Vryheid Rugby Club celebrated a memorable day on home soil on Saturday as they were crowned Northern KwaZulu-Natal First Division champions after edging Volksrust in a dramatic league final.

The victory capped off a successful day for the club, with the second team also claiming an impressive win in the curtain-raiser.

Second team sets the tone

The afternoon began with Vryheid’s second team taking on a Volksrust side that had already secured the Second Division title.

Determined to make a statement against the champions, the home side produced a dominant display to record a convincing 26-5 victory, providing the perfect platform for the eagerly anticipated first-team final.

Volksrust strikes first

The First Division final got off to a difficult start for the hosts as Volksrust capitalised on Vryheid’s slow opening.

The visitors opened the scoring with an early penalty before taking advantage of a defensive lapse to score a try, placing Vryheid under early pressure.

With momentum swinging towards Volksrust, captain Khumbulani Sakhile Khoza gathered his teammates and delivered a passionate message that immediately lifted the side.

Vryheid responded with two powerful tries to reduce the deficit to 13-12 before another exchange of tries saw the home side edge into the halftime break with a narrow 19-18 lead.

Champions show their character

Volksrust regained the advantage early in the second half by slotting two penalties, but Vryheid refused to let the title slip away.

A hard-earned team try and a crucial penalty restored the home side’s lead, giving Vryheid a 29-24 advantage as the match entered its closing stages.

Volksrust launched relentless attacks in search of a converted try that would secure victory, but Vryheid’s defence stood firm under immense pressure.

The decisive moment came after Vryheid earned a penalty in the dying seconds. Rather than kicking the ball into touch to end the match, vice-captain Wandile took a quick tap penalty, catching the visitors off guard. The ball was moved swiftly through the backline before Vryheid crossed for one final try, sealing a memorable victory and sparking jubilant celebrations as players and supporters flooded the field.

Standout performances recognised

Christopher Viviers was named the forwards’ Man of the Match after an outstanding performance, while Ndumiso Dludla earned the backline award for his influential display.

Vryheid Rugby Club thanked its sponsors and the local community for their unwavering support throughout the season, saying their backing played an important role in helping the team lift the trophy.

Focus shifts to Dewar Shield

The celebrations will be short-lived, with attention now turning to the North vs South Dewar Shield clash in two weeks’ time.

Vryheid Rugby Club will host Amanzimtoti as they look to build on their championship-winning season.

The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.