The Constantia Sports Centre is home to a rare double – for the first time in 50 years, both the rugby and cricket premier championship titles reside in the suburb, the last occasion being in 1972.
False Bay RFC bagged the Super League A (SLA) title at the end of the 2022 season when they triumphed over Durbell in the final in September, followed by their neighbours Claremont Cricket Club First XI winning the T20 and Premier League this summer.
Captain Josh Breed, who plies his sporting trade overseas, brought a new edge to the Claremont game. The team, a blend of experience and youthful exuberance, thrived on his in-your-face style of playing, resulting in a sustained performance by each member of the squad throughout the season. “All in all, a very happy bunch of cricketers who had as much fun off the field as they did on it”, said proud Claremont Cricket Club president, Greg Bing.
False Bay RFC launched their SLA 2023 season with a Club100 meeting at The Bay on Monday evening.
Nick Mallett, who started his illustrious South African coaching career at the Constantia club, was guest speaker at the event, which was also attended by members of Claremont Cricket Club.
False Bay get down to the business end of their season, their series of friendly matches allowing all coaches at the club ample opportunity to measure their depth and talent.
Player numbers have been outstanding, allowing the Bay bouquet of teams to include three senior teams, three Reserve League teams, three under-20 and two women’s teams.
Head coach Gunner Hughes now finds himself hosting Varsity Cup losing finalists, Ikeys, on Saturday, undoubtedly comfortable with progress since False Bay’s opening friendly match against Helderberg, the only loss of their four outings before SLA2023 kick off.
The annual event between False Bay and UCT doubles as a challenge for the Mark Jordaan Trophy, an iconic player who represented both clubs and sadly passed away at a young age in the 80s. Initially the trophy was awarded to the club which scored the most tries on the day in all matches combined, but understandably, that system favoured the club with greater depth, resulting in a switch to the trophy taking up residence for a year at a time at the home of the winning first team.
Saturday’s programme features the under-20A, and the three senior teams. First matches kick off at 1.25pm. Entry is R20 and free for pupils.
