Rugby players tackle fundraising project for Alma

Everyone knows rugby is a macho sport and the ferocity that players barrel into each other confirms this, but now and then a much softer side of these Neanderthal men can be seen. Saturday, 13 July was one of those rare occasions where even the odd tear sliding down a grizzled cheek was reported during an emotional event between two old rivals who joined forces to fight cancer.

When the Hillcrest Old School Villagers heard that Alma van Heerden, the daughter of Toti old boy Hannes van Heerden, is fighting Leukaemia, they did not hesitate to arrange a charity day ‘Rugby 4 Alma’ to raise money for her fund, inviting Toti’s third team to scrum down at Kearsney College.

Every year the Old School Villagers rugby team select a family in need of financial assistance as a result of mounting medical bills.

“In October a few of our players were matched up against some of the Toti Old Crocs at a touch rugby tournament in Eston, and we heard that one of the player’s daughters had been diagnosed with acute lymphoid leukemia,” said chairman Rene Missen. “We’ve had the pleasure of sharing the field with Hannes for many a season over the past 15 years and we were overwhelmed by the fighting spirit and tenacity that Alma exhibited when confronted with a situation that no teenage girl should ever have to deal with.

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“Alma epitomises the ‘warrior spirit’ that we as the Old School Villagers team try to emulate both on and off the field and we knew instantly that she was the right choice for this year’s fundraising initiative. It is truly incredible to see just how strong this dynamic young lady is. We wish her everything of the best for her ongoing treatment and her journey towards making a full recovery.”

That warrior spirit was in full force from the opening whistle, with even Hannes taking to the field. Unlike in the two previous annual charity days between the old foes, Saturday, 13 July was the first installment of a home and away fixture for these two teams and valuable points were up for the grabs. The match was well attended by the local Hillcrest crowd, boosted by a large contingent of Toti supporters who made the trek.

Despite the age of the players – some well past their sell by date (by their own admission) – the game kicked off at a frenetic pace, and the Hillcrest boys made their intentions clear with their heavy pack of forwards keeping the ball upfront. Toti had to do all the defending in the opening stages, but with some skilful interplay in the back, it was the visitors who managed to put first points on the board. Daryl Herman dotted down and converted himself.

Hillcrest levelled the score five minutes later, but Toti regained the lead after an brilliant hand-off by Gerhard Rudolph, looking like a 10 year younger version of himself, to score under the posts. Herman converted to put Toti in the lead14-7. Hillcrest came hammering away, bashing over for the equaliser, to make it 14-14 at halftime.

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The second half was an arm-wrestle with neither team giving an inch, proving that age doesn’t diminish competitiveness. No points were scored in the second half, so both teams had to settle for the draw, leaving Alma the winner of the day.

Over 30 players, mostly older than 40, left the field with aching bodies, but smiles on their faces, because they knew they have done this for a good cause, and were able to use this as an excuse to get back on the field to play the game that they all love so much. Alma and her parents thank the Old School Villagers for hosting this game in support of her cancer drive.

“On Saturday, 3 August, this happens all over again at Amanzimtoti Rugby Club when it is our turn to host the event against the same opposition,” said Hannes. The U13s kick off the charity day at 2pm, followed by the ballies at 3pm. Braai packs will be on sale with live entertainment and fun for the little ones. Take the family along for a fun rugby day in aid of cancer.

To donate to Alma’s medical expenses, use the following bank details: Capitech Bank, JH van Heerden, savings account, account number: 1369602934, branch code: 470010.

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