With just over ninety WP Club Rugby fixtures and the start of the Currie Cup, we’re expecting yet another exciting weekend of rugby in Western Province.
This past weekend saw some very wet and windy conditions, but this did not dampen the spirits. In some cases, it did change the playing style a bit as we saw closer margin games as teams clearly decided the smart play was to keep the ball in hand.
In Super League, A False Bay top the log after their 5-0 win over Hamiltons while Durbell who are equal on games played is close behind in second after their 17-3 win over SK Walmers at the track. We’re still a long way from the final top six and next week sees the return of the Universities who will all have a hand to play in that space.
The nearest top of the log challenge this week is the match between False Bay and Brackenfell who is at five on the log. Brackenfell has two games in hand but will have to work hard away from home against The Bay who has only lost to Tygerberg this year.
There is no doubt that this weekend’s match between Bellville and Kuilsrivier at Bellville in Super League B is the pick of the weekend. As the stats go the numbers are pretty equal on both sides with pros and cons for both. Both sides have only one loss and are equal on log points with Kuilsrivier only ahead on points difference. Even though Kuilsrivier goes into this game with higher points for the season and slightly higher average tries per game, Bellville has the home ground advantage. This will be a true derby match and the fans will no doubt play a major role here.
After beating Macassar 38-13 Hamlets remain the dark horse and travels back to the Helderberg basin for the third week in a row as they now tackle All Saints. All Saints, of course, beat Macassar so this match will not be easy. Super League B again showed just how closely the teams are matched as Kuilsrivier beat Collegians 7-6, Helderberg beat Vineyards 13-10, Bellville beat St Georges 22-19 and Busy Bees beat Rangers 13 -8.
Super League C has been playing musical chairs at the top of the log this season and we could once again see Hands and Hearts at the top of the log as they face bottom of the log Young Wesley’s. A full house win here could see them jump over Scottsdene into first place, depending on Scottsdene’s results against Kraaifontein. Kraaifontein will be full of confidence after beating Pniel Villagers.
Masiphumelele and Violets remain unbeaten in the City League and retain positions one and two respectively. Masi managed to keep a challenging Hamediehs side at bay with a 13-3 win, while Violets, in turn, scored a 22-7 win over Western Zebras.
Noordelikes remain in the top spot in the Southern League after their 29-5 win over Thistles with Peninsula two points behind followed by CPUT. These three teams are virtually a shoe-in for the top three positions on the log, with only Lagunya standing an outside chance to squeeze into the third position ahead of CPUT.
The standout game this week in the Southern League will be Noordelikes hosting Retreat. This match will be a pride match for Retreat and with Noordelikes unbeaten it will be a tough game for “The Rivas”.
Van der Stel Evergreens will be sitting nervously on the sidelines in the Northern League this weekend as the third place is all to play for. Their fate now lies in the hands of the matches between Eersterivier versus Strand Pioneers and Sir Lowrians vs Blakes. If either Eerste Rivier or Sir Lowrians walk away with four points or more they will secure third place and make it to the promotion league.
It’s a two versus three clash in the Paarl Region as Lower Paarl take on Allandale, while the other top side Lower Paarl Rangers are up against Young Standards.