Buhle Mphahlaza and his chargers from Hoërskool Middelburg ensured that the Mpumalanga town will remain green for the next year.

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Mphahlaza, the captain of Middies, produced a King of the Match performance as the home side comfortably clinched the Middelburg derby, newly incorporated into the King Price Derby Series, with a 26-10 win over the Rooi Bulle of HTS Middelburg on Saturday afternoon.

Both sides started slowly and nervously. However, Mphahlaza’s vision led to the Suzuki Game Changing Moment of the Match, which ended with right wing Kgontse Masilela rounding off a fluent Middies‘ backline move.

His counterpart on the left wing, Kgotso Pheta, matched that try-scoring feat just before the final whistle, diving over in the corner to ensure the Rooi Bulle’s defeat.

Much of Hoërskool Middelburg’s attacking dominance was made possible by another standout performance from their tighthead prop, Dewald du Toit. He was a key contributor to Middies’ 26-25 victory over Die Hoërskool Menlopark in the opening round of the Virseker Noordvaal Cup last week, with his relentless work earning his side a decisive penalty, which was a deserved reward for an outstanding 70-minute performance.

Despite being starved of possession and momentum, HTS Middelburg’s inside centre, Nathan Janse van Rensburg, delivered a strong performance in midfield. His industrious defensive work, in particular, made him stand out, and his efforts were ultimately rewarded with the visitors’ only try of the match.

Rooi Bulle flyhalf, Ruan Janse van Rensburg, converted the try and also slotted a penalty to account for the visitors’ other five points.

Scorers

Hoërskool Middelburg 26 (15)

 Tries:

• Blake Faber,
• Kgontse Masilela
• Kgotso Pheta

Conversions:

• Jano Wilson

Penalties:

• Wilson
• Buhle Mphahlaza (2)

HTS Middelburg 10 (0) – Try: Nathan Janse van Vuuren. Conversion: Ruan Janse van Vuuren. Penalty: Ruan Janse van Vuuren.

Other teams

• o.16: HTS Middelburg 10, Hoërskool Middelburg 5.
• o.15: Hoërskool Middelburg 31, HTS Middelburg 0.
• o.14: Hoërskool Middelburg 78, HTS Middelburg 0.