Victories were recorded by three of the four rugby clubs from Stellenbosch and surrounds in action on Saturday 18 July, with Franschhoek, Pniël Villagers and Raithby Universals all walking away smiling following their league encounters.

Franschhoek, the only local team in action in Super League A at the weekend, have clawed their way out of the top tier’s relegation zone following a narrow, hard-fought 22-20 triumph over fellow stragglers Unimil at the Groendal Sports Ground.

But maintaining their place in the safe zone will be difficult for the team from the valley, who prepare to face log leaders Villager at Brookside in Claremont on Saturday 25 July.

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Battling ahead

Villagers have been in fine form this season, having lost only one of their 12 matches so far, so 12th placed Franschhoek may have a tough day on the pitch.

But they managed to pull a rabbit from the hat when least expected, beating SU Maties earlier this year, so one cannot just write off the league newcomers as they desperately look to keep their spot in the top flight

Meanwhile, Van der Stel-Evergreens, who are certain of their relegation to Super League B next season, will be back in action after a bye weekend.

They travel to Kenilworth to take on another struggling team, Primrose, while SU Maties are still on their extended holiday break.

Heating up

In Super League C Pniël Villagers delivered a stellar performance to secure 20-33 victory over Busy Bee at Langa Stadium.

The team from the Dwars River Valley tapped into their attacking arsenal to secure the bonus-point win over the hosts, the result allowing them to leap into third spot on the log (48 points).

Along the R44, Raithby Universals again showed just how dangerous they are at home, putting up a valiant fight to claim a 39-29 victory over Eerste River.

With another bonus-point win under their belt, RU now boast 30 log points and have moved to ninth place well clear of the drop zone.

There was misfortune for travelling Kylemore, who suffered a 39-29 defeat to league contenders Watsonia Warriors in Athlone.

The loss means Kylemore, who collected a four-try bonus point, dropped to fourth place on the log, with 44 points, but they still have a game in hand over neighbours Pniël Villagers.

Back to action

This weekend will see all three local SLC teams play at home, with Kylemore hosting last-placed Strand United, Pniël Villagers taking on Caledonian Roses and RU welcoming neighbours Strand RFC.

Most teams in the Northern League will return to league action following a regional break for the WP regional competition, with all teams from Stellenbosch and surrounds on the road this Saturday.

Log leaders Blue Stars United will lock horns with Faure in what should be an action-packed clash, Blakes will look to take maximum points when they face Police Blackheath, Excelsior will be looking for a win against Gordon’s Bay Pioneers and Stellenbosch-Coronations are in action against Whistling Wheels.

Cloetesville will enjoy a bye weekend.

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