Sweet Revenge For Hogs Against Cheetahs
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday August 14, 2017 15:14
Hogs arrived at SSKB ground in Mogoditshane with revenge in mind after losing to the league defending champions in the first leg played at Wharic Park at the beginning of the month. Hogs charges did not waste any time and scored their first try in the second minute by Jeremy Berbige, but Ryan Musumhi’s could not increase the lead with a conversion with his shot missing the target.
However, Cheetahs were able to put their first try behind Hogs’ backline few minutes later through Kabelo Sebabi. Edward Oosthuizen took a clean kick to give Cheetahs an edge. Musumhi was on target in the eighth minute after Hogs were awarded a penalty.
The score changed complexion of the match as Cheetahs were now fighting to get into the scoreboard. But it was not easy as Hogs were having a good day in the field. Hogs’ George Batsalelwang was given rest after picking up a minor face knock and was replaced by Mpho Raditlopi.
The battle between the two local rugby giants continued with either side not willing to give up. The pint-sized Musumhi, just like a hot knife through butter, penetrated Cheetahs players, with a brilliant manoeuvre, passed the ball to Tapiwa Malanga, who did not waste time and made a pass to Brighton Chinyanya for a try. Musumhi was unlucky as his kick hit the sidebar and went back into play. It was clear that Cheetahs were out of their breath and Musumhi were all over them.
A few minutes later, he caught Cheetahs backline napping and went for a try in the 26th minute. The match became difficult for the hosts. Frustration was creeping in as indicated by a penalty in the 36th minute. Musumhi took a brilliant kick and put the game too far for Cheetahs to catch up.
After break, Cheetahs came back looking much better, scoring a try through Oosthuizen but he was unlucky when his conversion missed the target. Chinyanya was on attack a few minutes later only to be brought down by Cheetahs in the 50th minute. Musumhi long-range effort then missed the target by a whisker.
Lovemore Jameson scored a try for Cheetahs in the 55th minute with Oosthuizen completing the task with a well-taken kick. A few minutes later, Musumhi was at it again, scoring a penalty for the visitors. Chinyanya hammered the last nail into Cheetahs coffin with a try in the dying minutes of the game.
Cheetahs’ coach, Shine Gabatladiwe told Monitor Sport after the match that the game went according to plan. “I came here with my second squad and I have rested my senior players because the league is far from the end. As for my opponents, they brought out their best players and you must realise that Hogs have not been doing well and they are pushing to get all points,” he said.
Loiue Fourier of Hogs said his side has been playing well. “My heart is warm. I take my hat off to my players. They played well against the best side in the country. There is still a lot to be done,” he said.
The line-ups:
Hogs: Tyrone Warburton, Batsalelwang, Anthony Ughetti, Mikicent Aaron, Shatiso Ntibi, Molibi Maphanyane, Chinyanya, Ronnie McGann, Koketso Galetshetse, Malenga, Roberto Phobe, Berbige, Junior Matlhare, Rocky Rongariraraiyi and Musumhi
Cheetahs: Ephius Malomo, Phenious Mandovu, Thato Muzila, Ernest Eddie, Thabang Diphera, Mogotsi Noah, Atamelang Rannyena, Pholoso Ditsebe, Morwake Mangwane, Aobakwe Sengwatse, Elijah Radihephi, Oosthuizen, Jameson, Sebabi and Legodiseng Lepodise