The semi-final of the Ebbo Bastard between SKZN and DRSU took place in Kokstad on Saturday at the Elliot Park Rugby Stadium.
The rugby filled day was also a fundraiser for Colton Nichols, son of Kokstad Coach and Club president, Fred. Colton has been clinically diagnosed with dermatomyositis’s, an autoimmune disease, causing progressive muscle inflammation, weakness and significant functional impairment. Funds are being raised to assist the Nichols family with medical treatment that is urgently needed, specialist care, rehabilitation and ongoing expenses.
The first match of the day was the SKZN U/17 girls versus Ogwini U/17 girls. Despite SKZN not managing a win, they received an outpouring of support from the spirited crowd. The final score was 28 to Ogwini and 20 to SKZN. The girls gave an incredible performance, despite an intense rain storm.
Then Kokstad’s first team faced South Coast Warriors, also in very wet conditions. Kokstad claimed victory with a score of 50 to 25. Man of the match was Pierre Lotterie (forwards) and Attenkosi Qumo (backline).
After SKZN and DRSU came onto the field, a moment of silence was observed for Ethan Ingram, son of old Kokstad rugby boy, Richard. Ethan passed away on Friday after he was in a motor vehicle accident with his father. Richard remains in hospital.
The final game proved to be a tough one, with weather conditions still not improving. SKZN however manged to win with a score of 7 to 5. Man of the match was awarded to Unathi Mgugudo (forwards) and Darren Neighman (backline).
The final for the Ebbo Bastard trophy is set to take place on the South Coast over the weekend.