Voortrekker keep marching on
Voortrekker is still leading the way in Bethlehem. The Trekkers kept their hold on the FNB Classic Clash in the Eastern Free State since 2008 as they defeated Witteberg 36-13 on Saturday.
The two teams played to a 13-all draw in 2007, while the last time Witteberg managed to defeat Voortrekker was in 2006. Saturday's victory over their arch-rivals also means that the Trekkers finished the Griffon League's round robin undefeated and on top of the log.
They will now face Welkom Gimnasium in the semifinal of the competition in the North West Stadium in Welkom. The other semifinal will be played between the defending champions Hentie Cilliers of Virginia and the Afrikaanse Hoërskool Kroonstad at the same venue. The two victors of the semifinals will qualify for the Kovsie Championship's Shimla League.
Witteberg initially placed some pressure on Voortrekker with their bigger pack of forwards. Voortrekker lead only 12-6 at the break because the home side's pack forwards with their Craven Week lock FP Pelser leading the charge were on top.
Voortrekkers? Craven Week flank and captain, André Janse van Vuuren and eighthman Robert de Jongh stemmed the tide and managed to get enough possession to dangerous backline. The hooker Toffie van Zyl also impressed with his line-out throws, while he also did more than his share in the loose.
In the backline flyhalf Tokkie van Zyl was dictating play, while his halfback partner Eloff Scheepers made some telling tackles. Scheepers is the son of former Griffons senior and South African Schools centre Eben Scheepers. The centre pairing of Wian van der Watt and Junior Smit also asked too many questions of Witteberg's defence.
For the losing side their captain and centre Donavin Lourens with his midfield partner Louis Spershott was outstanding. The scrumhalf Tiaan Ferreira can also feel more than pleased with his performance on the day.
Scorers:
For Voortrekker:
Tries: André Janse van Vuuren (2), Robert de Jongh, Wian van der Watt, Junior Smit, Boeta Vermaak.
Cons: Tokkie van Zyl 3.
For Witteberg:
Try: Jan-Hendrik de Kock.
Conv: Louis Spershott.
Pens: Spershott 2.
The teams:
Witteberg: 15 Wiaan Pittendrich, 14 JC van Biljon, 13 Donavin Lourens (captain), 12 Louis Spershott, 11 Stephan Maree, 10 Gerhard van Huysteen, 9 Tiaan Ferreira, 8 Aristeo Desiderio, 7 Kamahelo Ledimo, 6 Christiaan de Jongh, 5 FP Pelser (o/k), 4 Jan-Hendrik de Kock, 3 Lourens Sarakis, 2 George Steyn, 1 Lambert Rautenbach.
Replacements: 16 Ludwig Swarts, 17 Ryno Badenhorst, 18 Renier de Kock, 19 Demas Oosthuisen, 20 Gerhard Nel, 21 Reinhardt Chapman, 22 Tiaan Schoonraad,
23 Dean Bubb
Voortrekker: 15 Sechaba Matsoele, 14 Tiisetso Madonsela, 13 Junior Smit, 12 Wian van der Watt, 11 Boeta Vermaak, 10 Tokkie van Zyl, 9 Elof Scheepers, 8 Robert de Jongh, 7 Seef Theron, 6 André Janse van Vuuren, 5 Frederick Marais, 4 Henko Naude, 3 Elandre Palm, 2 Toffie van Zyl, 1 Ernie Sumner.
Replacements:16 Thinus van Eeden, 17 Niel Janse van Rensburg, 18 Reitometsi Mofokeng, 19 Junior Oosthuizen, 20 Philip Mare, 21 AJ van Wyk, 22 Lethole Mokoena.
By Hannes Nienaber
