Bitou trumps Knysna United in friendly

KNYSNA RUGBY NEWS - Bitou Rugby Club's first team upset the hopes of local rugby fans last weekend, managing to defeat Knysna United Rugby Club on home soil in a pre-season friendly.

We are edging ever closer to the start of the 2023 SWD Rugby club rugby season, and local clubs are ramping up their preparations.

Clubs have been training for the past few months, shaking off the rust and working their way back to fitness ahead of the season.

They have also been taking part in friendly matches to get back into the swing of things, with the latest between Bitou and Knysna United on Saturday 4 March.

Players from Bitou celebrate a try after a successful driving maul. Photos: Blake Linder

Because cricket was in action at Loerie Park, two matches between the clubs' second and first teams were played at the Knysna High School sports grounds in town. As usual, the two second teams enjoyed the early kick-off and got their match underway at 14:00. A tough and hard-fought encounter followed, rife with handling errors as the two sides battled to get back into the swing of things.

The match ultimately finished 0-0, and both sides took away valuable lessons and insight ahead of the season.

The first teams' match promised to be more lively and entertaining, and it certainly lived up to that promise. Bitou took an early lead, going 12-0 ahead before Knysna United scored their first try to set the score at 12-5 going into half-time. Weary and tired legs meant the second half was played at a slightly slower pace, but it was still not without action.

Bitou scored first in the second half to extend their lead to 17-5, but not before Knysna United scored their second try and brought themselves within another try of their opponents.

PHOTO GALLERY: Bitou Rugby Club versus Knysna United Rugby Club

The much-needed third try eluded Knysna United though, and Bitou emerged 17-10 at the final whistle.

The 2023 club rugby season is set to begin in different stages over the next month, beginning with the Super League A and B leagues next weekend. In the meantime, Bitou will play George Rugby Club in another friendly this weekend.

Bitou players look to regather a loose ball after a wayward pass.