Kings v Sharks

My programmeWho would have thought it?

After a glorious victory against the Aussie Force two weeks ago (and a bye last week) our Super Kings hosted the first of the heavyweights last night. The Sharks were last year’s losing finalists, they are a side packed with current Springboks (we have not one) and we kept them tryless!

Our magnificent Nelson Mandela Bay stadium was a sell out, that’s 42,000 people packed in to savour a super rugby derby. Sure it’s been full once or twice before but that was during the FIFA world cup, no passion, no partisanship just an extravaganza (albeit a jolly good one) and of course our two rugby tests against England and the All Blacks, this was different, completely different!

If our first victory in the competition hasn’t made the opposition sit up and reconsider our ‘whipping boy’ tag then last night must have, our Kings were simply magnificent.

One report tells us “only 1 tackle missed out of 107” They defended like lions (not the Transvaal kind but the four legged ones with manes!) and on attack? Opportunities though few and far between were taken, so much so that with only 2 minutes to go we were in a bonus point winning position but fate dealt a cruel blow, we were robbed of that bonus point in the last minute of the game.

Continue reading “Kings v Sharks”

A bridge too far

I’m sure that the hoards of avid rugby followers that read these pages will agree with me that the gap between the two tiers of S.A. Currie cup rugby is larger than we first thought.

Although the E.P.Kings went through the season undefeated, (2 draws) and rightfully earned their place in the promotion / relegation playoffs, (home and away) last nights hammering at the hands of the Free State Cheetahs brought us all down to earth with a bang.

Ironically on the left try scorer Andries Strauss has already signed for The Kings for next season.

The score? An overwhelming 53 -14 (8 tries -2) Match report here

Here’s hoping that we don’t have more of the same next year during our first Super Rugby campaign, sure we’ll have a few new signings to strengthen the squad but against full strength outfits from the Crusaders, Reds, Bulls, Sharks et al it could be a very long season!

Meet Cheeky – Super Clown

Some may recall my post on the flooding in these parts last July, in it I pictured the flooded road to my brother’s house (Seaview Rd) the water is still there (it has nowhere to go) and the road is still closed however…

Meet Cheeky Watson Continue reading “Meet Cheeky – Super Clown”

Sharks v Crusaders, 27 March at Twickenham

Crusaders and Sharks, coming soon!

Members may remember my post after the Christchurch earthquake where we paid respects to those injured and those who lost their lives.  In it I mentioned that The Crusaders rugby stadium was damaged and that they were having to relocate their home games. Continue reading “Sharks v Crusaders, 27 March at Twickenham”

Super Rugby to respect Christchurch victims

Red and black armbands

Those of you watching this weekends Super Rugby matches may be wondering about the red and black armbands, all teams  and officials are wearing them as a mark of respect to the victims of the earthquake.

Christchurch’s home team, The Crusaders play in red and black, hence the decision.

There will also be a minutes silence before all games and flags are to be flown at half mast at the respective stadia.

The Crusaders were due to play the Hurricanes today, the match has been cancelled and a draw declared.

The Crusaders stadium has been badly damaged, their next 2 games have been rescheduled for Nelson while the authorities take stock.

Our thoughts will be with the people of Christchurch today.