Barring seemingly miraculous victories against Boksburg at Bosman Stadium on July 28 or a powerhouse East Rand United (ERU) outfit in Reiger Park on the night of August 1, it seems that the ‘Panne’ first XV will not feature in the Valke Rugby Union Peregrine League semi-final stage.
It would be a spectacular achievement, but it is indeed a long shot, particularly after the 31-66 defeat they sustained at Prince George Park in Boksburg on July 21.
According to Harry Nieuwenhuis, chairman of Brakpan Rugby Club, the team lost the game again at the back.
“Our backline just isn’t cutting it at this level of rugby,” said the chairman.
“The guys are doing all they can, but as inexperienced as they are, we expect a lot better from them. It has been a tough season and we have to push on and try to finish on a high.
“It’s been a terrible season for the club and we had high expectations from the youngsters to step up to the plate, but it will obviously take more time and we need to sort out the depth of players if we want to compete again in 2019.”
Also read: ‘The team to beat’ brush Panne aside
It was not only the first XV that tasted defeat on Saturday in Boksburg.
The second XV, the ‘Lilywhites’, were defeated 17-26 while the u-21 side went down 12-24.
“It’s not good reading, but we are thankful for every player, coach, and management for their efforts in this 2018 season,” added Nieuwenhuis
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