Historic clash of premier rugby teams this weekend

Toti Rugby Club is gearing itself up for the battle of its history when the first and second team take on national club champs, College Rovers in Toti on Saturday.

The first team made history at the end of last season when they beat Harlequins in a promotion relegation match to be promoted to the premier division, the highest echelon of club rugby in the province.

“Toti firsts are currently top of the premier division for the first time in the club’s history, after three wins from three games and three bonus points to boast a full house of 15 points,” said chairman, Peter Zulch. “Toti thirds are also top of their division.”

Rovers in contrast lost their second game of the season to Crusaders and although they were back to their winning ways at the weekend, it was to much weaker opponents, Pietermaritzburg Collegians. “So far this season Rovers haven’t been as strong as they were last season,” said Toti first team coach, Jeff Harper. “They’ve lost some players and some key ones are injured. Having said that, they are still a strong outfit and their injured players should be back this weekend.

Our three wins have built some confident in the team. Most of the Toti players have been playing together now for three years, which certainly make my job easier and we are playing good rugby because of it.”

With the Sharks IV on tour, it is not yet clear which contracted players will run out for Toti this Saturday. “Rovers don’t even need their contracted Sharks players,” said Jeff. “They have ex-Springboks in their pack and players who were playing provincial rugby as late as last year.

But I’m confident we will give them a good going on Saturday. We will certainly keep them on their toes. I just hope we get lots of support, because Toti is an intimidating place to play when the stands are packed with home support,” said Jeff.

“We implore the local comunity to come to Hutchison Park on Saturday to support all three teams in action,” said Peter. “Lords and Legends will be sponsoring jumping castles for the children and there will be a festival atmosphere at the club for the whole family to enjoy.”

Toti thirds kick off against Hillcrest on the B field at 2pm. Simultaneously, the seconds face College Rovers on the A field. Then the highlight of the day will be Toti firsts against Rovers at 3.30pm.