London, GB | Formerly of New York, Buenos Aires, Fife, and the Western Cape. | Saoránach d’Éirinn.

Victory on the Fields of Coetzenburg

In anticipation of the annual commemoration of my birth, the University of Stellenbosch Rugby Football Club yesterday sailed to yet another victory in the FNB-sponsored Varsity Cup. Of course, a Maties victory is not exactly news — Stellenbosch is accustomed to victory, especially on the home turf at Coetzenburg (seen above). Indeed, Stellenbosch have won every Varsity Cup since the competition’s incarnation, which seems much less impressive when one points out this is only the third year of its existence. Nonetheless, to defeat the traditional rivals of the University of Cape Town — Maties and Ikeys are like Hatfields & McCoys — particularly warms the cockles of the heart. 17-14, not a bad score — the Ikey Tigers put in a good effort, but I am told UCT hasn’t beaten Stellenbosch in rugby for nearly 20 years. Impressive, considering that — despite being Ikeys — UCT manages to put up a good quad and make it to the final.

An enthusiastic home crowd gathered at Danie Craven Stadium.

But there were rumours of Ikey incursions into the sacred realm!

Like the Vikings of old, the Ikeys doubtless hoped to raid die Eikestad and return to Cape Town laden with the plunder and wenches of Matieland.

François Pienaar even showed up! Even though he went to Rand Afrikaans, I’m sure in his heart he was rooting for Maties.

I have to admit that Pokkel the Squirrel, the Stellenbosch mascot, gives me the creepers. If ever I saw a squirrel with eyes like that, you can bet that I’d be on the phone to the CGHSPCA baie, baie vinnig.

Ikeys scored early on, but the Stellenbosse boys were ahead 12-6 at halftime. Maties quickly ratched it up to 17 in the second half, with the Capetonians putting in a last-minute effort bringing the final score to 17-14.

Maties is oorwin!

Photos © University of Stellenbosch
Published at 2:10 pm on Tuesday 30 March 2010. Categories: Errant Thoughts South Africa Stellenbosch Tags: , , .
Comments

Happy birthday Andrew. It is interesting that Stellenbosch has similar colours to that of University College, Durham.

— Liam O'Hara 31 Mar 2010 6:44 am

Ja, gelukkige verjaarsdag!

— Terry 4 Apr 2010 4:50 pm
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