with the Kimberley region’s title in hand, there is no time for the champions to bask in their achievements as they will now have to shift their focus to the upcoming challenge of the Griquas Super League.
IN A THRILLING display of skill and determination, the Kimberley Rugby Club (KRC) emerged triumphant over Douglas with a convincing 31-7 victory last week, and were crowned the champions of the Kimberley region.
The hard-fought battle showcased KRC’s prowess and solidified their status as a force to be reckoned with on the local rugby scene.
Reflecting on the win, while speaking to the DFA, Pieter Streak, one of the coaches, expressed the team’s joy and satisfaction at lifting the trophy once again after a decade. “The KRC won the Kimberley region competition 10 years ago, and it means a lot to the team and coaching staff to reclaim the title,” said Streak, his voice brimming with pride.
The match last week began with an impressive display by KRC, as they dominated the first half and pulled away to a commanding 26-0 lead. However, Douglas proved their mettle in the second half, mounting a formidable defence and scoring a valuable try.
Streak acknowledged the opposition’s resilience. “All credit to Douglas for giving us a good game. They made a strong comeback in the second half and tested our resolve,” he said.
However, with the Kimberley region’s title in hand, there is no time for the champions to bask in their achievements. The team will now have to shift their focus to the upcoming challenge of the Griquas Super League, where the champions of the different Northern Cape regions slug it out to be crowned Griqualand West champions.
KRC’s next outing will be the semi-final match against Upington Dorp. This match will be played at the KRC home ground, the KRC Park in Kimberley, at 4pm on Saturday.
The DFA learned that preparation for the encounter has presented a unique challenge for KRC, as they have not faced the Upington team since before the COVID-19 pandemic, which leaves them with plenty of blind spots.
Streak admitted, “We have no idea how good Upington Dorp is at the moment. But we are approaching this match with the same intensity and thorough preparation as we do for any other opponent.”
The stakes are high. Should the KRC emerge victorious against Upington Dorp, they will progress to face the winner of the other semi-final, where Calvinia will be playing against Sishen. That match, the Griquas Super League final, is scheduled to take place on July 15 at the region’s home of rugby, Windhoek Draught Park in Kimberley.
The prospect of playing at the home of Griqua rugby serves as added motivation for the KRC players.
Streak expressed his gratitude to the rugby union for granting the opportunity. “This will be a remarkable experience for the players to compete in a stadium like Windhoek Draught Park. We appreciate the rugby union’s support in allowing us this privilege,” he said.
But there’s even more. In addition to the regional glory at stake, the Griquas Super League champions qualify for the prestigious Gold Cup and they will have earned the opportunity to participate in the national competition, taking on champions from other provinces.
So currently, the stakes couldn’t be higher for KRC as they strive to continue their successful campaign and make a lasting impact on the rugby scene.
With all eyes on KRC, rugby enthusiasts and supporters eagerly anticipating the team’s upcoming battles can be assured that the local team will leave nothing on the field.
Their recent triumph in the Kimberley region has solidified their reputation as a formidable force, and as they embark on their journey in the Griquas Super League, the players are primed to leave their mark on the rugby landscape.
The players and coaching staff stand united in their quest for victory, ready to etch their names in the annals of local, and if they can keep up their momentum, national rugby history.
