SWD weather the conditions at u.16 tournament

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RUGBY NEWS - The annual Grant Khomo u.16 rugby tournament took place at Boland Agricultural School, Paarl, from 26 to 29 June. Twenty teams took part including 23 players from South Western Districts (SWD).

Day one of the competition saw SWD face the Griffons in blustery south easterly wind conditions. SWD performed well and won 36-12.

PHOTO GALLERY: Annual Grant Khomo u.16 rugby tournament

Liam Lightley (SWD u.16 lock) said, “I think we had a rocky start in the beginning. It was bad weather conditions but when halftime came our coaches gave us the needed motivation to push through and get the win.”

The following day SWD faced the highly rated Sharks team on a drenched field. Unfortunately the SWD team had to deal with injuries from day one so they did not have a full team with reserves to substitute.

However the youngsters played extremely well in the wet conditions and although they lost 19-12, they showed some good team work.

Day three was a rest day. SWD fullback, Reinhart Viljoen commented, "The vibe has been fun since we got here even with the other teams. The main thing is to have fun here so that is what we are doing here.”

On day four SWD were pitted against another highly fancied team in the Pumas. After scoring quick successive tries, the SWD - even with numerous injuries - were looking good.

However not having those substitutes would prove problematic later in the game when the Pumas scored a last minute try to win 23-19.

The young team’s coach, Adriaan Jansen, said they as a team played really good rugby. "We could not put our chances into points. But the guys showed some character under the circumstances. These boys are really a balanced group. The forwards played really well. We had good players but I think the conditions did not make it possible for our exciting backs to play their powerful brand of rugby.”

Some really good rugby was seen at this annual tournament and the SWD has a bright future with many boys playing excellent rugby and noticed by scouts. Team captain Lohan Gerber said, “We are very blessed to take part in the u.16 Grant Khomo week and I think it is a lifechanging opportunity to be here and it will unlock lots of opportunities in the future for the boys.”

SWD's u.16 tight head prop, Kai Pratt, on his way to the try line during the team's winning game against the Griffons. Kai was included in world-renowned coach Loffie Eloff's selection of a matchday 23 squad from the all the boys that represented their unions at the Grant Khomo Week.

From left are: Jay-zee Olivier (Outeniqua High School), Reinhart Viljoen (Oakdale Agricultural High School), Liam Lightley (Oakdale Agricultural High School), Lohan Gerber (Oakdale Agricultural High School), Henru Nell (Point High School) and Kai Pratt (Oakdale Agricultural High School) proudly represented their district at the annual Grant Khomo rugby tournament.

Reinhart Viljoen, SWD's fullback, with support from team mate Dieriego September, had their opposition on their toes during the team's three matches played in Paarl.