By ROSS ROCHE
A winning start to their University Sport South Africa (USSA) C division campaign was just what the hosts were looking for as Walter Sisulu University (WSU) claimed a hard-fought 22-3 victory over Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) at the BCM Stadium last night.
It was unfortunately more of a battle of attrition than a free-scoring spectacle as the two sides played the main game of the first day’s action.
“I am very happy to get the win first up, it was a tough performance and I am glad we came away with a positive result in the end,” said WSU coach Sipho Metula. “We will now look build on this result over the rest of the week.”
A decent crowd turned up and cheered for every decent moment in the game, especially when WSU was on the attack.
A succession of handling errors throughout the game meant both teams forwards put in massive shifts and it was an intriguing battle that saw both packs gaining the upper hand on one another at various stages.
The match did open up a bit towards the end, bringing a bit of excitement, but it was telling that another of the countless handling errors ended the match.
In the end it was WSU who managed to score three tries to none and claim the spoils and they will be happy with a defensive effort that did not see their tryline breached.
“Our defence was very good and I hope we can keep other teams out in our next games,” admitted Metula.
The start of the match was a cagey affair as both teams looked to feel each other out, and with a number of handling errors on both sides it was a very stop-start affair.
The opening 20 minutes saw both teams show glimpses of their attacking skills with some good runs, but indiscipline at the breakdown was also costing them.
It was 3-3 after the first quarter as WSU flyhalf Sinegugu Lethuka slotted a penalty for WSU and MUT kicked their own.
WSU then scored the only try of the first half in the 23rd minute after a good kick and chase in MUT's half forced the defence tracking back to carry the ball over the tryline and dot down.
From the resulting 5m scrum WSU secured the ball and attack and flank Xolani Mbombo from just a metre out dived and placed the ball at the base of the right-hand upright to score, with flyhalf Lethuka adding the extras.
The rest of the half fizzled out as neither team really threatened over the next 17 minutes as WSU led 10-3 at the break.
The second half began with WSU looking a lot more confident and assured but handling errors again robbed them of the finish they were looking for.
WSU then extended their lead in the 50th minute as a poor chip attempt from MUT allowed WSU fullback Siya Gabuza to collect and put in a chip of his own, which he collected and broke through the MUT defence before being hauled down on their 22m.
He got away the offload to eighth man Lelo Gamashe who followed up well and he sprinted in to score near the right-hand corner.
WSU reserve scrumhalf Axola Snyman sealed the win.
WSU put to the test in close clash
A winning start to their University Sport South Africa (USSA) C division campaign was just what the hosts were looking for as Walter Sisulu University (WSU) claimed a hard-fought 22-3 victory over Mangosuthu University of Technology (MUT) at the BCM Stadium last night.
It was unfortunately more of a battle of attrition than a free-scoring spectacle as the two sides played the main game of the first day’s action.
“I am very happy to get the win first up, it was a tough performance and I am glad we came away with a positive result in the end,” said WSU coach Sipho Metula. “We will now look build on this result over the rest of the week.”
A decent crowd turned up and cheered for every decent moment in the game, especially when WSU was on the attack.
A succession of handling errors throughout the game meant both teams forwards put in massive shifts and it was an intriguing battle that saw both packs gaining the upper hand on one another at various stages.
The match did open up a bit towards the end, bringing a bit of excitement, but it was telling that another of the countless handling errors ended the match.
In the end it was WSU who managed to score three tries to none and claim the spoils and they will be happy with a defensive effort that did not see their tryline breached.
“Our defence was very good and I hope we can keep other teams out in our next games,” admitted Metula.
The start of the match was a cagey affair as both teams looked to feel each other out, and with a number of handling errors on both sides it was a very stop-start affair.
The opening 20 minutes saw both teams show glimpses of their attacking skills with some good runs, but indiscipline at the breakdown was also costing them.
It was 3-3 after the first quarter as WSU flyhalf Sinegugu Lethuka slotted a penalty for WSU and MUT kicked their own.
WSU then scored the only try of the first half in the 23rd minute after a good kick and chase in MUT's half forced the defence tracking back to carry the ball over the tryline and dot down.
From the resulting 5m scrum WSU secured the ball and attack and flank Xolani Mbombo from just a metre out dived and placed the ball at the base of the right-hand upright to score, with flyhalf Lethuka adding the extras.
The rest of the half fizzled out as neither team really threatened over the next 17 minutes as WSU led 10-3 at the break.
The second half began with WSU looking a lot more confident and assured but handling errors again robbed them of the finish they were looking for.
WSU then extended their lead in the 50th minute as a poor chip attempt from MUT allowed WSU fullback Siya Gabuza to collect and put in a chip of his own, which he collected and broke through the MUT defence before being hauled down on their 22m.
He got away the offload to eighth man Lelo Gamashe who followed up well and he sprinted in to score near the right-hand corner.
WSU reserve scrumhalf Axola Snyman sealed the win.
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