Club teams test their mettle at annual friendlies

Spirited players and fans could get their year’s first fix of club rugby during the Malelane Rugby Club’s annual friendly rugby weekend.

Teams from as far as Tzaneen and Pongola faced Mpumalanga clubs such as Nelspruit, Lydenburg and Komatipoort in action-packed matches on Friday evening and Saturday.

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A team of Pumas referees ensured that the rules were enforced and good sportsmanship was kept in play.

Some of the teams and supporters camped next the field for the weekend. There was plenty of food and drink from Die Windpomp Kombuis to keep the atmosphere jolly.

The Onderberg teams used this opportunity to test their new teams’ skills and mettle and make changes in their preparation for the coming season.

Malelane II played on Friday night and had a very tough time against Ngodwana. Despite their loss, rivalries were left on the field and the players had a great time socialising until the early hours of the next morning.

Saturday’s matches kicked off with the entertaining clash between the Laeveld Leeulopers and Barbarian Ou Manne. The teams consisted of the province’s veterans, who took the chance to show they have still got what it takes to play top-notch rugby.

There was great camaraderie between all the players on the field. The ref and players had spectators chuckling with their antics, like shedding their boots in favour of playing barefoot.

Komatipoort’s Impala Rugby Club faced Belfast in the early afternoon and were very satisfied with their match. Several of their senior players were unable to play, so a few younger ones had their first taste of club rugby.

Corné Dippenaar said these new players showed that they would add depth to the club and serve it well.

“Although some aspects of our game still need some hard work, we’re satisfied with our performance. We’d like to work a few more friendly matches into our schedule before our first league match against Hoedspruit on April 14. With what we’ve seen Saturday, with the spirit among our players and the knowledge of what the team is capable of, we’re very positive about the season ahead,” he said.

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Malelane 1 were victorious against Pongola on Saturday night. Shayne Adcock said they were happy with the win and that preparations for the season are well underway. “Malelane is focused. We have a great culture within the players, have a young and vibrant group and target the top of the mountain as any team would.”

The Olifante will be kicking off their Mayor’s and Mayor’s Reserve League matches on their home field against Lydenburg.

Malelane Rugby Club is very happy about the success of the tournament, and thanks all of their sponsors, such as Malalane Toyota, their management, as well as the participating teams and spectators for their contributions in making the weekend.