WP Club Rugby returned home on finals day of the 2016 President’s Cup at DHL Newlands on Saturday, September 24, with three spectacular finals thrilling an enthusiastic crowd.

WP Club Rugby returned home on finals day of the 2016 President’s Cup at DHL Newlands on Saturday, September 24, with three spectacular finals thrilling an enthusiastic crowd.

The President’s Cup Finals, sponsored by Totalsports, Treble Group, Powerade, Deep Heat, Castle Lager, TJ’s Lekka Braai and Cape Rugby TV, showcased the best of WP Club Rugby in front of fanatical supporters, who created an electric atmosphere, at DHL Newlands.

The day kicked-off in fine style when Rangers took on Paarl, in the Super League C Final. The match was a tense tussle between the two top sides in the league, and neither team was willing to concede an inch. In this seesaw encounter it all went down to the wire, with Rangers holding on to run out 24-23 winners.

The win was eventually secured by the boot of Faeez Charles that ensured a memorable win, and more silverware for the Surrey Estate club. This brought a fitting conclusion to a very successful season, as they win back promotion to Super League B in 2017.

The Super League B Final between Union-Milnerton and Hamlets was a classic encounter, which confirmed the strength of community club rugby within Western Province. This spectacle went down to the last minute.

In what was surely one of the most exciting games of club rugby this season, both sides went hammer and tongs at each other to try and gain the upper hand. The match turned into an exhibition of different playing styles, and delivered some of the most exhilarating running rugby in recent memory.

In the end it was sad to crown a winner, but it was eventually settled in the last minute by a penalty from Hamlets’ Keenan Okkers. The Mamre side ran out 31–29 winners to the immense delight of their supporters, who made the trip from Mamre by the busload. In a true Cinderella moment, nobody gave them a chance, but they stepped up and delivered for their team, coaches, supporters, and the whole community of Hamlets.

The Super League A Final saw Maties run out comfortable 64–21 winners over Victorians, in a one-sided contest. The students picked up their first President’s Cup trophy in the process. This match highlighted the quality and physicality of Super League A rugby within Western Province. The fitness and skill of both teams were something to behold and confirmed the championship status of Stellenbosch University rugby.

President of the Western Province Rugby Football Union, Mr Thelo Wakefield, said that the quality of rugby and the incredible support of the different communities made for a memorable occasion.

“Club Rugby is vital to the strength of Western Province Rugby, and the President’s Cup finals day was an exhibition of all that makes it so special.

“The atmosphere created by the fans, who turned out in their droves, and the standard of rugby that we witnessed made for a truly memorable occasion.

“I would like to thank our sponosrs and everyone who was involved for coming together to make the tournament what it was,” he said.