The Wesgrow league roars into action this weekend, and rugby fans across the Free State are in for an absolute treat. The main course? A mouthwatering clash between Trio and Diamantveld that promises fireworks, physicality, and plenty of drama.
Champions lay siege to Kroonstad
Trio welcome last year’s Wesgrow champions to Kroonstad carrying the sting of a narrow 24-17 defeat to Rustenburg, a match that slipped through their fingers despite a commanding 17-0 halftime lead.
“We were 17-0 ahead at halftime, we received a red card and then things fell apart a little bit,” Trio’s director of rugby, Quintin Geldenhuys, reflected on the frustrating loss.
But there’s no time to dwell on what might have been. Diamantveld arrive in town riding the crest of a fantastic 36 -35 victory over Monument, and they’ll be desperate to carry that momentum forward.
Geldenhuys knows his charges face a stern examination. “We are looking forward to the challenge, they have a very well balanced team,” he said.
The respect between these two outfits is palpable. Diamantveld coach Vlos Molnar has done his homework on the Kroonstad outfit and knows the dangers they possess.
“We are excited but know that they are a well coached team with individual players that can take the game away from you. Our focus remains on ourselves and what we can control,” Molnar said.
Two well-drilled sides, both carrying form and firepower, going toe-to-toe with silverware on the line.
Redemption on the cards
Elsewhere in the Wesgrow fixtures, Witteberg host Sentraal in a match where both sides desperately need to bounce back from opening-weekend heartache.
Witteberg suffered a humbling 77-5 hammering at the hands of Helpmekaar, the kind of scoreline that demands an immediate response.
“There are no easy games in this league. It is our first league fixture, so it is going to be a good one,” Robert Bosch, 1st XV coach of Witteberg said.
Sentraal, meanwhile, fell agonisingly short against Wesvalia and will be chomping at the bit to set the record straight.
“This young team learned some valuable lessons against Wesvalia. Our preparation has been very good and we want to start the Wesgrow on a high note,” said Sentraal 1st XV coach Rohan Erasmus.
Erasmus is under no illusions about the challenge facing his side. Witteberg’s big pack of forwards lay the foundation before their speedsters turn possession into points – a classic one-two punch.
“They are very dangerous on the attack, but we are well prepared for anything they throw our way,” Erasmus added.
Voortrekker welcome the Lions
Bethlehem Voortrekker host Fichardtpark in another tantalising encounter. The Fichies Lions pushed Marlow all the way last weekend, eventually falling 28-25 in a contest that could have swung either way.
Justin Taylor’s Trekker troops will look to capitalise on home advantage and get their Wesgrow campaign off to a flying start.
“We are excited to kick off the Wesgrow in front of our home fans,” Taylor said.
With momentum from a competitive performance, Fichardtpark will fancy their chances of silencing the Bethlehem faithful.
Youth gets its chance in Welkom
Goudveld welcome Jim Fouché to Welkom for their Wesgrow opener, with the visitors fielding a youthful side brimming with hunger and raw energy.
“Goudveld are a quality side and we have a lot of respect for them, so we expect a tough contest,” said JF 1st XV coach Neill Murphy.
Murphy’s young guns are relishing the opportunity to prove themselves on the big stage. “That brings a lot of hunger and energy. Many of these players are getting the opportunity to play First Team rugby, which is always something special,” he explained.
The Wesgrow league is officially open for business, and this weekend’s fixtures promise to deliver everything that makes rugby in central South Africa special, passion, pride, and uncompromising physicality.
