Amanzimtoti juniors proved they are the future of the rugby club after both the U18 and U15B teams won their leagues for the 2019 season. The finals took place at Harlequins Rugby Club on Sunday, 13 October, and Toti was fortunate to have two teams contest the finals.
All the other teams were also in action to cement their place on the 2019 log and the U13B team finished third, U13A fourth and the U16s won their final match to end third. The U15B team smashed open the trophy cabinet and claimed the spoils after a 44-0 hammering of Hillcrest, who were unbeaten all season, in their final.
However, the highlight of the day was Toti U18s squaring off against Durban Collegians in the last match of the day. What a humdinger of a game it turned out to be! The opening few minutes were played at a high pace, with both teams scoring, but Toti proved too strong and lifted the trophy after a 43-19 victory.
“Now that the dust has settled on yet another season for Amanzimtoti Youth Rugby Club, I sit and wonder how time really ‘flies’ when you are having fun, no pun intended,” said chairman, Fly van Schalkwyk. “It feels like only yesterday (Monday, 18 February) when I stood in front of about 65 bright-eyed mini players, ranging in age from five to 11-years-old.
READ ALSO: Toti rugby player joins Sharks Youth Club U14 squad
Now today (Monday, 14 October), I remember the tears of joy and happiness from yesterday’s U18 final. Well done to coach Ferdie Oosthuizen, Lee-Roy Brits and all the boys. We are proud of all of you. Finally the boys played like we knew and believed they could.”
What a year it has been for Fly and the club. The club has grown so much that it is fielding 11 teams across all age groups from U7 to U18 and in some age groups it boasts two full teams. “Thank you to everyone for helping make Toti Youth Rugby Club such a wonderful club to be a part of.
“What made it even more special this year is that for the first time in many years we fielded an U18 team and against all odds the team lasted the entire season and to crown it off, won the U18 Durban Rugby Sub Union Youth Club Association League.”
The club also had a record number of players selected for the KZN Youth Duikers U12 squad as well as the Sharks Youth Club age group teams – 30 players and two officials.
READ ALSO: Amanzimtoti rugga star rises for the Sharks
U18 player Wandile Ndwalane was selected for the Lions inter-provincial tournament (IPT) invitational U18 team, as a member of a 23-man squad chosen from all the U18 players at the IPT. After scoring six at the IPT and two in Sunday’s final, the number eight was also awarded the trophy for the player who scored the most tries during the IPT.
“A huge thank you to the community who supported us with all the fundraising efforts to help the boys make their tours. Thanks to all committee members, coaches and managers for all their hard work during this year. It is because of all their dedication and love for the game and our players that we are doing so well.
“To all our players, good luck with exams and we hope to see most of you again next year. And always remember: play hard, play fair, but most of all, have fun.”
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