WOB wins Brian Irvine Cup

A JUBILANT Westville Old Boys’ 2nd team travelled to Richards Bay and took on Vryheid in the Brian Irvine Cup on Saturday, 16 July.

The match started off slowly with both teams trying to get to grips with the windy conditions. Playing with the wind was harder than WOB had anticipated, with a few kicks being too long. Passing was extremely challenging and Vryheid took a 3 – 0 lead but this seemed to spark Westville into gear. Andrew Hunt crossed the line to open the WOB account and this started a small flurry of tries and WOB took a deserved 15 – 3 lead into the break.

After some wise words from coach Grant Anger, and the realisation from the team that winning was a huge possibility, WOB started the second half with a bang. Some great running rugby combined with brilliant offloads saw them slice through the Vryheid defence. Cornel Havemann, in his new position of outside centre, was the catalyst for this. With a coaching masterstroke, the WOB bench added new energy into the game. Returning loosie, Ty Jackson, added forward ball for Shane Savage at scrumhalf to unleash the mighty backline. Vryheid scored a consolation try towards the end of the game but it was not enough to push them into the lead. WOB won 49 – 10. Captain Matthew Burgess lifted the Brian Irvine Cup in front of the small, but jubilant, group of supporters. Grant Anger congratulated his team on a job well down and made special mention to Andrew Hunt and Pieter Mouton, who played his last game for the club.

The Westville team will now turn its attention to the Murray Cup knockout competition that will kick off at Jimmy Bellows field on 23 July at 3pm. WOB is offering colt rugby for players U12 to U18. If you would like to take part, contact Shane on 08 257 46911.