POLOKWANE – The Assupol Series serves as warm-up for the rugby teams prior to the Boet Fick Rugby League that is expected to start on 1 April. The Noordelikes second team could not even score a single try even though the team dominated in the scrums. The university attacked Noordelikes strongly and managed to utilise their chances to make the halftime score 14-0. The local team came back with some energy hoping to score.
UJ continued to attack from both sides and ended up making the final score 31-0. The Noordelikes second team coach, Lieb Coetzer said his boys played well even though they committed a lot of mistakes which will need to be rectified before Saturday’s game against Springs Rugby Club. “Our boys are not yet on their feet but I am sure they will be ready for the league. We just have to avoid committing lousy mistakes during our warm-up games, but overall I am happy with their performance against UJ,” said Coetzer.
He further said the university has a lot more players to choose from than Noordelikes and they play as a team. The Noordelikes first team made a very good impression in the first half as they went for halftime leading the game 3-0.
However, the wheels turned in the opposite direction in the second half which gave University of Johannesburg a chance to score 33 goals to make the final score 33-3. The Noordelikes first team coach, Fred Romijn said his side started the game very well but failed to defend in the second half. “The boys are not as fit as we want them to be, that is why they could not keep up with UJ in the second half. I am a bit disappointed but am sure they will do well in the next warm-up match against Springs,” explained Romijn.
He also said he is certain that the team will be ready for the league and urged his players to keep their heads high and fight for the team.
