Edenvale Panthers Rugby Club is ready to take on 2019 after finishing the 2018 season on a high note and moving up to a higher league.
The club finished second on the log of the Kestrel League and as a result, have moved into the Merlin League.
Chairperson of the club, Phil Venter, said overall they have had a good season and lost only once.
Venter explained that the Kestrel League included many developing teams.
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He said in the new league, the club will compete against more competitive teams which include teams from Kempton Park, Benoni and Germiston.
In addition to this, the club will be able to field three teams in the new league instead of one as had been the case in the previews league.
The club hopes to field a first, second and u – 21 teams.
“By having more teams we will be able to rotate players and hopefully there will be a place in the team for everyone who comes to practice.”
However, in order to field three teams, the club needs to fill its ranks.
“We are looking for young enthusiastic players interested in growing the community club and the sport,” said Venter.
He said club rugby has taken a knock as younger players have moved over to varsity rugby teams.
“We have so many schools in the area, but few young players are coming into the club. We need players who will grow with the club.”
Besides hoping to attract players for the 2019 season, Venter said the club was in need of company sponsorship to sponsor kit and equipment for the players.
First-team coach Gideon de Bruyn said the club was in desperate need of a scrum machine.
“When we lost the game last season, we realised our main weakness was our scrums,” said de Bruyn.
“Without a scrum machine, it is difficult to train.”
Venter said the club would greatly welcome and appreciate a sponsorship or a donation of a second-hand scrum machine.
De Bruin said the new year would see the club have greater involvement with the Edenvale community.
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He said movie nights would be held every second Friday evening to raise funds for the club so that it can cover costs of replacing equipment and to to deal with other running costs.
“The club held three movie nights last year and this went pretty well and think it will help the club.”
The next movie evening will be held on January 11.
Contact Venter on 072 600 4286 or de Bruyn on 084 264 8926 for more information.
