False Bay’s 85–12 demolition job of Sir Lowrians on Saturday secured them the coveted Western Province Super League A title for the first time in over 40 years.
False Bay’s 85–12 demolition job of Sir Lowrians on Saturday secured them the coveted Western Province Super League A title for the first time in over 40 years.
The convincing win secured the title for the Constantia Club who remain the only unbeaten side in the league this year. After being relegated less than five years ago, the rejuvenation of the club has been simply sensational.
The strength of Community Rugby clubs making a return to winning league title can be put down to the restructuring of the local league three years ago. The format sees each club play each other just once per season which has placed huge emphasis on getting it right on the day and the crowds have returned to club rugby in their numbers.
The sensational media campaign of the club also led the way for other clubs to follow as off the field support for the club through social media platforms raised the profile of local clubs, their players and Club Rugby within Western Province.
The False Bay team lead by captain Graham Knoop and supported by the likes of Ryan Olivier, Mustaqeem Jappie, Andri Claasen, and Danie Roux confirmed the meteoric rise of the club this season.
The quality of rugby played by the club also saw their coach Jono van der Walt rewarded with his selection as Head Coach of the Western Province Emerging Team for their upcoming 2016 Southern Coastal tournament in George later this month.
This league triumph, less than a year after finishing runners up to Maties, will also see the club represent Western Province in the 2016 Gold Cup.
False Bay will look back on this season with immense pride and taste just reward for years of hard work and dedication to become the champions of club rugby in WP Rugby.
The side blew away all other teams this season and thoroughly deserved to end the season as champions for the first time since 1972 after another superb display of winning rugby.
In other Super League A results Maties defeated a struggling Belhar 43–25 at Accordian Park while a gutsy Brackenfell narrowly lost out to Vics 21–24.
UCT continued their winning ways by defeated bottom dwellers NNK 31–13, whilst SK Walmers defeated Kuilsriver 36–19 on Friday night. The men from Kuilsriver require much-needed log points to remain in this league with just four matches to play.
Tygerberg cemented their second position on the log with a solid performance against Primrose at Rosmead Avenue winning 59-22. Hamiltons were convincing 39–22 winners over UWC to keep their hopes alive of ending as runners-up in the league. They do have two remaining fixtures against UCT and Maties which could still prove tricky.
In Super League B action, Violets scored a good win against Hands & Heart 29–7, Union-Milnerton defeated St Georges 27–10 and all but confirmed their promotion to the top league in 2017.
Strand RFC went down 18–24 to title-chasing Hamlets and with that their fate for this season has been sealed as along with Goodwood they are certain to be relegated at the end of the season.
In Super League C results, Young Stars returned to winning ways with their shock defeat over Rangers 33-28. Strand United went down 14–17 to Hamediehs in a very tight encounter while Elsies River United triumphed 19–15 over Silverleaf in a local derby with the visitors facing certain relegation.
Langa defeated Lagunya 17–10 in their derby clash while Scottsdene and Blue Jets played out to a 31–35 thriller which went the way of Scottsdene. This result confirms Blue Jets remaining in the danger zone for relegation together with Masiphumele who went down to Raithby Universals 7-18 in Noordhoek.
With two rounds of competition left these clubs will fight for survival.
The Promotion League kicked off in fine style with All Saints making their intentions very clear as they defeated Retreat 37–0. The men from Somerset West were in a no-nonsense mood as they set about seeking promotion after narrowly losing out last year.
Eersterivier went down to Silvertree 15–22 and Stellenbosch Coronations unexpected defeated Manenberg Rangers 27–18. In the match-up of the two unbeaten sides in the first round, Vineyards showed their pedigree and confirmed their favorite status as they totally outplayed Young Wesleys and won the encounter 60–8.
In the City League second Round competition, Police beat Perseverance 89–0, Temp/Cities went down to Caledonian Roses 20–29, and CPUT Gardens defeated Western Zebras 22–14.
In the Northern League second Round competition, Atlantis went down 12–35 to Whistling Wheels, Blakes thumped Strand Pioneers 101–0, Van Der Stel beat Delft 13–5.
In the Southern League second round competition, Peninsula beat Young Brothers 70–23 and Rocklands defeated Titans 29–3.
In the Simonsberg Region Constantia scored a hard fought victory over Faure 9-5 and Phizantekraal kept their title hopes alive with a solid victory over Pumas 22-0.
In the Thorp Paarl Region Knockout, Young Standards defeated Rangers 37-33, Allandale beat Albions 24-15 and Lower Paarl beat Simondium 37-32 in extra time. The best loser team that qualified for the semifinals will be announced later in the week.