29 Apr 2014

Gaborone Hogs handed UB Rhinos their first defeat of the season as the fight for Botswana Rugby Union's (BRU) A-Division heats up.

A second half penalty by Sean Bester sealed a 3-0 victory for the Hogs in a hard-fought encounter played at the Wharic Park on Saturday.

The clash of the two giants was expected to be a thriller, but turned into a surprisingly cagey and low scoring affair as the two sets of players cancelled each other out.

Points scoring opportunities were minimal the whole afternoon, but Rhinos had the first sniff at the tryline when Letty Lesaumako broke through the Hogs backline in the 20th minute.

However, Lesaumako lost possession under pressure from the scampering Hogs backs and the opportunity went away as the first half fizzled into a 0-0 stalemate. Hogs exerted more control in the second half and Rhinos started wilting under pressure and gave away fouls in their half.

Bester produced a clinical kick from the penalty after one of those fouls to give the hosts a deserved lead six minutes into the second half, but he then failed to convert two more penalties that would have ensured a wider winning margin.

Though outclassed in the second half, Rhinos managed to apply late pressure but second-placed Hogs held on for the crucial four points and their third victory of the campaign after playing four matches.

They increased their tally to 15 points, four behind leaders and defending champions BDF Cheetahs who defeated third-placed BU Ryders 24-0 on Saturday. Rhinos remained fourth with 10 points after playing three matches. ENDS