Barberton hosts successful Jock Sevens

Nelspruit I beat Rooikatte I, 21-14 in the final to be crowned cup winners and walked away with a new LG air conditioner for their clubhouse.

Nelspruit’s second team grabbed third place after beating Barberton I to win the plate. White River I were winners of the shield final. Benny Pringle, chairman of of White River Rugby Club, said it was obviously sad not to finish in the top four.

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“It is sevens rugby and anything can happen. A couple of youngsters put up their hands in the second side though which is pleasing at this early stage of the season. There is still a lot of hard work to be done before the season really starts,” Pringle said.

Barberton Rugby Club’s Jaice Terblanche said he was most happy with the attendance on the day. “We are so thankful to our sponsors and everyone who came to support the team.

“All money raised in the raffle of the LG dishwasher went to the club and rugby balls were sponsored for the little ones too,” he said.

Results of Lowveld Jock Sevens Tournament Bowl winners: Lydenburg II (7th place)
Shield winners: White River I (5th place)
Plate winners: Nelspruit II (3rd place)
Cup winners: Nelspruit I (1st place )

The Provincial Sevens Championship will be played at Nelspruit Rugby Club tomorrow. The top four teams in the Lowveld will battle it out with the top-four Highveld teams for the title of provincial sevens champions. The teams are Nelspruit I, Nelspruit II, Barberton I, Rooikatte I, Sasol I, Sasol II, Middelburg I and Standerton I.

With rain expected in the 36 hours leading up to the tournament, a soggy, heavy pitch is a strong possibility. This will test the players’ fitness and skills. Limited unforced errors, first-time tackling and turnover ball will be key in this fast-paced format of rugby.

Nelspruit I coach, Gunther Swart, said that because the tournament is fairly short (three matches) for a sevens competition, there will be no margin for error.

“We are expecting wet conditions. We need to control errors and strike early. We had a good practise in the rain on Tuesday and are determined to make and win the cup final,” he said.

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Watch out for all the results of the Provincial Sevens Championship in tomorrow’s Lowvelder.