Ish Dramat XV (3rds) Season Review

The 2008 season proved to be an great and enriching experience for all those involved with the 3rd team.

The team was coached by Francis Makoni who was assisted by Khaya Sontsele. For the first time in a long while the team was managed by two ladies, Khayakazi Soldati and Yolanda Tsembeyi. The revered Ike Bam anchored the otherwise inexperienced (though enthusiastic) management team with his vast coaching and management experience on the Green Mile.

After a bright start to the season, beating a Maties XV and Ceres 2nd XV during the pre-season fixtures, the early rounds of the WP Super League season proved very challenging for the side, with new players, and the after-effects of the Varsity Cup having an impact on proceedings. The team ended Round 1 of the season in 9th place on the log – a rather uncharacteristic position for the 3rd XV at UCT in past years.

In a turn around only Ikey players could master, the 3rds, now renamed the Ish Dramat XV, in honour of the late UCT rugby and cricket legend Mr Dramat,  achieved the unthinkable during the 2nd Round of the season. The BOYS won all nine matches this half, picking up 42 of a possible 45 points available, and finished the season a close 4th place behing perennial rival, Maties, Vics, and SK Walmers.  The highlight being the 21-12 victory against Maties at Intervarsity on the 27th of September. The spirit of Ish set a new standard  in the last half of the year.

The team played sublime rugby at times, and learned to play to their true potential as a team. The team spirit blossomed superbly as the season wore on, and we trust that we all grew as players, managers and people from the experience.

The management team would like to thank all the players for allowing them the opportunity to work with them this season. Hopefully the younger players from 2008’s vintage have been equipped with the necessary skills and maturity to challenge for higher honours within the Club in 2009. The advent and success of the FNB Varsity Cup this year has helped stir the energy of more players who may have otherwise trod along into obscurity.

Even though the 2008 season is over, the management team is still available to assist any Ish Dramat players with their preparations for 2009.

We wish everyone at the Club an enjoyable break, and let’s return in 2009 and take the Ikeys to an even higher level.

Ish Dramat XV