Cheetahs Stun Hogs To Retain Title
Calistus Kolantsho | Monday September 18, 2017 15:28
The game started at a high pace with both sides pushing for an early score and Cheetahs broke the deadlock in the second minute through left centre, Edward Oosthuizen. Unfortunately, he failed to extend the lead through a conversion. Hogs went in search of an equaliser but found the Cheetahs back line alert. Hogs managed to score the first try of the match in the eighth minute after some nice exchanges between Shaun Lees and Damelin Motlogwelwa. Ryan Musumhi gave Hogs the lead by converting. Cheetahs fought with their backs against the wall, with strong winds making play difficult.
Retiring Jeremy Baggage launched an attack for Hogs but was tackled by Lemponye Ngaka, a few inches from the racks.
Hogs were awarded a penalty in the 18th minute and Musumhi was on target, which gave them a 10-5 lead. Shamwaka James answered for the hosts in the 23rd minute and Oosthuizen completed the job with a clinical kick. A few minutes later, James was back on the score card and Cheetahs led 24-10 at half time. Cheetahs were punished by Brighton Chinyanga in the 51st minute due to a concentration lapse. Musumhi was again on target with his kick. The score did not dampen Cheetahs’ spirits as they answered with a try in the 75th minute to seal the win.
Speaking to Sport Monitor, Cheetahs coach, Shine Gabotladiwe said their plan was to defend the title. He said the players can now go and rest as they prepare for another season.
“Being a champion is a challenge as you have realised that this season we had suspensions, injuries and every team wanted our blood,” he said. For his part, Cheetahs captain, Eddie Ernest said they have been preparing well for the game. He said they knew that Hogs were going to be a tough opposition. Ernest said when Hogs were leading 10-5, he had to talk to his players to avoid panic. “I told my players that they should know that we are not number one by mistake and now it is their chance to prove their power. Indeed they listened to me and came back into the game,” said an excited Ernest. Baggage said they had prepared well for the encounter. He said on the day, they had a lot of young players and they got too excited and departed from the game plan.
“Cheetahs had more experience on their side and showed it today. We had all the youth but the guys were just too ecstatic and trying too hard to do too much. Experience won at the end of the day,” he said. Baggage said since it was his last game, he would have loved to retire as a champion but unfortunately they finished second best. He said the 15 years experience of local rugby will forever be his gold medal.
Teams
Cheetahs: Aubrey Selelo, Mogotsi Noah, Oarabile Chiche, Eddie Ernest, Lemponye Ngaka, Omphile Debula, Ketshidile Matenanga, Vevangaige Kaura, Kagiso Molefhi, Aobakwe Sengwatsi, Mathews Masike, Edward Oosthuizen, Lovemore Jimson, James and Thabang Diphera
Coach: Shine Gabotladiwe
Hogs: Tyrone Warburton, George Batsalelwang, Anthony Uglietti, Molibi Maphanyane, Ronan Mcgann, Brighton Chinyanga, Shathiso Nthibi, Shaun Lees, Koketso Galetshetse, Tapiwa Malenya, Roberto Phobe, Jeremy Baggage, Ryan Musumhi, Shamwaka James and Damelin Motlogelwa
Coach: Louie Fourie
Cheetahs 35
Hogs 17