MARK WARD
Hamediehs might have ridden their luck in clinching a nail-biting 40-38 win over Bellville, but its points on the log that counts, says coach Hashiem Samsodien.
Hamediehs emerged victorious thanks to Yasir Davids’ last gasp penalty kick in a closely contested mid-table Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) Super League B encounter at Vygieskraal sports ground on Saturday.
Winning close encounters is becoming somewhat of a habit, says a smiling Samsodien.
“We did it against Vineyards in Paarl two weeks ago and now today (Saturday) we repeated it. But it’s good, because it showcases the character of our team to come back and win. So yes, we are riding our luck. They say the mark of a good team is when the chips are down you then pull through in a game like this.
“So, we can only build on this win. I believe we are still in the running for a top six position, but it’s going to become tough,” says Samsodien.
Hamediehs moved to 26 points from eight games but it was not enough to secure a place in the top six as Franschhoek, Belhar and Van der Stel also recorded victories at the weekend.
Davids, who contributed seven points, two conversions and that match-winning penalty, says he was very nervous when he was called upon to take the penalty after a forwards surge towards the visitor’s goal line territory.
“It was indeed nerve-racking. But I pulled in through, what a relief,” said Davids, who joined the club only this season.
Hamediehs’ next encounter is against Kraaifontein.
