ER United stumble in first Volcano Cup game
Following a largely frustrating Gold Cup from a lack of opportunities to burn his pace, Cameron Lentoor returned to the scoreboard with a try United will hope was a spark of things to come from the flyer.
East Rand United opened their Volcano Super Cup campaign with a 43-37 loss to Quins-Bobbies Rugby (QBR) Club at Loftus Versfeld on April 27.
As disappointing as the final outcome was, at least United’s first performance under new coach Alvandre Maart was encouraging, considering that Maart was forced to start with a makeshift starting XV, due to various reasons.
This was a setback which saw United trail 26-9 at the break.
What was probably more encouraging from the Gold Cup side is the manner in which they turned things around and clawed their way back in the second stanza after the managing team rang the changes after the break.
It was a change that allowed United to outscore QBR 26-17 in the second half, and if Maart’s men did a better job to close up shop on the defensive end, the narrative would’ve been much more suitable for the United camp.
United had their noses in front, just, with a 37-36 lead with some three minutes to go, but they failed to protect the precious lead to give the home side the dramatic win.
Clayton Gindan also got over for a five-pointer, while replacement back Cameron Rooi scored a brace alongside two conversions and three penalties.
High-profile United absentees included incumbent skipper Jonathan Botha, scrum-half Tiaan Ramat and Leon Potgieter.
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