Simmer crowned Senior Grand Challenge champions

Germiston Simmer Rugby Club and Krugersdorp Harlequins recently met at the Alberton Rugby Club, in the last game of the Senior Grand Challenge.

The match began in a true Senior Grand Challenge final style, with neither team wanting to make any mistake nor give their opponent an inch.

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After several bone crunching tackles and back-and-forth play, Simmer was able to settle their nerves and get into the game.

The club was the first to get some points of the scoreboard with a try from Eugene van der Merwe, who has shone throughout the season.

Harlequins didn’t let Simmer’s early lead rattle them and they pushed back hard.

However, their efforts were met by a solid defence from Simmer, giving them no space to move.

Simmer’s Eben Barnard (junior) was able to find a small gap in the defence of Harlequins and scored the team’s second try, followed by a conversion by Christopher Coleridge.

Simmer went straight back to work and almost scored a third try before the half-time whistle blew. However, this wasn’t possible and the clubs went into a break with Simmer in the lead, with a score of 12-0.

Simmer coach Eben Barnard (senior) offered the players some words of encouragement before they took to the field for the second half.

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In the opening minutes of the second half Harlequins were able to make their first score, followed by a successful conversion, bringing them back into the match.

As the nerves started to creep back into the Simmer camp, Ruan du Randt made an impressive charge down mid-field, beating off four defenders to score a try.

Soon after Charl Wright scored two more tries with the help of teammate Robbie Kruger and sealed a victory and title for Simmer.

The match ended 29-7 to Simmer.

Club chairperson Louis Britz was thrilled with the results and congratulated all involved in making the season a success, from the players and coaches to supporters and the community.

“A big thanks to the sponsors, Simmer Engineering, Mike’s Kitchen Lambton and Impi Brewing CO. Without your support this wouldn’t have been possible,” Britz said.

“A big congratulations also goes to the Elsburg Rugby Club, who recently won the Kestrel League.

“It is great to see that rugby is alive and well in Germiston.”