False Bay have a shot at lifting the title in front of fans

FIVE points against Sir Lowrians at the Phillip Herbstein Stadium today will be enough to see hosts False Bay crowned champions of this year’s Western Province Super League A tournament. And deservedly so. Coach Jonno van der Walt’s men have not yet lost a match in 2016, with a draw against Hamilton back in June being their only slip-up to date.

And with Maties having dropped points in a draw against Tygerberg and a defeat to Durbell this past week, a bonus-point win over relegation candidates Sir Lowrians will see the Bay lift the title on their home ground today. Their rise to the top has been nothing short of remarkable after winning Super League B in 2013, then finishing fourth in the SLA in 2014 and narrowly missing out on being crowned champs last year.

“We’re excited. But the guys are also humbled by the process. Last year we finished on 61 points and we finished second. This year, it is enough to win the league with a game in hand,” said Van der Walt, who is also the head coach of the Western Province Emerging Squad.

Currently at the foot of the log and looking destined for the drop, Sir Lowrians shouldn’t be too much of a hurdle for the Bay to overcome in their quest for a bonus-point win.

And with the Bay looking likely to win the 2016 title, it is the race for second place that is heating up.

Tygerberg are currently a shoo-in to finish in this position and with a trip to Rosmead Avenue where they will face relegation candidates Primrose, they will be looking to bag maximum points in an effort to widen the gap between themselves and Durbell.

Hamiltons, in fourth – three points behind Tygerberg, will host Chester Williams’ UWC at the Stephen Oval.

Williams’ students have not enjoyed the best of campaigns this year and are currently in 11th place and looking to avoid relegation.

Meanwhile, with President’s Cup places up for grabs, the match between Brackenfell and Victorians will also go a long way in deciding the top six.

And while it will be a first visit by Johann Kotze’s men to the Danie Craven Stadium, he is confident that they can spring a another surprise.

“We have a plan for Vics. We’re not scared of them – the guys just have to get over the initial excitement of playing at the Dane Craven Stadium,” said Kotze. – Dudley Carstens