It was the rebirth of an age old rivalry between North and South, British Amateur Lions (BARLA) and the South African Rhino’s.

Some may say Rugby League at its best, where two teams play for the love of the game , not money or fame , for the pure glory of victory , pride , the feeling of putting your body on line for the man next to you , the camaraderie and bonds that are formed from war , yes war ! That is the only way to describe the match between the BARLA boys and the Rhinos, it was an all out bloody affair, brutal tackles, neither team giving a quarter!

The game started out with the two teams feeling each other out , both guilty of losing the ball early on in the tackle , neither team seeming to get comfortable . The Lions took an early lead, as their game plan to suck the Rhinos in to create an over lap seemed to work for them, Danny Smith scoring in the corner.

Meyer Van Deventer (Eastern Eagles) made an excellent dive for the try from the play the ball, burrowing his way through the BARLA defense to score The Rhinos first try, Jacques Du Toit converting for the extra 2.

As the game continued , the more experienced visitors started to take the game to a more physical level , as they seemed frustrated not being able to break the Rhinos defence as easily as they would have liked . The high tackles started to roll in as well as cheap shots thrown by the visitors in the tackle, The Ref not being able to ever fully control the game and unable to stamp his authority left the Rhinos no choice but to play at tone set by the BARLA boys. As the tackles got harder the discipline and control one would expect from a player at the level of BARLA, totally disappeared. On the 30 th minute centre Gerhard Jacobs (N G Bulls) cut across field, when with no regard to the safety of the player or the image he would portray of the supposed level at which BARLA play prop Kevin Thompson threw an out right punch connecting on the upper eye of Jacobs and cutting it open, he was then sin binned, but should have received a red for his actions.

None the less the Ref made his decision and it was final. The Rhinos however were not going to stand by and watch their players being attacked and intimidated...

The tone was now set , and the game lost shape , turning into survival of the fittest , two minutes later the discipline of one of the South African players also came into question as Jonathan Soares (N G Bulls) in pure retaliation to the thuggery shown by the visitors punched one of the BARLA boys on his run to the try line ending the Englishman’s afternoon with a nasty cut under the eye , Soares received a yellow card but truth be told , a red card would have been more appropriate , again the Ref’s decision is final !

With the second half starting both teams worked up for another 40 min of carnage .Bertie Powell (NG Bulls) enters the field calmly, and as from the first tackle seems to explode, making huge defensive hits tackling everything that moved, leading from the front Captain Francois Cloete (Eastern Eagles) and Riaan Botha (Eastern Eagles) were just as instrumental in making it almost impossible to break through the middle.

Every time the Rhinos would attack the BARLA line their Captain Anthony Brodhead, would question the Ref on his decision, every time, the ref allowed this to continue. This would break the Rhinos momentum and allow the BARLA boys to get back on defence and settle themselves, and it was a good way to eat away at the time that was left to play.

The Rhinos charging hard towards the Lions line with speed and power eventually paying off , as second rower Hercu Nel (Mpumalanga Panthers) powering over from close range , Jacques Du Toit converting , leaving the scores level at 12 all . Rhinos seeming to have the visitors on the run , that sentiment quickly disappeared as the Lions experience showed , picking up the tempo of the game , playing the ball faster and running at the spaces , sucking in the Rhino defence , two quick tries put the BARLA boys at ease and left the Rhinos playing catch up rugby . With each Rhino putting his body on the line and each man trying to do his part for his team the boys got to eager and started to make silly mistakes , losing the ball in the tackle not tapping the ball correctly for the penalties . The last ten minutes saw Franco Vermeulen (N G Bulls) break the line twice, seeing a glitch in the Barla defense, making some good meters, but never have the support to finish the moves. With two minutes to go Jonathan Soares (N G bulls) Got the ball on fly half, chipping the ball over the defensive line of BARLA gathered his kick, and charged the line, just falling short of what could have been a spectacular try.

All in all mistakes were made, the Rhinos back three Roallie Strydom (Mpumalanga Panthers), Jonathan Soares (N G Bulls) and Carlo Snygans (N G Bulls ) kept finding themselves out of position on defence and were never able to find their way into the game on attack , the forwards did their job well , but let themselves get sucked into the BARLA game plan making the defensive line thin .

