Bethal SAPS and Liquor Outlet Owners took crime to task by establishing a Liquor Forum
Today, Bethal SAPS Station Commander with Designated Liquor Official and the Vispol commander in partnership with liquor outlet owners established Liqour forum with the aim of curbing crime within their businesses and ensuring compliance with the liquor Act regulations.
After the meeting with the Mpumalanga Economic Regulator, the owners of all the liquor outlets decided to form a forum which will strengthen the relationship with the police.
On the Picture(Back row from left to right): Mr Siyabonga Shoba, Mr Paul Da Silva, Mrs Lucia MacFarlane, Mr Ernest Ngwenya, Mr Bernd Moh, Mr Mario Henrique De Gouveiea and Mr Joseph Dhladhla. Front row(From left to right) Captain Mandla Maseko, Lieutenant Colonel Josias Keith Africa and Sergeant Absalom Mndebele
During the establishment of the forum, the following owners were elected to Bethal Liquor Forum Committee: Mr Ernest Ngwenya as Chairperson, Mrs Lucia MacFarlane as Deputy Chairperson and Mr Bernd Moh as Secretary, while Mr Paul Da Silva, Mr Siyabonga Shoba, Mr Joseph Dhladhla and Mr Mario Henrique De Gouveiea were elected as additional members.
The station commander Lt Colonel Josias Keith Africa thanked the liquor outlets owners for their positive participation and dedication towards working together with the police to curb crime within their businesses and Bethal in general. He further encouraged them to report any form of crime or suspected criminal activities in and outside their businesses to the police.
Police are urging anyone with information on any crime to call the Crime Stop number on 0860010111 or send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous.
CATS DON’T ADD, THEY MULTIPLY AND THAT IS WHY TNR PROGRAMS FOR FERAL CATS ARE SO IMPORTANT.
Did you know that a cat can fall pregnant at the young age of around 4 months and her 4-6 offspring will repeat this cycle? You can do the math! In 7 years, one pair of unfixed cats and their offspring can produce more than 300 000 kittens! Males can smell the females in heat from miles away. This is also why your unfixed male will walk around.
For most people, a cat is a cat and it is either your cat or someone else’s cat, but feral cats are a special kind! Feral cats may also be referred to as street cats or gutter cats, so first let’s look at the difference between a domestic cat and a feral cat.
DOMESTIC CATS
has an owner but may be lost or abandoned;
are often tame and vocal around people;
will try to make a home near humans in garages, porches, or backyards;
are reliant on humans for food;
may look dishevelled since they are not yet able to cope with life on the streets;
can be seen at all hours of the day.
FERAL CATS
are born in the wild & are independent beauties;
are primarily wild-raised or adapted to feral life;
are quiet and will not approach humans;
often live in groups called colonies, and take refuge wherever they can find food;
will wait for humans to leave before eating food that is left out;
will be more active at night;
are scared of human interaction;
will not survive in a caged environment for long;
they have to fight for survival every day.
Image by Boksburg SPCA
INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT FERAL CATCOLONIES
They live in colonies of which the size & temperament may vary, forming around food sources.
A matriarchal rule holds for cats which means a female is in charge.
They are territorial and seldom just let in a newcomer, so you can’t dump a cat with other cats in a colony as they will have to fight for survival.
Feral cats live in colonies of between 2 – 40 cats.
A school for example can have 4 separate colonies on its premises and malls easily around 8 different colonies.
Feral colonies usually start with irresponsible owners who didn’t spay or neuter their cats and allowed them to roam freely.
Because they multiply so fast, it is important to TNR them as soon as possible. It is no easy task, but we can’t just leave it and you can help!
WHAT DOES TNR MEAN?
Trap-Neuter-Release (TNR) is a humane and effective approach to feral cat overpopulation. Grounded in science, it provides many benefits for the cats as well as the community. It is exactly what it sounds like: Cats are humanely trapped and taken to a veterinarian to be spayed/neutered and vaccinated. After recovery, the cats are returned to their home – their colony – outdoors. Kittens and cats who are friendly and socialized with people may be adopted into homes.
Other methods like catch-and-kill, relocation and sanctuaries do not work. It usually creates what we refer to as the “vacuum effect”. The Vacuum Effect is a natural & scientifically-documented phenomenon that refers to, whenever cats are removed, new cats move in, or the surviving cats left behind, breed to capacity.
