Attack on ref ends rugby match

RUGBY NEWS - The annual interschools first team rugby match at Botanics Sport Grounds between Asherville and Spandau secondary schools on Saturday 27 July, ended in turmoil when a spectator accosted the referee.

The game started on a high note as Spandau wasted no time scoring a try and the conversion gave them a 7-0 lead in the first five minutes of the game.

The game started just before 17:00, but was over in less than 30 minutes after a spectator, unhappy with the referee's decisions, tackled the ref.

Asherville Secondary School Governing Body Chairperson, Errol Jantjies, said he is very disturbed by the incidents at the interschool last Saturday and apologised to the community of Graaff-Reinet, the schools, parents and learners.

Jantjies said they had underestimated the security measures needed on the day, especially when it came to securing the first team's game.

Spandau Secondary School Principal, Eugene Mackelina, said that sport, cultural and recreational activities are instruments used to instill values and should be respected as such.

"These values include responsibility, honesty, teamwork, commitment, endurance, tolerance and respect."

Spandau in full force determined to win.

Cannot be tolerated

Sports veteran and Community Sports Developer, Robert Hector said violence against match officials or anyone else can- not be tolerated. He said what happened on Saturday leaves a bad taste in the mouth for all local sport lovers.

The Classic Clashes between Asherville and Spandau is one of the biggest events in Graaff-Reinet. For learners these events are highlights of their schooling careers. It is something you talk about for years to come, whether you are on the winning or losing side. The schools themselves spend a lot of money to arrange friendly games in preparation for the interschool clashes.

Spectators travelled from near and far to support the schools and SuperSport Schools even live-streamed the event this year. People plan their annual leave a year in advance around the interschools and the influx of people also stimulates the local economy.

Hector added that a massive effort has been made over the years to build the brand of the interschools derby as one of the biggest in the Eastern Cape. "The magnitude and impact of this interschools competition has grown beyond the schools itself. It has become an asset of the entire Graaff-Reinet and must be protected," he said.

It is expected that all the important role players will review the event. Community policing officer, Sergeant Zukisani Rala said he has requested the schools to involve SAPS in the plenary meeting of their sports events to minimise risks and to ensure that extra manpower can be requested from local police stations and the CPF. The police confiscated a lot of alcohol on the day - also from learners. He said more security should be deployed at such events.

Hector complimented the players on the field and the thousands of spectators who behaved themselves. He said they remained disciplined and did not get involved in the commotion that could have worsened the situation. He said the discipline of the players and spectators amidst the turmoil should be the barometer of the day and not that of the offenders.

Asherville doing the 'haka' before the start of the game.