On Saturday 7 November the Van der Aart Sportpark hosted The Big Kick-off: a day for the whole club, from the youth sections to Men's 1 in the Ereklasse.
New shirts, new website, new tagline
Before the match, Men's 1 received their new shirts in the changing room. Cees Rusman and Wim van Eck, who founded the club in 1980, were there, as was chairman Pieter Zandhuis. The new website also went live, together with the new tagline, which translates as 'Rugbyclub Haarlem builds character'.
Cheerleaders on the sideline
Along the pitch, the dancers of Harlem Dance Center created a great atmosphere. Their cheerleaders opened the match and supported Men's 1 all afternoon. Thanks to Harlem Dance Center for their energy and enthusiasm.
Character on the pitch
The numbers four and five in the Ereklasse met, so there was a lot at stake. Haarlem started strongly and scored the first try after five minutes. Eemland then took control, and midway through the first half it was 7-15. Men's 1 showed what character means: before half-time the team fought back to a 21-15 lead.
For a long time the second half brought no points, apart from a penalty by Lucas Overtoom. In the closing stages both sides crossed the try line once more: 31-20.
Coach Robbie Coetzee saw his team's discipline as the key to the win. With this victory Haarlem is third in the Ereklasse with 30 points, level with Haagsche RC. The gap to Eemland is now eight points. That is an important step towards the play-offs for the national title.
Thank you
A day like this is never the work of a few. We thank all sponsors, players, members, volunteers, family and friends who made The Big Kick-off a success.
Photographer Kevin Scott captured the day. Thank you, Kevin. See all photos of the day on his website.