Narrow win for Pens in southern suburbs derby

MARK WARD

Peninsula RFC held on to a narrow 28-23 victory against neighbours Retreat RFC, in a dour WPRFU Southern League fixture, played in cold, wet and windy conditions, at Allenby sportsground, in Retreat on Saturday.

The scores were locked at 17-17 at halftime. 

But while Peninsula with its throngs of supporters left the park in celebratory fashion, the home side’s supporters huddled in groups in and around the clubhouse to debate the ifs, buts and maybes.

Early tries from Andeloh Hendriks and Shaheen Hendricks plus fullback Lorenzo Gordon's two penalties bought hopes of a much-needed win to kickstart Retreat's resurgence to the top end of the log.  

But it was not to be as the Peninsula defence held their nerve for only their second win in seven matches thus far.  

Although happy with the result, Peninsula coach John Kayster, refrained from getting carried away.

“Victories as hard-fought as it was very good for the confidence but we have lots of hard work that lies ahead if we want to make a serious bid for league honours. But yes I take this win and hope that we can build on this. Next week we are up against Lagunya and hopefully we will be able to replicate this performance. We are a very young team and it goes without saying some of them will make mistakes. But we are constantly working on rectifying our mistakes,” said Kayster.

Prop forward Johnathan Williams dotted down twice for Kayster's men with centre Kyle Du Preez adding a third try while Byron Grootboom and Luthando Tyafa each converted a try for Peninsula.

Peninsula finds themselves in eight spot in the 10 team league while Retreat occupies seventh place with 14 points, four more than Peninsula.