30/06/2025
Day 3 by Rodney PetrusThe final day of the prestigious tournament brought a sense of closure, reflecting on another edition that will be remembered for years to come. The Aloe Cup is truly alive and thriving, and we can look forward to more exciting tournaments in the future.
*Stulting vs. Hartenbos
The day's first game featured two teams looking to end their campaigns on a high note. Both teams had rested yesterday, and it showed in their fresh approach. Stulting aimed to redeem themselves after tough defeats to Stellenbosch and Jbay. Chad Brown opened the scoring for Stulting with a try in the final 10 minutes of the first half.
Despite Hartenbos dominating possession and launching wave after wave of attacks, Stulting's Bangcobile Mtshilita stood out with powerful carries that gained crucial yardage. Hartenbos fought back, scoring a try through Rehan J van Rensburg with 6 minutes remaining, although it remained unconverted.
In the final minute, Bangcobile Mtshilita was awarded a try under the posts, securing a well-deserved 10-5 win for Stulting. This victory allowed Stulting to conclude their participation on a high note.
Final Score: Stulting 10 - Hartenbos 5
• Man of the Match: Bangcobile Mtshilita
• Outstanding Player for Hartenbos: Rehan J van Rensburg
*Jbay vs. Knysna
After falling short in the Shield semi-finals, both teams sought redemption and a strong finish to their campaigns. Jbay took the lead early, with flyer Sion van Niekerk scoring a try within the first 8 minutes, converted by Chrystan Brown to make it 7-0.
Jbay's eager play and solid interplay laid the foundation for their dominance. Knysna responded with a try of their own in the final 6 minutes of the first half, although it remained unconverted, making the score 7-5. Just before halftime, Jbay was awarded a penalty, which Brown successfully converted, extending their lead to 10-7.
In the second half, Jbay continued to build on their lead, scoring another try, converted by Brown to make it 17-5. Sion van Niekerk then scored his second try, with Brown faultless at the conversion, pushing the score to 24-5. Knysna fought back, with Success Chukwuemeka scoring a try that was converted, narrowing the gap to 24-12. Jbay sealed their victory with another try by Miko Muller, converted by Brown.
Final Score: Jbay 31 - Knysna 12
• Man of the Match: Jermaine Patrick
• Outstanding Player for Knysna: Success Chukwuemeka
*Panorama vs. Eikestad
Another thrilling contest unfolded before us in the day's third game. Panorama started strongly, dominating territory and ball possession. Within 8 minutes, Seth May scored the first try, although the conversion attempt was unsuccessful. Panorama quickly added another try two minutes later, with Neil Butterworth converting.
George Kloppers then scored, with Butterworth adding the extras to make it 19-0, showcasing Panorama's total control. However, Eikestad began to assert themselves, scoring a try that David Smith converted, narrowing the gap to 19-7.
As the game progressed, Eikestad continued to push, with James Botha scoring a try to make it 19-12. Panorama extended their lead with a penalty, successfully converted by Neil Butterworth, making it 22-12. Eikestad scored another try with 5 minutes remaining, bringing the score to 22-17.
Despite the intense finish, Panorama held their ground, securing a hard-fought victory. This match was a true contestant for one of the best of the tournament.
Final Score: Panorama 22 - Eikestad 17
• Man of the Match: Neil Butterworth
• Outstanding Player for Eikestad: James Botha
*Stellenbosch vs. Durbanville
A clash of giants unfolded as Stellenbosch and Durbanville battled it out. Just 1 minute into the match, Daniël Du Toit scored for Stellenbosch, with Jean Malherbe converting. The game was intense, with both teams vying for control.
Durbanville struck back with a try by Christoff Groenewald-Mostert with 9 minutes remaining in the first half, Luca Hancke adding the extras to level the score at 7-7. Andreas Groenewald-Mostert (brother of Christoff) had a standout game, breaking free to score a try of his own, which Hancke converted, giving Durbanville a 14-7 lead.
In the second half, Durbanville dominated, spending nearly 15 minutes in Stellenbosch's half. They scored again with 5 minutes left, Hancke converting to make it 21-7. Durbanville sealed their victory with another try at the end, Hancke adding the conversion.
Final Score: Durbanville 28 - Stellenbosch 7
• Man of the Match: Andreas Groenewald-Mostert
• Outstanding Player for Stellenbosch: Daniël Du Toit
*Gene Louw vs. Grey (3rd/4th Place Playoff)
The third-place playoff kicked off on a sunny Day 3. Gene Louw's Malachi Peterson scored what was likely the try of the tournament, showcasing individual brilliance by running 40 meters to the try line within just 4 minutes. However, Grey quickly responded after a well-executed kick chase that led to an unforced error by Gene Louw, resulting in a try, although the conversion attempt was unsuccessful, making the score 5-5.
With 4 minutes remaining, Grey scored their second try, taking a 10-5 lead. Grey's strategy seemed to be paying off as they attempted to suffocate Gene Louw. Despite Gene Louw's fighting spirit and positive moments, they couldn't change the scoreline.
Final Score: Gene Louw 5 - Grey 10
• Man of the Match: Willem Jacobs
• Outstanding Player for Gene Louw: Malachi Peterson
Sunridge vs. Outeniqua (Cup Final)
After three days of intense rugby and a year of preparation, the moment of truth arrived – the Cup Final. Both teams were proud to have reached this stage, and the stakes were high. Sunridge, a two-time Shield winner in 2018 and 2022, sought to claim the top prize after a subpar 2024 season. Outeniqua, a losing semifinalist last year, had come a long way and was determined to go further.
The match began with Outeniqua on fire, playing direct and clinical rugby. Sam Miller scored the first try within 5 minutes, with Judah Spies converting to give Outeniqua a 7-0 lead. Outeniqua dominated the first half, but Sunridge switched gears in the second half. With 5 minutes into the second half, Sunridge scored a try, Braydin Halgreen adding the conversion to level the score at 7-7.
The rest of the match turned into a fierce battle, with both teams leaving everything on the field. It came down to temperament, character, and composure. With just 5 minutes remaining, Sunridge scored the winning try, making it 12-7. The victory was met with jubilation from players, coaches, and parents, and it was a well-deserved Cup win for Sunridge.
Final Score: Sunridge 12 - Outeniqua 7
• Man of the Match: Christian Barnard
• Outstanding Player for Outeniqua: Aaron Joshua
Aloe Cup 2025 Champions: Sunridge
~ Rodney Petrus
