Roodepark School displayed customary hospitality as it hosted multiple schools from across the Northern parts of the country.
Roodepark School was buzzing as they were chosen as the venue for the finals of the Learners with Special Education Needs (LSEN) schools Golden Lions Noordvaal rugby tournament, on June 10. Roodepark was well represented on the day with both their first and second teams making the grand finals. The Second XV stumbled at the final hurdle leaving the school’s hopes resting on the shoulders of the First XV.
Bethal’s Jim van Tonderskool stood in Roodepark’s way and while confident before the game, Roodepark coach Werner Opperman spoke of a mental block in the Noordvaal competition.
“We always seem to get to this point but never bring the trophy home,” said a rueful Werner who was intensely focused throughout the final. The match resembled an exhibition at stages with care-free backline running, flamboyant stepping and bulldozing runs from the big men up front.
Roodepark had the early momentum and when winning kickable penalties, opted for the poles. While the first kick sailed through, the next three penalties were all off-target. The visitors were most dangerous from broken play and had a try disallowed for a forward pass before an interception on their own five-metre line almost resulted in a five-pointer save for a handling error at the crucial moment.
Jim van Tonderskool’s time would come as their twinkle-toed backs broke the line and exploited the space well for the opening try. Roodepark would continue to have the bulk of possession and despite stretching the defense from flank to flank, could not find the killer pass. Their efforts would be rewarded with another kickable penalty, this kick creeping in to make the scores 7- 6 going into the break.
The boys from Bethal came out flying and had another try disallowed for a forward pass. They would not have to wait long for another opportunity, as their potent runners crossed over for another converted try. Roused by the home crowd and desperate coaching staff, Roodepark found another gear. The forwards rumbled over to trim the deficit before Lindo Mazeka slotted a pressure penalty just outside the 22 to retake the lead.
At 16-14, it was still anyone’s trophy and Roodepark was earning dangerous field position. Approaching the 22, the ball was left unprotected at the ruck and a timely snatch from the Van Tonder forwards set up their backs who rushed their unsuspecting Roodepark counterparts, zigzagging their way downfield for a vital try.
Jim van Tonderskool almost put the game beyond doubt but Roodepark’s tenacity showed as they capitalised on showboating under the poles to dislodge the ball and keep the game alive.
Deep in their half with time almost up, Roodepark needed a favourable bounce from the clearance kick but the luck was not on their side. The hooter went with Jim van Tonderskool in possession with a five-point lead but the visitors refused to kick it out. Moving the ball through the phases, they pushed for one more score but the referee was forced to end the game and Roodepark’s hopes with the ball held up over the line. Jim van Tonderskool celebrated a 21-16 win and returned to Bethal as LSEN Noordvaal winners.
