Nashua Crusaders came close to beating SA Home Loans Durban Collegians and upsetting the the log leaders when they were edged out 19-13 at Ranleigh Crescent in Durban North in the start of the second round of the Fidelity Security Premier Division last Friday evening. In a brutally tight game that once again saw Collegians hold on for another hard-fought victory, only two tries were scored in the game, which certainly had supporters from both sides on the edge of their seats.

It certainly wasn't pretty and with Saders pushing for their second try at the death, Collegians managed to hold off their hosts as the seconds ticked away to secure the victory. However the log leaders dropped another valuable log point, leaving the door open for Jonsson College Rovers who secured a big 89-14 win over Thanda Zululand Rhinos at Mick Kelly Park in Empangeni. As the clubs head into the final straight for top honours, the pressure is now on Durban Collegians, with Rovers and Crusaders still very much in the hunt, although it will be a hard task to catch the high flying Collegians outfit now.

In a game that could have gone either way, Collegians scored their try through the ever-improving flanker Carl Marks with Calvin Sacks kicking a conversion and four penalties, while, for Crusaders, lock John Wilsenach crossed the line with Cameron Dunlop slotting a conversion and a penalty.

In Zululand, flank Chris Cloete led the 13 try scoring spree as Rovers went on the rampage against a never-say-die Rhinoss' side that at least managed to score two tries against the 2013 champions. Their other tries came from wing Dusty Noble, Kyle Wilkinson and Jeandre Smal who all crossed for two with the others going to Wade Elliot, Warren Randall, Quinton Crocker and Jors Dannhauser, who also kicked 12 conversions for a personal tally of 29 points.

The remaining two games were closely-contested affairs with Varsity College sneaking a 24-21 win over hosts Ricoh Maritzburg Collegians at Woodburn, while, across the road at the Peter Booysen Stadium, Amanzimtoti edged their hosts FNB UKZN Impi 16-10.

With the Premier Division games having all been played on Friday evening, it gave the First Division sides an opportunity to showcase their talents on Saturday and Fidelity Security Jaguars certainly went about their business in fine style, thumping Richards Bay 33-8 in what must surely have been the most entertaining game of the weekend. Jaguars are a young side loaded with talent and players with amazing flair and as always, are opportunists of the highest order who can turn the opposition upside down at every turn. You dare not make too many errors against this young Sydenham outfit as they will most certainly punish you, as the side from the Bay learnt on Saturday. Stand out 25 year old fullback Soso Mqalo was electric, scoring the try of the match and certainly for all money, must have been Man of the Match.

In the other games, Westville Old Boys drew 17-17 with Hillcrest, Harlequins accounted for UKZN Durban 37-7 and South Coast Warriors who will be thanking Jaguars for their fine performance go to the top of the First Division log after they beat Ballito Dolphins 31-3 up the North Coast.

The College Rovers Under 20 'A' side, with centers Jason Jonker and Arrie Vosloo outstanding, won their club's first piece of silverware when they beat competition favorites Varsity College 36-26 in the knockout final, so taking home the Basil Medway Trophy, making it their ninth time in 12 years. Vosloo was the star of the show with a try, a penalty and four conversions, while wing Katlego Mokore also crossed for two and Roan Dalzell got the fourth. Durban Collegians Under 20 'B' also collected silverware, taking home the DW Geddie Cup after winning their knock-out final, beating Varsity College 26-14.

Club rugby will enjoy a weekend off as the Springboks host Wales at Growthpoint KINGS PARK on Saturday.

Jos Robson