20 May 2018

Gaborone Hogs has won the Super Rugby title by beating BDF Cheetahs 20-15 in an entertaining final played at Wharic Park on May 19.

Cheetahs went into the match looking to defend the title, but were outsmarted by excellent wing play by their opponents.

Right winger, Roberto Phobe evaded a series of tackles and scored the first try in the 11th minute while fullback, Tapiwa Malenga made a conversion to give the Hogs a 7-0 lead.

However, the Cheetahs plundered two tries within seven minutes through James Shamwaka and Eddie Ernest and a conversion through Edward Oosthuizen to grab a 12-7 lead.

Cheetahs then conceded two penalties and were punished by Malenga to give his team a 13-12 lead.

Towards half-time, the referee ruled out a try by Kagiso Molefhi which would have regained Cheetah’s lead.

After the break, Laurel Rangarirayi was fouled on the try line and the referee awarded a penalty try which extended Hogs’ lead to 20-12.

Lekgobo Bafana reduced Cheetahs’ arrears through a penalty, but the army side failed to complete a fight back when another contentious try decision went against them in the second half.

Hogs captain, Ronan Mc Gann said the match was tough as the Cheetahs pushed them all the way.

“They made us work for it, but I think it was a deserved victory. They went ahead a couple of times but we just remained calm,” he said.

Cheetahs coach, Seabe Gabatladiwe said the two try decisions against his team were decisive.

“We played the match according to our game plan and could have won if we were not denied two tries by the tight judge. We scored two fair tries and they were denied that’s where we lost the game,” he said.

In the President’s Cup final, Jwaneng beat BAC North 21-5 to win the title. ENDS