WATCH | Alberton rugby side, the Elande plays the Valke
The rugby stands were packed to capacity and fans cheered from the beginning of the match until the final whistle.
Alberton’s Elandsfontein rugby side, the Elande faced a professional rugby team – the Valke.
This February 22 match saw the Alberton Rugby Club stadium packed to capacity, with the crowd excited to see these two teams battle it out.
@albertonrecord Edward Evans and #skipper Andrew Volschenk commenting on the #Elande #vs #Valke friendly match in #Alberton
With this friendly match, the club aimed to build a relationship between local rugby teams and professional clubs and to entertain rugby fans.
The match also tested how far the Elande and its squad could go in competitive matches – to implement combinations and team structures.
@albertonrecord #Alberton Rugby Club director, Shane Kirkwood, giving his thoughts on the #Elande #vs #Valke friendly game in #Alberton
Reflecting on the match, Alberton Rugby Club chairperson Rory Lategan said: “We were against a carefully thought-out opposition to stretch and extend each team’s comfort zone. We purposely did this to afford each team the best possible preparation for the Castle Lager Pirates Grand Challenge Competition.”
However, the Elande suffered a 66–3 loss, with the Valke emerging as the match winners.
@albertonrecord #Elande #Valke #rugby players closed off with a song after their friendly match in Alberton.
Commenting on the loss, Lategan said: “In every battle, there are bound to be some scars. I request that we reach out to our injured players and let them know we value them and are grateful to have such warriors who put their bodies on the line for our community, club, and team.”
Club president Manie Reyneke was also present on match day.
