Fraternity mourns fallen leader Sampson

AS the EPRU Grand Challenge heads into another round tomorrow, the rugby fraternity is mourning the loss of former executive member and founder of Windvogel and PE Harlequins club rugby teams, Brian Sampson.

“A legend has fallen. Oom Brian served as an Eastern Province manager for many years,” EPRU metro sub-union official Richard Jordaan said.

“I am grateful to have served under his guidance. He truly served us as players well.

“On behalf of the PE metro sub-union executive, we extend our sincere condolences to the Sampson family.”

With just two games to go in the first round of the challenge, the gloves are off this weekend, when NMMU and United Barbarians battle it out for pole position at the NMMU south campus tomorrow.

NMMU, who have dominated the competition, will be hoping to bounce back from the 27-16 defeat at the hands of PE Harlequins last week.

The loss may have dented their hopes, but they will be looking to get back on track this weekend.

However, United Barbarians will not make it easy, having had a convincing crusade, winning four of their six matches so far.

They will have used last week’s bye to fully prepare themselves for NMMU.

The two sides have not faced each other this year and the Madibaz will be hoping to use the home ground advantage to thump the opposition for maximum points.

SAPS and Kruisfontein have byes this week and will join the rest of the teams for the last games of the first round next week.

The games are scheduled to kick off at 3.30pm at the respective venues tomorrow.

Fixtures:

Group A: Winvogel v Progress (Wingvogel), Gardens v Gelvandale Wallabies (D Ferreira), Brumbies v Stars of Hope (GHT Oval), Trying Stars v Despatch (Alexandria), Crusaders v Suburban (St. Georges)

Group B: NMMU v United Barbarians (NMMU South Campus), Born Fighters v Harlequins (Victoria Park), Central v African Bombers (Koeberg), Spring Rose v Park ( New Brighton Oval)