WHY TRAP-NEUTER-RELEASE?
Stabilizes feral cat colonies.
Ends reproduction, no new kittens.
No vacuum effect.
Relieves cats of the constant stresses of mating/pregnancy.
Sick cats can be treated & they are vaccinated against Rabies.
Cats become better neighbours because they become quieter.
Creates opportunities for outreach, education & cooperation.
Other methods just don’t work.
TIPPED EARS – BADGE OF HONOR!
During the spay/neuter process the ear is tipped humanely, so we can recognize the cats. A tipped ear is a worldwide accepted way to signify that a cat has been spayed/neutered and is cared for.
Imgae shared by The Paw Company
Feral Watch & TNR is a registered non-profit company (NPC 2020/065177/08) with PBO number 930070126. The organization was founded in 2018 after being a branch of Feral Care Friends since 2016. They run operations mainly in and around the Highveld Ridge area which has a large population of feral cats that reside in this area. Their main focus is to establish cared for, controlled & healthy feral cat colonies. They are a pro-life & pro-sterilization organization. This means that they do not euthanize healthy animals. Contact them via their website, Facebook or on 082 781 9435 about any feral cat concerns or to make a difference!
IMPORTANT
Never just remove kittens unless they are injured or in imminent danger, contact Feral Watch & TNR first to advise you. Sometimes the mother is moving the kittens and that is why they appear abandoned.
As temperatures are still low or even in stormy weather please remember that feral cats (or domestic cats) may find shelter for themselves or their kittens in and under your car. This is a reminder to tap on your hoods & wheels and blow your horns to let them get out. You can tap and stand back for a while, but still check as well! This happens often and just a while back another cat died of engine burns. Please take that extra minute before starting your car and save a life. Also, remember that feral cats are not used to cars, so don’t expect them to just move out of the way when you drive.
If you work at the mines, at any other business or school or even in your street where there are feral cats, please advocate for these cats so that they are not removed and killed! If you are feeding a colony, you need to have a plan to TNR them. If you tame them, you need to take responsibility for them.
Also read about what kinds of foods can your dog eat.
All animals deserve compassion including the street cats who were failed by humans! Support TNR programs by responsible and compassionate organizations, spay & neuter your cats and keep them safe in your yard.
Drug dealer sentenced in plea deal while the case against accomplices postponed
MPUMALANGA – The Hawks Provincial Head, Major General Zodwa Mokoena welcome the sentence of one of the drug dealer syndicates. She hailed the investigation team for commendable efforts and further applauded the collaboration with our counterparts in ensuring that criminals are brought to book and then remain in custody.
The acclamation followed the arrest of a criminal group during the ‘Dream on’ project at Bethal in Mpumalanga between June 2021 and July 2022 respectively. They appeared before the Bethal Regional Court on Tuesday, 2 August 2022 for dealing in drugs.
Chibuzo Chicozie ‘Don’ Ogbunuku (36) entered a plea agreement with the State and was sentenced to eight years of direct imprisonment collectively for dealing in drugs, conspiracy to commit an offence, corruption, escaping from custody, illegal entry, departing or remaining in the country.
In his statement that was read in court by his lawyer, Ogbunuku admitted that he sold drugs to a police officer. He also admitted to trying to bribe a police officer by offering him R50000 to be released as well as trying to escape from custody.
The case against Okereke Valentine Okwudiri (36), Kadima Remy (30), Male Mokoko (34), Mukembani Justin Kasindo (35), Rudi Angel Kishuka (25), Bongiwe Malingela (42), David Enewere (35) and Hassanda Kaluwe (32) was postponed to 30 August 2022 for a legal representative.
Mbusho Janvier Kikaranga (35) who appeared in absentia was remanded to 15 August 2022 for bail application.
Seriti launches development programme empowering women in mining
A holistic development programme aiming at empowering woman entrepreneurs in the Emalahleni/Middelburg area was launched in May 2022 by Seriti. This programme will be run by Collective Value Creation (CVC) over the next eighteen months and emphasises Seriti’s focus on women empowerment.
Managing Director of CVC, Wybrand Ganzevoort, says the Women in Mining programme’s twenty entrepreneurs will be skilled and their companies developed to grow, increasing their competitiveness and ability to attract further business.
