Linden HS U16 rugby team walks away as Noordvaal champions. The under 16 rugby team from Hoërskool Linden has ended an already successful season off as the Noordvaal winners in their division following the team’s 25-22 win in the finals against Hoërskool Riebeeckrand from Randfontein. The finals were played on Saturday, 20 August at Hoërskool Die Wilgers in Pretoria. The u/16 team were also the overall winners of the Golden Lions League by beating the same team in the final.

The Noordvaal final saw tensions and emotions running high as Riebeeckrand was out to settle the score and Linden out to keep their winning record in place. Both teams put their hearts and bodies on the line, making for fantastic entertainment in a very tight match.

Linden coming out on top on the given day, even though both teams would’ve been deserving is what makes rugby the special sporting code it is. The team was also surprised by the ex-Springbok and Blue Bulls rugby player Bakkies Botha as he said a few special words in congratulating the players after the big win. “We are incredibly proud of this team and very excited as to what the future holds for these young men,” said Rúan Basson, the school’s Sports Manager.

The U16 rugby team with coaches, Jaco Swart and Jaco Booysen, former Springbok player Bakkies Botha and the school’s principal Dr Johan Wiehahn. Photo taken by Andrew_Kiekies Photography