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Kimberley Rugby Club emerged victorious over Prieska Rugby Club with a score of 55-32 recently. They will now face the dominant Sol Plaatje University Rugby team in the final on the 15th of June. Picture: Danie van der Lith
IN A HIGH stakes semi-final filled to the brim with excitement, the Kimberley Rugby Club (KRC) beat Prieska Rugby Club 55-32 in a match held at the Kimberley Rugby Club Grounds (Players Pub) in West End.
The match that took place in the late afternoon last Saturday, delivered an intense battle from start to finish.
The triumph sets up a mouthwatering final match where Kimberley Rugby Club will host the Sol Plaatje University Rugby Club next Saturday, June 15 at the same venue. With both teams in excellent form, the final promises to be a thrilling contest.
Pieter Streak, the KRC coach, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance this season.
“We have played 12 games so far, winning 11 and only losing one. The boys are in really good form, and their morale is high,” Streak told the DFA. “They have been working very hard and have built up a great team spirit.
“They are not just playing to win the final; they are playing for each other, and that’s where the difference comes in,” he emphasised.
Reflecting on their upcoming opponents, Streak acknowledged the challenge ahead.
“Sol Plaatje is a very good team, and we will need to be in top form on the 15th of June. They are a team that cannot be taken lightly, and we are fully prepared for what’s coming.”
Meanwhile, Jonathan Francke, head coach of the Sol Plaatje University Rugby team, shared his optimism about his team’s run-up to the final.
“Preparations have been going well for the final match, and the team has learned from their mistakes from last year. We are also preparing for USSA (University Sport South Africa) and aim to qualify for the varsity shield at Rhodes University in July,” Francke told the DFA.
Francke emphasised the excitement within his team for the final against Kimberley Rugby Club.
“We have achieved our goals so far to be in the final, and hopefully we can win as well. We will use all of that motivation for USSA. If we can win the USSA tournament, we will play against Tshwane University.
“We want to bring that shield back to Kimberley, and by doing so, have more rugby played here,” Francke added.
However, SPU will be up against it according to the form of the KRC team.
In last week’s semi-final, the visiting Prieska Rugby Club took an early lead, showcasing their determination to make a mark.
The first half was a display of competitive spirit as both teams scored tries, keeping spectators on the edge of their seats. However, the second half saw Kimberley Rugby Club assert their dominance.
Despite Prieska’s relentless efforts, the Kimberley boys proved too strong, pulling ahead to secure their place in the finals.
For the fans in attendance, the atmosphere was electric, filled with loud cheers and spirited heckling from the sidelines, underscoring the passion and commitment of both teams.
As the date for the final approaches, anticipation builds for what promises to be a spectacular showdown between Kimberley Rugby Club and Sol Plaatje University Rugby Club.
Rugby enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting June 15, hoping for another memorable display of skill, determination, and sportsmanship.