Roses United shocks Robertson Town to book their place in the Boland Top-12 final

Roses United caused a huge upset in the Boland Top-12 as they beat defending champions Robertson Town RFC 30-25 to set up a final clash with Saldanha RFC.

Both teams were making uncharacteristic errors in the early stages of the game, but there was a sense that points would come as attacking rugby was played.

It was Roses United who scored the first try. A progressive driving maul led to scrumhalf Percival Williams taking the ball from the back of the maul, brushing off two Robertson Town players, and then going over for a fantastic individual try. The try was converted by fly-half Garth April.

Robertson Town hit back in the 25th minute with a penalty conversion by their fly-half, Colin Willemse, making it a 4-point game.

Seven minutes later, Roses found themselves in Robertson Town’s territory again. Some patient build-up play and great handling saw reserve prop Luyola Ndlamafa bulldoze over for his side’s second try of the game. April added the extras once again.

Just as we thought we saw it all, the standout moment of the game came on the brink of halftime. With Robertson Town on the attack, Roses United’s defense pushed up and remained resolute. That led to a turnover, which saw the ball going into the hands of fullback Xavier-Lee Solomons. The fullback beat a few defenders in midfield and then showed a clean pair of heels to beat the last man and round off a captivating individual try.

Xavier-Lee Solomons was the standout player in the semi-final fixture against Robertson Town. The fullback scored a try and slotted two beautiful long-range penalties, securing the win for his side.

Source: Xavier-Lee Solomons, via Instagram.

Roses United went into halftime 19-3 ahead and in full control of the match.

The game was quiet for the first ten minutes of the second half, but Robertson Town soon changed the tempo, gaining possession in the opposition’s territory. Utility forward Marco Jones picked up the ball from a dominant scrum, broke free from Percival Williams, and scored his team’s first try of the match. Colin Willemse added the two extra points, bringing the score to 19-10.

The defending champions intensified their efforts against Roses United. A spectacular set play saw Brendon Erasmus and Jennewil April connect effectively, advancing several meters into Roses' half. April offloaded the ball to Navan Padiachy, who scored under the posts with a much-coveted try, narrowing the score to 19-17 and shifting momentum in favor of Robertson Town.

It looked as if the comeback was complete when Marco Jones found the ball again, emerging from another powerful Robertson Town scrum to score his second try of the match. The score was now 22-19 in the 65th minute.

Robertson Town RFC added a penalty, but just when it seemed that Roses United were out of the game, substitute scrumhalf Asha Zeeman accelerated into space and passed inside to inside center Marc Andries, who scored. 

With only one point separating the two teams and five minutes left to play, poor discipline from the defending champions led to back-to-back long-range penalties, both converted by fullback Xavier-Lee Solomons.

In a dramatic turn of events, Roses United secured a famous victory, defeating the defending champions against all odds and setting up a final match against Saldanha RFC.

After the game, Solomons expressed his gratitude to God and to Roses United RFC. “Firstly, I want to thank our Almighty God for giving us the talent to play rugby. This year, I came to Roses United to develop myself, and it has paid off. I am grateful for the team and the supporters who have always stood behind me. Lastly, we are looking forward to the final next week.”

Robertson Town RFC's administration also took to Facebook to thank supporters for their unwavering support throughout the year. “We want to thank the supporters who backed the team with pride throughout the season. Many told them not to attend the matches, but they were here anyway.”