Wybrand Ganzevoort
The majority of the ladies on the programme are established suppliers to the Seriti Power business and they have each been running their companies for a number of years. Some of the companies have gone through difficult times during the COVID:19 pandemic and these entrepreneurs are looking for renewed success in their businesses.
Although they have previously been part of entrepreneurial development programmes focussing on women, Ganzevoort stresses that this programme “specifically looks at the needs of women entrepreneurs in a male-dominated industry as well as the women in the context of the family, spouse and community.” With most programmes of this nature, immediate attention is provided to the business support needs, however, Women in Mining specifically addresses the holistic relationship between the female entrepreneur and all the various stakeholders. The aim is also to separate realistic from unrealistic expectations and establish which expectations require restoration.
Back row left to right: Zodwa Mlangeni; Merlin Kalikhan; Pinky Mahlangu; Phuti Sibanda; Puleng Mampana Front row left to right: Shamilla Rampersad; Ayanda Ngwane; Zoe Sibawu; Khuliso Munyembane
CVC’s Project Manager on the programme, Orla Ollewagen, said that “As women have unique needs and face diverse challenges, particularly as an entrepreneur, a common thread arose from workshopping these needs prior to designing the programme. Some core shared concerns include feelings of loneliness as a female leader; the daily struggle of juggling numerous roles and not being taken seriously as a woman in business. I have a passion for women’s development and am excited to see these ladies develop individually and collectively as they support one another to grow their own businesses as well as those of others.”
Speaking on the experience CVC brings to the programme, Ganzevoort mentions that they have recently run an executive women’s development programme through Collective Value Creation Botswana. It was during this time that the needs of business women owners and executives were emphasised.
From left to right: Pinky Sithole; Lifa Mafu; Prima Mtsweni; Minah Zulu; Linah Bakrak; Lebo Hlahla; Olivia Knoesen;
Bridget Seroka; Gladys Maseko; Tebogo Rametse; Eva Masemola
How will the programme be executed? Ganzevoort explains that the programme focuses firstly on developing the business owner, after which their business is supported through development workshops, backed up by one-on-one mentoring.
Each of the business owners will have access to specialists acting as mentors in various areas such as sales, marketing, finance and personal development. These specialists will also be consulting the participants in order to improve their business activities. Ninety percent of these mentors and business specialists on the programme are also female.
Minah Zulu, a participant in the Women in Mining programme, said that she is looking forward to personal growth and becoming more assertive and confident as a businesswoman. She is grateful to Seriti “for such a program that recognises that women in mining have a tremendous contribution to make to the business, by offering their support to unleash our hidden potential.”
Seriti’s Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) programmes, aim to develop local SMMEs to create a pipeline of supply chain-ready businesses who can secure procurement opportunities both inside and outside Seriti and develop existing local suppliers and SMMEs to enable them to realise the scale and drive supplier diversity in our Supply chain.
KNP PAYS TRIBUTE TO THE RANGER CORPS FOR THEIR COMMITMENT
Kruger National Park (KNP) Management and staff members held a ceremonial event to pay homage to the Ranger Corps, on Friday, 29 July 2022; as part of the International World Ranger Day celebrations.
World Ranger Day is celebrated worldwide each year on 31 July to commemorate Rangers killed or injured in the line of duty and to celebrate the work Rangers do to protect the planet’s natural treasures and cultural heritage. It is a day to pause and reflect on the courage and sacrifice that Rangers make. On this day we honour fallen Rangers and stand with the people bravely protecting wildlife on the frontline of conservation worldwide.
Rangers salute to the commanders i.e. KNP Managing Executive – Gareth Coleman and KNP Head Ranger – Catherine Dreyer
The highlight of the ceremony was a tribute to the late Field Ranger and dog handler, Shando Mathebula, who died in the line of duty at Shangoni Ranger Section on 4 May 2022. He was remembered as a young man who was dedicated to his profession and who served with discipline and distinction.
“The work of a Ranger is diverse and complex; and our responsibility as Management is to continue to encourage them as they lead the way for all of us in conserving our country’s protected and conserved areas, cultural sites and biodiversity. Without them, we would see more biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. Many Rangers also protect the resources of people whose lives and cultures are inseparable from nature; said the KNP Head Ranger, Catherine Dreyer.
