In fine South African tradition, Graeme College celebrated Heritage Day with braaivleis and rugby. And while the skies weren't exactly sunny, the school's second annual touch rugby tournament at its Somerset Field on Saturday was a fun, festive occasion.
Teams from as far as Cradock and Alicedale showed up, PJ Olivier fielded three teams and Graeme also had several.
In fine South African tradition, Graeme College celebrated Heritage Day with braaivleis and rugby. And while the skies weren't exactly sunny, the school's second annual touch rugby tournament at its Somerset Field on Saturday was a fun, festive occasion.
Teams from as far as Cradock and Alicedale showed up, PJ Olivier fielded three teams and Graeme also had several.
Last year's category winners, Cougar Cubs (Open Boys) and Pooper Scooper (Men) won again this year.
National Braai Day added flavour to the festivities. Guys usually trapped behind desks in their suits and ties during the week donned their rugby boots, their wives cheering them on and the children playing in a separate area. The regulars in the rucks had their opportunity to show off their skills and the old boys got the chance to prove they still had what it took.
Among the hundreds taking part in the day's activities were four old Graemians who last played rugby on Somerset Field in the late 1980s. Team Puffers, made up of Graham Hotel and Spur family and friends, included Craig Markow, Eugene and Pierre Repinz and Fabian Elgar. Markow, who went on to play provincial rugby, was part of the 1986 Graeme 1st team, while Pierre played for the 1989 1sts and Elgar and Eugene played in the 1989 first side. Pierre said the team had a great time at the tournament, adding that the games were "as hard as ever".
The prizes on offer for the different categories served as a reminder that while it might have been a fun day, winning was still a priority – especially with prizes on offer like the four cases of beer available for the Men's Open section.'
A fancy dress competition was ironically won by a team called Women Can't Drive.
Funds raised from the tournament go to the school's 2012 U13 team, which will take part in the National U13 Rugby Festival hosted by Trinity House in Johannesburg next year.
"It's also a wonderful opportunity to end the rugby season on a festive note," said tournament organiser, Craig Holman.
Graeme principal, Peter Reed, told Grocott's Mail, "I think this a fantastic event. It involves the whole community and also offers something unique. Anyone can participate – male or female."
The format of the tournament was five sections, each divided into two groups. The top two from each group went into the semi-finals and final. "The day is relatively long because you get the first matches around 10am and the last final is played at 5pm," Reed said.
Holman said local businesses had got behind the event.
"Without them I don't think the day would have been such a success. We had about 11 local businesses getting involved."
SECTIONS and WINNERS
U11/13 – Ultimate 8
U14/15 – Holmans Cubs
Open Boys – Cougar Cubs
Open Men – Pooper Scoopers
Mixed Section – Team Loskop
