Hawston and Vredenburg rugby squads served up a thrilling encounter at the Hawston Sports Ground, affectionately known as ‘In Die Bos’, on Saturday, with the visitors staging a remarkable late comeback to force a 36–36 draw.
Hawston flew out of the blocks, with scrumhalf Cameron Plaatjies again showcasing his attacking brilliance with a perfectly weighted grubber kick to send winger Sergio van de Rheede over the line just two minutes into the game.
Hawston captain Branden Hunter scored a second try in the 13th minute to extend the home side’s lead to 10–0.
Vredenburg responded strongly with Rowen Syster scoring and Gregan Papier adding the conversion to narrow the deficit to three points.
The sides continued trading tries, with Jevan August scoring Hawston’s bonus-point try in the 35th minute that secured a 22–12 lead. Ruan Kleinsmith’s controversial corner try shortly before half-time reduced the gap.
Hawston gained fresh momentum after the break, with powerful midfielder Jayden Fisher slicing through the defence for a superb try. Michail Damon’s conversion extended the lead to 29–17.
But replacement Cameron Julies’ yellow card in the 63rd minute gave Vredenburg renewed hope. Flanker Curtley Jeffries crossed to bring the visitors back into contention.
Francois Geduld then powered over to seemingly put Hawston in control, but disciplinary lapses and two further yellow cards left the hosts vulnerable.
Vredenburg seized the opportunity, scoring two converted tries in the dying minutes to complete an astonishing comeback and leave Hawston supporters stunned.
Despite the draw, Hawston remain top of Group A on 13 points, with two fixtures remaining.
Safcol suffer late setback
Safcol United let a promising first-half lead slip against Bellavista in Ceres, eventually going down 28–24.
Ethan Stuurman, Edwin Sass and Andrin Mepomi crossed for Safcol in the opening half, giving the visitors a deserved 21–12 advantage.
But Bellavista fought back strongly after the break to claim victory and open up Group B. Despite the defeat, Safcol remain top of the group with 11 points.
Group A results
Robertson Town beat Roses 37-34
Abbotsdale beat Delicious NW 38-21
Group B results
Wesbank surprised defending champions Saldanha Bay with a 29-28 victory
Worcester Villagers narrowly beat Invincible 36-35 in Vredendal.
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