Regional Rangers, Don English and Steven Whitfield perform the wreath laying ceremony. The SANDF, SAPS and SANParks Honorary Rangers also paid homage to the KNP Rangers and Rangers throughout the world.The SANDF, SAPS and SANParks Honorary Rangers also paid homage to the KNP Rangers and Rangers throughout the world.The SANDF, SAPS and SANParks Honorary Rangers also paid homage to the KNP Rangers and Rangers throughout the world.The Head Ranger, Catherine Dreyer unveiled and read the plaque of the late Field Ranger and Dog Handler, Shando Mathebula who was based at Shangoni Section, at the Ranger Memorial. With her is Shando Mathebula’s family, the Managing Executive – Gareth Coleman, Regional Ranger – Tinyiko Golele and Section Ranger – Ndwakhulu Mutobvu.Managing Executive, Gareth Coleman thanked the Rangers; urging them to always remember and maintain four values as they go about performing their duties – the calling, the caring, the commitment and the comradeshipRegional Ranger, Tinyiko Golele spoke on behalf of the Rangers, reminding them of their Ranger dutiesSection Ranger, Rangani Tsanwani read the Rangers’ Pledge – to always honour and protect the ecosystem
Activities included a Rangers’ drill, a guard of honour, a wreath-laying ceremony, the unveiling of Shando Mathebula’s plaque and a keynote address by the KNP Managing Executive, Gareth Coleman.
Gereth Coleman
“Rangers deserve not only our admiration and acknowledgement but our undivided support as they continue to protect our natural heritage assets. We also take this opportunity to express our gratitude to all the spouses and families of all our Rangers for the sacrifice they all make on daily basis with the knowledge that their partner’s lives might be lost due to the threats that come with the responsibility of dealing with wildlife crime; concluded Dreyer.
The following article first appeared in https://news.abplive.com/ to read the original article click HERE
World Ranger Day 2022: History And Significance — Know About Protectors Of Natural Diversity, Landscapes
World Ranger Day 2022: A ranger is a person, who is tasked with maintaining and guarding parks and other naturally protected places.
World Ranger Day 2022: 31st of July is observed as World Ranger Day. The International Ranger Federation established this annual holiday to honour park the contribution of Park Rangers to the preservation of nature and to remember the rangers who lost their lives or suffered injuries while performing their duties.
Who Are The Rangers:
A ranger is a person, who is tasked with maintaining and guarding parks and other naturally protected places.
Rangers typically collaborate with staff personnel and other volunteers to maintain footpaths, bridges, stiles, and gates. They spend most of their time outside and serve as the national park authority’s eyes and ears. They serve as a point of contact for locals and tourists as well as the national park authorities.
In addition to helping the public with questions about the park, they are responsible for keeping an eye out for any possible issues. However, because they are working with live animals, this may be extremely dangerous.
According to statistics, park rangers are in greater danger than ever. Park ranger assaults are at an all-time high. In actuality, border patrol personnel and FBI agents are less likely to be attacked than park rangers!
History Of World Ranger Day:
The International Ranger Federation was founded in 1992.
The SCRA (Scottish Countryside Rangers Association), the CMA (Countryside Management Association), and the ANPR (U.S. Association of National Park Rangers), which represents rangers in Wales and England, came together and established it.
The purpose of this agreement was to increase public support for and understanding of the vital job that rangers perform all around the world to preserve our cultural and natural heritage.
The first World Ranger Day took place in 2007 representing the 15th anniversary of when the IRF was founded.
Story Of Francis Kobia — A Ranger
Francis Kobia has been actively volunteering his time and assistance to Lewa Wildlife Conservancy for the past 20 years. He has seen both the highs and lows of ranger service.
One such high was the momentous occasion of the elephant underpass’ building. The elephant underpass connecting the conservancy to Mount Kenya was constructed in 2011 by LWC and other regional partners.
Francis remembers how he and his colleagues plotted the elephants’ path through the underpass to Mount Kenya using the excrement of elephants.
He recalls Tony, the elephant who guided the other elephants through the underpass, with affection. Francis experienced a period of considerable career pride during this time.
This initiative was so effective that LWC is now recognized as a thought leader in Kenya and the rest of the region in the field of conservation.
