Local rugby club, Stellenbosch Coronations Rugby Football Club (RFC) struggled against the teams of Simondium RFC over the weekend, after a number of key players withdrew from matches. This was according to Rakeeb Pool, coach of Stellenbosch Coronations RFC.
These fixtures, which are played annually, were contested by three different teams representing the respective clubs. The Coronations sides lost two of these games against the teams from Simondium RFC, played on 18 March at Simondium Primary School, according to Pool.
Stellenbosch Coronations RFC first team lost 5-20, the second team won 25-5 and the third team was defeated 0-3, stated Pool.
“Going into the friendly games [the club] was well prepared,” said, about the club’s friendly matches against Simondium RFC. However, four key players had to withdraw from their respective games, which impacted the club’s performance, according to Pool. Here, Mcneal Adonis of Stellenbosch Coronations RFC is seen running towards Simondium RFC’s fly-half in an attempt to prevent a try. PHOTO: Tapiwanashe Zaranyika
Lack of available players
“Going into the friendly games [the club] was well prepared,” said Pool. However, four key players withdrew from their respective games, which resulted in a poor performance by the club, he said.
Withdrawing from games is allowed, if players withdraw before the match starts, stated Pool. “The key players withdrew from the game due to injuries or other personal issues,” said Pool. One player, for example, had to withdraw because of work obligations.
The unavailable players meant, “some players had to play out of their positions, which led to them playing out of their comfort zone”. This made it very challenging for the remaining players to cope, according to Pool.
“I was disappointed when I didn’t see my favourite players playing and part of me blamed the coach. I was comforted when I saw Rudi van Breda, Tauriq Patel and Jonathan Lakey playing,” said Stellenbosch Coronations RFC fan Rivaldo Jantjies.
Riyaad Adonis, full-back of Stellenbosch Coronation Rugby Football Club (RFC), receiving the ball, moments after Simondium RFC had converted a penalty. PHOTO: Tapiwanashe Zaranyika
Fighting spirit
From the onset, it was evident that the players came to fight, stated full-back Riyaad Adonis of Stellenbosch Coronations RFC, via written correspondence with MatieMedia.
“I’d like to believe that Stellenbosch Coronations RFC has made a strong name for itself amongst the rugby clubs. The loss of today might have put our moods a bit down, but we are not yet defeated,” said Adonis.
The second game of three fixtures against Simondium Rugby Football Club (RFC), saw Stellenbosch Coronations RFC’s second team dominating. The players were better prepared for the match, as they were not forced to play without their key starters, said Rakeeb Pool, coach of Stellenbosch Coronations RFC. Coronations won 25-5 in the game. This is according to Stellenbosch Coronations RFC coach Rakeeb Pool. PHOTO: Tapiwanashe Zaranyika