Ereklasse Semi-Finals Deliver Drama of the Highest Order

By | Dutch Rugby Magazine

The Ereklasse semi-finals this past weekend had everything the rugby gods could have ordered – and then some. Under moody skies and testing weather conditions, the four best sides in Dutch rugby battled not only each other, but the elements. With wind, rain, and pressure thick in the air, only the sides with the clearest heads and steadiest boots would prevail.

Let’s start in Rotterdam – where Rotterdam RC hosted Eemland in what turned out to be one of the most dramatic finishes the Ereklasse has ever seen.

Rotterdam RC 37 – 34 Eemland

Will Maddocks the hero as Rotterdam break Eemland hearts on the buzzer

Coming into the clash unbeaten in 22 matches, Rotterdam RC were the favourites – and rightly so. But standing in their way was an Eemland side full of hunger, grit, and belief. They weren’t just playing for a place in the final – they were out to become the only team to topple Rotterdam this season.

The match didn’t disappoint. Rotterdam began with sustained pressure deep in Eemland’s 22 but failed to capitalise. Their usually reliable line-out faltered in the slippery conditions, and the maul – a hallmark of their season – was neutralised by a fierce Eemland pack defending like trojans.

Scrum penalties went both ways, while Eemland found themselves repeatedly pinged for high tackles. Despite the possession imbalance, it was Eemland who went into the break ahead, leading 22–17, thanks to sharp finishing and strong phase play.

When they stretched their lead to 29–17 with under 20 minutes to play, it looked like the upset was on. But Rotterdam, showing the kind of resilience that’s made them the top seed, clawed their way back into the match.

With under 10 minutes to go, Rotterdam led 34–29. Enter Bam Fadahunsi – the electric Eemland flyer – who dotted down a stunning try to level the score at 34–34 with just minutes remaining. The conversion to win the game? Missed.

Silence fell over Rotterdam as the final seconds ticked away and RRC mounted one last attack inside Eemland’s half. Phases built. The pressure rose. Then, cool as you like, Will Maddocks dropped into the pocket. Tom Alloway fired the pass. Maddocks struck sweetly – the ball sailing through the uprights on the buzzer. Pandemonium.

Final score: Rotterdam RC 37 – 34 Eemland. A classic.

This Season – Rotterdam Top Try Scorers:
1. Blake Males: 24
2. Samuel Fogarty: 22
3. Sebastiaan van Mameren: 15
3. Jolan Klijnjan: 15
3. William Maddocks: 15
3. Wolf van Dijk: 15

Top point scorers:
1. William Maddocks: 243
2. Samuel Fogarty: 209
3. Blake Males: 120

Haagsche RC 22 – 16 The Dukes

Clinical Haagsche edge past spirited Dukes in tight semi-final

If the first semi-final was a thriller, the second was a masterclass in game management.

Haagsche RC, last season’s finalists, hosted The Dukes under the lights in The Hague. This was a clash of experience versus youthful momentum – and it showed from the outset.

Haagsche opened the scoring with a beautifully worked try straight from a line-out maul. Scrum-half Amir Radermaker took advantage of the compressed defence with a slick short ball to Eelamn, who hit a sharp unders line and cut through untouched. That set the tone.

Soon after, Weersma slotted a classy drop goal to extend the lead to 10–0, underlining the importance of a reliable kicking game in knock-out rugby.

The Dukes, as they’ve done all season, refused to lie down. The boot of Mason Porteous kept them within touching distance. By halftime, Haagsche led just 16–10.

In the second half, Bjorn Dolman, now a key figure in both attack and defence, kicked crucial points to keep The Dukes at bay. Porteous brought it back to 19–16 with less than 15 to play, but the Brabant side failed to capitalise on two late penalty chances – both kicks sailing wide.

Dolman had the final say, knocking over a late penalty to seal it at 22–16 and punch Haagsche’s ticket to the final.

The Stage is Set: Rotterdam RC vs Haagsche RC

Two of the most consistent teams in Dutch rugby now face off in what promises to be a titanic Ereklasse Final on 9 June in Amsterdam.

Rotterdam – unbeaten all year – will look to cap off a dream season. Haagsche – hardened by last year’s heartbreak – will be desperate to go one step further.

Set your calendars. This one’s going to be special.