Special mention must go to Dolf Nel (N G Bulls), who made some massive hits on attack and defence, his game was inspirational a brilliant show of speed and power, and Jacques du Toit who played a solid game at standoff after only having one day to prepare as Johann Burger (Eastern Eagles) was unable to play due to a car accident. Jacques performance was solid and gutsy.

I salute all the players , the Rhinos having almost no experience in the International arena, most of them only playing Rugby League for 2 years ( two seasons ) putting it all on the line , and the Lions with all their experience were the better team on the day.

We have learnt a lot and can’t wait for the second test, where we hope more rugby will be played by the visitors so we can learn more about the game we have all come to love.

 

After the bruising battle in the magnificent BARLA Great Britain Lions 30-12 First Test win over the South Africa Rhinos at Germiston Stadium, Johannesburg, West Hulls Chris Lee, Skirlaughs Trevor Penrose, Shaw cross sharks Danny Smith and John McMullen of Wigan St Judes gave there after match thoughts.

Chris Lee said,

“Its one of the toughest games I have played in physically wise, I thought we played well but not our usual game. They didn’t let us play, they tried to out muscle us out of our game. We scored some good tries played well with some of our moves but we complete as many of our sets as we would have liked to. We have got a bit to go back on and a bit to work on but we will be ready for the next game and the final Test next week.

“I was really pleased to score the try especially in a big game like this Test match, I was happy with my performance I had a few good runs, tried to help our forwards as much as possible and I thoroughly enjoyed the game.

“The referee came out with some funny decisions but that’s the reason we are here to help them expand the game as well as South African rugby league and the officials over here. They have a lot to learn and we can’t knock them for it they gave their best performances and that is all you can ask for.

“I think we are comfortable going into the Second Test and we can get the result again next Saturday.”

Trevor Penrose said,

“It was a massive battle out there this afternoon, looking around at a few of the players you can see that they have got cuts, bruises, a few knocks. It was very physical but I think we all came out alright. I got a bit of a bang; I don’t think I was unconscious. I took a big hit to the head, I don’t know whether it was fair or not I can’t remember it but I think I will be alright. I’m going to get checked out at hospital and hopefully just have mild concussion and I’ll be available for the Second Test.

“The lads knew what to expect in the game and I think the two props that started Scott Woodcock and Kevin Thompson did a cracking job putting some massive hits in. When Gary (Lumb) and I got on we settled the ship again and we both put some cracking hits in ourselves as well as taking some as well.

“I think we have got the experience over them and that’s what counts and it showed today. We are a good side and we got over some of the referee decisions today and did a superb job on them in a very professional performance.”

Danny Smith said,

“I thought the lads played very well, it was very hard and physical but we took it to them and toughed it out. I scored the opening try taking a nice pass and went in at the corner. For my second I was just backing up on the inside and got a great inside ball from John McMullen and went over for it. I should have scored another in the first half but the referee disallowed it saying it was forward. I thought it was okay and I could have had a hat-trick.

“I am very pleased with my and all the lads performances and attitudes towards the games and I can’t wait for the next game. It was very physical with some cheap shots going in but new took them on the chin and got on with the game.”

Birthday Boy John McMullen,

“I definitely got the birthday present I wanted today, to come away with a win like this is fantastic and we are all now looking forward to the Second Test next Saturday. The lads stood strong, it was a poor game in rugby league terms but we did stay strong as we took a good beating from the Rhinos.

“A few guys are left with a lot of cuts and bruises as it was a very physical game. To be fair the rugby didn’t flow and the referee struggled at times to keep in touch with the game. Luckily for ourselves we were led from the front by Anthony Broadhead who gave a man of the match performance. He stood up strong and led the troops around the field and we came home with the win that we deserved.

“The referee came up with some bizarre decisions giving a few high shots against us when they were around the waist. But we are one nil up and we are definitely going to win the series as I have every confidence in this squad which has an excellent team spirit. We didn’t perform that well today but we came away with the goods, fingers crossed the referee will be a lot better next week.”

