Bothasig blast past VOB before festive break

Mark Ward

Bothasig entered the Major League’s festive recess emphatically when they overpowered VOB at Chukker Road on Saturday to retain the Brent Beier Memorial Shield.

The annual fixture, played in honour of Beier’s legacy and his impact on VOB, once again delivered on its reputation for fierce but respectful competition, with Bothasig emerging 16–3 winners.

Beier died six years ago at the age of 36 from motor neurone disease, and the occasion has since become a platform to raise awareness of the illness. VOB took the field in a specially designed kit featuring the number 33, Beier’s jersey number during his playing days.

On the diamond, however, sentiment quickly gave way as Bothasig tightened its grip at the top of the league table. The visitors took control in the fifth frame when Nicholes Eagles launched a towering solo home run to push his side 3–1 ahead. The blow forced VOB coach Jody Burch into a pitching change, replacing Damian Perkins with Jessie Johnson on the mound, but the switch did little to stem the visitors’ momentum. Bothasig continued to pile on the pressure, stretching their lead and ultimately cruising to a commanding victory.

Meanwhile, on the adjacent diamond, Battswood endured a tough afternoon as they went down 23–8 to Athlone Athletics. Kyle Rossouw provided one of the day’s standout moments with a grand slam that offered a bright spark in the blustery conditions, while Jason Repepi added further impact with a solo homer in the same inning.

With the league now pausing for the festive break, Bothasig head into the recess firmly entrenched at the summit, with Durbanville in second place, while VOB occupies third spot.

Other results: Bothasig 16 VOB 3; Thistle 7 Bellville 3; Durbanville 18 Crusaders 1; Athlone Athletics 23 Battswood 8