THE 2015 Ronnie van Rooyen Memorial rugby tournament was a great success and once again proved Harlequins Sports Club’s ability to host big events.
With most of the big clubs sending a number of teams to participate, not even the extreme heat could dampen the spirits of all present.
Special thanks to the committee for their hard work and support, the main club, sponsors, clubs participating on the day and the Bluff community for supporting the event. Harlequins is the community’s club and it looks forward to their support this coming season.
The U20s kicked off the weekend with some enterprising play. The youngsters from Durban Collegians, Crusaders, Varsity College, College Rovers and UKZN must be applauded for the way they approached their games. These youngsters never seem to run out of energy and proved why the Frank Norris is such an entertaining league to watch.
The seniors were more polished in their performances, but with the heat, their matches were also error-riddled at times. Varsity College looked very decent and Crusaders will be there-and-there about. Special mention to College Rovers for sending a team to play early in the morning so that they could be part of their Community Cup match later. There is some great depth in their squad as their second stringers put in a very decent performance against Crusaders. Unfortunately Amanzimtoti withdrew late and Durban Collegians couldn’t do the same.
Ballito Dolphins narrowly overcame the Pinetown Raiders and it was great to see these two clubs making good progress in rebuilding their clubs. Good things are expected from both clubs going forward. Development club Kwanto Spears played Queensburgh and better passion and enthusiasm for the game you will not find. Quins wishes them both well for the upcoming season. Scores were not important on the day, with the focus on playing pre-season matches with a competitive edge in the right spirit. Well done to every player for upholding the values that make rugby such a great sport.
Harlequins victorious over gallant students.
Harlequins 2nds took on neighbours UKZN Howard College in what turned out to be a very tense finish to the game. Harlequins took their chances in the first half and were in control of most phases of play and were good value for their 15-5 halftime scoreline. The second half saw many changes to both teams and it was UKZN that scored two quick tries to bring themselves right back into the match. UKZN were much better in the second half and really had the home side under pressure. The match lost intensity due to the heat, but not excitement as Harlequins hung on until the final whistle to win 18-17. Tries for the home side were scored by Rouche Kleynhans, Willem Fourie and Reinhard Geldenhuys.
The final match of the day saw Harlequins 1sts take on the students from UKZN Pietermaritzburg. This turned out to be the best match of the day. The Maritzburg students are well-known for their enterprising playing style and both teams contributed to a feast of entertaining, running rugby. The first half however was a tight affair as both teams crossed the white line twice to the delight of the fans, as each of them were beauties. After the oranges, UKZN scored first and extended their lead to 19-10. The home side then sprang into action and fought back well as they racked up 31 points to build a commanding lead over the students. With the game won, the last 10 minutes saw the students score two late tries to give the scoreline some respectability. The final score was 41-31 and the spectators were fully entertained. It was great to see the Quins boys holding their own against the much bigger student team. All bodes well for the upcoming season and Quins looks forward to strong performances this season. Tries were scored by Riaan Nel, David Woolls (2), Matthew Havenga, JP Rudman, Wayne Alberts.
This week sees the Flya Tournament start at Crusaders Rugby Club and Harlequins 1sts will play on Friday evening. The draw is yet to take place. The 2nds will take on Queensburgh at home on Thursday night.
The club is planning an exciting community project in the coming weeks, and will disclose full details in the next week or two.
Follow the club on the following social sites: Facebook Durban Harlequins and Twitter @DbnHarlequins
There are still bottles of the 30 year celebration wine available at R75 from the club. Email durbanharlequins@gmail.com to order.
League fixtures will be finalised soon and the club calls on the Bluff community to come out and support their team, the Mighty Quins. The team wants to make Quins their Bluff fortress but they need your support.
Parents can take their youngsters to mini rugby on Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6pm. It really is a sight to behold, seeing the little ones running around on the field.
