Cricket scores were at the order of the day again in this past weekend’s Super League A action.
And it begs the question again: don’t we have too many teams in the Western Province top flight?
I have been saying for a couple of seasons now that the competition has lost some of its flavour with the number of teams taking part in the division.
Getting beaten 97-12 like Primrose did against UniMil in Milnerton, sucks the lus out of a player.
I remember being on the receiving end of such a hiding as an U20 player back in the day.
It’s not something you want to experience and can often drain the will to training from a player.
Not saying this is the case with the guys at Primrose, but then you also look at Maties’ 80-19 win over SK Walmers and it’s clear that there is a huge gap between some of the teams in the top flight.
And now that Victorians are out of the picture, I believe it’s the perfect time to restructure the top league in Western Province.
Go back to a "top 10" structure, which will see the best of the best in Cape Town competing against each other on a weekly basis.
Not only will this improve the regional game, but I believe it will see more fans flock to stadiums for more of an even contest.
Two games last weekend stood out as competitive - UWC’s 41-35 win over Brackenfell and Tygerberg’s 20-19 win over Parow NTK.
Those are the sort of results you want to see in the big leagues - you want teams to compete and you want to see proper rugby. Not a shadow rugby sort of vibe.
Anyway, this weekend is set up properly.
It’s intervarsity time in Cape Town.
Current log leaders Ikeys, with four wins from as many matches, host title holders Maties in what will be a true test of UCT’s ability to run with the big dogs again.
Having been a sleeping giant in recent years, Ikeys look to be building up some momentum this season and will be hoping to keep that up when they host the Maroon Machine.
After their win over Paarl, UWC will be confident heading into their derby against Tygerberg in Bellville in what is expected to be a tightly-contested affair.
Villager, meanwhile, travel to Durbell, who beat Hamiltons 34-18 last weekend, while the final match of the round is arguably the biggest mismatch - False Bay welcoming Paarl.
Despite their early promise this season, Paarl have not yet delivered on their giant-killing ability.
Fresh off defeat to Ikeys, coach Herman Masimla’s Paarl will know they will be in for another tough test as they seek their first league win in five outings.