In October 2000
the Durham Referees Society was asked if it would host a RFU/Natal Excange.
The society readily agreed and Philp Botha, Natal RU's Director of Refereeing,
together with Willie van Shoor and Rueben Rossouw two active Natal referees
arrive in the county. They participated in a number of games and meetings but
still had time to enjoy some sightseeing. The visit went well despite the "weather",
and so the Durham/Natal exchange was proposed.
In April 2001
a reciprocal visit was arranged and three Durham referees Malcolm Shorney (Chairman
of the Durham Society), together with two of the society's senior referees Derek
Blake and Michael Reid made the long journey south to visiting Durban (Kokstad
area) and Northern Natal (Volksrust Area). In addition to refereeing Natal League
rugby, all the referees officiated at 2 school/college tournaments at U16/U19
levels. These were enormously well organised events for 1000 students. The rugby
started at 7.30am and finished at 9.30pm, and the hospitality was outstanding
and our participants particularly enjoyed the outdoor BBQ!.
During the 11
day visit the 3 members of the Durham society refereed 20 games and still managed
to include a full social agenda visiting Durban, Drakensburg Mountains, Boer
War sites and local farms as well as play golf. They all clearly enjoyed the
visit and were full of praise for the kindness and hospitality shown to them
on their trip.
October 2001 saw the second
visit to Durham, when 3 referees from the Northern Natal area came north. They
were Buks Marais
(The Chairman of Northern Natal Rugby Referees), Gerrie Nel (Secretary and Treasurer
of Northern Natal Rugby Referees) and Andre Spies. The 3 refereed a total of
19 games over 11 days. The games ranged from level 6 league games to Sunday
morning junior rugby. They all refereed county representative rugby Gerrie and
Andre taking charge of Durham U16's (A and B teams) v Cumbria whilst Buks took
charge when Durham U18's played Cheshire.
Socially our visiters
attended rugby evenings at Seaton Carew and Durham City. Whilst outdoor BBQ's
were NOT on the agenda, sightseeing visits to Whitby, RobinsHood Bay, the North
York Moors (Helmsley Castle and Rievaulx Abbey), Durham Cathedral and Castle,
Gateshead's "Angel of the North", as well as Newcastle including the
new Millenium Bridge/Quayside and Hartlepool's Historic Quay/Marina.
More on the October
2001 visit
