Brakpan’s final reckoning

After the disappointment of not qualifying for this year’s version of the 2015 Cell C Community Cup (the country’s elite national club rugby tournament), nothing but victory will do for skipper Francois “Bones” Robbertse and his men in the last step of their quest to achieve the ultimate goal of playing 2016 Community Cup rugby.

The “Panne”, however, still had a job to do on Saturday, August 15, when they hosted Vaal Reefs in a Peregrine League semi-final, at Bosman Stadium.

Brakpan narrowly defeated the Orkney-based team 13-10 when they met a fortnight prior to this semi-final.

The close nature of that encounter, however, was not to be experienced on Saturday, as the Panne went on an 11-try rampage in a 73-7 rout, to set up their final date with Vereeniging at Barnard.

A score line of 45-0 at the referee’s halftime whistle highlighted the damage that Robbertse’s team had caused from the start.

Winger Leon “Sweef” Potgieter has been a try machine this season, and his two tries on the day stretched his total season haul to 21 tries in just 12 matches.

One negative from the match was an injury to centre Albert Trytsman, who had an excellent game as well.

The driving maul, which has been the go-to manoeuvre on many previous occasions for the Panne, was hardly used (just three of the 11 tries came from the back of the maul) and this was an indication that Brakpan has certainly improved on creating try-scoring opportunities from running play.

Coach Reghardt Botha and his squad will definitely have their eyes on the final prize, on Saturday.

Try-scorers against Vaal Reefs were Leon Potgieter (two), Dean van der Merwe (two), Thinus Ueckermann, Jaco Lotter, Tobie Botha, Albert Trytsman, Dwane Morrison, Vernon du Preez and Gido Horn.

Conversions: Ashley Buchler (seven), Kyle Hilton (two).

CLICK HERE for a GALLERY of images from the match.