Alberton Rugby Club in action
I must note that Alberton had four teams in the finals and both junior teams triumphed
A SQUARE Forklift Alberton Rugby Club’s first and second rugby teams recently played in their respective leagues’ finals.
The first team took on Germiston Simmer at UJ (University of Johannesburg) West sports fields on Saturday, August 19 and was once again beaten by the same Germiston side that had handed them two previous defeats already this year.
The previous games played against this side were close affairs, but this time was different, with the Simmers giving Alberton a rugby lesson, with a final score of 52-10. For Alberton, the up-and-coming Caltino Jones, was successful with a penalty and a conversion while the ever impressive Jonathan Reed scored a well-deserved try.
Alberton just did not seem to be quite at their best, which was not the case with Germiston.
Alberton battled to get over the gain line effectively, but when Simmer got the ball they made heavy in-roads almost at will. Their flyhalf had a super game, it must be said. The final try summed up the game: as Alberton were attacking, a loose pass was gratefully snatched up by the Simmer player to run 60m and score practically under the sticks.
Coach Wayne Williams can nonetheless be proud of the accomplishments this season. Reaching the final is no mean feat, but the difference between last year and this year is like night and day.
The Alberton team was challenged by the Bobbies (Johannesburg Police) in the semi’ to reach this point, and in spite of a valiant effort, Alberton was just too strong for the Bobbies, beating them with a score of 34-19.
Second team suffers same fate
Alberton’s second team sadly met the same fate as the first, losing to an impressive and spirited Johannesburg Police team at UJ on Saturday, August 19.
It was mostly just a case of finals jitters as the team from Alberton started off uncharacteristically slowly, which allowed the Police team to establish a lead which they never surrendered.
The first points were put on the board by flyhalf Henry Payne early on, although there were two chances that went begging too. I thought a major turning point came late in the first half when Alberton played wide and, having completed three or four passes, later found an Alberton player going in under the sticks. Sadly this try was disallowed as one pass was deemed as having gone forward.
Alberton did come back in the second half and finished the stronger of the two teams, but at 22-27, just could not breach the dogged Police defence to win.
A sad result which, by coaches Jaco Botha and Louis Odendal’s own admission, was as a result of Alberton not playing their natural game.
Having watched this team the whole year, I must compliment Jaco and Louis on their leadership. The coaching style is very relaxed but they have instilled a belief in each player which enables them to play with freedom. I have no doubt that this team will be in the same final next year – barring mishaps. There is an incredible spirit in this team and with a united, happy team any obstacle can be overcome.
The second team had to go through the Diggers at Marks Park on August 12 to make it to the finals and did just that, beating their opponents by 47 points to 15.
I must note that Alberton had four teams in the finals and both junior teams triumphed (albeit one of them by default).
I believe this achievement is the first in the club’s history.
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