After a gruelling season, the Bears Rugby League Club has topped the league and won the Steeden Rhino Cup.
The club faced Tuks at the Grizzlies Rugby Club in Pretoria in the final match of the league, last Saturday, and won the match 24-14.
Both teams were ready for the challenge, fielding their strongest sides while being cheered on by loyal supporters.
The Bears entered the game on a high, determined to continue their winning streak.
Only moments after the opening whistle had blown, the team’s Rudolf Erasmus found the tryline.
After a penalty against the Bears for a dangerous tackle, the home side responded with a try of their own, scored by Ruaan du Preez.
The gruelling first half, which ended with Tuks in the lead 10-8, was full of hard tackles, well-executed attacks and well-timed defences.
After some encouraging words from coach Steven van Zyl and team captain Marcelle Viljoen, the Bears headed onto the field for the second half.
The pep talk did the trick, with the club scoring two tries, both scored by Ronald Botes, and converting them in the first 10 minutes of the second half.
The second half proved to be an intense match-up, with Tuks coming close to the tryline on several occasions. However, the Bears’ defence held solidly, only allowing the home side to add four points to their half-time score.
The final whistle blew to a loud cheer from the Bears’ supporters as the side had won the final 24-14.
During the ensuing celebrations, Viljoen commented that hard work and determination had lead the team to victory in the season.
“We worked hard this season and pulled together a strong team of great men who gave it their all,” he said.
Club chairman Andries van der Merwe thanked the team, the coaches, supporters and sponsors for their support throughout the season.
“I especially want to say thank you to Majestic Pools and Hennie Stander for being our sponsor and supporting us at each and every game. Without them none of this would have been possible.
“It has been a great season, and as club manager and chairman I have gained a lot of experience and thank everybody who has been involved,” he said.
The final team was made up of Robin Howell, Jacques de Jager, JJ Vissagie, Jaques Janse van Rensburg, Petrus Smit, Ronald Botes, Manie Smit, Marcelle Viljoen, Rudolf Erasmus, Zack van Loggenberg, Andries van der Merwe, Johannes Venter, Jacques Carelse, Werner Smit, Gavin Louw and Rudloff Prinsloo.
You might also want to read:
Simmer heads for Pirates Grand Challenge
