Ereklasse Round 3 – Upsets, Drama, and a Season Taking Shape

Week 3 of the Ereklasse was nothing short of pulsating, delivering upsets, close finishes, and a real sense that this season may be one of the most competitive in recent memory.

The Dukes got proceedings underway with a ruthless performance in Amsterdam, dismantling AAC 0–59. The visitors’ dominance up front and out wide never allowed AAC to settle, and the scoreboard told the story of a one-sided affair.

In Breda, the hosts pulled off one of the shocks of the weekend, edging Oisterwijk 17–15. Breda’s grit and composure under pressure proved decisive in a game where every point mattered, sealing a morale-boosting victory against fancied opposition.

Over in Leiden, DIOK were clinical on home turf, dispatching Castricum in convincing fashion. The power and pace of DIOK’s attack left the travelling side with few answers, as the hosts continue to show they will be a force this year.

The headline clash came in Rotterdam, where the hosts welcomed a star-studded Gooi side. Pre-match talk was all about Gooi’s big recruitment drive, but Rotterdam more than held their own. Playing stretches of the match with just 13 men, they showed immense spirit and discipline. Gooi relied heavily on their set piece – particularly scrum and maul – to keep them in touch, but lacked attacking variety outside of it. Rotterdam can be proud of their display, though questions remain over their own set piece resilience. In the end, Gooi snatched it late, sneaking home 29–31.

If that wasn’t enough, Hoek van Holland produced the weekend’s biggest upset, turning over last year’s semi-finalists Eemland 20–14. Eemland, another club who invested heavily in squad depth during the offseason, were simply outworked by a Hoek side brimming with belief and energy.

Rounding out the action, Haarlem pushed reigning champions Haagsche all the way, narrowly falling 24–29. It was another reminder that no result can be taken for granted in this year’s competition.

After just three rounds, the Ereklasse already looks wide open. It’s not far-fetched to say six or seven sides are capable of beating anyone on their day. That competitiveness, however, also puts a spotlight on officiating. With so many close and high-stakes contests, the Dutch Rugby Union must ensure these fixtures are overseen by experienced referees and strong assistant referees – something that was evident again this past weekend.

Week 4 promises to be just as scintillating. If the early rounds are anything to go by, we’re in for a thrilling ride this season.