To exchange best practices for efficient management of conservation and security on a local level, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy works closely with Kenya Wildlife Service and other sister conservancies.
Police Swift’s response led to the arrest of two suspects in connection with a business robbery.
Bethal: On Friday 29 July 2022 at about 16h45 Bethal Police arrested two suspects aged twenty-nine(29) and fifty(50) in connection with business robbery after they(suspects) robbed a store in Hendrina.
“The arrest came after the police received a tip-off about suspects moving out of a store after committing a business robbery,” said Constable Thomas Mogadime.
Lieutenant Colonel Josias Keith Africa with Sergeant Herry Mokgwadi and Constable Nkosikhona Motau
According to information at police disposal, the suspects fled the scene with a white Toyota Etios with registration number FC12GK GP driving on the R38 towards Bethal.
The police responded swiftly to the information received(Tip-off) and drove in the said direction. While following the information, they(police) noticed the said vehicle with two occupants at the intersection between R38(Bethal-Middelburg) and R35(Bethal-Hendrina).
The police then made a U-turn to follow the vehicle. They cornered the suspects with assistance from ACSU Security, HABPS Security and members of Bethal Community Policing Forum(CPF) in the vehicle to conduct a search.
Upon searching the vehicle, they(suspects) were found in possession of ninety-six(96) cellphones, an unlicenced firearm with a faded serial number and eleven(11) live ammunition.
The suspects were then arrested for Possession of suspected stolen property, illegal possession of an unlicenced firearm with eleven(11) live ammunition and were detained at Bethal SAPS.
The duo will appear at Bethal Magistrates Court on Monday 01 August 2022 facing charges of possession of suspected stolen property, illegal possession of unlicenced firearm and ammunition.
Police urge anyone with any information on Crime to call the Crime Stop number at 08600 10111. Alternatively, members of the public can send information via MYSAPSAPP. All received information will be treated as confidential and callers may opt to remain anonymous
Gebede vir die lewe… Gebed is meer as ‘n ritueel of godsdienstige gewoonte, dit help ons nie net met wat ons nodig het nie, maar is deel van die groot essensie van ons lewe… Gebed is ons lewe!
FEEDING YOUR ANIMALS THE BEST POSSIBLE DIET IS IMPORTANT FOR THEIR HEALTH.
Nutrition, for me, is a very interesting topic from my profession’s side as well as the animal welfare side and it is something many pet parents are unsure about! I am not a veterinarian or animal food specialist, so all this information comes from a trusted vet, who is also the co-author of The Forever Dog. I have tried many of these for my animals and just like humans, animals, even from the same species, certainly have food preferences. Our one dog, loves pineapple and blueberries, while the other two like bananas and strawberries.
It is important to remember that every type of food you feed your animals has the potential to do 1 of 2 things: HEAL or HARM. What are the food and treats you give them, doing to your animal’s body? Do they help reduce inflammation or cause it? Provide antioxidants or just empty calories? Provide polyphenols or just synthetic flavours and dyes?
“I only feed my dog their kibble and nothing else!” was once a proud pet owner statement, but microbiome research proves this is a big mistake. Study after study shows the more diverse your pet’s bowl is, the healthier their gut and immune system can become.
Image by Dr. Karen Becker
If you’re looking for “natural” diets for your animals, you won’t find them in the bags and cans of ultra-processed pet food. Big pet food companies often use popular buzzwords to describe their products, but it’s not reflective of what’s actually in their products.
Remember that just because a vet or a pet shop sells a certain product, it does not mean that it is ideal, healthy, or safe for your animals. Following the money can reveal a lot, so it is your responsibility to make sure the food you give is right for your animals.
By replacing poor quality, highly processed dog treats with no nutritional value with fresh foods from your fridge, you’re treating your animals with whole-food sources of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive molecules that feed health, not health problems. To make sure you’re feeding truly healthy foods, ingredient sourcing is key, which means you’ll have to do a little research about the pet food company you’re supporting.
Traits of a good diet for your animals:
Minimally processed
Low carb
Species appropriate
Fresh
You can try an eating window for your dog (8h eating time & 16h fasting)
How can the kind of BOWLS my pet eats from, be helpful?
You can also check out this link by Dr. Karen to search for particular foods that are safe for pets.
