16 Mar 2014

Defending champions, BDF Cheetahs came from behind to defeat Gaborone Hogs 13-9 in the Botswana Rugby Union A-Division match at Wharic Park on Saturday afternoon (March 15).

Cheetahs, who won the rugby league last year through a dramatic 16-15 defeat of UB Rhinos, are now top of the log after two straight victories.

The army team fully deserved their victory as they controlled things and their try line was rarely threatened the whole game.

Hogs took an early 3-0 lead after scoring a penalty in the first five minutes of the match through Shaun Bester.

They then applied more pressure on their opponents but the Cheetahs packs weathered the storm.

The defending champions then levelled the points through Mogotsi Noah in the 26th minute after Hogs gave away a penalty in their half.

However, Bester regained Hogs the lead with an accurate kick from a penalty close to the halfway line.

Cheetahs were awarded another penalty as halftime approached, but Noah placed his kick wide of the poles.

Cheetahs controlled the second half and Noah scored the first try of the day in the 47th minute.

Fullback Lekgobo Bafana then made a successful conversion as Cheetahs established a 10-6 lead.

The under pressure Hogs committed another foul and Noah extended Cheetahs lead from the resultant penalty.

Hogs reduced the deficit seven minutes before fulltime through a penalty kicked by Bester, but it was nothing more than a consolation.

Cheetahs coach, Kabo Batsile said Hogs are a tough team to play against, therefore he was impressed by his team’s performance.

“Playing against Gaborone Hogs was not easy, they are our toughest opponent.

I can tell you we are already a step ahead by winning this match.

We know we have to win most of our matches because this league is a point system,” said Batsile.

He stressed that Cheetahs will need to approach their matches with caution because, as defending champions, every team wants to beat them. ENDS