Franklin Booysen opened the scoring for Gardens in their 19-11 win against Langa at the weekend.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
Gardens RFC opened their account of the 2025 season in the Western Province Rugby Football Union (WPRFU) Super League C (SLC) exactly the way they would’ve wanted — securing a home win in Oranjezicht against Langa RFC.
Langa joins the division after being axed from the SLB last season and Gardens wasted no time setting the tone.
From the opening whistle, the home side took the game to the visitors, dominating early phases and asserting control with their forward pack.
Their scrums were particularly problematic for Langa, who simply had no answers for the sheer power and cohesion of Gardens’ forward pack.
The conditions added a layer of difficulty in the game, with showers making for a greasy ball and a slippery outfield.
But Gardens adapted well, showing grit and control when it mattered the most.
They finished the game 19–11, running in three tries to Langa’s one.
Jared Hamman looks to find space to attack for Gardens RFC.
Image: Buntu Gotywa
While it's still early days, clubs in the WPRFU know just how crucial it is to pick up points early, especially at home.
A strong start can be the difference between a comfortable end-of-season push and scrambling to catch up when promotion looms.
Gardens will now face another week without action before they return to the field on Saturday April 26 against Eersterivier.
They'll be hoping the break doesn’t stall the momentum they've just begun to build.
With 15 sides in the SLC all chasing three promotion spots, every match, every point, and every bit of consistency could prove vital as the season unfolds.
Lwando Benenengu stands tall and strong for Gardens against Langa.
Image: Buntu Gotywa