Matt More’s magic derby
Asensational display from outside centre Matt More saw the St. Andrew’s College 1st XV claim a convincing 25-10 win over Graeme in Saturday’s Somerset Field derby. Graeme performed well in the first half, going into half-time just 15-10 down.
However, St Andrew’s left with a comfortable win thanks to More’s two tries and 10 points with the boot and a try from Chulumanco Mngxaso.
After resisting a wave of early St Andrew’s pressure, Graeme broke the deadlock in the first half through a try from Lelethu Cekiso, which was converted by Sivuyisiwe Ngqiyaza. Shortly afterwards, More got St Andrew’s on the scoreboard with a penalty.
Buoyed by a newfound wave of momentum, the visitors then edged into the lead through a try and conversion by More. Charlie Flemming started the move off with a superb run up field.
Although the Graeme defence held strong at first, they couldn’t stop More from eventually finding a way over.
Graeme pulled back level with a penalty from Ngqiyaza. However, it was not long until St Andrew’s had a shot at goal of their own.
More hit the post, but a try from Mngxaso (which More did not convert) put them ahead going into the break nonetheless.
If More was slightly off song towards the end of the first half, he more than made up for it in the second.
After a quiet opening to the half, he eventually put St. Andrew’s on the board with a penalty - before sealing the game with a second try, which he converted.
Graeme coach Jonty van der Meulen congratulated St Andrew’s after the game and admitted they were the better side on the day.
He praised his side for showing “moments of brilliance” and defending well, but bemoaned their inability to hold onto possession.
St Andrew’s brought a vocal away support base to Somerset Field and their team did them proud with a solid display.
However, Graeme pushed them close for most of the game and ensured that this Grahamstown derby lived up to its hype.
View more derby photos on page 25.