled over the last hurdle, which denied them their first national club title in 25 years when they suffered a 13-11 defeat to Rustenburg Impala in the Community Cup final.

What started out to be their biggest moment on the rugby field since 1989 ended in utter heartache for the Poorte players who gave it their all in the tournament in George.

Considering that the rain came pouring down, both sides had little choice but to run at each other, but when Roodepoort was on the attack they for some reason kicked away possession.

Thumbs up to Roodepoort’s forward pack who stood their ground in both the line-outs and scrums. Impala however, despite not having the upper hand in these areas, won on the scoreboard at the end of the day – just adding another victory over their familiar and regular foes.

Impala was first to score in the fifth minute when former Stormers/ Western Province player Naas Olivier slotted a penalty. Hennie Oosthuizen from Roodepoort replied about 10 minutes later with a penalty of his own, making it 3-3.

Midway through the first half Impala turned on the heat, which eventually led to their first try in the corner by eight man Leon du Plessis. Question were asked whether his foot had touched the sideline but the capable SARU refs had no problem awarding it. The experienced Naas converted with the scoreboard reading 10-3 at that stage.

Impala fullback Wilco de Wet then kept the scoreboard ticking with another successful penalty, making it 13-3.

Roodepoort then had to do something to try and save the day. With some possession at their disposal and with a scrum five metres from the opposition goal line, flanker Juan Shaw spinned his way out of tackles to crash over for a try. Hennie failed to convert, which ultimately proved to be vital.

The only points in the second half came from Hennie’s boot with a successful penalty, making it 13-11. Both sides had some opportunities to score points but both kickers had a tough time in the windy conditions.

With just a few minutes left, Poorte had their best shot at glory when they again were awarded a scrum five metres from the opposition goal line. It was not to be though as Impala, who struggled somewhat in this department, took the ball against Poorte’s feed. Soon thereafter the ball was booted into touch to ensure an Impala victory.

Roodepoort however, can walk tall as they finished runners-up in South Africa’s top national club tournament. They finished second in their group with four wins, progressed to the knockout stage where they beat 2013 champs Despatch 26-20 in the quarterfinal and Hamiltons two days later by 20-18 in the semifinal.

Point scorers for Roodepoort against Impala:

• Try: Juan Shaw (1)

• Penalties: Hennie Oosthuizen (2)