Central take first round

ABERDEEN RUGBY NEWS - The first round of the new Camdeboo Rugby Challenge was played in Aberdeen last Saturday, in front of packed stands.

The first game, between hosts Aberdeen and Hampshire, was close but low-scoring, with Hampshire scoring a penalty in the dying minutes to come out on top with a score of 3 - 0.

In the second game, Central beat Hampshire by 18 points to 13.

Unfortunately the delayed start to the matches, due to the late arrival of both visiting teams from Graaff-Reinet, had a knock-on effect, meaning that the final game could not be completed due to poor light and load shedding.

The game was off to a flying start, with Aberdeen number 13, Rendio Cloete scoring a try in the first few minutes. Central replied with a try just before half time, which was converted.

As the half time whistle blew, both captains agreed that the game should be stopped due to the players no longer being able to see the ball. Central thus beat Aberdeen, with the score 7-5 in the visitors' favour. This left the unbeaten Central team as the victors for the day.

Central remain unbeaten.

The next round of the tournament will be played this Saturday, 22 February at the Collie Koeberg Stadium in Graaff-Reinet. The first game, Aberdeen against Hampshire, will kick off at 2pm, followed by Aberdeen against Central at 4pm. The local derby, Central against Hampshire, is scheduled to start at 6pm.

"We are very grateful to all the supporters who came along last week, and hope to see another full house in Graaff-Reinet on Saturday," said the organiser, Aberdeen coach Nico Vywers.

If anyone is keen to become involved in sponsoring the challenge, Vywers can be contacted on 072 409 0512.

Go team Aberdeen!