Sun shines on Selborne

Dale played with the wind but Selborne scored first when fullback Jason Raubenheimer kicked a penalty goal. 3-0 after 3 minutes and a minute later Dale had the lead. Scrumhalf Thando Zoki won a turnover from the kick-off and gave to flank who in a flash was over in the corner. Dale led 5-3 after 4 minutes.

A penalty for a high tackle gave Dale an attacking line-out. A scrum to Dale followed and they went left – 8 – 9 – 10 and Chumani Lucas scored a try which Aphelele Fassi, who had an outstanding match, converted, and Dale led 12-3 after 15 minutes.

Six minutes later it was 15-6 as Raubenheimer and Fassi exchanged penalty goals.

This time it was a high tackle by Dale that set Selborne on the attack with a line-out five metres from the Dale line. Selborne bashed and eventually captain Christopher Coetzer forced his way through three defenders to score. 15-11 to Dale after 25 minutes.

After urgent Selborne attacking, Dale kicked clear, and Coetzer and rangy lock Stephan Niewenhuizen counterattacked. The home side went wide left where wing Afika Ndinisa scored to give Selborne a 16-15 lead, the half-time score.

From a metre inside his half Niewenhuizen set off on a counterattack. He strode down the midfield to the Dale 22 and, when he was grabbed, he flipped an underarm pass to outside centre Sibahle Kuhlane who, after some interpassing, scored. With the conversion Selborne led 23-15 five minutes into the second half.

Fassi kicked a second penalty goal and then from a scrum Mitchell Connellan attacked on the right. Selborne went left and Kuhlane scored his second try. The conversion meant that Selborne were leading 30-18 but with 24 minutes to play.

Then came the try of the day.

Lock Luyolo Ndabambi's run, set Dale attacking. Good handling landed the ball in Fassi's hands well inside his own half and in the middle of the field. Fassi of the long legs, swerve and step, raced straight down the middle of the field to the Selborne posts for a wonder try. He converted and Dale were back in contention  at 30-25 with 14 minutes to play

Then with six minutes left, Coetzer dropped a splendid goal from over 30 metres out.

It was an excellent game.

Scorers

For Selborne:

Tries: David Coetzer, Afika Ndinisa, Sibahle Kuhlane 2, 

Cons: Jason Raubenheimer 2

Pens: Jason Raubenheimer 2

Drop: David Coetzer

For Dale: 

Tries: Thando Gqokvo, Chumnani Lucas, Aphelele Fassi

Cons: Aphelele Fassi 2

Pens: Aphelele Fassi 2

Teams

Selborne: 15 Jason Raubenheimer, 14 Jarrod Ramsay, 13 Sibahle Kuhlane, 12 Mitchell Connellan, 11 Afika Ndinisa, 10 David Coetzer (captain), 9 Thomas Bursey, 8 André Rust, 7 Cody Els, 6 Sisonke Mbadlanyana, 5 Stephan Niewenhuizen, 4 Grant Meyer, 3 Cameron Moodie, 2 Mark Venter, 1 Luke Dalbock

Coaches: Kevin Taylor, Josh Fowles

Dale: 15 Dashaan Mitchley, 14 Andrico Johannes, 13 Siphamandla Matsinya, 12 Aphelele Fassi, 11 Chumani Lucas, 10 Ayabonga Poswa, 9 Thando Zoki, 8 Lathitha Lukasi, 7 Thando Gqokvo, 6 Luphumlo Tsheko, 5 Luyolo Ndabambi, 4 Sibongile Kampi, 3 Mzingisi Bisholo, 2 Mikhaya Sonqishe, 1 Anda Mfenyana

Coaches: Grant Griffith, Barry Hayidakis

Referee: Raymond Boys (Border Referees' Society)

Assistant referees: Ron Warrtz (Border Referees' Society), Ashwin Adonys (Border Referees' Society)