More silverware for Gardens club

NELSON Mandela Bay club rugby giants Gardens have another trophy to add to their collection after they beat Spring Rose 41-17 in the Mayoral Cup at Kwazakhele’s Wolfson Stadium at the weekend.

Gardens showed tremendous skill and determination to end their season on high on Sunday.

The Uitenhage team started the road to supremacy in the EPRU Regional Super 12 competition, where they showed how dominant they can be.

They lost only one match this year, to rivals Progress, in the final of the Grand Challenge Cup.

Gardens are well-known for their impeccable set pieces and fast wingers, who have given many teams trouble in defence.

“We are really happy with the way we have played this season,” head coach Ronnie Korkee said.

“The guys have been playing well collectively, which I have enjoyed watching all year.

“The hard work and long hours in the gym have certainly paid-off for us. The players have been dedicated and disciplined throughout the year.”

The Gardens club celebrated their 85th anniversary this year and have bagged numerous trophies throughout the years.

They are famous for drawing huge crowds at the Derrick Ferreira Stadium, in Uitenhage, which they call their slaughterhouse.

“Our fans have been at the forefront of our success and we are always grateful for the support they give to club rugby,” Korkee said.

“They have shown us rugby is part of our lives and we appreciate them for coming out in numbers whether we are playing an away or home game.”

The team was dealt a blow early in the season with the death of their speedy wing, Ricardo Kiewiets, 26, after an intense encounter against East London’s Cambridge.

“Losing such a talented player came as a big shock to us as a team,” Korkee said.

“Ricardo had played one of his best matches on that day and it was sad that it turned out to be his last game.

“The team were shaken by the loss, but we were soon able to regroup and win the Super 12 competition in honour of Ricardo.”

Gardens are looking to achieve big things next season and will start with preseason training next month.

The club will be introducing new players from the U21 side to merge with the first team players.