The Pick and Pay Gold Cup kicked off with a bang this past weekend and rugby supporters were treated to a smorgasbord of nail-biters, shocking results and several classic encounters. From three-figure thrashings to single-point finishes.
Naka Bulle survive Pretoria scorcher
In what was arguably the match of the weekend, Naka Bulle just managed to edge past SK Walmers to advance to the next round. The 43-36 victory in Pretoria was a brutally tough encounter that hung in the balance until the final whistle. Neither side gave an inch and spectators were treated to superb attacking rugby.
The other end of the spectrum, however, told an entirely different story.
Vereeniging show no mercy
Vereeniging taught Bethlehem old boys a lesson they won’t soon forget. The 105-3 hammering was ruthless and without any sympathy. With a 102-point margin, it was a humiliation of note, and Vereeniging clearly demonstrated they’re hungry for the cup.
Villagers also wasted no time in making a statement. They handed Young Leopards a 66-18 hiding and showed they’re serious title contenders.
Single-point drama and surprises
Whilst some sides won comfortably, others had to fight for every inch. Randfontein edged Sibanye Warriors by the slimmest of margins, 26-25. A single point made the difference between heroes and losers, and it’s precisely this type of drama that makes tournament rugby so addictive.
The biggest surprise of the weekend was undoubtedly Brakpan’s performance. They knocked over the fancied Grizzlies 26-15 and showed that no side in this competition should be taken lightly.
Other results
Northam Rhinos crushed Nelspruit 62-7, whilst Northam Wolves dispatched Pirates 44-17.
Witrivier edged Louis Trichardt in a very tight contest 42-39, whilst Centurion showed Welkom the way with a 49-21 victory.
Gardens showed no mercy against Bloemfontein Collegians and blew them off the park 76-3. Saldanha edged Evergreens 31-29 in a nail-biter. While College Rovers smashed Kimberley 89-5.
Roses United overcame Groot Brakrivier 48-31, whilst Bloemfontein Police secured an important 17-14 victory over PE Harlequins.
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In other matches, Crusaders just managed to pip Sichen 15-14, and Durb-Bel eliminated East London Police 38-24.
Round of 16 promises fireworks
The action is only heating up now. Next weekend sees the round of 16 take place, after which the winners will face each other in the quarter-finals.
The fixtures look like this: Villagers versus Durb-Bel, Roses United versus Bloemfontein Police, College Rovers versus Crusaders, and Gardens versus Saldanha Bay.
Centurion will take on Naka Bulle in what promises to be a cracker, whilst Brakpan will have to prove their upset victory was no fluke when they face Witrivier.
Northam Rhinos meet Northam Wolves. It promises to be an intense affair. And Vereeniging, will be going into their match with Randfontein with serious confidence in what could be one of the matches of the round.
With such varied results in the opening round, it’s clear this tournament is far from predictable. The sides who felt too comfortable have been shaken awake. The underdogs have shown they have teeth. And the teams who won convincingly have sent a clear message, they’re here to do business.
The Pick and Pay Gold Cup has come to life, and if the first round is any indication, the rest of the tournament is going to be absolutely electric.
