Empangeni claim Weber Cup title

STRONG contestation at the breakdown might have earned Empangeni III a high percentage of turnover during the Weber Cup Final against Pongola on Saturday, but it also gave Pongola many stabs at the uprights.

Supporters for both teams gathered at Mick Kelly Park and from under their blankets watched as a season-long rivalry came to its final battle.

At least three penalties were awarded to the visitors as a result of errors on the ground by Empangeni forwards.

Fortunately for Empangeni, Pongola struggled to adjust the scoreboard with the boot, missing three out of four penalties and failing to convert their second try, handing Empangeni the win.

Just before half-time the heavens opened and predictably handling errors by both teams ensued as cold fingers struggled to grip a slippery ball.

But despite the rain and mud, Empangeni played fast, flowing rugby, making good use of their backline speedsters who had a number of surging runs through the Pongola line, again thanks to turnovers won on the ground.

The second half was dominated by Pongola, with Empangeni visibly tiring, yet still managing to put up a solid defence throughout.

Line-outs and scrums were evenly contested with the forward packs seemingly matched in weight and power.

When all was said and done, the final score leaned 24-15 in favour of Empangeni, who scored three converted tries and a penalty to be crowned 2016 Weber Cup champions.

PHOTO GALLERY: View more action from this match here

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