Valke celebrate second place at prize-giving
Hino Valke professional rugby team reflects on some of the year’s thrills and spills.
THE Hino Valke Professional Rugby Team celebrated the year’s success at their annual prize-giving ceremony at Kempton Park Golf Club on December 13.
“During our awards ceremony we give credit to people who have done exceptionally well for the team throughout the year,” said Rudie Joubert, the team’s head coach.
“Though this is a team sport and we don’t want to give all the reigns to individuals, there are certain players who put in a little bit more effort and that is what we are acknowledging tonight.”
Joubert told EXPRESS that he is happy with the team’s second place standing on the Currie Cup First Division log.
“We played better than expected. We had an opportunity to go all the way but we lost with three points in the semi-finals.
“We did quite well though, winning five of our seven games and came very close to winning the competition. Though I feel we could have won, I am happy with our performance as this is the highest we have ended on the log in 10 years.
“The continuity in the squad, combined with the effort and hard work over the past two years, has led to this year’s high standing on the log.”
It comes as no surprise that the head coach’s plan for the 2018 season is to move up a notch and claim the trophy.
“Our aim and goal is to win the trophy and to get ourselves promoted to the A-Division of the Currie Cup which is actually where we belong – we should strive to get there.”
Those in attendance also watched videos of highlights from various games.
Trophies awarded on the night:
•Junior Player of the Year – Hardus Pretorius
•Players’ Player of the Year – Shane Kirkwood
•Player of the Year – Shane Kirkwood
