Villagers’ teams claim historic undefeated win
Both of the local club's top teams won their games in the first division league at the weekend.
LAND Rover Durban-Hillcrest Villagers Rugby Club’s 1st and 2nd XV’s achieved a historic record this weekend as they both won the combined first division and first division reserve leagues and remain unbeaten throughout the season.
The Villagers’ 1sts and 2nds took on the Vryheid Rugby Club at Growthpoint Kings Park Rugby Stadium, in a North vs South Derby to determine the strongest first division rugby club in KZN.
Also read: Villagers tackle fund-raiser for little Jaxon
The 2nd XV’s outclassed the gutsy Vryheid 2nd XVs on KP2 with a triumphant 26-15 win.
For coach, Jared Chiocchetti, manager, Brian Harradine and captain, Nic Tyler, it was an epic win as crowning moment for their first unbeaten season.
Man of the match for the backline went to JP Brown and the forwards man of the match went to Mark Hodgkiss.
As a curtain-raiser to the Sharks vs Lion Super Rugby clash, the Villagers 1st XV demonstrated their big match temperament.
This side is regarded as one of the finest ever produced by the Upper Highway rugby club. Despite a gallant, and hugely physical effort from Vryheid 1st XV, the local outfit claimed a 32-18 victory.
The backline man of the match went to Jaco de Jager and the forwards man of the match went to Jonathan Deighton.
Also read: Hillcrest Villagers ruggas do it again
The Villagers 1st XV’s Mike de Kock (head coach), Taffu Gutu (assistant coach), and James Waite (manager) said it was a great moment for the squad.
They noted it was a culmination of the team’s disciplined and concerted efforts which began last year with a high performance conditioning and fitness programme, sponsored by Neil Du Plessis, from The Real – Get Fit Gym.
The coveted Dewar Shield was presented by the KZNRU’s Schalk Liebenburg to the winning Villagers 1st XV captain, Brian “Cappy” Lewis, and the Brian Irvine Trophy was presented by the KZNRU’s Vernon Chetty, to Villagers 2nd XV Captain, Nic Tyler.
“This is a very proud, deserved and historic moment for a club that was originally founded under a street lamp in Hillcrest back in 1970,” commented the Villagers’ club chairman, René Missen.
Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname (ONLY) to 060 532 5409.
You can also join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
PLEASE NOTE: If you have signed up for our news alerts you need to save the Highway Mail WhatsApp number as a contact to your phone, otherwise you will not receive our alerts.
