Covid Challenge enters play-off stage
The Covid Challenge is set to enter its play-off stage at Baysville on Saturday, with four matches taking place.
For some teams a spot in the final is at stake, while others will play for rankings.
Credit must be given to the eight clubs which came together to form the tournament. Its purpose was to spark a revival of the Border club rugby scene and they have brought it back to life.
Covid-19 halted club rugby for more than a year and when the Border league was cancelled due to safety concerns, there were sentiments that club rugby might die.
During the tournament’s threeweek run, one has to applaud how teams have worked towards hitting top form, with the performances on the pitch being jawdropping and exciting.
This ranges from Old Boys playing entertaining rugby, to WSU’s fringe players showing up, while the titanic encounter between Police and Swallows has been the match of the tournament so far.
The Covid Challenge received a massive boost with the announcement that fully vaccinated supporters are allowed to watch adult rugby matches. This will continue to drive interest in keeping club rugby alive.
Communities are the lifeblood of club rugby as families and friends come to watch their teams, creating a social gathering. Swallows, who have a huge support base, are excited that their fans will be able to watch, providing motivation for the players.
“We’re happy, we’re very excited,” Swallows Rugby Club president Zuko Matyeshana said about fans returning.
“It’s been long overdue for the spectators to be back in the stadium. What really drives us is the fans. We always have their support. When they’re not there, it shows.”
On the menu for fans on Saturday is some mouth-watering action at Baysville.
The A field will host the semifinals, while the third- and fourthplaced teams from the two pools play on the B field.
The first semifinal will be between Pool A winners Old Boys and Pool B runners-up Swallows. They will be followed by Police against WSU.
The action on the B field starts off with Buffs Dirt Trackers taking on Berlin Tigers, followed by Buffs against Ducats.