57 rugby matches at Diggers in 1 day
Future rugby stars show their mettle at jam-packed match day at Diggers.
It was a bounteous feast of rugby for fans as Diggers Junior Rugby Club paid host to a whopping 57 league matches in one day.
Several clubs from across Joburg put forward teams from U6 to U18 level at the Praegville venue on July 15. This saw all the fields (and extra spaces on the edges of them marked out for additional, smaller fields) filled by youngsters running hard at try lines from the first match at 07:30 until the last one kicking off at 17:00.
The hundreds of parents and family cheering on from the sidelines kept the volume high, creating an atmosphere that ensured everyone got their money’s worth for the entry fee. The Springboks vs All Blacks match was also shown at the bar, which was packed.
Though that game had an undesired result, fans were able to walk outside afterwards and have their spirits lifted by the sight of future stars giving it their all.
“We had a great turnout and you can see everyone is playing with a team spirit,” said Diggers Junior Rugby Club chairperson Mac McCutcheon. “I want the children to develop their love of the game and to develop their skills. At the younger level, we do not keep track of the score so that we can better promote that freedom and joy in the sport.”
He said there was still lots to play for as the teams for the Inter-Provincial Tournament were being selected. Last year, Diggers saw 28 of its players represent the Golden Lions at the tournament and five of its sides won gold medals.
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