WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 1st - SEE PHOTOS HERE
Playing day two of the World Vintage Rugby Carnival and for once the weather powers of Cape Town failed us with morning rain that softened the fields and created that vital rugby element ...mud. Didn’t slow down the teams who again impressed with rugby skills from the very good - False Bay v Digger Old Boys-two good old South African teams who turned on some great rugby with a high skill level and some great running that was greatly enjoyed by a large crowd of Wynberg High School pupils on their lunch break.
Once again Bundaberg Rumrunners introduced just a touch of subtle farce to the days proceedings with their partners in rugby crime this time being the Old Orcas from Argentina who joined in the fun.
Canterbury Ba Bas/Ohaupo enjoyed the company of opponents, Archiballs/Texas XXXs from the USA while the very colourfully outfitted Durbanville-Belville entertained Middelburg Ougatte-two skilled South African teams. With teams like these at Over 35 how come the Springboks are struggling so much?
Helvetes of Switzerland in their attractive jerseys were worthy opponents for Battleship Old Boys from USA and it was great to see old friends UFAR (France) combining with their mates from Australia, Adelaide Old Blacks-a friendship between teams that goes back many years.
All teams have entered into the spirit of the Carnival and have donated Carnival jerseys for an auction over the week of the Carnival with the proceeds going to the well-respected charity, Bobs for Good Foundation whose vision is to put shoes on the feet of the 7 million children in South Africa that do not have them.
. . .and as the sun which is now shining starts to set on the Bill Bowden Bar and the Castle Lager Beer Tents, we look forward to the Day Three play when we are guaranteed fine weather (or so they say).
MONDAY AUGUST 30th -
SEE MICHELLE WIESE'S PHOTOS HERE
A great day at Wynberg Boys High School saw the 1st round of games played on the magnificent fields of this outstanding college. Wonderful grounds, excellent facilities and a full bar.... school has changed since the halcyon days of current Vintage Rugby players....a full bar on school premises was not something that common to most schools.
A fine day, superb playing surfaces and rugby of all standards and hilarity-strong uncompromising “veterans” rugby from some of the slightly younger Vintage teams through to fun, friendship and frolicking from some of the older less competitive teams. The 1st game on Field No 1 between Durbanville-Belville Rugby Club And Diggers Old Boys was a beaut with high levels of skills, pace and fitness.
In total contrast on Field No 3 at 2.30pm the brilliant Bundaberg Rum Ruckers enjoyed real Vintage fun with their opponents Canterbury Ba Bas/Ohaupo. A traditional Australia v New Zealand match exhibited all that is good with Vintage Rugby. The Bundaberg Rumruckers kicked off and the Canterbury-Ohaupo team were surprised that when they fielded the ball and prepared to return it up field found their opposition had retired to the sideline for a quick shot of sponsors products, Bundaberg Rum. Faced with an empty field the Canterbury-Ohaupo appeared confused as to what tactics or moves they should use so decided to join the opposition for a quick drink on the sideline. Upon resumption of the game a maul developed from which all 15 members of the Bundaberg team collapsed to the ground with suspected hamstring injuries. With 15 players lying on various parts of the ground the referee had no option but to call the medics on to the ground who prescribed a shot of Bundaberg Rum for all injured players plus their opposition. When the game finally got into motion the teams were very evenly matched and scored what appeared to be alternate tries-one of which was scored by a Bundaberg player who is confined to a wheelchair-a great game and huge fun for players and spectators alike.
CLICK HERE to see photos taken by the official Carnival Photographer Michelle Weise
Great games and high enjoyment was spread over 5 fields and 3 starting time slots. Teams liked Bustard Eagles (Australia), Cracked Conchs (Bahamas), Les Archiballs (USA), UFAR (France) and Burleigh Bodgies (Australia) Harrow Barbarians (England) were among those who turned on excellent examples of Vintage Rugby at its best. Teams like False Bay Old Crocks, Jackass XV, Rustenberg Fat Goose Old Boys and Villager Old Crocks all showed why South African rugby has always been strong.
Roll on Wednesday and another great day of Vintage Rugby in delightful Cape Town-the city that to Vintage Rugby people at least can do no wrong.
SUNDAY AUGUST 29th - SEE THE PHOTOS HERE
Day one at the 4th World Vintage Rugby Carnival, Cape Town Sunday
29th August and what a day-cloudless sky and over 20 degrees....if this
is winter in Cape Town we like it!
Thirty eight teams marched through the spectacular V and A Waterfront
during the late afternoon much to the enjoyment and amusement of locals
and tourists alike who marvelled at the uniforms and antics of the
teams.
A great party at Paulaner Brauhaus on the waterfront followed as old
mates renewed acquaintances and many new and potentially long lasting
friendships were formed. The parade was led by the entertaining and
energetic Cape Minstrels and the party featured a great covers band who
seemed to have a real preference for 60's - you might even call it
VINTAGE - music.
Colourful uniforms, great dancing, passable singing, plenty of food and
refreshments-the Carnival has started and tomorrow the games begin at
Wynberg High School-Cape Town is looking really good.