Ikeys finish the half at Durbel

Farewell match – John Dobson
The Ikey Tigers and the U20 A1 Trojans will travel to Durbel tomorrow to play a re-scheduled match which will conclude the first half of their season. The match also marks a milestone, as it will be the farewell of inspirational  head coach John Dobson who will take a step back after more than three very successful years at the helm of the Ikey Tigers.

Dobson shared the news earlier this week – but made sure to remind everyone involved that it wasn’t a surprise. “Footey (Kevin Foote) was always going to take over for the 2010 league season, but when he went on rugby tour with Bishops after the Varsity Cup I decided to help out and got carried away a bit.”

Dobbo who has lifted the UCT structures and achieved extraordinary results with his team added, “It is time for Footey and Dave Wessels, both very promising young coaches to take the step up and get their chance”.

“I won’t be far and will be available to assist wherever needed. I will also stay involved planning the Varsity Cup 2011”.

Saturday’s match will certainly not be what Dobbo will be remembered by after he has left such a huge legacy on the Green Mile, but the players will make sure they will finish on a high and earn themselves a fun send off into the break. 

The team features some changes with Matt Page back at hooker and a reshuffle in the backline with Matt Rosslee at 12 and Marcel Brache at fullback. Nick Fenton Wells is back after being sick, as is Mark Esterhuisen.

Ikey Tigers: 15 Marcel Brache, 14 Paul Cohen, 13 Mark Esterhuisen, 12 Matt Rosslee, 11 Marcello Sampson, 10 Tiger Bax, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Yaya Hartzenberg, 7 Jody Burch, 6 Nick Fenton Wells, 5 Don Armand (captain), 4 Bodo Sieber, 3 Grant Kemp 2 Matt Page, 1 Ash Wells.
Replacements: 16 Blake Pengelly, 17 Chris Heiberg,  18 Martin Muller, 19 Andre Goosen, 20 Sharief Hendricks , 21 Adrian Kritzinger