Motoring
Overkruin se Ratels gee woema aan skool se halfeeu-fees met Noordvaal titel
Hoërskool Overkruin’s first rugby team, known as the Ovie Ratels, faced doubts from their opponents and likely even their supporters after not reaching the Stadsbeker final this year. However, the Ratels live up to their name, as a Ratel is a tough animal that never gives up. They fight until the bitter end.
Despite a challenging start to their season, the Ovie Ratels did well enough to qualify for the playoffs in the larger Northvaal league (Division 2). This is where they showed their resilience and refused to back down…
In their first playoff match, Overkruin defeated Hoërskool Oosterlig (Boksburg) with a score of 29-13.
Next, they faced the Bloubul Stadsbeker champions in their league, Midstream College. Midstream College had previously beaten Overkruin 33-27 in a tough encounter during the Stadsbeker league phase. However, in the Northvaal quarter-finals, Overkruin turned the tables and emerged victorious with a score of 42-37.
In the thrilling Northvaal semi-final, the Ovier Ratels edged out the formidable team from Hoërskool Ermelo with a close score of 30-29.
Then came the final showdown last weekend, with the Ratels traveling to Rustenburg to face Bergsig Akademie, who were finalists last year as well.
Once again, it was a hard-fought and intense match – the kind of game where the toughness of a Ratel is needed to hold on until the final whistle.
Bergsig started strongly and led for most of the game, but the Ovie Ratels refused to take a step back against their more fancied opponents. At halftime, the score favored the home team at 10-6.
Early in the second half, Bergsig launched a massive attack and with fifteen minutes remaining, they were leading 27-11.
Two quick tries by Waylon Oncke (right wing) and Victory Akinwunmi (number eight) for the Ovie Ratels set up an exciting finish.
A penalty goal by flyhalf Marius Rademeyer put Overkruin in the lead at 28-27 just four minutes before the final whistle. Then came those last tense minutes where the Ratel mentality had to kick in to hold on.
When the referee blew the final whistle, the Ovie Ratels were crowned the new Northvaal Division 2 champions, and the celebrations could truly begin.
This achievement holds significant meaning for the school, especially as it was accomplished in the year they celebrate their 50th anniversary.
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