Kimberley Rugby Club eliminated as ARC Gold Cup moves on to quarter-finals

The African Rainbow Community (ARC) Gold Cup is entering the knockout stages, and the intensity is palpable as quarter-final spots are up for grabs. College Rovers, Helderberg, and Northam Rhinos have emerged victorious in their respective Round of 16 matches and will now host their quarter-final encounters this weekend in Durban, Strand, Setaria, and Pretoria.

College Rovers, the runners-up in last year’s tournament, delivered a commanding performance in Durban, defeating Safcol United 70-32. The home side accelerated in the second half, with flyhalf Inny Radebe amassing 25 points, while wing Onke Jibe contributed two of the team’s 10 tries.

Rovers will now face Louis Trichardt in the quarter-finals.

The Limpopo-based Louis Trichardt secured their spot with a 29-19 win over Sasol Secunda, largely thanks to centre Rasenda Kubayi’s impressive hat-trick.

Helderberg were equally impressive, claiming a 38-0 victory over Kimberley Rugby Club in Strand. Scrumhalf Michael Visser was the standout performer, contributing 18 points through two tries and four conversions.

They now prepare to host Centurion, who defeated Springs 59-34 in their own Round of 16 clash. Centurion’s Gaybrin Smith, the tournament’s top point scorer, added 14 points to his tally, bringing his total to 45.

Northam Rhinos continued their scintillating form with a 55-19 demolition of Pirates in Setaria. Leading try-scorer Elzandro Fredericks enhanced his tally to seven with a hat-trick, securing their place in the next round. The Rhinos will face Groot-Brakrivier, who narrowly beat the Capital Legacy Crusaders 21-15 in Durban.

In Hartbeespoort, Northam Wolves edged Tuine 48-40 in a high-scoring thriller. Despite leading 35-12 at halftime, the Wolves had to fend off a spirited second-half comeback by Tuine, spearheaded by flyhalf Rodwill Baatjies’ 25-point haul.

The Wolves now face defending champions Naka Bulle, who advanced without playing after their Round of 16 opponents were disqualified.

The quarter-finals promise to deliver thrilling encounters as teams vie for a coveted spot in the semi-finals. All matches are scheduled for Saturday, and live streaming will be available via the SuperSport Schools app and website.

Round of 16 Results:

Capital Legacy Crusaders 15-21 Groot-Brakrivier

Centurion 59-34 Springs

Helderberg 38-0 Kimberley Rugby Club

Northam Rhinos 55-19 Pirates

Northam Wolves 48-40 Tuine

College Rovers 70-32 Safcol United

Louis Trichardt, 29-19 Sasol Secunda

ARC Quarter-final Fixtures (Saturday, October 5):

(3pm): College Rovers vs Louis Trichardt (Hollywoodbets Kings Park 3, Durban)

(3.30pm): Helderberg vs Centurion (Charles Morkel Stadium, Strand)

(4pm): Northam Rhinos vs Groot-Brakrivier (Setaria Recreation Club, Setaria)

(4pm): Naka Bulle vs Northam Wolves (Naka Bulle Rugbyklub, Pretoria)