Mustangs Rugby League Club players Michael Beukes (left), Gerrit Groenewald and Anton van Deventer tackle their Kriel Roosters’ opponent during the teams’ clash during the second leg of the Rhino’s Nine’s Tournament, at the Elspark Sports Grounds, on Saturday.
It was rugby league action all round as teams took to the field at the Elspark Sports Grounds, on Saturday, in the second leg of the Rhino’s Nine’s Tournament.
The tournament is played over four rounds and the local teams held their heads up high as they took on their opponents.
It also serves as a seeding event for the South African Rugby League (SARL) Nine’s squad.
Hosted by the Mustangs Rugby League Club, the day was filled with good sportsmanship and lots of rugby.
“The second leg of the tournament was a huge success.
“All the players and supporters had a lot of spirit and we look forward to the next round,” said Monique Nothnagel, chairperson of the Mustangs.
The Mustangs acquitted themselves well on the field and showed great promise.
Another local team to take on the tournament was the Bears Rugby League Club.
They were placed in Group A along with the Spartans, Witbank Knights and Tuks Blues rugby league clubs.
After a three-week break in the league, as the team suffered the disappointment of two teams dropping out a day before their matches, they were hungry for rugby league and ready to take on the day in the scorching hot temperatures.
The team went through the day unbeaten, winning 20-0 against the Spartans, 46-12 against the Witbank Knights and 30-1 against Tuks.
At the end of the day the team played a full 80-minute friendly against the Mpumalanga Panthers and went on to win the match 42-18.
“The Bears were on form, scoring early and making big hits that counted,” said Andries van der Merwe, chairperson of the Bears.
“No injuries occurred and the league matches will continue this Saturday.
“The Bears played in their newly sponsored jerseys from Mahestic Pools and thank owner Hennie Stander for the great- looking jerseys and the support in helping us grow.
“We thank everyone for coming out to support us and helping us grow, especially the Elsburg Rugby Club for letting us train and use the fields.”
Mustangs Rugby League Club player Ryno Steyn is tackled hard during his team’s match against the Kriel Roosters, on Saturday, at the Elspark Sports Grounds, in the Rhino’s Nine’s Tournament.
Jacques van Wyk (with the ball) makes a run for it while Andries van der Merwe gets ready to offer support during the Bears Rugby League Club’s match against the Witbank Knights Rugby League Club during the second leg of the Rhino’s Nine’s Tournament, at the Elspark Sports Grounds, on Saturday.
Bears Rugby League Club players Andries van der Merwe (left), Themba Maphanga and Jason Gradindge (tackling) during their match against the Knights Rugby League Club during the second leg of the Rhino’s Nine’s Tournament, at the Elspark Sports Grounds, on Saturday.
Mustangs Rugby League Club players Michael Beukes (left), Gerrit Groenewald and Anton van Deventer tackle their Kriel Roosters’ opponent during the teams’ clash during the second leg of the Rhino’s Nine’s Tournament, at the Elspark Sports Grounds, on Saturday.
Herman Cook (ball in hand) from the Mustangs Rugby League Club is tackled by his Kriel Roosters’ opponent during their match at the Elspark Sports Grounds, on Saturday.
