The traditionally high-octane clash between Sentraal and Vryheid rugby clubs was cut short on Saturday when an alleged assault took place between two club officials.
Vryheid were leading 36-14 with about 23 minutes left on the clock when the off-field incident brought the match to an abrupt end. Sentraal officials told the Courier that a charge of assault has been opened against one of the officials.

In a statement to the Courier’s sister paper, the Vryheid Herald, Vryheid Rugby Club said ‘such behaviour has no place in the game’.
“The management of Vryheid Rugby Club would like to make it clear that this incident does not reflect the club’s values or the spirit of rugby, and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms. Both clubs, in conjunction with the Northern KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Sub-Union, will thoroughly investigate the matter and the relevant disciplinary steps will be taken against all parties involved.”

The players started the game at blistering pace

On the field, the game started at a blistering pace, with Sentraal drawing first blood to quiet the home crowd early on. However, the Maroon Bombers showed immediate resilience and answered back almost instantly, stringing together a brilliant phase of play to cross the whitewash and convert, taking a seven-pointer of their own.

In a mirror image of the opening minutes, Sentraal managed to break through Vryheid’s defence a second time, briefly snatching back the momentum.
Vryheid’s backline found its rhythm, running in a couple of quick tries to lead 26-14 at halftime. In the second half, Vryheid turned up the heat to stretch their lead to 36-14 – and that’s when the game ended. Sentraal’s next match is on June 13, with a home game against Volksrust.

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