Villagers defeat Richards Bay in Top of the Table Clash this weekend.

The Land Rover Durban Hillcrest Villagers hosted Richards Bay Rugby club for the top of the table clash.

The Villagers 2nd XV took on Richards Bay for the runners up spot in the league. The match got off to a fast start with Villagers running in a couple of quick tries to take the energy out of their opponents. However Richards Bay struck back with an opportunistic try halfway through the 1st half only for Villagers to counter straight from the kick off with a brilliant solo effort from flyhalf Cliffy Bridge. Richards Bay had the last say in the half, scoring off an error from the hosts to bring the half time score to 33-10 to Villagers. The 2nd half was a scrappy affair as the heat and dryness took its toll, with only a try apiece, the standout being a long range effort from Hillcrest, with Bridge and Cian Waugh combining to score. The standout players and deserved man of the match awards went to Cian Waugh (backs) and Dwayne Frenzel (forwards).

The 2nds set the tone for the 1st team to take the field. The build up to this match was an intense affair, as Richards bay had secured the league victory the week before, Villagers was out with a point to prove. With ex Springbok and Sharks scrumhalf, Craig Davidson, sharing his experience and knowledge at the jersey handout on Thursday night, the team was ready for a massive onslaught.

The match got off to a tense start with both teams trying to minimise errors and hold on to possession. Richards Bay drew first blood as they slotted a penalty with their first visit to the Villagers 22, only for the hosts to hit back, stringing countless phases together for Alex Klewinghaus to dot down next to the poles. Richards Bay dominated possession in the middle part of the half, finally scoring an unconverted try in the far corner through sustained pressure, taking the half time score to 8-7 to the visitors. A rousing half time talk from the seniors in the Villagers camp got them fired up as they took to the field with renewed vigour. A flurry of tries took the score to 22-8 with 10 minutes to play. Richards’s bay gave it one last attempt, as they managed to snatch back a try, making it a tense final few minutes. However the stout Villagers defence, a hallmark of theirs this season was up for it, as they closed the game off for a solid 22-15 victory. Although Richards Bay won the league, the Villagers 1st XV can be proud of the fact that they had only lost one match this season, with only bonus points separating them and the league winners. For his tremendous leadership, Brian ‘’Cappy’’ Lewis was awarded the forwards man of the match, and Brandon ‘’Bunny’’ Waugh the backline man of the match (a great day for the Waugh brothers).

The Land Rover Durban Hillcrest Villagers now shift their focus as they set to defend their Junior Murray Cup title.