An action-packed 800-metre race was the highlight of the Yellow Pages Series track and field meeting at the University of Johannesburg on Wednesday.
The Phalula twins dominated the race in more ways than one — Lebogang took line honours in a race that saw twin sister Lebo disqualified for obstruction.
In a race best remembered for flying elbows and aggression deluxe, Lebogang went on to win in 2min 04.59sec after there was no way through on the inside of the track for Maphaseka Makhanya who had to settle for second (2:06.21).
The in-form Rene Kalmer, who ended third in 2:07.05, found the route to the front of the nine-person field extremely tough as Lebo seemed reluctant to allow athletes other than her and her twin sister to set the pace.
With Kalmer set to take to the track for 1500m action at the fifth and penultimate Yellow Pages Series meeting at Coetzenburg, Stellenbosch in the Western Cape on Tuesday, March 30, fans could be in for a treat if as expected the Phalula twins make the trip as well.
Meanwhile Estie Wittstock had fond memories of the stadium where she made her name earlier in her career, as she powered her way to a double victory in the 100m (11.75) and 200m (23.66).
Potchefstroom sprinter Simon Magakwe, defended his national 100m title in Durban last weekend and also found the blue tartan surface to his liking on Wednesday as he clocked 10.35 to take the men’s 100m honours, while Rikenette Steenkamp showed a brisk turn of speed over the 100m hurdles, winning in 13.61.
Kalmer’s younger sister, Christine, took third in the women’s 3,000m, clocking 9:46.1 behind winner Irvette van Blerk (9:46.1) and Thozama April (9:51.3).
In the men’s shot put Tuks giant Roelie Potgieter was the only competitor to clear the 19m barrier when he threw 19.02. Likewise LJ Van Zyl was the only competitor to break the 50sec barrier in the 400m hurdles, his win coming in a time of 49.45sec.