Lowveld Leopards invitational crowned sevens cup winners

Sevens rugby took a huge step forward over the weekend when Lowveld High School hosted the inaugural Asikhulemeni Spif Sport Lowveld High Sevens Challenge in Mbombela.

The two-day tournament kicked off on Friday July 17, and due to its success will henceforth be held on an annual basis. The partners have already started planning to host the event during the last week of the winter school holidays in 2016.

Last weekend Krugersdorp and Greenside high schools from Johannesburg joined the host school by entering teams. Spif Sport, Lowveld Leopards, Highveld Hawks, Highveld Hyenas and Western Wolves rounded off the participants.

It proved a test for the players. They had to dig deep for stamina on the first day, which saw each team play five matches.

When the finals rolled around, the Lowveld Leopards ultimately won the tournament. After beating the Spif Hyenas in the semi-finals, they beat Lowveld High by 19 to 12 in the cup final.

Leopards coach Gunther Swart said the boys played excellent rugby in both matches, showing a lot of fight and determination.

Communications manager of Lowveld High, Ms Francina du Plessis said despite this school’s potential, the Leopards kept the ball out of their speedsters’ hands to hold on to their lead and win.

The Western Wolves won the plate, Greenside High the bowl and Krugersdorp won the shield. Among the u/15s, Lowveld High finished in first place, followed by Krugersdorp and Bethal Youth Club in third.

Du Plessis says it is only a matter of time before players, spectators and sponsors realise the impact this form of the game can have in a community. “Spif Sport and Lowveld High are very excited about this tournament,” she says.

Next year a rugby clinic will be included. Spif Sport will host the first of their circuit tournaments in eMalahleni (Witbank) this weekend.