THE WEIGHT FACTOR
It was fantastic to see how quickly Gio Aplon gained the necessary weight to be included in the Bok team!
Jokes aside – Gio – congratulations on being selected for the Bok group. On your current form you deserve your selection.
WHAT A GESTURE!
Put your hands together for the WP Vodacom Team – they surely know that the game is bigger than the individual.
A couple of weeks ago the WP Vodacom Team and the SWD Eagles were scheduled to clash at Dysseldorp (close to Oudtshoorn). Due to unforeseen circumstances this Vodacom League Match had to be moved to Outeniquapark, George.
It was a big blow for the community of Dysseldorp, because they all wanted to see the WP team in action. When the management team of the WP Vodacom side learnt about the big disappointment in the Dysseldorp community they decided to organise a friendly match against SWD Eagles to be played at Dysseldorp this week-end. The WP Vodacom Team will carry all their expenses for the match.
This is what this beautiful game of rugby is all about – to play this exciting game on the field and to further friendships off the field.
Well done guys!!!
10 WP STUDENTS IN SA TEAM
It was fantastic to see in the press that 10 students in the Western Province (9 from Maties and 1 Ikey) were selected for the SA Students team. Chean Roux, coach of the Maties, will be in charge of the SA Students Team.
CEO TO RETIRE
The CEO of the WP Rugby Union, Theuns Roodman, will retire at the end of August. He was a great leader in WP rugby (watch this website to read more about the man who captained the WP ship the last years).
CONGRATULATIONS
I also want to take the opportunity to wish Sam Dube all of the best in his new position as Chairman of the Board of WP (Ptyd) Ltd. He succeeds Vic Christians (Christians turned 70 recently and had to retire according to the age regulation in place at the WP Rugby Union).
YOUNG PLAYERS WILL BE SELECTED
In the future the selectors will only look at players younger as 25 years when they sit down to select the WP Disa Team as well as the WP Amateur Team. It was also decided that no more than 2 players of a club will be selected for the WP Disa Team as well as the WP Amateur Team. The idea is to give more players the opportunity to come through the systems of WP Rugby.
WAIT FOR 2017
1992 was a big year in WP Rugby, because it was the year of unification of the WP Rugby Union. It is now 20 years later and some may argue that the Union must host a big function to celebrate this milestone. But the winds of the economy are still blowing cold, and the Union has decided to wait for 2017 when the Union will be 25 years old. Then we can expect a bash and a party!
GOOD VIBE AT BOARD MEETING
The recent Board Meeting of the WP Union was highlighted with very positive contributions from the members. It was interesting to listen to the feed-back from the Chairpersons of the various committees.
The Relationship Committee of the WP Union has paid a visit to 46 clubs thus far. They attended matches of the 46 clubs and also talked to the club members about their problems and challenges.
The Chairman of the Transformation Committee also informed Board Members that they are busy with a face-lift project for the various Board Rooms of the WP Union. The idea is that the history of all the unions (before unification) should find a permanent space in the various Board Rooms.
GOOD NEWS IN TOUGH TIMES
I am glad to mention that the WP Union are operating within the borders of the budget. We live in tough economic times, but the WP Ship is steaming ahead!
VIOLENCE IN CLUB RUGBY
I want to repeat what I said in this column last week – the WP Rugby Union will not tolerate any violence. All the offenders will be punished. We don’t need this type of “rugby supporter” in the Western Province. You can stay at home – we don’t want you at our rugby grounds.
CLUB NEWS
Hamiedahs will host a Black Tie Function on 29 June with Prof Tim Noakes as the guest speaker. The funds will be ploughed back into the community to grow the game of rugby.
Pniel/Villagers will celebrate its 110th birthday with a dance on 6 July. The popular Strand Combo group will provide the music.
CLUB MATCHES
SUPER LEAGUE A
Durbanville/Bellville came a step closer to winning the First Round Trophy when they scored a huge victory over Belhar (collecting full points). Hamiltons also improved their log position with a victory over Tygerberg. Tygerberg are at the bottom of the log and they will need to rebuild.
This week-end Durbies will tackle Villager, whilst SK Walmers will play against False Bay. Hamiltons will clash against Belhar.
SUPER LEAGUE B
I was one of many spectators that watched the match between Bellville and NNK. This match was a great advertisement for the game of rugby. Both teams played attacking rugby and the big crowd gave both teams huge support. Bellville won the match and they are leading the log with 38 points after 10 matches.
Helderberg is in second place with 32 points, but they have played only 7 matches.
NNK is also strong in the hunt with 28 points after 7 matches.
This week-end the big match will be the one between Helderberg and Bellville. Also in action will be Hands & Heart vs Collegians; NNK vs Goodwood; Primrose vs Pniel/Villagers and Kuils River vs Brackenfell.
Last week-end Hands & Heart showed a big improvement when they beat Primrose in convincing style, whilst Helderberg had too many attacking flair for Brackenfell. Pniel/Villagers also played well for the victory over Goodwood.
PREMIER LEAGUE A
Last week-end Kraaifontein scored an important victory over St Georges, whilst UWC kept their unbeaten record intact with a close victory over Rangers. Paarl and Hamlets also notched up winning scores.
UWC are firmly at the top of the log, whilst Hamlets and Kraaifontein will be fighting it out for the no 2 position.
This week-end Hamlets will play against Rangers, whilst Langa will play at home against Elsies River. Paarl will tackle Scottsdene.
PREMIER LEAGUE B
The teams of Sir Lowrians and Macassar are dominating this league. Both teams are on top of the league with 31 points after 7 matches. Sir Lowrians has lost 1 match (against Macassar), but due to huge number of bonus points they share the top spot with unbeaten Macassar.
Both Van der Stel and StellCor improved their log positions, but for Langa the future in Premier League B looks bleak.
This week-end Lagunya will play against StellCor, whilst Macassar will play at home against MIlnerton. Sir Lowrians will play at home against Eerste River, whilst Strand United will tackle Silvertree. Van der Stel will play at Bergzicht against Franschhoek and a tough match is expected.
OTHER DIVISIONS
Manenberg Rangers are currently leading Division 1 with Rangers and Rocklands in 2nd and 3rd place. In Division 2 Violets and Atlantis are fighting it out for the top spot, with Kylemore and Blue Stars jointly in the 3rd place.
In Division 3 Masi and Young Ideas are jointly at the top followed by Caledonian Roses and Strand Pioneers.