Riversmead rugby Warriors warm up for big season
There's a lot to look forward to for local rugby players and fans.
RUGBY season is almost upon us and the Riversmead South Coast Warriors are dusting off the cobwebs and have started training again for the 2017 season.
There’s a lot to look forward to this year and it’s important that the local team does well.
For a start, there’s a pre-season friendly against Harlequins at Douglas Mitchell Sports Ground this Saturday, February 11 at 2.30pm.
“We’ll mow the field before then,” quipped Christo Henderson, who is now the director of coaching.
The long grass has been the topic of some banter at the club.
President Manie Cloete reckons it’s better to keep it long as it encouraged early season fitness.
Christo wasn’t so convinced. “You can hear that’s coming from a former forward and not one of the wings,” he laughed.
In all seriousness, Manie thanked sponsor Paul Apostolides of Riversmead Poultry Farm.
“He’s helped us get the field into as best shape as possible for the year ahead, often coming out with his own trucks and things to assist and give ideas, we are very grateful,” he said.
Paul was happy to renew the sponsorship. “We wish the players all the best in the new season,” he said.
There’ll be another friendly, against Maritzburg Collegians on Saturday, February 18 at 2.30pm.
The week after that it’s time for the popular Sevens, on Saturday, February 25.
The following teams have confirmed participation: South Coast Warriors, Status Warriors, The Breakers, South Coast Crusaders, Sharks Academy, Golden Reapers, Kapaailand, Toti Barbarians, Amangcesha Panthers, Gamalakhe, Klerksdorp, Ladysmith and Kokstad.
Still to confirm: Letaba, Scottburgh, Ballito, Rhinos, Pinetown, Matatiele and Ixopo.
It’s not certain how many of the Warriors are any good at golf, but most of them will be involved in some shape or form at the Warriors Golf Day at Margate Country Club on Saturday, March 4.
The format is a fourball Alliance Scramble.
This means that everyone gets to belt one off the tee, then you choose the best drive (hopefully you can find at least one ball) and then everyone in the fourball plays from that spot.
The cost is R300 per player or R1200 for a fourball, which includes food. Cost is R2500 for a fourball should you wish to sponsor a hole.
“It’s going to be a ‘lekker’ day out. Funds raised will be used for match costs and such things,” said organiser Koos Jacobs. He can be contacted at 072 8865453. Or book with the pro shop at 039 3172340.
Serious rugby starts on Saturday, March 11 with the Usher Cup.
It will be run by Amangcesha Panthers (from Munster area) but held at Douglas Mitchell Sports Ground.
The Warriors have won it for the past three years and would very much like to win it again.
Teams playing in this tournament are Amangcesha Panthers, South Coast Warriors, Scottburgh, Kokstad, Harding, Ixopo, Gamalakhe, Matatiele and Kapaailand.
You may also be interested in: Junior Warriors get scrumming
In terms of the coaching teams, Juan van den Berg, who has captained the Warriors for ages, has retired and will now coach the first team, with Christo Henderson now taking on the role as director of coaching.
Jason Hector is first team assistant coach, while Neil Theunissen will look after the second team. Dawie Snyman continues as the U20 coach.
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