Hluhluwe wins Weber Cup

THE closely contested Weber Cup rugby final in Hluhluwe on Saturday saw new winners emerge as the host team brought its 15 year cup drought to an end.

Not long into the first half, Hluhluwe’s TJ Snyman scored the first try of the match which was converted by Riaan Smal.

In a game where strong winds was a factor in accurate passing and penalty kicking, the score remained 7-0 until half-time.

Early in the second half the hosts secured a 12 point lead after Velile Ngqavu scored the second try of the game, which went unconverted.

Tensions mounted as eShowe’s try attempt was not awarded.

A few minutes later, however, the runners-up put seven points on the board, bringing the score to 12-7 when Grant Stewart scored eShowe’s first try. Arnold Kruger kicked the conversion.

In relatively quick succession, eShowe’s Sibusiso Khawula scored his team’s second try, again converted by Arnold Kruger.

This turn-around put eShowe in the lead, if only for a short while.

Not relaxing for a second, the hosts instantly responded with their third try, scored again by Velile Ngqavu.

This try also went unconverted but, once again put Hluhluwe in the lead (17-14).

Corrie Collins, Hluhluwe Rugby Club head coach, was ecstatic at his team’s first win of the Weber Cup in 15 years.

‘Team spirit and commitment are what won us the game. All the players attended every practice,’ said Collins, adding that Hluhluwe has the ‘best backline in Zululand’.

Johnny Pinto, eShowe head coach, was disappointed with the loss, but conceded by saying, ‘Rugby is rugby. Crucial decisions played a part in eShowe not winning’.