Hampshire dominates pre-season rugby
Neco Bokwe
The pre-season rugby friendly between Hampshire and Murraysburg United showcased a dominant performance by Hampshire, who emerged victorious with a commanding scoreline of 41-9 at the Botanic Sports Grounds on Saturday 6 April.
Hampshire asserted their dominance early on, securing the win with an impressive display of skill and teamwork. The match saw Hampshire crossing the try line seven times, with Ermario "Choeker" Petersen and Jaydin Julies each scoring two tries, and Damian "Dambelis" Moultri, Melvin "Spenza" Grootboom, and Mitchel "Pello" Malgas contributing one try each. Renaldo "Boude" Jaftha and Rowan "Gwana"
Titus scored three of the tries, solidifying Hampshire's lead.
In contrast, Murraysburg United managed to secure only three penalties through the course of the match, with Jacques Booysen proving successful with each attempt.
The friendly encounter was not without its challenges, as Murraysburg United faced logistical issues, player injuries, and work commitments, resulting in them arriving with only one team instead of the expected two. Tony McPherson, president of Murraysburg United Rugby, acknowledged these challenges but remained optimistic about his team's performance.
Despite the unexpected circumstances, Hampshire capitalised on the opportunity to conduct trials, showcasing the depth of their player roster. This flexibility allowed the coaches to evaluate potential team combinations for the upcoming season, turning the cancelled second game into a valuable training opportunity.
Looking ahead, Hampshire's final preseason friendly will be against Aberdeen Rugby Club in Aberdeen on Saturday 13 April. Following this match, the official league fixtures for 2024 will commence, with Hampshire aiming to carry their winning momentum into the competitive season.
The resounding victory against Murraysburg United has undoubtedly bolstered Hampshire's confidence as they prepare to embark on their league campaign. With a blend of talent and determination, Hampshire is poised to make a strong impression in the upcoming rugby season.