Encouraging signs in friendly

If Saturday’s pre-season friendly performance is an indicator of the type of season CCC Brakpan Rugby Club can expect, then there will be plenty of excitement at Bosman Stadium this year. The club’s first team beat Germiston Simmer in a high-scoring affair at home.

They beat their opponents 46-43 as they showed they can make sure they capitalise on the try-scoring opportunities they create.

Captain Vernon du Preez put on an inspired display as he dotted down twice for his side. Franco Booysens, PJ Beukes, Rohan Broodryk, Phillip Barwise and Mauritzio Roets each scored a try.

Beukes converted four of the tries and kicked over one penalty to finish the match with a personal tally of 16 points.

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Brakpan’s u-21 side beat North-West University 17-14 in what was a repeat of the 2019 Valke League final.

Having seen very little rugby in both 2020 and 2021, it was encouraging to see fans at the Bosman Stadium.

“We sold close to 1 600 tickets at the gate and want to express our sincere gratitude to all our supporters,” said Brakpan’s chairperson, Harry Nieuwenhuis.

“It was a successful opening day after two years of Covid.”

The victory over Simmer will give the local club a boost, as the visitors have several players who had previously played for the East Rand United side that competed in the Gold Cup.

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They will also be confident of their u-21 side, as many of the players were in high school the last time they saw a full rugby season.

Brakpan will continue with their preparations for the season, which kicks off on April 2, by playing friendly matches.

This weekend they face a Valke side that is preparing for the Currie Cup at Bosman Stadium. This should be a stern test for them, as the Valke had a full season in 2021.

This, of course, is a week before they host the annual Rugby Day at Bosman Stadium.