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

Leave a Reply

Be the first to comment