Brakpan – kings of the East

This was what marked the 2014 Cell C Community Cup derby between G5 Metals Brakpan and Kaufela Boksburg, at the Bosman Stadium, on Thursday, March 20, and what an occasion it was.

Captain Francois “Bones” Robbertse’s men knew that victory against their local rivals was priority number one, particularly after an opening day Group C loss to Roses United in Wellington, and that is exactly what transpired when the hometown team secured a 48-23 win.

The “Panne” were ruthless in this encounter and hardly seemed to switch to top gear.

The Valke Rugby Union’s top club side went over the Boksburg try line on five occasions and had a sixth five-pointer ruled out by the match officials for foul play.

At one stage of the derby, Boksburg were only eight points behind the home side at 28-20, but it was Brakpan who would run away with the game.

The visiting team’s fullback, Ashwell Adams, whose playing style is reminiscent of Springbok Gio Aplon, kept the Brakpan defence on their toes with his blistering pace and quick feet, and went over for their first try after a mesmerising run.

Brakpan’s try-scorers on the night came from fullback Tommy Damba (two), lock-forward Dean van der Merwe, flanker Wikus van den Berg and winger Tobie Strydom, while flyhalf Gido Horn scored 23 points from the boot.

Following the derby, Harry Nieuwenhuis, Brakpan Rugby Club’s chairman, said: “We are very happy with how the game was presented and we received several compliments countrywide.”

He added that the game was a great boost for the community in general, and thanked the some 2 000 spectators who made their way to Bosman Stadium for the derby.

Despite the ruthlessness of the team, Nieuwenhuis said they can still do a lot better.

“We believe that, with this game behind us now, we will qualify for George [where the knock-out rounds will be played] and are on the right track to become the number one club side in South Africa,” he said.

The team play BB Noordelikes at home on Saturday at 6pm.