Nelspruit outscore defending champs Barberton
The 2024 MRU Ehlanzeni Premier League is officially up and running, with Nelspruit defeating Barberton in a thrilling season opener, while White River outgunned the Lydenburg Rooikatte.
While the Mayor’s League had already kicked off over the two weekends preceding, the Premier League only got under way on Saturday May 4 with fixtures in Barberton and Lydenburg.
As defending champions Barberton hosted multiple title winners Nelspruit, it promised to be a mouth-watering season opener. Over in Lydenburg, the Rooikatte welcomed the men from White River as well as the Pumas UXi Institute.
White River was hell-bent in Lydenburg, winning two of three fixtures on the day. White River 3 trumped Lydenburg 2 with a 24-14 scoreline, while the UXi beat White River’s second team 26-12.
In the first teams’ game, White River dominated proceedings, running out 29-7 victors to earn a bonus point.
In Barberton, the hosts had a tough time of things. Nelspruit won the third team match 24-0, before winning the second teams’ one 24-12.
The first team clash lived up to its billing as well, offering up a great show of rugby. Barberton drew first blood, scoring the first try of the game against the run of play. Nelspruit rallied back and continued their momentum, though, swaying the match back in their favour to lead 19-12 at half-time.
The second half belonged to Nelspruit once again as they dominated possession and had the bulk of the scoring opportunities, but Barberton did not go down without a fight. Nelspruit led 31-17 going into the final five minutes of play.
With one bonus point already secured, Barberton were in search of an additional bonus point by ensuring they get within seven points of Nelspruit come the final whistle. A try with the final play ensured just that, as the scoreline finished 31-24 in Nelspruit’s favour.
White River are currently top of the Premier League log thanks to their superior points difference, with Nelspruit in second and Barberton third because of their two bonus points. Lydenburg find themselves in fourth with one point to their name.
In the Mayor’s League, Ngodwana triumphed over Hazyview, the Ratels beat KaMhlushwa and Malelane beat the University of Mpumalanga.
As defending champions Barberton hosted multiple title winners Nelspruit, it promised to be a mouthwatering season opener