Emirates Lions Start 2024 With A Bang, Defeating The Hollywoodbets Sharks
Emirates Lions Start 2024 With A Bang, Defeating The Hollywoodbets Sharks
The Hollywoodbets Sharks faced last-minute heartbreak against the Emirates Lions and remain last on the United Rugby Championship table to start 2024.
The Hollywoodbets Sharks faced heartbreak Saturday, succumbing to a 20-18 loss to the Emirates Lions in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
The match reached its climax with Boeta Chamberlain missing a last-gasp penalty that could have salvaged a victory for the Sharks.
The turning point came in the game's dying moments, when Marius Louw scored a late try, converted skillfully by Sanele Nohamba, propelling the Lions into the lead.
Despite the Sharks being awarded a penalty as the clock entered the red zone, Chamberlain was unable to convert the opportunity, sealing the fate of the match.
For further analysis, here's one key point for each URC team so far in 2024.
The Sharks started strongly, with Makazole Mapimpi and Grant Williams crossing the try line in the first half. Curwin Bosch's accurate kicking added eight points, allowing the Sharks to head into halftime with an 18-3 lead.
The early stages of the game saw Nohamba giving the Lions a 3-0 lead through a penalty, matched by Bosch's successful penalty for the Sharks.
The opening try showcased the Sharks' attacking prowess, with quick ball movement and precise passing creating space for Aphelele Fassi, who set up Mapimpi for an easy score.
Bosch's conversion, and a well-executed drop-goal, extended the Sharks' lead.
However, the Lions orchestrated a remarkable comeback in the second half, with a penalty try and Louw's crucial score, along with Nohamba's precise boot, earning them the victory.
The try that sealed the win for Emirates @LionsRugbyCo 💪
— BKT United Rugby Championship (URC) (@URCOfficial) January 6, 2024
Marius Louw scoring a try and Sanele Nohamba converting in a HUGE second half comeback 🤩#BKTURC #URC #SHAvLIO pic.twitter.com/J0wmnmgODx
In a dramatic twist, the Lions drew level in the final minutes, as Louw touched down from a driving maul, securing a big lineout win.
Nohamba's successful conversion edged them ahead, leaving the Sharks with little time for redemption.
Chamberlain had a chance to snatch victory, but his last-minute penalty drifted wide, cementing the Hollywoodbets Sharks at the bottom of the table, while the Lions climbed to 11th place.