The 2015 Rhodes Internal Rugby League kicked off on Monday evenin (3 August), with a two-match fixture. At 19:30, The Hill played against the Jan Smuts side and at 20:45 the top two teams from 2014 – Heathens and the Titans Dream Team – clashed on the Great Field.
The 2015 Rhodes Internal Rugby League kicked off on Monday evenin (3 August), with a two-match fixture. At 19:30, The Hill played against the Jan Smuts side and at 20:45 the top two teams from 2014 – Heathens and the Titans Dream Team – clashed on the Great Field.
The tournament, which was due to begin 24 July 2015, was delayed due to a water logged and damaged sports field.
“The delay in starting the league has meant that we are a little pressed for time. Ideally we want to fit all games into this third term but that might not be possible,” Chairman of Rhodes Rugby, Marcus Nel, said.
This did not hold the sportsmen back from kicking off the season with electrifying play.
The Hill played an incredible game against passionate a Jan Smuts side.
Jono Bellingan, from The Hill, stole the show by scoring two tries and was named man of the match.
Other try scorers for the team were Dyl Stevens, Kieran O'flaherty and Rhodes first team speedster Vuyo Siqinqi.
Jan Smuts only managed to convert a penalty, with the match ending 31-3 in favour of The Hill.
The second game saw traditional rivals, Titans Dream Team and Heathens, in a gruelling encounter.
Heathens set the pace by scoring a crowd-rousing try by Ethan Brownhill, converted by Ryan Dewey.
Dream Team quickly responded with a try by fullback Charlie Gird. Half-time score was 7-5 to Heathens.
Early in the second half Dream Team took the lead with a penalty by Charlie Gird. Heathens managed to respond with a try by Rick Moolman, converted by Ryan Dewey.
With five minutes left on the clock Phumlani Kongwana, of Dream Team, stole the ball and led it to the try line.
However, Dream Team let themselves down when they conceded a penalty close to the poles.
A cool headed Ryan Dewey converted the penalty to end the game 17-15 to Heathens.
The thrilling start to the tournament left players exhausted and crowds keen for what the rest of the league had to offer.
Tonight (Friday, 7 August) Heathens will play against Jan Smuts at 18:00 and The Hill will play Founders.
Rhodes Rugby club is also hosting a Bok Day on Saturday, 8 August.
The South Africa vs Argentina game will be shown at the Rhodes Sports club. Kick-off is at 17:05 and the R20 entrance fee will go towards funding the Rhodes Rugby Clun tour to KwaZulu-Natal.
