Tough challenge for Richards Bay and Mancosa Rhinos

ROUND two of the 2017 Fidelity Security Moor Cup competition kicked off last Thursday evening  and saw Richards Bay routed 80-0 by College Rovers.

Mancosa Rhinos had a bye. Richards Bay, in their Premier League debut season, made the top six after a roller coaster first round, officially securing the local club Premier League status for 2018.

Coached by Trevor Montgomery, the side has a difficult draw in the second round, but at least has three home games left after this weekend’s assignment in Durban.

Montgomery’s men beat Varsity College by one point at home and went down to Durban Collegians, Crusaders and Amanzimtoti away from home in round one. But round two is a different story,

with all teams experiencing injury and player concerns, which levels the playing fields.

Mancosa Rhinos on the other hand finds itself in the bottom five with South Coast Warriors, Newcastle Highlanders, Jaguars and UKZN Impis.

Head coach Charles Mndaweni will be in the pressure cooker in round two, as the bottom three teams are automatically relegated to the First Division next season.

Mndaweni’s men beat South Coast Warriors (home), Jaguars (away) and UKZN Impis (home) and went down to Newcastle Highlanders (away) in round one.

The local campaigners now have two home games and two away games in round two. But what makes matters slightly worse for the Empangeni club is that UKZN Impis is a much better side, bolstered by talented players compared to their first game played in Empangeni.

Rhinos proved they do not travel well, which will add to Mndaweni’s concerns. But only time will tell whether Rhinos will survive the cut. Either way, great news for Zululand rugby is that at least one local club will definitely be in the ‘big’ league come 2018.

Richards Bay vs Varsity College at Riverside, Durban.

Mancosa Rhinos vs South Coast Warriors at South Coast Warriors.

Richards Bay vs Durban Collegians at Richards Bay Rugby Club.

Kick-offs at 2pm and 3.30pm. Mancosa Rhinos vs Newcastle Highlanders at Mick Kelly Park. Kick-offs at 2pm and 3.30pm.

Mancosa Rhinos vs Jaguars at Mick Kelly Park (2pm and 3.30pm).

Richards Bay vs Crusaders at Richards Bay Rugby Club

(7pm and 8.30pm). Mancosa Rhinos vs UKZN Impis in Pietermaritzburg.

Richards Bay vs Amanzimtoti at Richards Bay Rugby Club (2pm and 3.30pm).

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