MC Boys Fall Just Short in Home Thriller Against Primrose RFC
Riverside Park– Macassar RFC suffered their first loss of the season this past weekend Saturday 3 May 2025, narrowly going down 30–34 to a resilient Primrose RFC outfit at Riverside Park. Despite the result, Macassar managed to secure two valuable bonus points from the encounter, maintaining their second-place position on the Super League B (SLB) table after four rounds.
It was a match filled with intensity, skill, and high-quality rugby, as both teams delivered an entertaining spectacle for the crowd. The visitors, Primrose, made it three wins in a row over Macassar, continuing their recent dominance in this spirited rivalry. However, there was plenty to be proud of for the home side, who showed grit and flair throughout.
Primrose drew first blood with an early penalty and a converted try, thanks to former Macassar player Leshwin Love, who proved to be a thorn in his old club’s side. His close-range try extended the visitors’ lead to 10–3.
Macassar responded in style. Jaden Pieterse ignited a counter-attack from deep inside his own half, linking up with winger Breyton Kleyn, whose blistering run down the touchline and deft chip over the defence allowed in-form scrumhalf Jovan Cookson to score under the posts. The scores were tied at 10–10, and the match was well and truly on.
With momentum swinging their way, Macassar began to dominate set pieces, winning 4 of their 4 lineouts and controlling the scrum. Their forward pack, led by the ever-imposing Franklin Gaobone and the creative playmaking of Darren Hendricks, pushed them into a 20–15 halftime lead.
But the second half belonged to Primrose, who capitalised on Macassar’s mounting discipline issues. A yellow card apiece for Jay-dee Dampies and Charlin Cornelius, followed by a straight red for Dampies, proved costly. Primrose exploited the numerical advantage, scoring quick back-to-back tries to surge ahead 34–25.
Despite the setback, Macassar refused to lie down. Replacement flanker Enver Eyman and livewire fullback Lee-Mondre Benjamin both crashed over for late tries, reducing the deficit to four points. However, a couple of crucial handling errors in the dying moments dashed hopes of a dramatic comeback.
Darren Hendricks, who had been instrumental in guiding Macassar’s attack, was perhaps unlucky to be substituted in the 65th minute. His tactical kicking and game management had kept the home side competitive throughout. The simultaneous withdrawal of Gaobone and centre Chad Williams—both key to the team’s defensive resilience—seemed to diminish the side’s momentum during those crucial phases of play.
While the result was a bitter pill to swallow, the performance left plenty of positives. Macassar will now regroup during a much-needed break this coming weekend before travelling to face Bellville RFC at Rosina Paarwater Stadium in what promises to be another thrilling encounter.
Final Score: Macassar RFC 30 – 34 Primrose RFC
Venue: Riverside Park, Macassar
Date: 3 May 2025
Photo Credit: Erefaan Tape