‘Panne’ have wings in Springs

After a shaky first round, the defending league champions are looking like their former selves again with another victory – this time against rivals Springs at Olympia Park on Saturday, July 1.

This was their third successive win in the second round.

Captain Wikus van der Berg’s men ran out 52-21 winners against their nemeses.

The team’s wingers (Leon “Sweef” Potgieter and Juanrich Botha) were clinical on the day.

The fliers scored six of Brakpan’s total try haul of eight.

Potgieter, back from injury, dotted down on four occasions while Botha bagged a brace of tries.

Centre Tommy Damba and flanker Raymond Herron also scored a try apiece.

Fly-half Gido Horn kicked six conversions.

The team were dominant from the start, leading 33-7 at the halftime break.

“It was one of those great days where everything just worked out perfectly,” said club chairman Harry Nieuwenhuis.

“Our club won all of our games versus Springs on Saturday which is something that does not happen often.

“The first team played one of the best games against Springs in many years.

“It was a performance of note from our backs.”

Sweef Potgieter scored four tries and Juan Botha, the other wing, scored two great tries. “This team is going all the way now after a slow start this season.

“They are performing better week by the week.”

Outstanding players on Saturday were Sweef Potgieter, Juan Botha, Theo Becker, Gido Horn, Ryno Smith and Sybrand van der Merwe.

The second team also enjoyed a great result in Springs winning 45-8 while the u-21 side is still on track for their semi-final with a terrific 43-24 victory for a 3-0 whitewash over Springs in recent clashes.

In total, the Brakpan teams scored 22 tries to eight from Springs on the day.

“I am proud of the overall club performance,” added Nieuwenhuis.