Valke weathered a physical and often chaotic encounter to claim a gritty 24-18 victory over the Phangela SWD Eagles in George. The visitors took advantage of the Eagles’ discipline issues and scored all their points in the first half before holding on under late pressure.
Blistering Start from Valke
Valke flew out of the blocks, with fly-half Sergio Stalmeester scoring in the 2nd minute and converting his own try. Moments later, Mbembe Payi (8′) finished off a sharp backline move, again converted by the on-form Stalmeester.
The Eagles clawed one back via winger Mpho Ntsane (17′), converted by Roshwin Abrahams, and looked set to fight back. But back-to-back yellow cards for Tandolwetu Matolengwe and Dian Basson in quick succession left them short-handed.
Valke made them pay when flanker Godfrey Muzanargwo (28′) crashed over, and Stalmeester added another conversion plus a 39th-minute penalty to bring the visitors’ tally to 24.
Eagles’ Second-Half Response Falls Short
The second half saw the Eagles regain composure and control, aided by their bench. Prop Hlomla Zondani (71′) powered over for a try after sustained pressure, narrowing the score to 18-24 following a late Abrahams penalty (77′).
Despite their improved showing, the Eagles couldn’t close the gap, and Valke’s defense held firm in the final minutes.
Discipline Costly for Eagles
The Eagles were their own worst enemies at times, conceding three yellow cards:
- Tandolwetu Matolengwe (23′)
- Mncedisi Dlwengu (33′)
- Damon Royle (53′)
These lapses disrupted their rhythm and allowed Valke to build an unassailable lead.
Standout Performers
- Sergio Stalmeester (Valke) – Scored a try, three conversions, and a penalty; controlled the game well.
- Roshwin Abrahams (Eagles) – Kept his side in it with the boot and solid kicking under pressure.
- Godfrey Muzanargwo (Valke) – Dominant in the loose and scored a key try.
Final Thoughts
Valke will be pleased to come away with the win but will be concerned by their inability to score in the second half. The Eagles, meanwhile, will rue their poor discipline, which turned a winnable game into another narrow defeat.
This result boosts Valke’s SA Cup credentials, while the Eagles are left searching for consistency and composure as the competition heads into its second half.