Steve Manning

BARLA Media Manager & PRO

The BARLA Great Britain Lions roared to a historic first ever Test victory in South Africa when they defeated the Rhinos 30-12 in an at times bloody and brutal battle. The game was in the balance as the Rhinos leveled the game up in the second half but two converted tries in three minutes, the first scored by skipper, Thornhill Trojans Anthony Broadhead, also the sponsor’s man of the match turned the game the tourist’s way.

The game was a true Test as both sides battled to gain supremacy and there were many bone crunching hits that made the stadium shudder at times and some blatant thuggery from the hosts which went unchecked. The let down in the game was that it was a stop start affair with penalties being given away and the referee at times lost control and continuously gave a mean ten metres when the Lions attacked the Rhinos. He also puzzled and bemused the tourists with his interpretation of the rules of rugby league allowing lying on and slowing the play the balls. On a positive front the referee will learn from this and should he take charge for next Saturdays Second Test he will take on board today’s game.

The Lions took the lead after four minutes following the Rhinos losing possession early in their tackle count. On the last tackle from the play the ball birthday boy, stand off John McMullen of Wigan St Judes passed the ball out to half back partner Kevin Brown (Eastmoor Dragons) who fed out to centre Matty Danville whose quick pass found Danny Smith on the wing to score the first of his brace. McMullens conversion went to the right of the posts.

The Lions then gave away a series of penalties in kickable position but opted to run at the line with their heavier and taller pack but the Lions defence held firm. Both sides were guilty of losing the ball early in the tackle count and the game was stop start when penalties were being awarded for both sides.

The Lions doubled their lead on 17 minutes following a penalty against the Rhinos on the last. McMullen got the ball out to fullback Craig Holmes of Thornhill Trojans and Richard Owen (Wigan St Pats) took the ball and instantly flicked it out to centre Tim Sutcliffe. His sleight of hand pass found winger Chris Lee of West Hull to score in the corner. Kevin Browns conversion was short.

Five minutes later the Lions should have led 12-0 but the referee disallowed Smith of Shaw Cross Sharks a second deeming his pass from Danville (Skirlaugh) forward.
On 28 minutes the Rhinos were back in the game after two cheap penalties given away the second for dissent. The Rhinos made three drives and from the next play the ball outstanding scrum half Meyer Van Deventer drove through and stand off Jaques De Toit added the extras.

Two minutes later Wath Brow Hornets prop Kevin Thompson was sin binned for an alleged high tackle and Rhinos through their forwards drove at the Lions. They held firm after several minutes of pressure and then scored their third try on 36 minutes. On the last tackle the ball went through several Lions hands before West Bowlings Sutcliffe scored his fifth try of the tour.

As he scored he was viciously struck under the eye and came off with blood pouring from the cut and took no further part in the proceedings. The Rhinos Jonathon Soares was sin binned and Brown missed the conversion.

The second half again started off at a slow stop start pace and the Rhinos leveled up the game after penalising the Lions on 45 minutes as second row forward Hercu Nels crashed over from close range. The Rhinos had several penalties in great position but opted to drive forward but losing the ball early in the tackle count as the hits became harder.

The Lions sewed up the game with two quick fire tries the first coming from Broadhead who crashed onto a pass from hooker Paul Brown of Castleford Panthers and Holmes kicked the extras the Lions first conversion. They doubled the lead on their next set following a superb 50 meter break by Kevin Brown. The next tackle saw superb quick handling skills before McMullen passed inside for Smiths second.

McMullen had the chance to increase the lead to fourteen points but spurned the kick and was the penalised during that set and a consequence was sin binned twelve minutes from time.
The Rhinos charged forward on a number of occasions but props Scott Woodcock of Thornhill Trojans and Thompson put some huge hits in on the Rhinos.
Following yet another penalty this time to the Lions Woodcock made a magnificent forty meter break down the short side drew fullback Roalle Strydom before passing outside to Blackbrook centre Andy Dobson to go storming over by the posts from twenty meters. Kevin Brown added the extras for a 30-12 lead.

