Fichardtpark beat Jim Fouché to stay on Wesgrow track

April 2026

Fichardtpark remain firmly in the hunt for the Wesgrow League title after claiming a hard fought 29–17 victory over Bloemfontein City Liga rivals Jim Fouché in a well attended lively and entertaining derby.

The hosts made an early statement, striking first through a powerful run down the right touchline by Matthew Valentine. After shrugging off a defender with a good hand-off, the right wing finish and helped give Fichardtpark a 7–0 lead.

They soon extended their advantage following an outstanding pilfer by the hooker Wikus Meyer. From the turnover, Fichardtpark shifted the ball crisply through the hands in classic draw-and-pass fashion, creating space out wide for the left wing Andries van der Merwe to cross and extend the lead to 12–0.

The moment of the match came midway through the half. After Jim Fouché’s strong number eight Juan Swart was halted just short of the line following a good run, Fichardtpark won a turnover penalty deep inside their own territory. Catching the defence off guard, the flyhalf Guiteau Petrus, who is also their kicker, took a quick tap and produced a stunning solo effort, sprinting nearly 95 metres with a blend of pace and footwork to score near the left corner and stretch the lead to 17–0.

Jim Fouché eventually found a response. A sharp line break from their flyhalf Franco de Necker off a scrum took play deep into the red zone, where a quick tap penalty after an infringement by the home team saw the loosehead prop Jordan de Villiers crash over for their opening try. A late penalty by wing Donovan Pretorius reduced the deficit further, leaving the halftime score at 17–10.

The visitors had an early opportunity in the second half but failed to convert promising field position into points. Fichardtpark made them pay soon after. A superb long punt from the fullback Unathi Ntuli pinned Jim Fouché inside their own 22, allowing sustained pressure from the hosts. After several close-range forward surges were repelled, the ball was moved wide slickly, where the right wing Valentine finished for his second try to make it 22–10.

Jim Fouché responded to make it a one score game once again with a memorable try. From a cleverly worked lineout, a ball to the front saw Swart who featured prominently on attack unmarked and able to burst forward before the number eight passed to his burly hooker HJ Noeth, who powered through multiple tackles to score in the corner. The successful conversion brought the score to 22–17 with 15 minutes remaining.

However, Fichardtpark delivered the decisive blow soon after. Another intelligent long kick into space inside the 22 caused problems for the defence and led to a turnover. Capitalising on the opportunity, the hosts worked the ball through the phases before their loosehead prop Jordan Jordaan powered over from close range. The conversion sealed a 29–17 victory and ensured Fichardtpark stay in the race along with Diamantveld and Trio for this year’s Wesgrow Sentrale Sportsreeks 1st XV rugby title.

TEAM	FICHARDTPARK		TEAM	JIM FOUCHE
1	Jordan Jordaan	u18	1	Jordan De Villiers	u17
2	Wikus Meyer	u18	2	HJ Noeth	u18
3	Lwazi Mcandi	u17	3	Ruan Kruger	u17
4	Lenro Kruger	u18	4	Rico Kellerman	u18
5	Dian Visagie	u18	5	Arno Smit	u17
6	Josh Nelson	u18	6	JC Van Niekerk	u19
7	Dillon Louw	u18	7	Christiaan Jacobs	u17
8	Jonathan Duarte	u18	8	Juan Swart	u18
9	Ofentse Tseko	u18	9	Reece Sekila	u17
10	Guiteau Petrus	u17	10	Franco De Necker	u17
11	Andries vd Merwe	u17	11	Donnovan Pretorius	u18
12	Bukho Mlali	u19	12	Madiba Matanzima	u17
13	Ze Mathese	u18	13	Jayden Pieterse	u17
14	Matthew Valentine	u18	14	Stefan Labuschagne	u18
15	Unathi Ntuli	u18	15	Rohan Nothnagel	u18
16			16	HP Van Der Heever	u17
17			17	Jaye Giacometti	u17
18			18	CP Rodgers	u18
19			19	Malan Bekker	u17
20			20	Ruben Van Aswegen	u19
21			21	PD Venter	u18
22			22	Jodan Vorster	u17
23			23	Zenith Labuschagne	u18
Coach	ANDRE DU PLESSIS		Coach	CORNE ERASMUS