The Wesgrow series shifts into high gear this weekend with a mouth-watering clash between Fichardtpark and Trio, topping a list of Free State fixtures that promises fireworks, redemption arcs and statement performances.
Friday evening curtain raiser: Central host Goudveld
The action starts on Friday evening when Sentraal presents Goudveld in a fascinating contrast between styles and current form. Sentraal arrives brimming with confidence after their brutal 35-5 demolition of Wittebergwhile Goudveld must find answers after being defeated 35-10 by Jim Fouché in their opener.
Sentraal’s 1st
“They are not afraid to throw the ball around, which can cause problems if you are not ready. We will try to control possession well and not give their dangerous players in the backfield possession,” said Erasmus.
The blueprint is clear, starve Goldfield of ball and territory and grind them into submission. Whether Goudveld can conjure up the kind of performance that rattles Sentraal’s rhythm remains the compelling question.
The main event: Fichardtpark vs Trio
But it is Saturday’s clash between Fichardtpark and Trio that has the Free State’s rugby circles buzzing. Both schools arrive with the momentum of impressive wins over quality opposition, setting up a clash that could determine the early pecking order in the competition.
Fichardtpark’s Lions traveled to Bethlehem Voortrekker and emerged with a 31-21 win on hostile ground, the kind of performance that heralds genuine title credentials. In the meantime, Trio managed to clear the tightrope against Diamantveld and win 41-40 in a thriller against a team that Monnas had dismantled only a fortnight earlier.
Quintin Geldenhuys, Trio’s director of rugby, knows his charges will get a step up in class this weekend.
“It’s an interesting match this weekend. You don’t go to Voortrekker and win easily. We watched the match and did our analysis. Fichardtpark has a balanced team. We expect a tough match. They have shown that they will be very competitive this year,” Geldenhuys said.
The respect is mutual, the commitment is high and the quality must be exceptional.
Redemption mission in Kimberley
In Kimberley, Diamantveld Bethlehem welcomes Voortrekker in what is also a redemption mission for both schools. After both tasted defeat last weekend, the urgency to respond will be palpable.
Diamantveld’s 1st XV coach Vlos Molnar is not hiding from the reality of their one-point loss to Trio.
“We owe ourselves a better performance after last weekend’s defeat,” Molnar said, before paying tribute to their opposition. “They have a good team that wants to bounce back from their loss. I have a lot of respect for their coach, Justin Taylor. He is a quality person and I know he will have his plans in place for us this weekend.”
It’s the kind of competition where pride, tactical insight and mental toughness are just as important as skill and physicality.
Injured Witteberg is rigorously tested
Perhaps the most intriguing subplot of the weekend takes place in Bloemfontein, where a beleaguered Witteberg travels to meet Jim Fouché with battered self-confidence and an examination of their resilience.
Witteberg have endured a torrid start to their campaign, a pre-season hammering at the hands of Helpmekaar, followed by that comprehensive 35-5 thrashing at the hands of Sentraal. Now they face a Jim Fouché side who tore Goudveld apart last weekend and who look capable of doing even more damage.
But Neill Murphy, Jim Fouché’s 1st XV coach, is taking nothing for granted. His informed assessment of the threat Witteberg poses shows a coach who understands that injured teams can be the most dangerous.
“We won’t underestimate Witteberg at all. We have had tough battles against them in recent years, including a draw and a loss in Bethlehem, so we understand the quality they have as a side. They have previously shown that they can be very dangerous, especially with their ability to attack and put teams under pressure,” said Murphy.
“They have had a strong backline in the past and are a team that can take chances when given space. Results like their recent losses to Helpmekaar and Sentraal can often make a team even more dangerous. It creates urgency and a strong desire to respond, and teams in that position usually come with a point to prove. So we expect a highly motivated Witteberg side who will compete hard, play with intent and put us under pressure from the start.”
It’s a masterclass in respecting your opposition while preparing for their best performance. Murphy knows that teams when cornered either collapse or come out swinging – and he plans to do the latter.
The first contenders emerge
As the Wesgrow series gathers pace, the early storylines crystallize. Fichardtpark and Trio seem to present themselves as real contenders. Jim Fouché and Sentraal have made strong statements. And teams like Witteberg and Goudveld must find answers before the competition leaves them behind.
Dustin Wetdewich
novanews.co.za