Aliwal edge Hangklip
The atmosphere was amazing as the day pulled the biggest crowd of the year at Hangklip.
The first team match was very exciting. Hangklip began the game well and applied great pressure in the first ten minutes, but failed to convert pressure into points as Aliwal’s defence was top class.
After absorbing the pressure Aliwal found their way into the Hangklip 22m area and scored the first try of the match from a good pick and go by Dihan Odendal with Kyle Greyvenstein converting. Aliwal lead 7-0.
Hangklip responded soon afterwards with a try by Roelof van den Berg through quick possession and good handling down the backline. The conversion was missed and Aliwal led 7-5. Just before half-time Aliwal showed great skills to score a try by Bevan Johnson. Greyvenstein again converted for a score of 14-5 in favour of Aliwal at half-time.
The second half saw Hangklip play some great rugby and scoring two more tries through fullback Francois de Plessis and prop Marcelle Els. Francois du Plessis converted to place Hangklip in the lead 17-14.
Territory was shared between both sides and quick turnover ball saw Aliwal's speedster Tembalethu Kojana receive the ball in space and score in the corner to put Aliwal 19-17 ahead with four minutes to play.
Hangklip fought back strongly to find themselves on Aliwal's tryline the last few seconds of the game, but Aliwal's defence stood firm and the final whistle blew with the visitors winning this closely fought game.
Scorers:
For Hangklip
Tries: Van der Berg, Els, Du Plessis
Con: Du Plessis
For Aliwal-Noord:
Tries: Odendal, Johnson, Kojana
Cons: Greyvenstein 2
Teams:
Hangklip: 15 F du Plessis, 14 L Sazi, 13 Z Coetzer, 12 C Stander, 11 R van der Berg, 10 J van der Merwe, 9 S Marais, 8 G Pretorius, 7 J Burger, 6 G van der Watt, 5 M Nel, 4 L Kambi, 3 M Els, 2 R Kalp, 1 J Barnes.
Aliwal-Noord: 15 Lazola Baduza, 14 Bevan Johnson, 13 Khaya Mdingi, 12 JB Lategan, 11 Thembalethu Kojana, 10 Kyle Greyvenstein, 9 Jaco Myburgh, 8 Henrique Zeelie, 7 Lulutho Ngcanca, 6 Jaco Kruger (captain), 5 Lukhanyo Mkhosana, 4 Altus Geldenhuys, 3 Dihan Odendaal, 2 Mbulelo Cebisa, 1 Louis Pienaar.
Replacements: 16 Phiwe Kojana, 17 Ovayo Mvubu, 18 Reggy Basson, 19 Sikhujele Jonti, 20 Zuko Languza, 21 Kindness Sibanda, 22 Thato Sebati, 23 Sharydon Kouta.
