Botrivier Shocks Roses United to Grab Impressive Away Win

It was a nail-biting encounter between Roses United and Botrivier RFC, with the visitors ultimately having just enough stamina to overcome the home side. Botrivier pulled off a significant upset this weekend by securing a 21-17 victory against Roses United, earning all the points.

Roses United dominated the early stages of the match, racing to a 10-0 lead by the half-hour mark. Fullback Xavier Lee Simons converted a penalty, and shortly after, some outstanding link-up play between Roses center Marc Andries and winger Noor Marinus set up Marinus to score under the posts.

The hosts started the second half in the same strong manner, and a mistake in Botrivier's attack led to an interception by Xavier Lee Simons. He showcased his blistering speed, evading the entire Botrivier defense to score again under the posts. The try was easily converted, extending the lead to 17-0 in the 46th minute.

Just as the hosts began to feel secure in their control of the match, the visitors turned the tide in the 60th minute. Botrivier RFC fullback Jeandre Lukas picked up a loose ball in midfield to score the visitors' first try of the match. Moments later, flyer Peter John Bester demonstrated tremendous pace, scoring his team’s second try in just eight minutes. At that point, the visitors had narrowed the gap to just 3 points.

Botrivier captain Jacquin Marthinus was at the heart of his team’s comeback victory on Saturday.

At this point, Botrivier had turned the tide. A strong scrum from their forwards in their own half allowed the backline to quickly go through several phases, breaking through the Roses United defense and setting up a splendid finish for winger CJ Swartz.

Roses United captain Elshaun Davids expressed his frustration at his team throwing a 17-point lead away. “I think our scrums and lineouts were our most positive aspects from the game. Well done to Botrivier for giving us our first loss of the year, rather now than in a knockout stage,” he said. 

Roses United will feel that they let the game slip away, making too many errors that led to preventable tries.

On the other hand, Botrivier RFC will be ecstatic, pulling off one of the most glorious comeback wins in this year’s Boland Top 12 competition.

Botrivier RFC captain Jacquin Marthinus spoke after the match and broke down his team’s performance. “It was a long game. Our defense was excellent and that led to us showing character. We kept fighting through cramp and all.”

The match will be one to be talked about for ages to come.