THE Ferns took a double beating over the weekend, when Tiny Bubbles and Bolt Master beat Purple and Black Ferns in the women’s and men’s cup finals in the McCarthy Toyota Empangeni Rugby Football Club touch rugby tournament played at Mick Kelly Park on Saturday.
(There was another ‘fern’ defeat at the weekend, of course, when the All Blacks ‘silver ferns’ suffered a historic defeat against the Irish).
Black Ferns, who entered the competition as defending men’s champions, made light work of Vikings in their semi-final, beating them 4-2.
Top-of-the-log Bolt Master also advanced to the finals by beating Criplets 6-1.
The final was a cracker, with Bolt Master taking an early 2-1 lead going into the half-time break, thanks to tries from Tyler van Staden and Dirkie de Waal. Blyde Bodman scored the first try of the final for the Ferns early in the first half.
In the second half Wade Edge scored for Bolt Master and Bodman replied for Black Ferns.
But as the clock ran down, Ferns failed to equalise and take it into extra time and Bolt Master were crowned 2016 champions.
‘I am so proud of my team and what they achieved. They are a talented bunch of guys that produced top touch rugby this season,’ said Bolt Master captain Michael Neysschens.
Women’s section
Defending champions Tiny Bubbles’ road to the women’s final was tough as they had to negotiate a few potholes.
The team, captained by Nita van Rooyen, came back from 1-2 down at half-time in the semi-final before winning 5-2 against Mean Machines.
Newcomers and log leaders Purple Ferns demolished Angels 5-0 to book their spot in the final.
The finals lived up to all expectations, with both sides constantly asking questions on attack.
Leading up to the finals, Purple Ferns had popped the Bubbles twice (once in a friendly and once in a league game) and therefore headed into the finals as favourites.
But experience from the seven-time champions came through, proving the old adage that nothing beats experience.
Jade Boyder scored early in the first half to hand her side a 1-0 lead, which proved enough in the end to hand Bubbles their eighth title.
‘I would like to thank McCarthy Toyota for their ongoing support of this tournament and hopefully they will continue to do so for many years to come. Thanks to Select Sports for their generous donations every year,’ said tournament organiser Dagwood van Vuuren.
Results
Men’s semi-final 1 – Black Ferns beat Vikings 4-2.
Men’s semi-final 2 – Bolt Master beat Criplets 6-1.
Women’s semi-final 1 – Tiny Bubbles beat Mean Machines 5-2.
Women’s semi-final 2 – Purple Ferns beat Angels 5-0.
Men’s Bowl final – Select Sports beat DC 3-1.
Women’s Bowl final – Select Sports beat Ejimini 3-2 in extra time.
3rd/4th play-off men – Vikings beat Criplets 2-1.
7th/8th play-off men – Marvel beat Andy’s Auto Electrical 4-3.
Men’s Plate final – Phumula Lodge beat Beerginners 4-1.
Women’s plate final – Mean Machines beat Angels 5-0.
Men’s Cup final – Bolt Master beat Black Ferns 3-2.
Women’s Cup final – Tiny Bubbles beat Purple Ferns 1-0.
Wooden spoon men – EHS Junior beat SME Freeballerz 3-2 in extra time.
Wooden spoon women – Misfits beat Tigers 3-0.
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