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3 Weeks of Skill, Spirit, and Sportsmanship
The DF Malan Tag Rugby Tournament, hosted on 8, 15, and 22 November 2024, has been an incredible journey filled with thrilling matches, standout performances, and unforgettable moments. Over the three action-packed weeks, teams battled it out for glory, culminating in a nail-biting finale.
Registration for the tournament was facilitated through the school via an online link shared across social media platforms and class WhatsApp groups. A majority of the school’s rugby players, both boys and girls, eagerly signed up to participate. To ensure fairness and inclusivity, all players were randomly divided into teams representing a mix of age groups, positions, and genders. The teams were: Chargers (White), Eagles (Yellow), Sharks (Blue), Vipers (Green), and Wolves (Red).
Here’s a look back at the highlights from all three weeks.
Week 1: A Strong Start
The tournament kicked off with a fantastic turnout of over 70+ players who registered. The first matches didn't disapoint as teams set the tone for the competition as each match showcased impressive teamwork and skill, with the Wolves and Sharks standing out as early frontrunners on the log.
Week 2: Mid-Tournament Drama
The second week brought even more intensity. The Vipers began their climb up the rankings, while the Wolves strengthened their lead at the top. Despite their best efforts, the Chargers and Eagles couldn’t crack the top three, leaving everything to play for in the final week’s fixtures.
Week 2 also saw the launch of a special new tradition: Player of the Match Bucket Hats, proudly sponsored by Switch Energy Drink. After every game, team captains had the honour of awarding this unique prize to the standout player. These bucket hats quickly became a cherished symbol of hard work, skill, and team spirit, adding an extra spark to the tournament.
Week 3: A Thrilling Conclusion
The final week’s matches were packed with drama and excitement. The Vipers defeated the Sharks in the semi-finals to book their spot in the final. Meanwhile, the Wolves, who had automatically qualified as log leaders, put up a fierce fight in the final but were narrowly beaten by the Vipers by just three points.
Final Log Before Playoffs
Wolves – Topped the log and secured direct entry to the final.
Vipers – Climbed from third to second with a late surge.
Sharks – Dropped to third after Week 3.
Chargers – Fought hard but couldn’t climb higher.
Eagles – Gave a strong effort throughout the tournament.
Welcome, Sparrows!
We were delighted to host the Sparrows, an invitational team from Parow High School’s development programme. Their friendly matches against the 4th and 5th ranked teams added an extra layer of excitement and showcased the potential of future rugby stars. It was a pleasure having them as part of the tournament.
Congratulations to the Champions
A massive congratulations to the Vipers, who staged an incredible comeback to claim the title with dominant performances in both the semi-final and final. A special shoutout also goes to the Wolves, the runners-up, who topped the log and gave a valiant effort in the final, only narrowly missing out on the win.
Thank You for an Amazing Tournament
This year’s DF Malan Tag Rugby Tournament was an unforgettable experience, made possible by the players, coaches, supporters, and special guests like the Sparrows. We’re incredibly proud of the sportsmanship and passion displayed throughout the competition.
Stay tuned for more rugby action and updates as we continue to grow the love for tag rugby in our community!
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