Rhinos eye Lucas Strachan Shield

Northam – Northam Rhinos Rugby Club will be banking on home advantage when they face Harlequins on Saturday 14 August as they look to inch closer to winning the prestigious Lucas Strachan Shield. Rhinos recently fought hard for a 34-33 win in a tough match against UP-Tuks.

The result means they are now among the favourites to win the silverware. However, much will depend on whether or not they will be able to win against Harlequins.

Rhinos’ victory in a closely contested encounter against UP-Tuks, who are the current champions, underlined the very unpredictable nature of the competition. Even though UP-Tuks enjoyed the home advantage of playing in front of their supporters at the Hillcrest Sports Campus, a missed conversion eventually made the painful difference on the scoreboard.

Northam Rhinos’ aggressive and experienced forwards also made a huge difference in tilting the outcome of the match in their favour.

Danie Loots’ 19 points – achieved through four penalties, two conversions and a drop goal – showed just why he is a vital player to the Rhinos outfit. Rhinos will be looking for their forwards, especially Loots, to reproduce the same form against a Harlequins team that will not be an easy nut to crack.