Sentraal show great spirit despite final disappointment

There was a special moment after Saturday’s rugby final when the down-but-not-out Sentraal players trouped off the field only to pause and stand together to clap for their home fans who have been behind them from the beginning of the season.
The supporters stood up in unison to return the applause.
It was a sign of renewed support for Sentraal after a successful rugby season that saw new coaching staff and a new chairperson.
The fact that the grand finale against the highly-rated Piet Retief side proved to be a bridge too far was not important just then.
“It’s just one of those things.
“We played well, but that’s life.
“We have made fantastic progress (this season) and our supporters have shown great faith in us.
“Now we can go forward,” said a breathless Deon Kriel who is assisting with the running of Sentraal.
Sentraal had a perfect start to the final – an intercept try within the first seven minutes.
But Piet Retief stuck to their game plan and gradually started to dominate, going into half-time 24-10 ahead.
Sentraal struck again early in the second half, with Arrie Lutske crashing over. With the score 24-17, the fanatical home supporters began to believe…
But it was not to be.
Piet Retief scored another two tries to win 36-17 and accepted the coveted trophy from Peet van Merwe, chairperson of the Northern KZN Rugby Union.
The game was played in good spirits and after celebrating with the trophy, Piet Retief captain Ray van der Lith asked that his team pose in a combined photo with Sentraal.
Later, the end-of-season party went on until late, with supporters and players joining in the festivities to prove that sport does unite.
Earlier, the Newcastle Highlanders II beat Bears II 53-15 to win the second division trophy.
Sentraal thanks all the supporters for being at the final and getting behind the team.