By Chesley Daniels The Grahamstown Cricket Board (GCB) recently hosted its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and prize-giving at the Graham Hotel in Makhanda. It was the second time in its history that both AGM and Prize Giving were staged on the same day, which turned out to be a huge success. The GCB Clubs and constituencies retained their office bearers, while the Board also awarded prizes and awards to its exceptional players. Leon Coetzee will again lead the GCB for the 16th straight year as Board President, as the Club has shown tremendous confidence in him ever since he took…
Author: Chesley Daniels
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By Chesley Daniels Makhanda-born Denilo Jordaan has again made it to the Provincial Podium with his recent selection to the Eastern Province (EP) U/17 Sevens (7’s) rugby team. The National 7’s Rugby Tournament will take place in Bloemfontein from 2-3 October 2023. Jordaan’s inclusion was based on his incredible performance at the 7’s trials at Grey High School during the school holidays. A natural sportsperson, Jordaan stood out from his friends even when playing barefoot in the dusty streets of Vergenoeg, Makhanda at a very early age. Born in the town, Jordaan attended St Mary’s Primary School until Grade Five…
By Chesley Daniels Young player Jodren Carelse, scored two scintillating tries for Rosebuds United 1st XV to help his side clinch a clinical 39-12 bonus point win over visitors Ndlambe Tigers in their final EPRU SEDRU Regional League Fixture match played at the Alicedale Sports Ground on Saturday 2 September 2023. The home side controlled affairs, leading 20-12 at the break. Both teams knew the importance of the game heading into Saturday’s fixture, that it would determine the position on the log, and that whoever loses will, unfortunately, end in the last position and bottom of the log for the…
By Chesley Daniels Klipfontein United claimed bragging rights over Kowie United with a narrow 24-22 win on 19 August 2023. The win saw them earning the Sunshine Coastal Champs tag in their EPRU SEDRU Regional League second-round fixture at the Never Quit Stadium in Klipfontein. Coming into this Derby contest, Klipfontein held the favourites tag after their narrow 7-6 win over Kowie in the first round in Port Alfred on 27 May. It was a tight, close, and brutal affair from the kick-off as Kowie was out for sweet revenge to win at all costs in order to level matters.…
By Chesley Daniels Swallows 1st XV ended their EPRU SEDRU Regional League campaign unbeaten, with a clinical 24-20 win over hosts Rhodes Stallions at the Rhodes University Great Field on the evening of 16 August 2023. Swallows is the only unbeaten side in the competition with 12 out of 12 wins for the season. They rightfully earned the SEDRU undisputed champs accolade as deserved log leaders with 53 points from their 12 matches. Old Collegians are in second position on 35 (11), and Rhodes is in third with 28 (9) and three games in hand. FIRST HALF The first half…
By Chesley Daniels It was blood, sweat, and tears at the Albany Sports Club match between Swallows and Kowie United on 12 August 2023. Swallows were victorious for the second time this season over Kowie in their EPRU SEDRU Regional League second-round fixture and rightfully claimed bragging rights. The win over arch-rivals Kowie made Swallows the Unofficial SEDRU Champs for 2023 with one game to spare in the competition against Rhodes for the log leaders. Swallows are now 14 points clear of second-placed Old Collegians, while Kowie is in 4th position. The SEDRU Inter Municipality Derby between Swallows and Kowie…
By Chesley Daniels Grahamstown Brumbies 1st XV was in rampant mode when they ran in 10 tries in their 62-13 bonus point win over Missionvale United in their second round EPRU Grand Challenge Group A Clash at the fortress Oval Sports Ground on 12 August. The Top three of each of the four groups will now go through to compete in a potential new top-tier format competition that will be reduced to 12 teams. Before the contest, Brumbies needs to win both their remaining two home games with a bonus point in order to finish in third position behind Trying…
By Chesley Daniels Grahamstown Brumbies did the double to retain the bragging rights over arch-rivals Lily White with a 25-18 bonus point at the Fortress Oval on 12 August. This was the second round fixture of the EPRU Grand Challenge Group A. Both teams are fighting for survival to end in the Top three in order to compete in the proposed Top 12 competition next year. A bonus point win is not negotiable at this stage of the competition as both teams sense the pressure under their pillows. Brumbies are currently in 3rd position after the bonus point win with…
By Chesley Daniels Log leaders, Swallows, recorded a rather disappointing 22-15 win over Rosebuds United in a second-round EPRU SEDRU Regional League fixture that was contested at the Albany Sports Club in Makhanda on 12 August. Swallows, who were the firm favorites going into this encounter, rested most of their first-choice forwards and gave the fringe players some game time. It was a game of two halves, underestimating the opposition, lack of discipline and motivation that almost came back to bite log-leading Swallows in the proverbial behind, who started like a team with a mission scoring three tries to go…
By Chesley Daniels An injury-time, 83rd-minute penalty by centre Duane Brown gave Kowie United a narrow 27-25 win over Old Collegians (OC) in their second-round EPRU SEDRU Regional League fixture, played at the Station Hill Sports Grounds in Port Alfred on 5 August. The hosts, Kowie, went into the contest as underdogs and looking to take sweet revenge, after suffering a heavy 12-40 defeat to OC in the first round on June 16 at the Oval. OC is currently in 2nd position on the log. The game was very physical, brutal, and intense, and was played at a very high…