Recap of Premier League
Prop Ian Wilmot makes the tackle supported
by Lock Jaco Jacobs while scrumhalf ‘Jacko’
Jackson looks on
Victor Campher makes a big hit
Mike Harrison
RHINOS have completed their season for
2006.
With three victories in their last four
matches, they have finished the season in
glory and have given all those concerned
much to talk about.
Their 26-17 defeat by Durban Collegians in
between victories over Maritzburg Marauders,
Crusaders and Harlequins enabled them to
finish the season with a flourish.
It was a fair indication of what could have
happened if they had got themselves geared
up and ready at the beginning of the season
with a highly motivated and fit squad.
Incidentally College Rovers, who beat Rhinos
71-0 in the opening match of the season but
struggles to overcome them in a return match
on their own premises, were the Moor Cup
champions for 2006.
They drew 15-all with Durban Collegians, the
2005 winners, in an exciting decider played
at Reebok Park on Saturday.
Rovers won the title with a far superior
points differential.
Jaguars, who struggled to beat Rhinos 23-13
in a return match at Mick Kelly Park a few
weeks ago, finished third which was their
best performance for many a season.
Academy
If we want to continue playing in this
league, and it is imperative that we do,
then things will have to change
dramatically.
Of course the academy which got off the
ground under the tutorship of Angus
Macdonald was the finest thing that has
happened to Zululand rugby.
This will almost certainly be the birth of
better things to come in the future.
These fine young lads joined Empangeni Rugby
Club and made a substantial contribution
towards the U20’s performances in the Frank
Norris competition.
In their first year they finished seventh
and top of the bottom five to create a
favourable impression in a highly
competitive and strong league.
They will all be back for 2007, a year older
and a little wiser.
They will be working an off-season fitness
campaign which could be the sort of thing
that would encourage the rest of the club to
follow suit and get themselves geared up for
2007.
Standard
I saw a big change in club rugby last season
with quite a few new faces but most
important of all, an improvement in the
standard.
The effects of the Sharks Academy has no
doubt a lot to do with this.
It is imperative that we get our house in
order and look to the future in helping to
make Empangeni Rugby Club one of the most
progressive and finest in this province.
