Thanda Zululand Rhinos made history last Friday evening when they won the Captain Morgan Murray Cup knock-out competition for the first time in their 84 year history after beating Jonsson Crusaders 22-18 in a pulsating final at Reebok Park (KP 3) the home of InspectaCar College Rovers.

It was a case of third time lucky for the side from Zululand and what a celebration it must gave been in Empangeni after a most memorable season for the mighty Rhinos. For Chris ‘CJ’ Edwards, coaches Hugh Moore and Kokkie Crous it would have been a particularly emotional and proud moment having been involved in their two previous appearances in the final of one of club rugby’s most successful competitions.

The Kelly family would have also celebrated the moment and toasted the late Mick Kelly whose proud legacy lives on in the hearts of the deservedly proud Zululand rugby fraternity for this victory couldn’t have been earned be a nicer group of gentlemen who have served the game untiringly with distinction and success.

For Rhinos chairman Simon Harvey this surely has to be his proudest moment in the game that he has served with such pride and dedication and having now lifted the 118 year old trophy for the first time will certainly have Zululand rugby firmly etched in the annals of the KZNRU rugby history books.

Rhinos trailed 15-14 at the break and with the game delicately poised to go either way in one of the best finals played in decades, the Zululand team came back to take honors outscoring their more fancied opposition by three tries to two with their match winning points coming from tries be centre Dumi Matyeshani, No 8 Luba Mzwakli and hooker Matt Calitz with Man of the Series flyhalf ‘Ten Ten’ Tobezweni slotting two conversions and a penalty.

Rovers beat ARB Old Boys 37-10 in the final of the Peter Taylor Premier Division Reserved knockout competition while their third stringers will play Richards Bay in the final of the Findlay Cup final on Saturday leaving the House of Paint Premier Division champions once again with most of the silverware on offer in their cabinet. All that is left for them is to travel to Stellenbosch in September and hopefully return with the National Club Rugby title as well - that of course depends largely on what sort of team they can field for at full strength they would be able to compete and be strong challengers for the that title.

- Jos Robson - The Mercury