Bitou Games huge success on and off field

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SPORT NEWS - The Bitou Municipal Games have been called a resounding success after an impressive display of spirit and talent on and off the town's fields, courts and boxing rings.

The Bitou Municipal Games - which consisted of tournaments in a variety of disciplines in Plettenberg Bay - were launched by the Bitou council to promote participation in sport in its various communities.

It took place between 1 and 18 June and included rugby, soccer, netball, boxing, cricket and pool.

PHOTO GALLERY: Talent on and off town's fields

It culminated in a hotly contested final weekend with spectacular cricket matches on the Kranshoek cricket field.

The top cricket teams in Plettenberg Bay played limited-over games to determine the winner of the inaugural Bitou Games Cricket Tournament.

The final game saw the Dolphins clinching victory over Pioneers by six wickets in a thrilling contest.

"All the teams showed great sportsmanship and athleticism," said Bitou municipal spokesperson Andile Namntu. "The organisers of the Bitou Games deserve great plaudits for a well-organised festival of sports."

Following the cricket showing there was great excitement during the semi-finals and finals of the soccer games.

The four teams that played in the semi-finals were all outstanding and it took some exceptional performances from Oriented Birds and the youthful Ajax side. Oriented Birds however won the battle in the hard-fought final game and became the inaugural winners of the Bitou Games Football Tournament.

The netball tournament was also due to come to an end over the weekend, but the finals had to be postponed due to rain. The finalists are Kranshoek Dolphins and Crags Golden Stars.

Bitou Mayor Dave Swart and Speaker Claude Terblanche get into the spirit of the Bitou Municipal Games with some boxing gloves.

The rugby tournament was played at Bitou Rugby Club and yielded the following results: Kranshoek beat New Horizons 38-0; Western Tigers won against Plett United 36-12; Bitou B edged out Sibanye Kings 13-0 while the Jaguars won against Bitou A 40-14.

"All the games were played in good spirit with all players showing good sportsmanship. The mayor was very thrilled with the overall impressive display by all involved," said Namntu.

(3RD PIC) Oriented Birds FC during the Bitou Municipal Games. Photo: Supplied