Bears and Tuks clash in Rhino Cup League
Bears Rugby League Club travel to Pretoria for weekly Rhino Cup League fixture.
From a chilly start to the Rhino Cup League to a scorching hot trip to Pretoria.
The Bears Rugby League Club continued their league campaign with an away match against Tuks Rugby League Club, last Saturday.
The match was a must-win for the local club who had something to prove after they were knocked out of last year’s league by Tuks, in the semi-final stages.
The game, which was held in Silverton, was a heart-pounding affair from start to finish and the supporters, who packed the stands, loved every moment of it.
ALSO READ: Bears and Mustangs meet in Germiston derby in opening match of Rhino Cup League
“It was an epic showdown,” said Bears’ chairperson Andries van der Merwe.
“The physicality of the match was unlike any other.
“I can only describe it as being similar to a clash between the Springboks and the All Blacks.”
The return of several of the Bear’s key players from injury combined with the club’s fresh new talent of Dieter de la Port, Eddy de Jager, Curtley Njala and Theodore Khasoka, served them well in the match with the team scoring eight tries to the home team’s five.
The visiting team were the first to get points on the scoreboard after a fumble from the Tuks defence allowed van der Merwe to dash down the field towards the try line, before offloading to Louki Koekmoer, who scored the team’s first try.
“Koekmoer played exceptionally well in the match, especially as it was only his second rugby league match,” commented van der Merwe.
The extremely hot day made it difficult for the teams to keep up the pace of the match and the Bears began to make several silly mistakes which allowed Tuks to close the points gap after the home team had trailed behind for the better part of the match.
The club’s’ woes continued and after a string of penalties, the referee sent the Bears’ Jaque Janse van Rensburg off the field with a yellow card.
The home team took advantage of the time and pushed hard to get back into the game narrowing the gap to 38-36.
The Bears’ were rattled, but after a serious talk behind the post from captain Johannes Venter and vice-captain Marcelle Viljoen, they were able to bounce back scoring two more tries before the final whistle securing themselves a 50-36 victory.
The Bears’ tries were scored by Koekemoer, Robin Howell, Ronald Botes and Viljoen, while van der Merwe suffered a broken finger ruling him out of the next three matches.
ALSO READ: Become part of the rugby league action
“The crowd applauded both teams after the courageous duel and all the players mingled and joked after the game showing the great camaraderie in rugby league,” said van der Merwe.
“Our team played exceptionally well and I am proud of each and every player especially the new players.
“We went into this match as the underdogs and we fought hard for the victory, and I am delighted.”
Van der Merwe also shared his delight with regard to the interest people are showing in rugby league.
“I believe the sport has a bright future ahead of it,” he said.
The Bears will next face the Pretoria-based Bulls Rugby League Club on September 28, in a home match.
Have a story?
Contact the newsroom by emailing: Melissa Hart (Editor) germistoncitynews@caxton.co.za or Leigh Hodgson (News Editor) leighh@caxton.co.za or Kgotsofalang Mashilo (journalist) kgotsofalangm@caxton.co.za
Remember to visit the Germiston City News on the following social media platforms:
Or add the GCN on WhatsApp 079 406 1181 or BBM (BBM Pin: 7F102137) today, to get all the latest news.
Catch-up on more local news with our sister newspapers Bedfordview Edenvale News, Alberton Record and Kempton Express.
