The stage is set for what promises to be one of the most hard-hitting and intense games of community rugby seen in a very long time.
While Brakpan’s first XV had some time off with a bye in the cross-border Predator League over the weekend, Roodepoort issued a warning by beating the University of Pretoria (Tuks) 33-15 on Friday, July 26.
Brakpan also beat the students on Saturday, July 20, by a score of 26-19 and are anticipating an extremely tough challenge against their opposition from the West Rand.
There was some debate between the clubs and the Golden Lions Rugby Union as to where the match will be played.
The match was always scheduled to be played at Bosman Stadium although, with the Super 15 promotion/relegation match between the Kings and Lions taking place at Ellis Park, on Saturday, the union requested that the game be moved to Ellis Park as a curtain-raiser to the big match.
Brakpan management, however, swiftly declined this request.
According to Brakpan Rugby Club’s chairman, Harry Nieuwenhuis, the club does not want to give up its home advantage.
“The match is very important, as it will decide who will play in the semi-finals of the Predator League and, from what we’ve picked up in the media, it seems that Roodepoort see this as a grudge match, because they have already lost twice to the ‘Panne’ this year,” he said.
The chairman encouraged the community to come out and support the team.
“This will be the last official game at Bosman Stadium, so we invite everyone to come and support our great first team,” he added.
The big first team match will kick off at 4pm, on the A-field.
The third teams will play at 1.15pm on the B-field and the u-19 teams will play at 2.45pm on the same field.
The u-21 teams will play at 1.15pm on the A-Field and the second teams will start at 2.45pm on the same field.
