Jonsson College Rovers went to the top of the Fidelity Security Premier Division log table at the weekend after a sensational 24-23 victory over their hosts Acer Durban Collegians in a heart stopping encounter that saw Rovers centre ‘Zuks’ Vulindlu, who had moved to the wing, score a try almost on time for fullback Kobus de Kock to slot the match winning conversion from the touchline.

Certainly for Collegians it must have been truly a gut-wrenching result after undoubtedly looking the more efficient of the two sides in the red zone for parts of the game on the night and perhaps they will rue the day for deciding to run the ball instead of taking a simple penalty earlier in the match.

All in all it was an enthralling encounter and with the help of international referee, Craig Joubert, a great advert for the club game. It is always sad to have a losing side in a contest of this nature and both sides do deserve huge credit for a truly memorable game.

Rovers who finished the game strongly had wing Jors Dannhauser score their other try while talented Sharks XV fullback De Kock kicked the balance. Collegians tries came from prop Robbie Harris and Peter Peens with Gouws Prinsloo slotting the balance with his educated boot.

Across the Umgeni, home side Goss and Balfe Crusaders put up another brave fight going down 35-17 to a more organised Varsity College Old Boys line up. At one stage it looked as though ‘Oldies’ were not going to manage to secure their fourth try for the bonus point but they finished with a flourish scoring two well executed tries in quick succession at the death.

The young Crusaders side did work hard and a few basic errors cost them dearly but they are sure to learn from this and further outings as the season progresses. Their tries came from Frans le Grange and Reece Dabner with Nico van de Westerhuizen kicking two conversions and a penalty. Old Boys winning points came from tries by wing Dean Stow who crossed for two, centre Kayde Fisher, Kyle van Deventer and flyhalf Warren Randall who also kicked two conversions and two penalties.

In the remaining games FNB UKZN Pietermaritzburg beat Thanda Zululand Rhinos 25-19 at Mick Kelly Park in Empangeni and Bluff SuperSpar Harlequins with Fazel de Bruin (3) and Howard Mnisi (2) crossing for their tries accounted for Fidelity Security Jaguars 40-16.

The good news for Empangeni however is the fact that their under 20’s have secured the double, winning the ‘A’ Division Frank Norris Trophy and the ‘B’ Division Kings Park Challenge Cup for the first time in their illustrious history after beating College Rovers 17-0 and 30-24 respectively in a midweek game.

Rovers finished second on the Under 20 ‘A’ log table as runners up after beating a sadly depleted Collegians outfit 34-21. In the other Under 20 game played at the weekend Old Boys beat Crusaders 31-14.

In the Top 5 First Division clashes Ricoh Maritzburg Collegians beat Teichmann Bell Ballito Dolphins 20-9 Amanzimtoti accounted for Hillcrest 41-14.

- Jos Robson