Villagers Win "Highway Derby"

Land Rover Durban-Hillcrest Villagers Rugby Club, 1st & 2nd XV's have now ascended to the top of 2017 KZNRU First Division and First Division Reserve with another two vital wins "under their belt"

Villagers were away to Westville Old Boys RC at the Jimmy Bellows Sports Grounds in Westville, on Saturday afternoon. It was a wet and cold afternoon in which both sides suffered numerous handling errors, as a result of the wet ball.

Villagers 2nd XV ground out to a tough and hard fought 5-3 scoreline, to eventually clinch the decisive win that sees them now in top spot, in the First Division Reserve League. Handling errors were aplenty, and numerous penalties awarded against the visiting side, put them under emense pressure to defend. Coach Jarred Chiochetti was pleased with the win, and his sides' huge courage on defence. Men of the Match went to Mark Hodgekiss (Forwards) & Ruan Taljaard (Backs)

The Villagers 1st XV got off to a "shakey" start, with WOB drawing "first blood" with a well worked try. In so saying, this was the first try of the Season that Villagers had, had scored against them. The Visitors were very slow to settle down, but towards the end of the first half, their well rehearsed combos started to come alive. Despite suffering an unwelcome injury to long serving Villagers playmaker Tommy Bezuidenhout, the second half demonstrated the Big Match Temperament of this hugely disciplined side.

WOB stood their ground ferociously, but Villagers were, after 80 minutes, in most respects, the ultimate winners on the day, with a well deserved 35-12 victory.

Head Coach Mike de Kock and His Assistant Coach Taffy Gutu, were elated with their win, and to date, unbeaten record.

At the post match address, Westville Old Boys Head Coach Lawrence Payne, was highly complementary of the Villagers Wins, and wished the Club well in its remaining fixtures for the season.

1stXV Men of the Match, Stefan vd Westhuizen (Forwards) & Andre Fourie (Backs).

On Friday night @ their home grounds, Turaco Energy -HVRC 3rd XV suffered a narrow 19-0 loss to Harlequins 3rd XV.

Despite the loss, legendary "Club Stalwart" & Skipper, Pete Dennison, felt that his side was not outclassed, but rather outplayed on the night, and we're looking forward to their return games, that lay ahead.

On Friday 19th May, Villagers 2nd & 1st XV are at home to Queensbourgh Rugby Club, with the games kicking off at 19h00 @ the Durban Shongweni Club.

Villagers 3rd XV is away against Ogwini Bafana from Lamontville, to be played at the SJ Smith Hostle Stadium in Mobeni