Newly-promoted Brackenfell RFC have been the surprise package in this year’s Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) Super League A (SLA), winning seven and losing four of their 11 league matches.
They are fifth on the log with 31 points, 20 behind log leaders False Bay, who they will play on Saturday.
Playing in SLA for the first time in 12 years, they started their campaign back in April with a 35-26 victory over Bo-Kaap based SK Walmer. From there on, they lost two consecutive games against Durbell and Tygerberg but bounced back with a 25-15 victory over UWC. The boys in blue then lost against Hamilton and Maties. Since then, Brackenfell have been unbeaten, winning their last five matches.
Belhar RFC was their most recent victim. Brackenfell beat them 34-20 on Saturday at Accordian Park.
The home side recorded the first points of the match with a converted try. But, Brackenfell bounced back, scoring three first half tries, by hooker Llewellyn van Blerk, full back Danie Osche and eighthman Wian Engelbrecht.
The Brakke led 24-7 at the half-time break. In the second half, the visitors continued where they left off, when winger Muhijdeen Davids scored a brace to help his side pick up their seventh victory of the season.
Brackenfell assistant coach Tinus van Rensburg said his side started the game well and that the whole team played a role in the victory.
“We retained the ball well and started to put phases together which brought us the tries. The victory was not an easy one as Belhar are an established SLA outfit and are tough to beat at home. On the day we played better and wanted it more. I believe there is still room for improvement as we gave away too many turn-overs ,” he said.
On Saturday, they will face a stern test against top of the log and thus far unbeaten False Bay RFC, at the Phillip Herbstein Sports Field, in Constantia. Van Rensburg said it is going to be a tough challenge to beat False Bay in their backyard.
“They are the team to beat this season. We are excited to play them because for us every game is a learning curve. What is better than to rate yourself against one of the best,” he said.
Van Rensburg believes that the club’s three year plan is finally coming together and the results are showing this season.
“There has been a lot of effort put in by management, coaches and players.
“This has been an all round team effort with the backing of our supporters,” said Van Rensburg, adding that their main goal is to end in the top six and qualify for the President’s Cup.
“To win the remaining of our matches will be great since we are on a five match unbeaten run.
“The cherry on top would be to do well in the President’s Cup,” he said.
