Violets edge out Rangers to secure Super C semi-final spot

Mark Ward

The Chukker Road rugby field, was awash with wild celebration on Saturday as Violets edged out fierce rivals Rangers to secure a 20-17 victory and a spot in the Western Province Super League C semi-finals at City Park on Saturday.

This tense encounter was a relentless physical battle which kept spectators on the edge until the final whistle, with Violets capitalising on two penalty tries and the steady boot of Mogamad Mallie, whose brace of penalties ultimately made the difference. Rangers, however, were resilient and pushed the home side hard but were unable to overcome Violets’ defensive grit in the closing stages. The result sets up a semifinal showdown with Young Peoples, while All Saints will lock horns with Gardens in the other fixture.

Violets' assistant coach, Ashieq Wise, said it was the proudest moment of their season and a victory that ranked among the highlights of this year’s campaign. “I must just add we have not won the league, but this victory was indeed sweet. We were made to work hard, but that is the character of the team this season,” said Wise.

In the Super League B Collegians suffered a defeat when they went down 34-37 to Franschhoek.