Wits targets another win in the Castle Lager Pirates Grand Challenge League
Wits moves up the league after it secured a landslide win against the Poorte
The Wits Blues are set to play the University of Johannesburg’s rugby team this weekend after it secured a resounding victory against Roodepoort Ruby Club (Poorte) on Saturday, April 22, 2023; winning by an impressive 43-10 margin in the Castle Lager Pirates Grand Challenge League.
The match started with Roodepoort scoring a try within the first 20 minutes, setting the tone for what would be a physical and tight game. However, Wits quickly caught up by scoring a try and a conversion, bringing the score to 7-5 by halftime.
As the second half began, Wits’ lock Awethu Lushozi received a ball from out wide and finished with a successful try and a conversion taking the score to 14-5. Wits’ prop Banele Mthenjane followed with another try and a conversion for the team, bringing the score to 21-5. The defense was under pressure as Wits were on constant attack which led to inside centre Siyabonga Xulu taking the ball to score a try and a conversion.
Wits fullback, Christian Humphries scored a successful try and a conversion after Roodepoort’s try, bringing the score to 38-10 before Wits wing, Simelela Nkomo closed out the game with the final try taking the score to 43-10 with a kick just before the game ended.
Wits put on a dominant display throughout the game, with spectators like Andrew William supporting Wits saying that the team played exceptionally well against Roodepoort. “I am very happy with the game, the boys put on a show for us and played a very good game.”
Wits wing Nkomo, told Wits Vuvuzela that “The boys set a high standard and I was pleased to maintain it as I got in on the 2nd half.”
Despite the loss, Roodepoort’s lock, Anton Gerber praised Wits for their performance and said, “It was a very tough game for us against a strong team like Wits but we pushed.”
Roodepoort’s supporter, Shanlee Maritz echoed the same sentiment: “I am very disappointed by the game from Roodepoort, but Wits really did took out and played a really good game.”
Despite winning, Wits’ first team coach, Saneliso Ngoma, said that they didn’t start off really well but in the second half the team pulled up, “we went to our structures and played the rugby that we know we can play. Now we have a week off preparing for our next big games.”
Wits captain, Mark Snyman told Wits Vuvuzela that, “I am not completely happy with how we played but a win is a win, and the team will continue to work hard to improve our game.”
Featured image: Wits blues and Poorte in a scrum restarting to play at Wits Rubgy field. Photo: Sinazo Mondo
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