One game, one win at a time for Primrose coach Petersen and co

The Rosmead Avenue sportsground in Kenilworth holds many memories of yesteryear's sporting heroes, and it is apt that this venue played host to this weekend's clash between two community rugby clubs, Primrose and Hamadiehs, who are both immersed in their history going back to the 1890s.  

In their first Western Province Rugby Football Union Super League B match since unification at this historic venue, scores of faithful supporters rocked up to witness Primrose emerge as 43-32 winners. Primrose led 23-13 at the break.

While Ricky Petersen, the Primrose coach, lauded his players for their great performance, he also heaped praise on both clubs’ administrations for organising a full day’s programme and for creating a community get-together.  

“It was more than just rugby. This was not only a great match, it was a fantastic day for rugby. From juniors right up the seniors, it was great. It was indeed a great event,” said Petersen.  

He, however, did not want to get bogged down about talk of winning the league title or promotion and stuck to the cliché of one game at a time. Scrumhalf, Leshwin Love (2), Gakeem Larney and Tauriq Gassiep dotted down the bonus point tries for the home side. 

“For now, we are taking a break this weekend, which comes just at the right time. This is a completely different team from the one that won us promotion from the Super League C last year. We have lots of youngsters getting into our systems and hopefully the investment in them will pay off for the next few seasons,” added Petersen.

This victory, the fifth in their campaign, in which they have played seven games thus far, keeps them in contention with Macassar and Goodwood.

Petersen said the loss against Belhar, where his side squandered a 20-point lead which they enjoyed during the match only to lose the match, was the turning point.

“I was not angry at them. But that loss was a good lesson, and they learned from that. This is what coaching is all about: it is about turning those moments into positives, which makes good teams. From that loss, we went on to beat Kraaifontein, Vineyards in succession and on Saturda,y we showed character.”  

Fixtures: Super League B

Hamlets v Macassar; Kraaifontein v Kylemore; Belhar v Goodwood; NTK v Hand & Heart