United denied again in a close-shave rugby thrill-a-minute encounter
In 2017, it was Vereeniging that denied East Rand United a fairy tale ending to their season in a closely-fought, entertaining final at the Barnard Stadium.
A last-gasp converted try by outside centre Johan Zondagh handed Springs a dramatic 35-32 win over East Rand United during the Valke Peregrine League final at a freezing Barnard Stadium in Kempton Park on Saturday, August 18.
It had seemed like United had buried the ghost from last year’s final where an unfortunate turn of events saw them lose a healthy lead in the game’s dying minutes, when vice-captain and No 10 Clayton Gindan gave his side a four-point lead with a drop goal inside the last three minutes to put United 32-28 up.
But the fat lady hadn’t sung just yet, and Springs continued to apply the pressure like they had in large parts of the second half.
The log leaders again found themselves camping in front of United’s try-line following the kick-off which resulted from Gindan’s clever drop goal.
Springs protected the ball and let it go through the phases before the run of play sent Zondagh through in the corner, sending the outnumbered Springs fans, and bench, into delirium.
Fullback Andre Smit, who, along with United’s kicker Cameron Rooi, demonstrated goal-kicking of the highest order in high-pressure situations, converted, subjecting United to their second consecutive final loss.
The encounter began at a fast pace from the first whistle and Rooi broke the deadlock to give United a 3-0 lead from a penalty.
But Smit levelled the scores shortly after from a penalty conversion of his own.
The champions led the try-scoring tally but a combination of a Tiaan Ramat well-worked try and Rooi’s boot, kept the Reiger Park outfit afloat. The half-time score was 19-15 to United.
United began the second stanza the better side, and following another penalty from Smit against the run of play to cut United’s lead to one, proceedings opened up: United’s comfort zone.
Stephan Nel’s men found themselves defending deep inside their half before the ball went loose in a ruck with United No. 9 Ramat benefiting.
Following a pick-up, the half-back gathered and sprinted into open space before dotting down under the post to complete his brace; Rooi converted.
Rooi would moments later extend the lead to 11 from a penalty.
United’s next best chance to run away with it arrived midway through the half when, again against the run of play, outside centre, Waylon Thompson shrugged off a couple of tackles to let himself free to run almost half the pitch.
The big midfielder had a chance to offload to a lurking Leon Potgieter, who would’ve probably given his side a 16 point lead, but Thompson decided to go himself and the opportunity was missed.
Springs rallied back. Ockert Brits’ men began to eat into United’s lead as United went into conservative mode.
Two quick tries to make it 29-28 in favour of United suddenly changed the mood in the United camp and renewed last year’s fears.
Gindan’s drop goal calmed nerves, but the momentum remained with Springs and Brits’ men played until the last whistle.
With barely a minute remaining, Zondach changed United’s dream into a nightmare as he dived over to break United hearts. Smit added the extras.
Scorers:Â East Rand United: Tries – Tiaan Ramat (2); Conversions – Cameron Rooi (2); Penalties – Cameron Rooi (4)
Drop goals – Clayton Gindan (2)
East Rand United: 1 Sakkie Klaas, 2 Shaun de Wet, 3 Hanriel Coetzee, 4 Jacques van Tonder, 5 Brandon Snyman, 6 Jonathan Botha (c), 7 Piet Mnguni, 8 Calvin Jantjies; 9 Tiaan Ramat, 10 Clayton Gindan, 11 Leon Potgieter, 12 Cameron Rooi, 13 Waylon Thompson, 14 Jackie Jonkers, 15 Dominique Perries. Reserves: 16 Jaco Herselman, 17 Andre Myburgh, 18 Bakkies Bakumeni, 19 Stanley Steward; 20 Bruce McKenzie, 21 JP Fleming, 22 Reagan Fourie. Coach: Stephan Nel. – @SabeloBoksburg
ALSO READ: Vereeniging deny United in Valke Peregrine League final
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