Champions Swallows fly high
THE Eastern Cape Super 12 Rugby Tournament came to an end on Saturday with Mdantsane team Swallows Rugby Football Club crowned as champions of the tourney.
Swallows defeated Port Elizabeth’s Harlequins 22-10.
Harlequins coach Luchen Samuels, said Swallows were always a tough team to beat.
“It was a tough game and I think the nerves were too much for us. We tried our utmost during the second half and that is where we scored 10 points.
“I would like to congratulate the winners, as they played a clean and concise game. They deserve the victory,” said Samuels.
Swallows coach Yongama Mkaza said the team was pleased with the win. “This is the first time we reached the semifinal and final.”
Mkaza said the team was now focusing on their first Super League game on April 7 in preparation for the Gold Cup.
Swallows president Mzingisi Matyeshana said the main goal was to reach the final, and dedicated the win to former Junior Springbok player Mlungisi Bali who died at the beginning of the year.
Tournament director Phumelele Hlati said there had been growth in the tourney.
“We want to congratulate Swallows as maiden winners of this competition. The champions were the only unbeaten team in the competition starting from the round robin stage.”
He said the postponement of the semifinal game between Swallows and Gardens on March 4 due to the unavailability of the venue, had been as a result of a miscommunication between the stakeholders, but that the issue had been sorted out.