The competitive nature of this season’s Fidelity Security Moor Cup was exemplified on Friday night as three hard-fought matches were contested in the third round of the club rugby league competition.

In Durban, Jonsson College Rovers eventually wore down a spirited Bluff SuperSpar Harlequins team to secure a 21-5 win, but the defending champs were unable to attain a try-scoring bonus-point.

Over on KP 10, it was a similar story for Acer Durban Collegians as they only managed to score two tries on their way to a 22-8 win over Thanda ZRA Zululand Rhinos.

Varsity College Old Boys also didn’t have it all their own way against a determined FNB UKZN Maritzburg side up in the capital, but Oldies were ultimately able to record a 24-13 win.

It’s most encouraging to see most of the sides competing strongly during the start to this season, which bodes well for club rugby in KZN.

Rovers certainly had their work cut out for them at KP 3 after trailing 5-0 at half-time, with Harlequins fullback Jaco van Tonder crossing for the opening try just before the break.

To be fair, Rovers dominated possession and territory, but squandered a number of try-scoring opportunities, particularly in the first half when play was called back on a couple of occasions because of ill-timed forward passes.

Harlequins defended bravely, yet there was a sense of inevitability to the eventual Rovers comeback, with prop Roy Godfrey, wing Jors Dannhauser and replacement Johan van Wyk scoring to seal the visitor’s fate.

Collegians also produced a patchy performance, but credit must go to Rhinos, who have stuck to their structures and gave it their all on Friday night.

Ultimately, two superb first-half tries to speedster Quinton Dormehl and talented youngster Pieter Peens was enough to ensure Collegians picked up the win.

Atrocious weather conditions once again blighted the match up in Pietermartizburg, with Old Boys doing just enough under the circumstance to claim their second victory of the season.

Flanker Jason Jones and scrumhalf Rowan Howse were named forward and backline player of the match respectively.

Meanwhile, in the curtain-raiser to last night’s Sharks match, Goss and Balfe Crusaders cruised to a comfortable 31-8 win over Fidelity Security Jaguars.

The following players are requested to report for DRSU squad training at KP6 on Wednesday at 6pm:

Lorenzo Llotz (Hill), Wimpie Pretorius (Toti), Troy Chiocetti (Hill), Corne du Toit (Toti), Louis Joubert (Toti), Tyrone Brand (Pinetown), Jadon de Charmoy (Ball), Gerhard Rudolph (Toti), Jarrid Chiochetti (Hill), Anton du Preez (Westville), Gerrie Sprong (Hill), Tommy Bezuidenhout (Hill), Mark Harris (Bal), Ruan Smit (Dbn Vars), M Simpkins (Ball), Rouche Kleynhans (Toti), Michael Uppink (Toti), Riaan du Toit (Hill), S Madi (Res Hills), Merton de Bruyn (Toti), Brandon Verress (Westville), S Bezuidenhout (Dbn Vars), Edward Kraft (Toti), Craig Fourie (Hill), Jethro Ridl (Hill), Riaan van Rooyen (Toti), Gramingo (Ball), Matt Copeland (Hill), Jason van Eeden (Toti), Dylan Kelly (Toti), Werner Hefer (Toti), Casper du Plessis (Hill), Nick French (Hill), Dustin Scott (Toti), Brian Habbick (Hill).

- Craig Lewis - Daily News