With their typical “skrik vir niks” attitude Hawston Rugby Club took up the challenge of appearing in front of the cameras with well-known South African comedian Barry Hilton of Nou gaan ons Braai fame.
Club captain Branden Hunter, coach JP Kellerman as well as Ashley Swartz and Lincoln Johnson of the club’s management team welcomed the famous comedian to their home grounds last Wednesday. They gave him a tour of the Hawston Sport Field, which is currently being upgraded, and boasts not only a rugby field, but also tennis courts, a soccer field, cricket pitch, netball courts and other facilities.
“You hear so many bad things about Hawston,” Hilton said, “but when I came here and saw the facilities, all I could think was ‘Wow’. The setting is incredible and all the facilities should serve as a call to the children to get off the streets and become involved with the sport of their choice.”
Kellerman also shared some rugby tips with Hilton before he took to the field, where they had fun practising kicking the ball over the posts. Then came the fun as they set off for Fisherhaven, where Johnson showed his cooking skills off by preparing a range of seafood treats, including crayfish pops and samoosas as starters, galjoen (kob) baked in the oven and springer with a garlic, jam and lemon juice basting sauce braaied over the coals. And of course, everyone had to have a taste of the Skrik vir Niks wors sold exclusively at Hawston Superette.
Johnson, who is the club’s vice-chair, said the aim was to showcase some traditional Hawston dishes that have been prepared through the generations.
Hilton, whose Nou gaan ons Braai joke more than a decade ago went viral and gave rise to his extended range of braai-related products, shared some of his special Nou gaan ons Braai spices with the Skrik vir Niks guys and also surprised them with branded braai aprons. In exchange, they gifted Hilton with a Hawston SVN rugby jersey.
John “Abaai” Figaji, one of the fishing village’s oldest fishermen, also shared some of the dorpie’s proud history.
This opportunity, said Johnson, was not only a perfect opportunity to showcase the rugby club, but also to give their home town some positive exposure.
Simone Gray, executive producer of Penthingy PR and Production, which did the filming and production, said although everything was very tasty the springer was definitely her favourite. She was assisted by Roxanne Ambrose, the rugby club’s marketing and fundraising co-ordinator. The two are spearheading a campaign to increase sponsorship and funding for the club, so it can continue its role of keeping local youth fit and healthy.
Keep an eye on the Nou Gaan ons braai Barry Hilton Facebook page for the video.
