SA Home Loans Durban Collegians held their nerve to edge out traditional rivals Jonsson College Rovers 13-11 in round seven of the Fidelity Security Moor Cup on Saturday. In what was a nervy and closely-contested affair, Collegians flyhalf Calvin Sacks turned out to be the hero with a superb penalty conversion five minutes from the end.

It was a patient attacking performance from Collegians and they eventually wore down a resolute Rovers defence. Their victory was achieved with a try from promising flank Francois Kleynhans and a conversion and two successful penalties from Sacks. Rovers' try-scorer was Chris Cloete and they were successful with a penalty from Jors Dannhauser and a drop goal by Chris Micklewood.

Collegians dominated the possession stakes in the first half as they set up camp in Rovers' territory. They made numerous handling areas in critical parts of attack and therefore lacked some good chances to take control of the game. They were made to pay for those errors as Rovers created a penalty opportunity which they scored and later on stung Collegians with a swift counter attack which resulted in their try from Cloete and allowed Rovers to take an 8-0 lead into the break.

The second half saw Collegians continue with the pressure and they got themselves back in it with the Kleynhans try. Coach Robin Swanepoel brought on Sacks during the interval and it proved to be the difference. He was successful with his conversion and scored two crucial penalties which eventually gave his team victory.

As the match entered the final quarter, Rovers had a narrow 11-10 lead when Sacks struck with the decisive penalty with five minutes to go. Rovers captain Chris Micklewood did have a chance to snatch a dramatic victory but he missed his penalty attempt on the stroke of full time.

The victory sees Collegians consolidate their position at the top of the Moor Cup standings with 33 points. They have opened up a handy six point gap over Rovers.

Collegians coach Robin Swanepoel was delighted with the victory but remained cautious about getting too carried away with the victory. He said: "I am absolutely elated to come to Rovers' home ground and win. We worked hard on our structures and we just kept on believing we could win although we were down at half time.

"We are not going to get carried away and it's back to the training field on Monday to concentrate on Crusaders next week. That is going to be another difficult game."

Elsewhere, Nashua Durban Crusaders managed to hold on for a narrow 24-19 victory over Amanzimtoti. It was another hotly-contested affair between two of the league's surprise teams this season. Crusaders remain third on the log on 23 points.

In Maritzburg, Varsity College FC scored a morale-boosting 31-25 win over FNB UKZN Impi. It was another closely-contested match and was College's third victory of the season.

Over in Empangeni, Ricoh Motswako Pmb Collegians ran out 43-11 winners over the Zululand Rhinos.

Ismail Adam