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Vryheid Rugby Club – Collegians dominate Castle Murray Cup qualifier

Despite the home ground advantage, Vryheid's men in maroon went into the match knowing they were up against a mighty and indomitable team from the start but, even against insurmountable odds, Vryheid's first team played boldly and courageously from first to final whistle.

August 4, 2015

Elaine Rodway 2 minutes read

Collegians gain possession of the ball in a line-out, as the ball remains just out of reach for Vryheid's first team Captain and Number 8, Wessie Van Der Westhuyzen.

VRYHEID Rugby Club played host to the formidable SA Home Loans Durban Collegians on Saturday, August 1, in the the qualfying round of the Castle Murray Cup.

At the forefront: Vryheid first team forwards, Pieter Cohen; Tiaan Kruger and Wynand Pelser.

Despite the home ground advantage, Vryheid’s men in maroon went into the match knowing they were up against a mighty and indomitable team from the start but, even against insurmountable odds, Vryheid’s first team played boldly and courageously from first to final whistle.

Junior Barnard; Wessie Van Der Westhuyzen; Anton Van Der Walt and Tiaan Kruger stand by in support as Chris Van Rooyen takes down a Collegians player.

“Boys! Well done. Ons het probeer. Hulle [Collegians] is nie verniet die beste span in Natal nie.” said first team Captain, Wessie Van Der Westhuyzen, following the epic clash between the locals and the Durban squad. “So nou speel ons Junior Murray Cup. Dis meer ons gewig… Trots op julle almal.”

By the close of play, the Durban Collegians’ side had scored twelve monumental tries, with the home team failing to reach the try line throughout the match. This brought the final score to 66 – 0 in favour of the visitors, whose discipline, structure and teamwork on the field led them to a commendable victory.

Fearless, even in the face of adversity, Chris Van Rooyen charges at the Collegians intimidating wall of defence.

Among the spectators were popular personalities in the rugby world, Sharks and Club Rugby historian and Clubs Editor for the Sharks magazine, Jos Robson and former Durban Collegians and Natal lock, rugby legend, Rod Tarz Bosch.

Wynand Pelser and Carel Holtzhauzen tackle the opposition with Tiaan Kruger and Pieter Cohen standing by in support.

“Thanks to SA Home Loans Durban Collegians for an entertaining trip to Vryheid…” said Robson on social media. “Jos of the Rover was very impressed and what a pleasure spending a special day with one of your legends Tarz Bosch. It was great catching up and enjoying the stories of days gone by.”

Chris Van Rooyen retrieves the ball from the ruck.

“Well done to Collegians on their 66-0 win over Vryheid, scoring 12 tries!” he added. “But more importantly, thanks to the hospitality of the good rugby folk of the Vryheid Rugby Club. Rich Verster, your team can hold their heads high for a bravehearted performance against the Fidelity Security Premier Division Champions.”

Devon Aspden and Mornè Hattingh tackle a Collegians player with Captain, Wessie Van Der Westhuyzen standing by in support.

Robson also thanked the Vryheid Herald for their assistance, as well as the sponsors, “We must not forget,” he said, “‘Here’s to Charles!’ Thanks to SAB Miller and Fidelity Security for their ongoing support for club rugby, the heartbeat of the game. Wishing all the clubs everything of the best in the next round.”