White River dominates rugby 7s tournament

Rooikat Rugby Club hosted a 7s rugby tournament in preparation for the upcoming rugby season. Despite valiant defence from the Katte, both its first and second teams lost against the visiting teams from White River.

The tournament took place on Saturday. Teams that participated included Rooikat Rugby Club, White River Rugby Club and the Ratels from Ohrigstad.
The five teams, Rooikatte I and II, White River I and II and the Ratels were divided into two pools before play-offs ensued.

White River II proved to be in top form, beating Rooikatte I 29-10. The same team also beat Rooikatte II
26-5. White River II continued their winning streak and beat the Ratels 32-2. White River I made mincemeat of the Rooikatte II, beating them 28-0. The final game in the pool saw White River I beating the Ratels 57-0. In the cup final, White River I and II battled it out. White River II clinched the game 22-7.

In 7s rugby, there are three forwards, three backs and a scrum-half. This makes the game much shorter and faster than the 15-player game.
Rooikatte’s Wynand Potgieter said, “A big thanks to all the supporters and the players. You were all amazing,” he said.

According to White River’s team coach, Deon Helberg, they were glad to be part of the competition. He said they will definitely come back next year if such an event is held again.

“We actually did well during the games. We played in good spirit and the day was amazing. We appreciate the Rooikatte’s invitation. It was an awesome day for our club and we are very thankful for Rooikatte’s efforts in hosting this day,” Helberg said.

These games were in preparation for the 15-man tournament that will take place at Hoedspruit on February 22, where Rooikatte I will be playing against the Pumbas. The game will kick off at 20:00.

1st: White River I
2nd: White River II
3rd: Rooikatte I
4th: Ratels
5th: Rooikatte II.