The Lions then showed how mean their defence was when Smith somehow stole the ball one on one from Hercu Nel as he went at the corner to crown a bloody bludgeoning win over the home side.

After the game victorious BARLA Great Britain Lions Head Coach Chris Middlehurst gave his thoughts on the brutal game,

“Why didn’t the RFL send over a decent referee that’s my first comment, second comment brilliant, disciplined and scored some good tries by the lads on the field but there was some thuggery went on out there and it wasn’t from our side. There were some bad shots out there from the lads, head highs, off the ball elbows and a kick to the face on Tim Sutcliffe so it’s a great performance under those conditions.

“We came to play rugby and we had scored some good tries in the warm up game. We knew it was going to be tough hard battle but that was not rugby out there today.”

Anthony Broadhead who won the BARLA Sponsors watch said,

“It was very tough out there but the lads gave one hundred per cent and more. They were throwing a few cheap shots we have lads with a few cuts, a lot of lads with a lot of injuries but we came through it well, up the BARLA Great Britain Lions boys.

“We are off to Sun City tomorrow and will probably have a light session tomorrow and whilst there prepare for next Wednesdays game against the South Africa U/23’s. I have loved it out there today being the captain of the side I take my hat off to every single one of the players involved in the game as well as those who didn’t play, the coaching staff, everyone behind the scenes. We have done the job, we have come here we are one up, now bring on the Second Test.”

SOUTH AFRICA RHINOS: 1. Roalle Strydom, 2. Jonathon Soares, 3. Ryno Nel, 4. Gerard Jacobs, 5. Carlo Snygans, 6. Jaques Du Toit, 7. Meyer Van Deventer, 8. Rudie Coetzee, 9. Riaan Botha, 10. Francois Cloete (Capt), 11. Dolf Nel, 12. Hercu Nel, 13. Anthony Wiceme. Substitutes: 14. Gerard Du Preez, 15. Bertie Powell, 16. Franco Vermulen, 17. Marius Kruger

Tries: Van Deventer (28), H Nel (45)

Goals: Du Toit 2/2

BARLA GREAT BRITAIN LIONS: 1. Craig Holmes (Thornhill Trojans), 2. Danny Smith (Shaw Cross Sharks), 3. Tim Sutcliffe (West Bowling), 4. Matty Danville (Skirlaugh), 5. Chris Lee ( West Hull), 6. John McMullan ( Wigan St Judes), 7. Kevin Brown (Eastmoor Dragons), 8. Scott Woodcock (Thornhill Trojans), 9. Paul Brown (Castleford Panthers), 10,. Kevin Thompson (Wath Brow Hornets), 11. Jimmy Rogers (Saddleworth Rangers), 12. Richard Owen ( Wigan St Pats), 13. Anthony Broadhead (Capt (Thornhill Trojans). Substitutes: 14 Ryan Robb (Kells), 15, Andy Dobson (Blackbrook), 16. Trevor Penrose (Skirlaugh), 17. Gary Lumb (Cutsyke).

Tries: Smith (4, 55), Lee (17), Sutcliffe (36), Broadhead (52), Dobson (74)

Goals: Holmes 2/2, K Brown 1/3

South Africa Rhinos Man of the Match: Van Deventer

BARLA Great Britain Lions Man of the Match: Broadhead

SCORING SEQUENCE: 0-4, 0-8, 6-8, 6-12, 12-12, 12-18, 12-24, 12-30

Rudi van der Merwe(photos)will play for the International Invitation X111 against the S.A. Rhino side selected from the Rhino's that toured Italy in June last year.

The match will be the curtain raiser for the second test match between the S.A. Rhino's and BARLA at the Barnard Stadium on Saturday 16 June 2007.

Van der Merwe who has been living in England for the past five years will be visiting South Africa on his own expense to partake in the SARL 21st.celebrations.

Van der Merwe first played Rugby league for the Kempton Kwaggas in 2000.

During the 2005/6 South African season he visited South Africa for a short spell and played Provincial Rugby League for the Vaal Buffaloes as a member of the Vaal Mambas Club.

Van der Merwe stated in a telephonic conversation "This is a visit with a difference to my country of birth - I am looking forward to it ".

