Ball in hand is Bethal Buffels' first-team player, Mbongeni Mlangeni. Photo: Kerry Bird
The Bethal Buffels Rugby Club second team claimed the Mpumalanga Premier League title after a convincing 35-17 victory over Piet Retief in the final played at Hoërskool Hoogenhout on July 25.
The triumph capped off an impressive turnaround for the second team, who finished fourth on the league standings after the regular season before producing a determined performance throughout the knockout stages to lift the trophy.
The coaching staff praised the team’s resilience and determination in overcoming the odds to secure the championship.
It was a heartbreaking end to the season for the Bethal Buffels first team in a thrilling league final.
Bethal Buffels' first team and Piet Retief battled it out in a thrilling Mpumalanga Premier League final at Hoërskool Hoogenhout on July 25, with Piet Retief edging the Buffels 34-31 to claim the title. Photo: Kerry Bird
Piet Retief edged the Buffels 34-31 in a nail-biting contest.
Bethal Buffels chairman Karel Pieter de Jager expressed his gratitude to the club’s sponsors for their continued support throughout the season.
He thanked Highveld Funeral Services, Bethal Spar and Tops, Eastvaal Secunda, Hoërskool Hoogenhout, Buddies Bar and Bethal Golf Club, HM Swart, Local Choice Pharmacy and Gert Swartbooi.
“We could not do this without them, and the season would not have turned out the way it did. Our sponsors bring the ‘community’ to community rugby, and we are deeply grateful for their support and backing,” said De Jager.
Bethal Buffels first-team player Sheldon van Niekerk throwing the ball in the lineout during a match against Piet Retief. Photo: Kerry Bird
Bethal Buffels second team were vicotious in the legue finals against Piet Retief. Photo: Kerry Bird
Ball in hand is Bethal Buffels' first-team player, Mbongeni Mlangeni. Photo: Kerry Bird
Bethal Buffels second team in action against Piet Retief. Photo: Kerry Bird
Bethal Buffels Rugby Club's first team lost against Piet Retief in the Mpumalanga Premier League finals on July 25. Photo: Kerry Bird
Peter Bhuti, Bethal Buffels second team player takes on Piet Retief opponent. Photo: Kerry Bird
With ball in hand is Thabang Mokoena, Gert Pieterse and Ruben Silvo. Photo: Kerry Bird
Bethal Buffels first team player Divan van Jaarveld passing the ball. Photo: Kerry Bird
Ball in hand is JP Roraty in the Mpumalanga Premier League finals played against Piet Retief. Photo: Kerry Bird
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I've been a journalist for 17 years, first as radio journalist and then print. I have a matric senior certificate and a community journalism certificate from the Unisa. I am a strong investigative, political, municipal and hard news journalist.
