Amateurs show off rugby talent
The tournament is one of the most prestigious rugby events to be held on the South Coast.
THE South African Rugby Union (SARU) is hosting the central amateur provincial rugby championship at the Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre in Gamalakhe this week.
Rugby fans have been enjoying top-class rugby action and there’s plenty more to be played in the finals on Friday.
Eight amateur provincial teams, made up of premier division club players, started on Monday this week. The opening match saw Free State Amateur take on Griffons Rural. Free State went on to win 36-22. In other matches, Griquas beat Free State Rural 38-10, Griffons beat Wildebeest 42-37 and the Sharks Club XV beat Griquas Rural 82-12.
Monday also witnessed the official opening of the tournament. At the opening ceremony, Dougie Haralambous, president of Southern KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union extended a warm welcome to all players, officials and dignitaries from throughout South Africa.
“This is the first time that (SKZNRU) is hosting the Central Amateur Provincial tournament. We are fortunate to have facilities of this nature right on our doorstep. I must thank Ugu Sports and Leisure Centre and in particular the mayors for allowing us to use this world class facility,” said Mr Haralambous.
Graham Mackenzie, president of KwaZulu-Natal Rugby Union, said this tournament provides an opportunity for players to gain provincial recognition and to test themselves at a higher level. “Amateur club rugby must fight to keep its place and we believe a tournament of this nature does stimulate interest in the game at club level,” said Mr Mackenzie.
He thanked the South African Rugby Union for the financial support provided to make the tournament possible.
“We call on the South Coast community to come and attend the tournament,” said chairman of the local organising committee, Juno Fourie.
On Tuesday players had a day off, but members of the Sharks Currie Cup team, the Sharks Club XV and Wildebeest Rural conducted a free development clinic for local schools.
Matches continue on Wednesda and the finals will be played this Friday from 9.30am. CLICK HERE FOR MORE PHOTOS
