ETHEKWINI Refractories Amanzimtoti Rugby Club ‘s senior teams all had a successful weekend, despite the trying weather conditions.
First team:
A wet and cold Hutchison Park saw Ethekwini Refractories Amanzimtoti host the South Coast Warriors on Friday, 12 May.
This was always going to be a tough encounter, not only because of the wet weather but also because it is known as the South Coast derby.
The warriors got off to a flyer with an early 6-0 lead. However, it was not long before the Toti boys shifted gear and found their rhythm. Sticking to basics and some patience in the conditions saw Toti run in six tries, of which three were converted by Wimpi Pretorius. Final score was 36-13 to Toti. Try scorers were Kevin Buck, Mike Uppink, Ryno Els, Chad Fisher and Sheldon Higgo.
Man of the match honours went to Ryno Els in the backline and Danny Stokes in the forwards.
Second team:
The second team also braved the wet conditions at Hutchison Park on Friday evening against South Coast Warriors.
The first half saw Toti take the lead early but the team struggled to get going in the wet conditions, with the score being 17-0 at half time.
The second half saw the team stick to structure and play more direct rugby, which left the final score at 76-0 in favour of Toti after they ran in 12 tries. Jason Heinz converted eight of the tries. Try scorers were Shaun Mclein, Dylan Rust (2), Tyron Brand (2), Louis Le Grange, RD Janse van Vuuren, Travis Clarke, Moses Mpande , JP Pieterse, Dan Janse van Rensburg and Brad Lange.
Man of the match awards went to Louis Le Grange in the backline and Brad Lange in the forwards. The ‘A Bomb’ award went to Dylan Rust.
Third team:
On Saturday, 13 May the Ballies travelled to take on Ogwini Bafana at their home ground in very wet and windy conditions. The Ballies were soon in trouble with a spirited Ogwini Bafana side taking an early 7-0 lead. This sparked the Toti players into action who then ran in seven converted tries, which left them victorious with the final score at 49-7.
U20 team:
The U20 youngsters took on Crusaders U20B team at Hutchison Park on Thursday, 11 May which was a crucial game in determining log positions and staying in the hunt for league honours.
The game was scheduled for Saturday, but Crusaders saw fit to request the game to be moved by indicating they could not field an U20B team without playing with their U20A team for benching purposes. This change of the fixture was reluctantly accepted due to pressure.
Nevertheless, the Toti boys acquitted themselves very well and were always in the game until 10 minutes in the second half when the score was level pegging. The Crusaders bench were sent onto the field by their coaches. It was clear that these players, possibly part of their Frank Norris league players, were of a much higher standard and it was not long before the deadlock was broken and Crusaders won the game 24-5. The lesson learnt is that Toti will no longer accommodate changed fixtures for similar reasons as supplied by Crusaders.
Man of the match honours went to Tristen Ceronio who also scored the only try.
The next fixtures will see all of the Toti sides playing on Saturday, 20 May.
First and second team will be away to Zululand Rhinos with kick-off scheduled for 2pm and 3.30pm.
The third and U20 teams are at home against Black Knights (thirds) with kick-off scheduled for 3.30pm and Rovers (U20) with kick-off scheduled for 2pm.
Fourth team plays away at Amabhubesi with kick-off scheduled for 2pm.
The club thanks all sponsors and spectators, and looks forward to seeing everyone at the next fixtures.
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