VERY IMPORTANT! – Please note that the whole food item might not be ideal for the pet or even dangerous. Removing for example the seeds or skin of the food might be necessary. If your pet has any medical conditions, it is important to discuss what they eat with your vet who knows your individual pet best because certain foods, too many carbs, too much protein, etc., may have a dangerous effect on certain health conditions.
THE NO CARB REQUIREMENT
Dogs and cats don’t have a carb requirement, so why do grain-free pet foods often contain so many carbs? The reason is it’s cheaper to produce foods with less meat protein. The issue starts with many pet food companies using excessive vegan fillers (including peas, lentils, rice, corn, potatoes, quinoa, oatmeal, tapioca, wheat, etc.) to offset the large amount of critically important (and more expensive) meat that dogs and cats require for health.
The end result of excessive plant-based fillers in pet foods can be a chronic amino acid deficiency from not enough meat-based protein in pet foods, which can lead to heart and other organ dysfunction as well as many other issues.
There are too many plant-based ingredients and not enough real meat in many pet foods on the market. Keeping carbs low in any type of pet food is important (“grain-free” or not).
HOW TO CALCULATE
CARBS
To ensure your pet is receiving an adequate amount of protein, you have to calculate the amount of unnecessary starch (carbs) in the diet. Aim to feed dry foods with less than 15-20% carbs.
Here’s how to calculate the carbs in your dry pet food – find the numbers under the Guaranteed Analysis on the side of your pet food bag, and put them into this equation:
100% – % protein – % fat – % moisture – % ash (if not listed, use 6%) = % carbs
DAILY CALORIES
Dog Daily calories = Body weight (kg) x 30 + 70
Cat Daily calories (feline) = Body Weight (kg) x 30 + 70 x 0.8
Use their ideal weight not their current weight in formulas!
WATER INTAKE
The amount of drinking water your dog needs daily depends on their size, diet, age, activity level, and weather conditions. A good general guideline is that a healthy dog should drink between 30-60ml per kg (½ – 1 ounce of water per pound) of body weight each day.
Provide fresh, good-quality drinking water for your animals. This means water that doesn’t contain fluoride, heavy metals, or other contaminants. Filtered water is ideal, not only for two-legged family members but for furry family members as well.
Changing your pet’s food too fast can cause digestive issues. Follow this general guideline over 7 days.
Image by The Paw Company
MORE ON THE SCIENCE
A recent study from Finnish veterinary scientists shows that healthy leftovers of human food offered to puppies significantly reduce allergy symptoms and skin problems later in life. This long-term, protective effect increased the more often real foods were added, so the more exposure puppies had to a variety of healthy leftovers, the more protection there was from developing skin issues down the road.
“…even if the dog eats 80% of its food as dry, adding a minimum of 20% of the food as raw significantly decreased the risk of AASS [allergic skin disease] later in life.” – Dr. Anna Hielm-Björkman
According to scientists, feeding a variety of raw or minimally processed, real food early in life may lead to microbial exposure that enhances the immune system early on, reducing allergic responses later in life. Some of the owners of the food fed in this study were fish and meats, vegetables and roots, culinary mushrooms, buttermilk, and other fermented milk products and berries.
It is important to look at the studies when someone claims Yay or Nay for a food item. For example, a study that said garlic is toxic for dogs was based on too much garlic/day for any dog. This also includes myths about other foods like avocados and nuts. Context is important!
Are you looking for more DIY fresh food ideas to inspire healthy canine snacking?! Dr. Karen coaches you through how to successfully swap unhealthy foods and treats for healthier choices. She does support more natural foods and raw diets instead of kibble. In the book, The Forever Dog, the authors list over 40 of their favourite fresh foods from the fridge to add to your dog’s bowl, backed by the most surprising new science as to why they’re so amazing at building health and longevity! They also show you how to add them and how much to offer in a way that keeps your pup’s nutrition in balance.
The health of your pet should be important to you and providing them with a healthy and species-appropriate diet is crucial. It is also your responsibility to make sure that the particular food is safe for your individual pet.
Sasol Digi Mag Rugby Club beat Baberton Rugby 16-7 at Sasol Recreation Club in Secunda.
Saturday’s rugby game between Sasol Digi Mag Rugby Club and Baberton Rugby Club will be remembered as one that could have gone either way. I will also remember the game for other reasons but will discuss that a little later in the article.
