The 2019 Mayoral Cup came to an end on Saturday 9 March, with both the Makana and Ndlambe competitions seeing exciting finals to their season-opening competition. The Brumbies First Team took on Old Collegians in the Makana final at the Oval, while the Trying Stars faced off against Klipfontein.
As a curtain raiser for the main match in Makhanda (Grahamstown), Lily Whites First team clashed with Easterns Firsts in the Third Place Playoff match at the Oval. It was a welcome challenge for all spectators and players alike to play in severely wet and rainy conditions. Both teams found it difficult to get into their rhythms in the rainy weather, which resulted in the match being a low-scoring affair. Ultimately, it would be Lily Whites that would take third place in the Makana Mayoral Cup, as they managed to adapt to the conditions, and taking home a 10-5 victory over Easterns.
The main match of the day for the Makhanda faithful would see the Brumbies clash with major rivals, Old Collegians. Both teams came into the match after playing some great rugby throughout the competition. Once again, both teams struggled to get their trademark running style of play into action in the wet weather, however neither side were willing to go home without a victory. In a closely-fought contest, it would be the Brumbies that would get their season off to a great start, as they ran out 7-6 victors over Old Collegians, taking home the trophy.
In Ndlambe, the weather was no better for rugby, as the fields were equally waterlogged from the much-needed rain. Both teams from Trying Stars and Klipfontein, namely the Firsts and First Reserves, would be in action in their respective finals.
The First Reserves final would kick off proceedings in Ndlambe, with the Trying Stars defence pressuring Klipfontein into making a number of errors. Trying Stars First Reserves would keep a clean sheet against Klipfontein, as they ran to a 8-0 victory.
The Trying Stars First Team then took on Klipfontein’s First Team in the final of the Ndlambe Mayoral Cup, and looked to adapt to the conditions quickly. It was Trying Star’s day as they managed to run in four tries to Klipfontein’s one, and ultimately lifted the trophy as 22-5 victors.
The Mayoral Cup is always a great way to start the season for the local clubs, and provides fans with a chance to see how their team looks ahead of the start of the regular season. With the recent results, this year’s season promises to be another great year for local rugby.
