The Maroon Machine took on a bolstered Volksrust team in the rugby league quarter finals over the weekend. The visitors’ coaching team obviously selected their side to be as physical as possible. However, they were met with equal and possibly even greater physicality in the Vryheid side.
Vryheid’s intention from the first whistle was to impose themselves and dominate from the outset – with a few injured players returning and a strong bench.
Vryheid had to weather a bit of a storm in the first half and went into the break with a slender 7-5 lead.
The ‘maroon marauders’ were then able to kick it into a higher gear, which saw three rapid tries scored to Volksrust’s one. Devin Aspden’s kicking was ‘on song’, as all the conversions were successful. Vryheid’s ever-expanding lead forced Volksrust to make mass substitutions, with their entire bench making their way onto the field with 20 minutes to go. In the face of all these tactics to somehow claw their way back into the match, Vryheid showed absolute determination in defence, with the ‘manne’ throwing everything into their tackling.
With tempers flaring and a resolute Volksrust side not giving an inch, the final whistle blew. Vryheid emerged on top with a convincing 28-10 victory, booking themselves a difficult ‘away’ semi-final against their long-standing nemesis, Piet Retief.
Vryheid Rugby Club would like to thank all the supporters. The players were overjoyed and humbled by the amount of support they received. This serves as proof that club rugby is alive and well.
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The news provided to you in this link comes to you from the editorial staff of the Vryheid Herald, a sold newspaper distributed in the Vryheid area.
