Violets in do-or-die battle for championship glory

It is crunch time in the Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) Super League C, where the season’s ambitions for many sides could either turn to gold or unravel into despair. This is where every tackle and scoring opportunity matters a bit more.

Especially in the case of the Violets Rugby Club, as the next two weeks could determine whether their campaign ends in disappointment or blossoms into a crack at the championship glory via the top-six play-offs.

But after Saturday’s stinging 19-29 defeat to Atlantis at Chukker Road, their path has become tricky and narrow. They currently occupy fourth position on the log with 38 points, and remain in the hunt for a Top-6 spot.

The loss, however, came at a crucial time, against a direct rival also vying for a play-off berth with Scottsdene Central, Pniel Villagers, and Strand also in the mix.

Their clash against Atlantis was one of frustration, with moments of brilliance. Down 5-19 at halftime, they looked out of sorts. But they stormed out after the break with renewed grit and energy. Scrumhalf Ziyaad Gamieldien sparked the revival when he dotted down, while flyhalf Mogamad Sabir Mallie added the conversion.

Then came a moment of magic from fullback Gabriel John Hartzenberg who soared with an acrobatic finish in the corner to level the scores at 19-19, much to the delight of the loyal but impatient supporters.

But just as it would seem the tide turned in their favour, critical errors crept in, they squandered scoring chances, conceded penalties at crucial moments, and showed defensive lapses which the visitors capitalised on.

Atlantis pounced on the opportunity, regrouped, struck twice more, and walked away with a valuable away win, leaving Violets to reflect on what could have been.

The road ahead for Violets is unforgiving; they must win both their remaining matches to secure a top-six finish. Their next opponent is 12th-placed Strand United, also at Chukker Road. While it's one they should win and hit back. But they cannot rely on a sporadic break to qualify for the play-offs and need 80 minutes of focus, backed by structure and discipline.

With the finish line in sight, it’s a case of now or never for them.  They must play with the urgency to remain on course to qualify for the play-offs.