Unbeaten Roses United Host Ceres in Final Home Match

This Saturday, 02 August 2025, Roses United Rugby Club, the only unbeaten team in the Boland Witzenberg-Central Grand Challenge, will host Ceres Rugby Club at Pelikaan Park in Wellington, in what could be one of the most important games of the season for both teams.

There will be three back-to-back games with kick-off times scheduled at 13:30, 14:45, and the first team starting at 16:00. Fans can expect an intense match between the unbeaten favourites and a hungry team fighting to qualify for the upcoming top 12 playoffs.

Roses United is having an incredible 2025 season, delivering dominating performances. They won all 16 matches with bonus points, placing them at the top of the table with two games in hand. Last week, they delivered another spectacular performance with a 62-19 victory over Temperance Rugby Club.

Roses United is preparing for another battle against Witzenberg Rivals. “We’re taking it game by game. We’re not underestimating any opponents, but we’re up for the challenge,” said Herman Bailey, Chairperson of Roses United.

Roses United will be looking to maintain their perfect record in front of their home supporters. The supporters will expect a big performance from the team in red and white in their final home game in the league. Between the two teams, Roses came out victorious against Ceres earlier this season. “We managed to beat Ceres RFC at their home ground already this season,” Bailey said, “and only two teams have done that.”

Key players for Roses United include Captain Elshaun Davids, try-scoring machine Easton Arendse, and playmakers Adri Kermis and Lee Grant Fortuin. Herman Bailey also confirmed that the squad is in a good space physically, with new additions boosting the team’s depth.

Meanwhile, Ceres Rugby Club is aiming to finish in the top two so that they can qualify for the playoffs. This is also their last away game of the season, placing extra pressure on them to perform well.

Ceres Rugby Club Squad.

“This is a must-win game for us,” said Gaby Kaalmeyer, Chairperson of Ceres RFC. “This week the team has been working extremely hard, so we’re looking forward to it.” 

Despite the narrow 27-30 loss against Bella Vista in their last match, Ceres has a solid campaign, including five wins in six derby matches. The team will look to Captain Aldo Sauls, exciting newcomer Shalton Cobern, and William Van Wyk to put in a bolstering performance in order to leave the field with a victory when the final whistle blows on Saturday.

“Roses United have a very big forward pack,” Kaalmeyer explained. “So our focus this week has been on how to counter their strength up front.”

With everything on the line, an unbeaten streak vs playoff qualification, this Saturday’s match is set to deliver intensity and real rugby passion.

Pelikaan Park in Wellington is where it all goes down. Whether you’re backing the unbeaten giants or rooting for the hungry challengers, this is more than just a match, it’s a defining moment in the Boland Witzenberg-Central Grand Challenge season.

Match Day Details: 

Date: 02 August 2025

Venue: Pelikaan Park | Wellington 

Gate fee: Adult R30 | Kids R10 | Vehicle R10 | Pensioners: Free with document Proof.

Kick-Off Times

3rd Team: 1:30 PM

2nd Team: 2:50 PM

1st Team: 4:00 PM