CLUB RUGBY WRAP: Play-off down to the wire as Promotion League reaches its climax

The battle for the fourth team to play in the play-off of the Promotion League of Western Province Rugby Union is wide open with three teams competing for that spot to progress to Super League C in 2023.

Hamediehs of Athlone and Van der Stel-Evergreens (VDE) of Stellenbosch have both automatically qualified after being in the two top positions on the log with Hamediehs still having a game in hand on Saturday October 1. VDE played their last match on Saturday 17 September when the beat Atlantis by 46-17 and has a bye on October 1.

Masiphumelele from Noordhoek surprised everyone by being in position three with 24 points and if they win against Atlantis with a bonus point they will have 29 points. This means they’ll remain in position three and await their opponents for the play-off on Saturday October 8 to determine the last side to be promoted to Super League C.

Bradley Muller of Belhar Rugby Club (right) slips an attempted tackle by Schalk Burger of Helderberg during Western Province Club Rugby Super League B semi-final match played at City Park on Saturday 17 September. Helderberg won 44-17 to set up a final with neighbours St Georges.PHOTO: Rashied Isaacs

The big battle will be among Blakes from Stellenbosch, Violets from Lansdowne and Sir Lowrians from Sir Lowrys Pass, who all have 19 points and only one of them will be the team to battle it out with Masiphumelele for a place.

To make matters interesting, Blakes and Sir Lowrians, meet each on October 1 in Cloetesville for their last encounter in the campaign to gain promotion.

On the same day Violets play against Lagunya at home, while Masiphumelele travels to Atlantis for their match.

Not one of the teams can expect a favour from anyone, each one will have to make sure they are victorious to make the play-off.

Team three and four on the log will play the match on a neutral ground and rugby enthusiasts can expect a battle where no quarter is given or asked. All eyes will thus be on the outcome of the matches.

Hamediehs dispatched Blakes in Athlone by 28-18 and dashed the latter’s hopes of being in a better position on the log.

Northerns from Elsies River is still looking for their first win, and came second-best against Masiphumelele in Noordhoek by 27-10.

Sir Lowrians beat Lagunya by 31-27 in Sir Lowrys Pass, while VDE beat Atlantis by 46-17.

On Saturday 24 September no matches are played and teams will only be in action on Saturday 1 October.

Tahriq Allen of False Bay Rugby Club (right) hands off Sean Swart of Maties during a Western Province Super league A semi-final match played at City Park on Saturday 17 September. The Bay won 38 – 21 to set up a final with Durbell.PHOTO: Rashied Isaacs

Results of the semi-finals at City Park:

Super League A:

False Bay 39 Maties 21

Durbell 13 Ikeys 9

Super League B:

Helderberg 35 Belhar 17

St Georges 18 Hands & Heart 13

Super League C:

Strand 27 Kylemore 22

CPUT 21 Macassar 12

Promotion League:

VDE 46 Atlantis 17

Hamediehs 28 Blakes 18

Masiphumelele 27 Northerns 10

Sir Lowrians 31 Lagunya 27

Sipho Dyonase of UCT (left) beats George Oliver of Durbell on the outside on his way to the tryline during a Western Province Club Rugby Super League A semi-final match played at City Park on Saturday 17 September. Durbell won 17-13 to set up a date in the final against False Bay Rugby Club. PHOTO: Rashied Isaacs