Local fans packed in the Station Hill fields to witness an action-packed Kowie United Tens Rugby tournament on Saturday.
In the end it was The Rebels – from Station Hill – who thanks to a scintillating try by Melligan Frantz, won a rousing final 5-0 against the Kwaggas. The match was a tightly contested affair with solid defence proving a key strategy by both sides. The game remain deadlocked until the final 10 minutes when Frantz kicked ahead and gathered to score and cap a brilliant performance.
Other participating sides were Ndlambe Tigers, Spartans, Stallions, (Alexandria) and Ghostown (Makhanda).
Matches were played on a round robin basis with first and second-placed teams contesting the final.
The season-ending tournament which is billed as a community event, is a crowd-puller and once again, fans did not disappoint as they came from far and wide to support their respective teams.
Rebels captain Duncan van Rensburg said he was overwhelmed by the victory.
“Earlier in the week we were being undermined and taunted by rival teams because we had a disjointed team. Our rivals thought we would be punching bags but we trained very hard and at the end of the day we showed everyone what is possible.
“The final was a bit scrappy in parts, because I think we were nervous and the week’s build up maybe played on our minds, but we showed everyone that we have heart. Melligan’s try was really special, one of the best tries on this field … Melligan and I played most of our rugby together and we understand each other’s game.”
Sedru president Keith Wentzel said during his prize-giving speech the day was not about results alone, but bringing communities together.
“It is about strengthening relationships among clubs … showcasing our talents and celebrating the spirit of community. Each team played with heart and every supporter contributed to the atmosphere that made the day special,” said Wentzel.
“A special congratulations to the Rebels … making it fifth time lucky in the final. Your performance today showed that determination, teamwork and spirit bring you through in the end. You played with fire and discipline. You have truly earned this victory and well done to players, coaches and management. Enjoy the moment you have made your club and supporters proud.
“Whether you won or lost you added value to this day and contributed to the success of this event. “To the coaches and management of teams – your commitment is the engine behind your club. “Thank you for your preparation guidance and leadership you continue to give. To the match officials, we appreciate your fairness your professionalism and your willingness to serve the game.
“As we close the day may we leave here uplifted, united and proud of what we achieved together – let the tournament be a reminder that sport does more than entertain; it builds character, strengthens families and connects people.
Wentzel had a special word for the approaching festive season.
“With the spirit you have shown here today let us carry it into our homes, and into our communities … a spirit of hope, kindness and generosity …. Christmas reminds us that in challenging times light always overcomes darkness – and love always binds us together. “
Kowie United president Norman Denston said the club’s management were well satisified with how the day had turned out.
“We are very happy … there was far better attendance this year and it showed in terms of gate takings, that doubled compared to last year. We were pleasantly surprised that a few outside teams joined our tournament.
“This is the fifth year that it’s been hosted. The tournament is not about gate-takings and results alone, it’s more about the community, to get them together at the end of the season. The tournament also gives the younger guys a chance who didn’t play much through the season to get game-time.”
Denston said the club was ready to participate in the Adams Cup next season, and described Klipfontein Unted’s success in their first season (runners-up) in the competition as “phenomenal”. “We certainly can use their success as reference point.”
Man of the match in the final went to Adrian Cockera, and the best backline player award went to Sean Arends.
Kowie United said the club was thankful to Sports and All, Buco Main Str, Build-It, Pam Golding, Kekkel en Kraai and Quick Cash for their sponsorship.
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This article was first published in Talk of the Town, November 20, 2025. The newspaper serving the communities of Ndlambe and the Sunshine Coast, with a weekly wrap of Makhanda news, is available at stores from early on Thursdays
