Heartbreak for Old Collegians
Fort Beaufort United finally claim their stake in Border Premier League
The Border Premier League now includes another team from the Amathole District in Fort Beaufort United, after the Bofolo team swept past everyone to clinch the allimportant spot at Kapaailand, Maclear.
It’s a dream come true for Fort Beaufort United, who have for years showed promise but fell agonizingly short.
But they were not going to be denied this time around, and fully deserve their promotion.
It was heartbreak though for the Chris Hani District Rugby Union (CHDRU) team, Old Collegians, whose pursuit for promotion was denied.
The Komani team lost all their matches in the mini-league promotional playoffs. Its back to the drawing board for coach Dimitri Strydom and his coaching staff.
Day one kicked off with Ngcele United taking on Black Hawkers, with
Hawkers clinching a 22-8 win. Old Collegians took to the field and lost a close encounter 18-15 against Mqanduli Sharks.
Fort Beaufort United then took on probably their biggest rivals for promotion, Black Hawkers. The match was tough and intense, with both teams having to settle for a 13-all draw.
Ngcele United demolished OC 3612, with Fort Beaufort United taking charge with a 45-15 hammering of
Mqanduli Sharks. Fort Beaufort United ended day one on top of the mini log on seven points, one point clear of Black Hawkers on six points.
Day two kicked off with OC under the sword, facing their third defeat after a 48-25 bashing by Black Hawkers.
Ngcele United defeated Mqanduli Sharks 13-10 in the following match.
Fort Beaufort was gifted five points after Collegians opted not to fulfil their last match. Black Hawkers needed to
beat Mqanduli Sharks in their last match and hoped for Fort Beaufort United to fall short in their last match.
They did just that, winning 19-8. But it was not enough as Fort Beaufort United made sure of topping the log and winning promotion by beating Ngcele United 29-20.
There were a number of protests during the two-day event. But history has shown us the winner on the day is promoted to the Premier League.