A-Square-Forklift Alberton edge out Union 2-1
When the curtain came down on the Golden Lions' last round of home fixtures in the Bailey Cup competition, A-Square-Forklift Alberton edged-out Union by 2-1 in this year’s rivalry between the two Southern clubs.
ALBERTON – Since Union won the pre-season decider 22-15 and Alberton emerged as winner of the Kevin de Klerk Trophy Derby by 14-8, this final fixture was the decider in which Alberton was victorious with 38-17.
This was a humdinger of a game, with nothing to choose between the two arch-enemies until halftime.
Alberton was then first on the board with a penalty in the second minute, 3-0.
The response from the visitors was immediate, as Union weaved their way through for a try, 3-5.
The home side, however, moved through the gears for Jonathan Reed to score his first of three tries, 8-5. The see-saw game continued when Union hit back with two converted tries in a row, and two Alberton penalties from captain Ryno Brits in between, to bring the half-time score to 17-14 in Union’s favour.
The second half was a completely new ball game, with Alberton dominating and scoring 24 points against nil in that half, to make the home side well-deserved victors by 38-17, to the joy and jubilation of the home crowd.
This rivalry continued on the social networks the week after the match, when Louis Odendaal, Union’s coach, circulated his views, especially concerning the decisions of the referee, and Alberton fans like Rudie Brits responded to the contrary, to be followed by further views being posted.
A-Square-Forklift Alberton chairman Manie Reyneke was a happy man and saw this victory and Bailey Cup semi-final spot as a reward for dedication and hard work, despite all the injuries to key players at crucial stages of the league season.