 

 

BARLA GREAT BRITAIN LIONS 94
SABLES XIII 6

The BARLA Great Britain Lions roared off to a great start in the opening game of the tour with a 17 try salvo, against gallant Sables XIII at the Kempton Stadium, Johannesburg.

It was men against boys as the Lions ran up nine tries and eight conversions to lead by 52-0 with BARLA officials questioning whether they might score a record victory in their proud history in the amateur game. But the Lions continued to rack up the tries in the second half falling short of creating a new record.

It was a proud night for Wigan St Pats Richard Owen who was captain of the side for the first time and the night got better for him as he was announced as the BARLA Great Britain Lions Man of the Match and was presented with a watch by sponsor Ray Fleming.

A delighted Richard Owen said,
“It was a complete surprise and honour to captain the BARLA side tonight and my first game after being injured playing for the side in the Skanska Cup. It was a great team effort by everyone tonight and it puts us in good stead for the First Test on Saturday at the same stadium.

“The Man of the Match could have gone to anyone and I couldn’t have won it without the help of my teammates. I would like to thank the sponsor Ray Fleming for the award and everything he done for us on the tour to date”

The BARLA side got off to a great start taking the game to the Sables who found difficulty keeping hold of the ball and took the lead on four minutes. From the play the ball Eccles & Salford Juniors winger Dave Critchley drove for the line and as he was tackled spun and twisted to stretch over the line and Ryan Robb added the extras the first of his thirteen goals from seventeen attempts.

The Sables came back into the game but knocked on in a good position after gaining back to back sets.

On ten minutes BARLA doubled their lead when West Bowling centre Tim Sutcliffe scored the first of his first half quartet when half backs Ryan Robb (Kells) and Simon Kilby (Skirlaugh) combined for him to cross.

Five minutes later hooker Joe Elliott from Barrow Island played the ball to Kilby for Sutcliffe’s second.

The Sables had to defend desperately and Sutcliffe had two further half chances but couldn’t retain the ball in good positions. But the sustained pressure paid off as the Lions scored six tries in fourteen minutes.

On 21 minutes Owen scooted from the play the ball and after busting through the defence passed inside to second row forward Matty Myers to go in by the posts. On the restart from the play the ball Kilby received the ball threw an audacious dummy to slice through the defence to score.

Following a penalty on 27 minutes Sutcliffe completed his hat-trick from a Kilby inside pass for the centre to score. Two minutes later following a further penalty Kilby and Sutcliffe combined for Critchley to score his second with Robbs extras coming from the touchline.

On 33 minutes Kilby was again the provider of a flat ball for Cutsyke prop Gary Lumb to score and the first half scoring was completed two minutes later when Sutcliffe reacted first to a Kilby grubber to the ingoal which bounced up kindly for him. Robb added the extras.

The Sables held out for eight minutes before the Lions try festival continued started when forward Mike Caville (West Hull) crashed through for a converted try. From the restart BARLA went back downfield and this time Kilby slipped a ball through to Blackbrook centre Andy Dobson to crash through weak tackling on 50 minutes.

The Sables then went for a short kick off but BARLA were wise to it and superb handling by several players saw Wath Brow Hornets winger Mike Backhouse score in the corner but Robb missed his second of the night as the side led 68-0.

The scoring continued at pace as Shaw Cross Sharks winger Danny Smith scored a quick fire brace on 58 and 61 minutes.
A series of quick fire penalties against the Lions saw the Sables put sustained pressure on the line.
The biggest cheer of the night came when their scrum half Deon Kramer scooted over from the play the ball and substitute Willem Keyser added the extras to make it 78-6 after 65 minutes.

But the Lions continued to play wonderful rugby league and scored three tries in the final nine minutes. On 71 minutes Backhouse scored his second in the corner followed by Kilby second after unselfish pass from Thornhill Trojans Craig Holmes who could have scored himself. Saddleworth Rangers finished it off as he broke from the half way line to stride over with Robb having the final word.

