Owls, United reflect on memorable VPL season
The rugby season for Boksburg’s first teams has drawn to a close.
East Rand United, making its debut, failed to make the play-offs in the Valke Peregrine League while Boksburg was recently eliminated in the semi-finals at the hands of the defending champion Brakpan.
Both local sides have certainly nothing to be ashamed of; in fact, they can hold their heads high for turning the script upside down.
The Owls enjoyed a flying start to the campaign, winning their first four games including an epic win over next-door foes United.
Their impressive and somewhat shocking start is what ultimately booked them their spot for the play-offs.
Coach Marcell Fourie and the rest of the coaching staff turned things around to show at times impressive form.
Everyone was waiting to see what United would do following their ascension from the Merlin League to the Peregrine and they did not disappoint.
The script had the Reiger Park outfit as the small fish in a big pond this year but they instead put up their hand as one of the big boys.
They might have come short of reaching the play-offs but United’s wins against Vereeniging (home and away) and Springs have earned them respect in Valke rugby.
The Advertiser spoke to the coaches and captains of both sides as they reflected on a memorable Valke Peregrine League (VPL) season.
Marcell Fourie (Boksburg coach)
It was a great year for me, I learnt a lot as coach. School coaching is much easier than club rugby. How to work around situations was my toughest job this year.
We as a club met our goals and we have a great team that works together between coaching staff and the board members. Compared to last year, the job was done with our goals.
Travis Howell (Boksburg captain)
My overall thoughts for the year is that at the beginning of the year the coaches, committee and the team set a goal to make the semi-finals, which was a giant task for Boksburg judging from last year where we only won two games and ended second-last on the table.
But we had some great players and coaches who joined us this year and we all committed and put in the hard work and achieved our goal of making the semis. Next year watch this space – we’re going to not only make finals but win the league.
Goals are set already and in God we trust.
Derrick Sampson (East Rand United mentor)
As you may remember, we had a three-year plan starting from last year. And it was, first year we win the Merlin League, which we did.
Second year, play in the Super League, which we did this year. Third year (next year) win the Super League and play in the Gold Cup. So we are still well on course to successfully execute our plan.
We view this season as a big success because if you look at our performances against the top teams, we have actually done well.
We beat number two and three (Springs and Vereeniging) but couldn’t beat one and four (Brakpan and Boksburg). We achieved beyond our expectations but I believe we could’ve done better.
The boys are new. It’s a young team. We could’ve done better.
I still believe we’re the only team that can beat Brakpan.
We have Super League status, which is marvelous.
Fanie van Staden (East Rand United skipper)
We’re disappointed that we didn’t make the semis but this season was a good learning curve for the team.
I’m satisfied but we could’ve done better. We’re the first team to come from the Merlin League and finish in the top five of the Peregrine League.
The guys have learnt a lot and we now know what will be required of us next season.
