Swallows defeat Old Selbornians
Game marred by controvery over which club Siphamandla Mvimbi belongs to
The row over the protest against Swallows for using an illegible player in their clash against Trying Stars spilled over into their crucial Super 14 rugby top-of-the table clash against Old Selbornians in Mdantsane at the weekend.
This as Selbornians were given two red cards in their high-tempo clash that saw Swallows romp to a 36-27 win to finish top of Group B.
Despite both teams having already qualified for the playoffs, the battle lines were still drawn after Selbornians were accused of supplying information that led to Trying Stars filing a protest against Swallows for using Siphamandla Mvimbi.
Swallows were found guilty by the judicial committee of the Super 14 competition but their team manager Mncedisi Zondeki declined to comment on whether they had appealed against the outcome.
“I would rather not comment about that at the moment,” Zondeki said.
Selbornains denied they had tipped off Trying Stars regarding Mvimbi, who is still registered with them.
“We were never involved in the saga between Trying Stars and Swallows,” Selbornians coach Kauta Gqabantshi said.
“All we did was to confirm that the player was registered with us when we were asked.
“What were we supposed to do? Lie when we are asked?”
While refusing to add refereeing to the row, Gqabantshi said it was baffling
that his team was portrayed as being ill-disciplined.
“I don’t want to cast aspersions but it was incredible that throughout this competition
we suddenly became an illdisciplined team when we played Swallows.”
Gqabantshi hailed his players for
overcoming refereeing calls against them, despite the odds stacked heavily against them with several players getting yellow cards.
On the other hand, Swallows felt the victory was well-deserved.
“The issue of refereeing was between Old Selbornians and the referee who was appointed to handle the match,” Zondeki said.
“We focused on the game and I think our forward line was superb on the day because most of our tries came from it.
“Yes our defence also played a crucial role but overall it was team work.”
Asked about the possibility of being docked some points over the Mvimbi saga, Zondeki said even if that was the case they would still qualify for the play-offs.
As things stand, Swallows are scheduled to welcome Harlequins at home in the semifinals on Saturday.
This after Harlequins finished second in Group A following their 33-15 win over Young Leopards at the weekend.
Selbornians will travel to Kariega for their semifinal clash against Group A log leaders Progress who cemented their home-ground advantage with a 32-12 trashing of Park.
The finals will be played on March 19 with the winner walking away with a R40,000 first prize.
Other results: Group A: Ncera Leopards 26 Breakers 22; Group B: EL Police 27 African Bombers 14, Kruisfontein 23 Gardens 18.