The Steinhoff Medics added the Steinhoff Shield to their league winners trophy when they edged Masakhane 15-13 in the Steinhoff Wits Internal Rugby League final at Wits rugby stadium on Wednesday.
It was evident from the resolute and robust defence displayed by both teams that the final was never going to be a high scoring affair and the first score came in the 20th minute when Medics scrumhalf Jonathan Stols crossed the try-line after some good pressure from the Medics forwards.
The conversion was missed and Masakhane bounced back almost immediately through centre Nish Govender whose unconverted try levelled the scores.
The score remained 5-5 until shortly before half-time when flying winger Daniel Roque sprinted almost the entire length of the field to dot down under the posts. Centre Charl Bosman slotted the conversion and Medics went into the hut holding a 13-5 lead.
A rousing second half produced the same determined tackling by both teams and it took a gem of a try from quicksilver Masakhane scrumhalf Ryan "Silent Bob" Kruger in the 62nd minute to unlock the Medics defence. Flyhalf Greg Blom added the two points and at 13 points apiece it was game on with the possibility of extra time looming.
Bosman had other ideas however and with the referee checking his stopwatch the player of the season unleashed a peach of a drop goal from close to the touchline, breaking Masakhane hearts and sealing the victory for the young Doctors.
