FIRST TEAM RUGBY

 This year our First XV comprised of a group of strong, enthusiastic young men, who carried Victoria Park’s name high throughout the season by showing commitment and pride in their school and in the way they played the game.

 These young men had an early start to their season with pre-season training in preparation to their Stellenbosch tour to participate in the annual Vodacom Sports Festival. The tour started on a high with VP arising victorious after their first clash of the season against Redam House, boasting a score of 67-0. The boys outclassed them in every aspect of the game and must be commended on their manners throughout the tour.

 The pre-season training paid further dividends in recording four consecutive wins against Port Alfred, PJ Olivier, Cillie and Westering. The game against Port Alfred got off to a slow start, however VP prevailed and won 29-10. Luyanda Nzo contributed tremendously to the win by scoring a hatric of tries.

 The clash against PJ Olivier, the First XV continued to show tremendous skill and ability in penetrating PJ Olivier’s defensive lines throughout the game. VP dominated the game and arose victorious, 52-10. Dini Noyo and Samkhelo Hlabeni were the stars of the day. VP recorded a fantastic win over Cillie, beating them in a close encounter, the final score being 20-15.

 The highlight of the season was beating Westering 32-19. Head coach Mr van der Merwe, was quoted as saying that the best tries of the season were scored in this game. Dini Noyo scored two individual tries from his own half, showing great pace and determination.

 The team had some close losses as a result of bad decision making on the field and injuries to valuable players. Those who stepped up to the plate showed courage and perseverance.

 VP played a very attractive brand of rugby throughout the season, running the ball from all parts of the field. The season boasted some lovely interactive play between the backs and forwards, resulting in showmanship tries.

 A great part of the successes of the first team can be attributed to their loyal supporters, who supported the team no matter what.

 VP is sad to say good bye to eight of their first team players and wish them well in their future endeavours. The remaining seven together with new players who will be joining the squad from other teams will do their best to continue this year’s first XV’s hard work.

 The first team squad for the season was:

 Lunga Beja – Strong prop who likes to carry the ball.

 Bantu Ludwaba – Most improved player, a real bulldozer!

 Lubabalo Noyeka – The old man in the team, a lot of ball sense.

 Nathan Emmerick – Quiet but a real team man.

 Taylor Black – Showed a lot of guts, a good line-out jumper.

Ludumo Ndongeni – Merciless and hard as a stone, never gives up.  

Kwanele Voyi – Outstanding ball fetcher and defender.

 Lunga Thompson – Good link between forwards and backs.

 Samkhelo Hlabeni (v/c) – Very talented player, one of the best scrumhalves in the 

                                           Eastern Cape.

Dini Noyo (c) – Most valuable player, scored some spectacular tries.

Luyanda Nzo – Fast, one of the few wings who can beat his opponent on the outside.

 Martin Weatherall-Thomas – Excellent defender, hard as nails.

 Nathi Ndaza – Excellent prospect for the future.

Luzukho Sam – Small but an elusive runner.

Lonwabo Moss – A talented fullback with a devastating side-step. Poetry in motion! 

Other players who have also represented the first team this season: 

Marjan Bjelic   

Brandon Payton

Siyabonga Mente

Ross Hopgood

Zihle Nthuli

Remo de Marco  

Mr. R vd Merwe (coach)