Semi-final beckons for Panne
On Saturday, August 1, the round robin stage of the 2015 Valke Peregrine League campaign came to a conclusion in Orkney when Brakpan Rugby Club’s first XV took on Vaal Reefs.
With scrumhalf Shaun Botes and skipper and lock Francois Robbertse missing out through injury, it was never going to be a comfortable win for the Panne team. In the first half utility back Gido Horn filled the scrumhalf position before Ronnie Roets took over the second half reigns.
Jaco Lotter took on the responsibility of captain in the clash which Brakpan narrowly won 13-10, a far cry from the crushing results of weeks gone by.
The Vaal Reefs did their homework and without Robbertse bossing the line-outs, the Brakpan team could not gain any continuity in their final match before the semi-final showdown on Saturday, August 15.
Albert Trytsman, playing at centre, was a shining light for Brakpan and was announced as the Player of the Match because of his excellent defensive work and for enabling his team to get on the front foot.
Flanker Wikus van den Bergh scored one of two Brakpan tries while the other was rounded off by the now habitual try scorer Leon “Sweef” Potgieter on the wing.