Climate factors, especially the threat and reality of thunderstorms, yet again exercised a critical influence on the third round of matches played over the past weekend. This caused the scheduled match between the TuksRL Reds vs Brits Bulldogs to be cancelled, much to the frustration of the players. While the affected teams were kicking their heels, the St. Helen Vultures, with no interference from the side of the weather gods, were in good nick.
Judging by the latest third round results of the Rhino Cup, the Vultures are picking up critical momentum. Crucially, they are staking a definite early claim to the championship. In another relentless show of striking and ripping, they, in true raptor-style, feasted on the subdued bodies of the TuksRL Blues. The end result: a comprehensive victory of 62-6 over the pride of Pretoria University. More importantly, half of the team made a contribution to the final score. This indicated the existing high level of effective and efficient teamwork. Try-scorers for the victors were Victor Dixon, Loukie Koekemoer, Dylan Keys, C-Jay Strauss, Shaun Botes and Amilton Jose.
Despite this comprehensive win, and a healthy point difference at this early stage of the competition, the road to championship glory remains precarious. Both Grizzlies and Pretoria have regained their momentum and with their form over the last two games, to keep the pressure on Vultures. If both remain on their current path and increase their competitiveness by defeating Vultures in their return matches, the season-decider may have to be decided by points difference. This prospect may just add another edge to the existing rivalries and may contribute to a number of cliff-hangers as the season proceed. Pretoria, after their first round, has continued to reclaim their place amongst the top teams and has clearly indicated their ability to manufacture tries. This is well demonstrated by the fact that at least four of the team were able to score double-tries and a total of five were able to cross the opponent’s goal-line. Given its long association with rugby league in this country, Pretoria as a founder club of the code must continue to be the game’s flag bearer. Victories are therefore non-negotiable.
The TuksRL Reds, who have played two games less, due to climatic and other factors, also remain in contention. The ‘Clever Boys’, given their log position at the present moment, need to regroup as a club and work hard to find their ‘mojo’. Their role in taking rugby league into the student fraternity cannot be underestimated. They also have the responsibility to expand the existing Tukkie-legacy and catapult it into the 21st century.
Spartans, the new kids on the block, is also not to be discounted. They are continuing on their steep learning curve and seemingly is becoming more competitive by the week. In true warrior-style, they have proved their worth against the Vultures, scaring them sufficiently to improve their form with a view to the future. The fact that Mwana Yabombo has claimed a spot in the ranks of the Hat-trick Kings of the Week is of significance and definitely a further indicator of things to come. That this performance is no fluke was made clear by the fact that Tumi Legodi was able to score two tries against quality opposition, followed by further additions through single tries by Bright Thabana and Thabiso Thabata.
The next rounds, therefore, promise some compelling matchday action.
Results of Kobus Botha Rhino Cup 20 Nov. 2021
Match 1: Pretoria RLC 44 - 42 Spartans
Pretoria - Tries
Leon Makhubo 2
Cha Dieker 2
Avanda Swartbooi 2
Adrian Karelse 2
Aiden Adams
Conversions
Craig Scott 2
Adrian Karelse 2
Spartans
Tries
Mwana Yabombo 3,
Tumi Legodi 2
Bright Blessie Kagiso Thabana
Thabiso Mbatha
Conversions
Carlyle Hendricks 3
Tumi Legodi 2
Match 2: TuksRL Blues 6 - 62 St Helens Vultures
Blues - Tries
Jaco Scholtz
Conversions
Sandile Magagula
Vultures - Tries
Victor Dixon 3
Loukie Koekemoer 2
Dylan Keys
C-Jay Strauss 3
Shaun Botes
Amilton Jose 2
Conversions
Dylan Keys 7
Hat-trick Kings of the Week:
Mwana Yabombo (Spartans)
Victor Dixon (Vultures)
Loukie Koekemoer (Vultures)
C-Jay Strauss (Vultures)
Golden Boot of the Week
Dylan Keys (7 conversions – Vultures)
Judging by the latest third round results of the Rhino Cup, the Vultures are picking up critical momentum. Crucially, they are staking a definite early claim to the championship. In another relentless show of striking and ripping, they, in true raptor-style, feasted on the subdued bodies of the TuksRL Blues. The end result: a comprehensive victory of 62-6 over the pride of Pretoria University. More importantly, half of the team made a contribution to the final score. This indicated the existing high level of effective and efficient teamwork. Try-scorers for the victors were Victor Dixon, Loukie Koekemoer, Dylan Keys, C-Jay Strauss, Shaun Botes and Amilton Jose.
Despite this comprehensive win, and a healthy point difference at this early stage of the competition, the road to championship glory remains precarious. Both Grizzlies and Pretoria have regained their momentum and with their form over the last two games, to keep the pressure on Vultures. If both remain on their current path and increase their competitiveness by defeating Vultures in their return matches, the season-decider may have to be decided by points difference. This prospect may just add another edge to the existing rivalries and may contribute to a number of cliff-hangers as the season proceed. Pretoria, after their first round, has continued to reclaim their place amongst the top teams and has clearly indicated their ability to manufacture tries. This is well demonstrated by the fact that at least four of the team were able to score double-tries and a total of five were able to cross the opponent’s goal-line. Given its long association with rugby league in this country, Pretoria as a founder club of the code must continue to be the game’s flag bearer. Victories are therefore non-negotiable.
The TuksRL Reds, who have played two games less, due to climatic and other factors, also remain in contention. The ‘Clever Boys’, given their log position at the present moment, need to regroup as a club and work hard to find their ‘mojo’. Their role in taking rugby league into the student fraternity cannot be underestimated. They also have the responsibility to expand the existing Tukkie-legacy and catapult it into the 21st century.
Spartans, the new kids on the block, is also not to be discounted. They are continuing on their steep learning curve and seemingly is becoming more competitive by the week. In true warrior-style, they have proved their worth against the Vultures, scaring them sufficiently to improve their form with a view to the future. The fact that Mwana Yabombo has claimed a spot in the ranks of the Hat-trick Kings of the Week is of significance and definitely a further indicator of things to come. That this performance is no fluke was made clear by the fact that Tumi Legodi was able to score two tries against quality opposition, followed by further additions through single tries by Bright Thabana and Thabiso Thabata.
The next rounds, therefore, promise some compelling matchday action.
Results of Kobus Botha Rhino Cup 20 Nov. 2021
Match 1: Pretoria RLC 44 - 42 Spartans
Pretoria - Tries
Leon Makhubo 2
Cha Dieker 2
Avanda Swartbooi 2
Adrian Karelse 2
Aiden Adams
Conversions
Craig Scott 2
Adrian Karelse 2
Spartans
Tries
Mwana Yabombo 3,
Tumi Legodi 2
Bright Blessie Kagiso Thabana
Thabiso Mbatha
Conversions
Carlyle Hendricks 3
Tumi Legodi 2
Match 2: TuksRL Blues 6 - 62 St Helens Vultures
Blues - Tries
Jaco Scholtz
Conversions
Sandile Magagula
Vultures - Tries
Victor Dixon 3
Loukie Koekemoer 2
Dylan Keys
C-Jay Strauss 3
Shaun Botes
Amilton Jose 2
Conversions
Dylan Keys 7
Hat-trick Kings of the Week:
Mwana Yabombo (Spartans)
Victor Dixon (Vultures)
Loukie Koekemoer (Vultures)
C-Jay Strauss (Vultures)
Golden Boot of the Week
Dylan Keys (7 conversions – Vultures)