Three of EP’s top club rugby teams will have an opportunity to flex their muscles on the national stage when they compete in prestigious Easter tournaments in Saldanha Bay and George this weekend.
EP club rugby is held in high esteem throughout SA, and Kruisfontein United (Humansdorp), Gardens (Kariega) and Harlequins (Gqeberha) are determined to keep their union’s flag flying high.
EPRU Grand Challenge champions Kruisfontein United kick off their bid for honours at the Saldanha Super 8 Easter tournament with a tough opener against top South Western Districts side Blanco United on Thursday.
Kruisfontein will arrive in Saldanha in high spirits and keen to grab a share of the R150,000 prize money after winning their opening Grand Challenge matches against Star of Hope and Progress.
The other teams competing in the sixth edition of the event are hosts Saldanha (Boland), Northam Rhinos (Limpopo), Worcester Villagers (Boland), Hamilton (Western Province), Tygerberg (Western Province) and Evergreens (South Western Districts).
The tournament ends on Monday with a final, which Kruisfontein are gunning to qualify for.
While Kruisfontein fly to battle in Saldanha, Harlequins and Gardens are competing at the inaugural Ebrahim Patel Community Cup in George from Thursday to Monday.
Harlequins face Heidelberg, and Gardens are up against Groot Brak on the opening day on Thursday.
The other participating clubs are Bridgton (Oudtshoorn), Robertson Town, Safcol United (both Grabouw) and St George’s (Strand).
In a mouthwatering opening round clash, Safcol will tackle Bridgton on Thursday at 4pm.
The final match of the day kicks off at 9.10pm when St George’s tackle Robertson Town.
There will be no Score Energy Drink Top 12 matches for the next two weeks because of the teams playing at national tournaments.
“The team are really excited, very pumped up and ready to compete in Saldanha,” Kruisfontein’s head coach, Frank Domingo, said.
“This tournament has grown in importance over the years, and everyone will focus on teamwork to make a strong impression and potentially shine on what is a bigger stage.
“I am happy with Kruisfontein’s current form, but there is a lot of room for improvement.
“Our Grand Challenge win over Progress last week was a real confidence booster and has raised team spirit by a few bars.
“This result showed the trust Kruisfontein’s players have in one another.
“Playing in Saldanha is an opportunity for us to refine our team skills and strategies.
“This will be a valuable experience, especially for our younger players who will learn through the shared experience of playing at the tournament.
“Playing at Saldanha is a highlight for any team, especially considering the event is always a notable occasion that draws significant attention.
“To win this tournament, we will need consistency and excellence in game play.”
Domingo said Kruisfontein must stay focused in the heat of battle against their opponents in Saldanha.
“The team need to work well together and execute or plays effectively,” he said.
“A well-planned strategy for offence and defence will help us outmanoeuvre our opponents.
“Players must be in top physical condition and mentally prepared to handle the demands of the tournament.
“It will be vital for Kruisfontein to stay focused under pressure.
“We are expecting very tough competition from several strong teams that will display their strengths and strategies during a fierce competition.
“The conditioning of players will be crucial, particularly in a tournament setting over a few days.
“Kruisfontein’s brand of rugby is characterised by their resilience and never-say-die attitude.
“We also have a strong physical game at set pieces and defence.
“The team also has attacking flair with our skilled backs who can create scoring opportunities.
“Our players are willing to fight to the very end, and this trait will make Kruisfointein a formidable opponent in Saldanha.”
The Herald
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