SABLES X111: Wayne Bell, 2. Riaan Botha, 3. Derek J van Rensburg, 4. Francois Bester, 5. Bazil Jantgies, 6. Hennie Raetemeyer, 7. Deon Kramer, 8. John Van Der Westhurzeren, 9. Piet Dupreez, 10. Jannie Haasbroek, 11. Manie Bloem, 12. Ernest Van Staden, 13. Johan Smit, 14. Jacques Grobler, 15. Japie Fourie, 16. Willem Keyser, 17. Riaan Human, 18. Riaan Van Der Merwe, 19. Rudi Lewis, 20. Rudi De Kock.

Tries: Kramer

Goals: Keyser1/1

BARLA GREAT BRITAIN LIONS: 1. Lee Maskill (Sharlston Rovers) 2. Danny Smith (Shaw Cross Sharks), 3. Andy Dobson (Blackbrook), 4. Tim Sutcliffe (West Bowling), 5. Dave Critchley (Eccles & Salford Juniors), 6. Simon Kilby (Skirlaugh), 7. Ryan Robb (Kells), 11. Gary Lumb (Cutsyke), 9. Joe Elliott ( Barrow Island), 10. Trevor Penrose (Skirlaugh), 12. Mike Caville ( West Hull), 8. Matty Myers (Shaw Cross Sharks), 13 Richard Owen (Capt) ( Wigan St Pats). 14. Paul Brown (Castleford Panthers), 15. Jimmy Rogers (Saddleworth Rangers), 16. Scott Woodcock (Thornhill Trojans), 17. Mike Backhouse (Roose Pioneers), 18. Craig Holmes (Thornhill Trojans), 19. Kevin Brown (Eastmoor Dragons) 20. Kevin Thompson (Wath Brow Hornets).

Tries: Sutcliffe 4, Critchley 2, Kilby 2, Backhouse 2, Smith 2, Myers, Lumb, Caville, Dobson, Rogers
Goals: Robb 13/17

BARLA Great Britain Lions Man of the Match Richard Owen


Steve Manning
BARLA Media Manager & PRO

JOHAN BURGER TO CAPTAIN THE RHINO'S IN FORTHE COMING SERIES AGAINST BRITISH AMATEUR LIONS (BARLA). Johan Burger (photo) will Captain the South African Rhino's in the 2 test match series against BARLA on 9 th and 16th June 200. Johan take over the Captaincy from Francois Cloete who Captained the 1996 S.A.Rhino Students side and the Rhino's in Italy last year. Francois Cloete will be the Vice Captain of the Rhino's against BARLA. Johan plays for the ERP Falcons Club and also play representative Provincial Rugby League for the Eastern Eagles who won the Tom van Vollenhoven Cup earlier this year. The Rhino team to play against BARLA in the forthcoming series is: Roeale Strijdom (Mpumalanga Panthers) Marius Kruger (Mpumalanga Panthers) Hercu Nel (Mpumalanga Panthers) Jaques Du Toit (Mpumalanga Panthers) Rudi Coetzee (NG Bulls) Gerhard Du Preez (NG Bulls) Gerhard Jacobs (NG Bulls) Dolf Nel (NG Bulls) Bertie Powell (NG Bulls) Heinrich Rademeyer (NG Bulls) Carlo Sneygans (NG Bulls) Jonathan Soares (NG Bulls) Franco Vermeulen (NG Bulls) Riaan Botha (Eastern Eagles) Johan Burger (Eastern Eagles) Captain Francois Cloete (Eastern Eagles) Vice-Captain Hein Grobler (Eastern Eagles) Ryno Nel (Eastern Eagles) Meyer van Deventer (Eastern Eagles) Anthony Willemse (Eastern Eagles) Coach: Drikkkie Mulder Assistant Coach: Gerry Gendall Team Manager: Kallie Klaasens Trainer: Steven van Zyl Medical Officer: Trudie Vorster Congratulations to the selected team!

2006 Mpumalanga Challenge Cup won by Ermelo Cheetahs.
Runners up Middelburg Tigers(2005 winners)

Mpumalanga Club player of 2006: Marius Kruger from Ermelo Cheetahs.
Mpumalanga Panthers Provinsial Player for 2006: Monster du Toit from MDB
Tigers.