It was a red-letter day for EP rugby when Kruisfontein United and Gardens produced stunning displays to advance to the second round of the national Pick n Pay Gold Cup club rugby tournament on Saturday.
Gardens had to dig deep before they beat Groot Brakrivier 33-23, and Kruisfontein were declared winners on a more tries scored rule after their match against Heidelberg ended 33-33 after extra time.
By a quirk of fate, the two EP teams have been drawn to face one another in the next round in Kariega on Saturday.
After slumping to two Grand Challenge defeats, Gardens rose to the occasion to tame Groot Brakrivier at their intimidating “House of Pain” home venue.
Gardens vice-president Royden Johnson praised his team for their fighting spirit and described them as warriors.
“The most dangerous man is not the one with the most resources — it’s the one with no exits,” he said.
“That’s exactly what we were this past weekend. A team with no way out but forward.
“Coming off two tough losses and facing another battle away from home, many would have written us off.
“But not our Gardens family. Our supporters painted Groot Brakrivier in green, red, and white — standing shoulder to shoulder, singing, believing and showing what the Greeks called agape (a love without boundaries, without limits, without conditions).
“That kind of love doesn’t fade when the scoreboard dips. It roars louder. It becomes the fuel that drives men to dig deeper, tackle harder and rise higher.
“Our boys responded with guts and grit, leaving every ounce of heart on that field. It wasn’t just a win on the scoreboard — it was a statement of identity.
“That no matter the odds, the venue, or the opposition, Gardens will always show up. Because for us, it’s more than rugby — it’s pride, it’s history, it’s brotherhood, it’s community.
“To our supporters — you were the difference. To our players — you were warriors."
There was high drama when Kruisfontein advanced to the next round after extra time in front of a capacity crowd at the Sports Complex in Humansdorp.
In a statement, Kruisfontein praised their players and fans.
“After more than 100 minutes of rugby, this clash will go down in history as one of the most intense battles ever at the Kruisfontein Sports Complex.
“At full time it was all square, forcing an extra 20 minutes (10 minutes a side) under Gold Cup rules.
“In the end, Kruisfontein were declared victors by scoring the most tries — proving once again that attacking rugby and heart wins the day.”
From the very first whistle, the Lions of Kruisfontein came out roaring.
They scored the opening two tries and sent the home crowd into wild celebration.
Heidelberg clawed their way back with accurate penalty kicks and smart play, taking the lead by three points at halftime.
“The game was nail-biting, bone-crunching and pure adrenaline,” Kruisfontein said.
“Both teams went toe-to-toe, tackling ferociously, running with fire, chasing every ball like warriors. Fighting until the final whistle.”
The Lions of Kruisfontein played with pride, passion and hunger, keeping the Kouga and EP flag flying high.
“Our man of the match was Breyton Costello, who was a true general on the field.
“His vision, quick delivery to the backs and overall control of play made the difference. He brought it all today and led from the front.”
Gold Cup results:
Naka Bulls 66 Safcol 8, Witrivier 18 Centurion 20, Groot Brakrivier 23 Gardens 33, Sishen 32 Worcester Villagers 39, Northam Wolves 48 Sibanye 8, Villager RFC 99 Swallows 10, Kruisfontein 33 Heidelberg 33 after extra time. (Kruisfontein win on most tries scored), Harlequins 64 Nelspruit 31, Northam Rhinos 101 Rovers 11, Welkom 18 Louis Trichardt 20, Raiders 38 Brakpan 31.
Grand Challenge results:
Harlequins 33 United Barbarians 15, Joubertina United 28 Brumbies 0, Progress 41 Despatch Oostelikes 26, NMU Madibaz 41 Park 22.
The Herald
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