Hamlets Edge Out Macassar in Mamre Battle.
Mamre – Saturday, 7 June 2025
Macassar RFC suffered a narrow and hard-fought 13–10 loss to Hamlets RFC in a bruising encounter in Mamre this past weekend, played under daunting weather conditions that made free-flowing, running rugby nearly impossible.
With heavy rain and swirling winds battering the pitch, both teams found it difficult to establish rhythm. Handling errors was the theme of the day, and the slick conditions disrupted set plays and open attacks throughout the contest.
Hamlets struck first, asserting their dominance early through a powerful maul off a set piece that saw them cross the whitewash with purpose. It was a clear statement of intent and a demonstration of their strength in the forward pack.
Macassar, however, responded brilliantly. A flash of individual brilliance from speedster Lethan Rhodes brought the visitors level. Exploiting space on the outside, Rhodes outpaced the defenders down the touchline to score a scintillating try. Darren Hendricks calmly slotted the conversion to take the lead at 5–7.
Despite the lead, Macassar found it difficult to impose their usual brand of rugby. Their expansive, running game was nullified by the conditions, and they struggled to adapt tactically. While the players gave a committed effort, the game plan was largely ineffective against both the weather and a well-organised Hamlets outfit.
The first half ended evenly poised at 10–10, with both teams exchanging leads in the closing stages. As the skies opened up further, the second half became a war of attrition. Macassar’s front row trio—Anwar Benjamin, Nangamso Bukani, and Lee-Wade Green—worked tirelessly in the trenches, fighting for every inch. The trio’s replacements from the bench were equally as abrasive.
Despite dominating territory for long periods in the second half, Macassar were unable to convert pressure into points. Hamlets defence stood resolute, particularly during a tense period midway through the half when Macassar camped on their goal line, launching wave after wave of attack.
Trailing by just three points after Hamlets slotted a crucial second-half penalty, the visitors threw everything at their opponents in the dying stages. A relentless series of phases brought them agonisingly close to the try line, but a combination of resolute defence and Macassar’s inability to cross the whitewash denied them a late winner.
The match ended 13–10 in favor of the hosts, and Macassar were left to rue missed opportunities. They did, however, come away with a losing bonus point—small consolation in a match that could have gone either way.
There are valuable lessons for Macassar to take forward. Adapting and executing their game plan to cope with adverse conditions will be crucial as the season progresses. They remain among the top contenders on the league table, but further slip-ups could seriously dent their title hopes.
Next up is a tough home clash against Belhar RFC. With the league tightening, the Mc Boys will need to be at their clinical best to keep their championship aspirations alive.
Photo credit: Patwill Titus and Micaele London Fester