Alberton Madalas host successful Golden Oldies Festival

ALBERTON Madalas hosted the next festival in the Golden Oldies series at a packed A Square Forklift Alberton Rugby Club on April 21.

It was a super day with no fewer than 14 teams from all over Gauteng participating and the festival was never about anything besides the camaraderie of the Golden Oldie teams. They are almost a brotherhood and so competitiveness on the field is forgotten the minute the final whistle blows, and friends catch up with friends again.

This festival was saddened by the loss of three of their rugby comrades who passed away recently. A minute’s silence was observed at the start of every game in remembrance of those players.

Angus McDermott played his rugby for the Western Lions and was suffering from a long illness. Burt Vermeulen, chairman of the Western Lions Oldies, offered his sincere condolences and said that Angus will be sorely missed by all.

The other two players were Gert Roets (23) who played for the Kempton Wolves. According to reports, he was a victim of a botched robbery. Wayne Sibande (22) from the Pirates Rugby Club was injured in a match and was sent to hospital after showing signs of concussion. Unfortunately, he never recovered.

On the field

The rugby played was superb. With the u-40 Madalas going down 0-3 to the Hillbillies the over 40 side had the honour of trying to restore pride when they came up against the Vaal Mustangs in the final game of the day. And they didn’t disappoint.

They started off slowly and were under early pressure when the Mustangs were first to dot down after a wave of attacks which were well defended. But eventually they broke through.

This spurred on the host team and lead by their captain Danie Putter (also known as Road Runner), who scored a hat-trick of tries, the hosts bounced back in fine style to secure a 6-2 win. Johan Edwards (also known as Slap Chips), as well as Corra Van Wyk and Anton Killian, got their names onto the scoresheet too.

In the end, the day will be remembered by the spectators for the camaraderie and sportsmanship displayed by all the teams and the old friendships renewed.

Also Read:

Alberton Madalas host the National Golden Oldies Tournament

The Alberton Madalas Rugby Club goes all out

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