Day of Rugby – 11 March 2011

Knysna enjoyed a feast for rugby fans on Saturday when Knysna United RFC organised a “Day of Rugby” down at Loerie Park.

Gates opened at 1.30 and the field was soon busy with hundreds of Under 13’s local boys receiving coaching from the SWD support team.

Tag Rugby SA followed with their colourful display and the day was set for entertainment. Knysna United had worked hard throughout the previous week to organise this event at very short notice – ably assisted by P-J Sports Productions and the Knysna Municipality – and there was a good selection of food and drink available including great beers served from a tented and fenced area by Mitchell’s Brewery.

Knysna FM kept the day flowing with music and regular activity reports and the weather was kind with temperatures in the mid-20’s – with the sun mostly shining on the estimated crowd of over 1,500 spectators.

Deborah Scott & Pam Golding hosted a mini-rugby session before the senior rugby matches began.

The first game was the league game between the hosts – Knysna United – and the Jaguars from The Crags [full match report below]. Clearly the pressure of the big arena was too much for the Knysna United 1st Team and their display of rugby fell far short of what was expected and anticipated. They ended up losing 14 – 0 in front of a full crowd of supporters and were bitterly disappointed in their performance.

The main event – the Vodacom Cup game between the SWD Eagles and the Griquas – followed and the crowd were entertained by some good running rugby and belligerent forward play. Like Knysna United’s 1st team the Eagles failed to get out of first gear though and the Griquas ran out comfortable winners with the final score at 33-0. This was the Griquas third straight win in the Vodacom Cup.

Knysna United 2nd team then finished the evening’s entertainment off with a comprehensive victory over the Jaguar 2nds. They played simple but very effective running rugby and scored a tally of 7 tries to 2 to make the final score 44-15. Selectors are going to have a difficult job when United play their next league games at Oudtshoorn on the 26th March.

A reception, hosted by Knysna United and Knysna’s Mayor Eleanore Bouw-Speis, was held at the Clubhouse shortly after the Vodacom Cup game had concluded topping the end of a fantastic day of rugby for local fans and visitors.

The SWD management were so pleased with the day they have committed to playing more senior games at this beautiful venue in the future.

Meanwhile Knysna United are continuing with sponsor negotiations which could also bring some senior rugby matches to Knysna from the Eastern Cape.

Rugby seems to re-establishing itself in our town!