Golden Oldies tournament unites Edenvale rugby community

The Edenvale community came out in support of an epic day of rugby by the Edenvale Panthers Rugby Club (RC) on July 25.

The club hosted the Golden Oldies Tournament at the Edenvale Rugby Club, and it was the Panthers’ last home game of the season.

From morning until 13:00, it was the Golden Oldies tournament. After that, it was seniors’ league games.

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Edenvale RC second team played against Katlehong Spartans, then Edenvale RC First Team played against ORP First Team.

Edenvale Panthers Rugby Club chairperson and coach, Ernie Enslin, said it is their first year back in a higher league (Merlin), and they are striving for at least fifth place at the end of the season.

“Then we start playing the Sevens tournaments so as to keep our guys fit and to allow rugby in all kinds of extra tournaments to allow for them to play the game they love.

“Our youth starts playing this weekend as well, and so far it has been going well with all ages from six to 18 being incorporated for the joy of youth rugby and our future Springboks,” Enslin said.

The chair said it is important for the club to host a day that caters for both veteran players and the senior team for loyalty and for the community. He said it is imperative that as the players progress through the ranks, they become staunch club members and support their clubs.

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Enslin added, “The joy and the camaraderie and building trust and loyalty even with our youth is important to allow for building our club, rugby and the community so we keep children off the streets and give them something better to do than getting into trouble.”

The coach recognised community support as extremely important because, through them, they obtain sponsorships that help with all aspects of the club’s upkeep of the grounds and building, and keeping the club running for the rest of the community.