The game was finely balanced at one point with the men from Baberton threatening to break through, but the defence of Sasol played such a vital role on Saturday. In a game where the attack from the opposing sides threatens to break through at any moment, it is important not to slip on your defences.
Credit should be given to the defences of Sasol Rugby. They tackled with determination and were constantly contesting for the balls at the breakdowns. This is good news for any team but one cannot rely on defences alone. Unfortunately, Baberton managed to break through to score a try.
The forwards of the visiting team were big and imposing but Sasol did not give an inch. Initially, Baberton’s scrums were threatening to overwhelm the Sasol scrum, but the home team showed their resilience and started to dominate in the scrums. Sasol showed what a good scrum can do when they started to push back the bigger scrum from Baberton.
Scrum
The lineouts were a bit of a shambles for both teams in the beginning, but the rhythm of both teams seemed to settle in with Sasol taking the lead in the lineouts. The home team, unfortunately, lost two of their own throw-ins but managed to win more of the Baberton lineouts. Sasol also successfully disrupted several of the Baberton throw-ins.
Sasol won the Lineout
It was clear that Baberton decided to concentrate on a game where the emphasis would be on keeping the ball between the forwards. This backfired a little bit as the bigger and heavier forwards from the Lowveld struggled with the thin air and pace of the game as the game wore on.
The backlines tried to break through the defences side of their opponents but the team from Sasol really showed the visiting team what it means to defend well.
There were very few unforced handling errors on the Sasol side but one or two of those unfortunate errors could have resulted in points on the board.
It was a delight to witness the try from the Sasol Scrumhalf, in my opinion, it swung the game back into Sasol’s favour when he broke from the stereotype rugby and made a break from the maul in a fashion that reminded me of the Springbok scrumhalf, Divan Serfontein. So often do we see our teams fall into a groove with the same pattern right through the game? The try from Dalton Smit was an absolute delight.
Dalton Smit scores after breaking away
The wind played a big part in the game not really flowing for a while as a storm threatened to have the final say in the game. Fortunately, there was no storm in the end.
One area of Sasol’s game that seriously needs improvement is the kicking of penalties and conversions. For the last few games, several points that could have been secured were not because Sasol did not convert those opportunities to points.
Now would be a good time to mention the other reason for remembering this game is the negativity that the visiting team brought to the game. This was a semi-final and it seemed that several players only wanted it to turn into a punch-up.
As we, photographers, stood watching from the side it was clear that a few visitors thought that intimidation would with them the game. From blatant smacks and punches to late tackles. The two yellow cards are testimony to this fact. Everything was used to intimidate the home team. I must say that it appeared that they nearly succeeded in getting under the home team’s skin.
Serious tackling
The number of penalties conceded by Sasol in their own quarter speaks to this directly. Baberton continued to attack with their forwards and once contact was made it was back to intimidation. Credit has to go to the home team for not giving in.
I thought that the score should be different as Sasol proved to be the better team and also played better rugby in those 80 minutes. I believe that Sasol should have scored at least two more tries and Baberton maybe one more.
But as one of the rugby greats used to say. “Look at the scoreboard boys.”
Well done to both teams in reaching the semi-final. A special congratulations to the Sasol Digi Mag Rugby team for keeping it together and securing a final home game.
The Final next week is against Witrivier. The kick-off for the second team is at 14H00 and the 1st team is at 15H30.
Gebede vir die lewe… Gebed is meer as ‘n ritueel of godsdienstige gewoonte, dit help ons nie net met wat ons nodig het nie, maar is deel van die groot essensie van ons lewe… Gebed is ons lewe!
Gee deur Zapper – vind ons QR code in die diens aankondigings.
Kontak ons gerus op Kruik Gemeente se Facebook Messenger en Whatsapp lyn (072 133 6130) of besoek ons webtuiste by: https://www.kruik.co.za Geniet die diens saam ons!
Gebede Change my heart oh God (Eddie Espinosa) 1982 Vineyard Publishing
Doen slegs U wil Heer (Tradisioneel) Gebed (Koos du Plessis)
Onse Vader (Tradisioneel) Here Heilige Here (Johan Heystek) STEK Music Publishing CCLI# 573661
