Central vs Hampshire derby ended in controversy

Update

GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - After two weekends where Central Rugby Club of Graaff-Reinet played some excellent rugby, coming away with good wins, last weekend’s local derby against Hampshire ended in controversy.

Just 13 minutes into the second half, the entire Hampshire team walked off the field after the referee gave the Hampshire number nine his second yellow card.

At the time, they were leading Central by 12-6. The referee had awarded a penalty to the Central team (that was still on the field) but had to end the game.

As a result of this incident, the referee lodged a report against Hampshire with the Karoo Rugby Union. The outcome of this is still not known. It could be in favour of Central, or it may be ordered that the match should be replayed.

The previous two weeks’ games were more successful. On May 11 Central travelled to Steytlerville to tackle the Steyterville Barbarians.

Central approached the game in a very positive spirit and dominated in all facets of the game. The team played as a unit and entertained the Steytlerville crowd with some good running rugby.

Despite the feeling that the referee favoured the home team, Central showed that they were clearly in a league of their own with the final score of Central 68 -27.

Manley Sauls again shone and was outstanding with a personal contribution of 35 points (five tries converted). Farin Koopman also had an excellent game, always breaking the advantage line and scoring two entertaining tries as loose forward.

The Central Team of the Match against Grootfontein.

These two players were jointly awarded the honour of Man of the Match by the Chairperson Hento Davids.

The following week, Central played Grootfontein at the Kolie Koeberg Stadium on 18 May.

Grootfontein opened the game with a forward try after a penalty in front of the Central score line. Central recovered very well, and answered with a try. The game was well contested and after the first few minutes it was evenly balanced and both teams scored two tries.

Central then started to take control of the game and totally overshadowed Grootfontein both with its forwards and the back line, who played outstanding rugby. Central finished with a convincing win with a final score 36-26 against the visitors. Quinley Julies from Central who was leading the forwards from the front was a real nightmare for Grootfontein.