Hammies, Durb/bell in mouthwatering clash

FOLLOWERS of local club rugby should pop in to Green Point today to watch hosts Hamiltons take on Durbanville/Bellville in a top-ofthe-table Western Province Super League A clash.

It will be a cracking affair despite the wet conditions between two sides vying for a seat at the next edition of the Community Cup. Durb/Bell sit in pole position with 44 points from 11 rounds, followed by Hammies on 41.

The first round meeting between the two sides ended with Hammies scoring four late tries to seal a 48-3 away win.

“The boys hit their straps in that one,” said coach Anton Moolman. “We scored seven tries in total, which was pleasing, and we played 80-minute rugby, another pleasing aspect.”

Victory was centred around a hard-working pack getting to grips with a heavier opponent, while the backs shone in open play.

For Durb/Bell, it was a shocking, high-scoring defeat at home. They have rebounded well, according to coach Jan Loubser. “We’ve won nine of 11 games and top the standings, a pleasing set of returns with an inexperienced squad. We lost many players from last season for various reasons, but still we are able to be competitive,” Loubser said. “We came up short against Hammies first time round, but this time we aim to make a fist of it. The goal is the Community Cup.”

Durb/Bell may be a bit on the rusty side following a three-week break from play.

Not so for Hammies, they’ve won four consecutive games.