Graeme avenge years of defeat

Old rivals St Andrew’s fall to Grahamstown neighbours

GRAEME College ended a losing streak stretching back to 2008 when they scored a try in the last minute to defeat rivals St Andrew’s in an FNB Classic Clash schools rugby match in Grahamstown on Saturday.

The game started at a fast pace and St Andrew’s quickly took the lead through a try by fullback Grant Dixie, converted by flyhalf Anthony Dakin.

Graeme then launched an attack from a scrum for wing Yiva Ndwandwa to gather a kick ahead, making the score 7-5.

St Andrew’s used the wind to their advantage and a penalty by Dakin made it 10-5.

St Andrew’s began to dominate and another penalty by Dakin was followed by a try under the poles from centre Matthew More after a wonderful midfield break to make it 20-5 at half time.

In the second half, the home side fought back through some clever box kicking by scrumhalf Curt Williams. They crossed for a try by fullback Simbulele Sizani (20-10) and followed with a third try when wing Ndwandwa picked up a loose ball and outpaced the defence to cross over (20-17).

In the last minute, the Graemians were awarded a penalty just outside the St Andrew’s 22m line.

Scrumhalf Williams took a quick tap which almost led to a try by flyhalf Justice Tyatya.

However, Graeme were able to launch one final attack which led to eighthman Luyolo Tshongweni going through untouched to score the winner.

Newton v Cillie

HOME team Newton Tech ran in three tries to Cillie’s one, giving them a deserved 20-11 victory in their schools rugby encounter at Tech on Saturday.

Newton Tech used the strong wind at their backs to pin Cillie in their own half for most of the second period.

Tech’s tries were scored by fullback Jason Jegels, scrumhalf Eton Jantjies, and No 8 Avuswa Mrwebi. Jantjies added a penalty and a conversion.

Cillie’s try came from hooker Daniel Crouse, while flyhalf Leedre Dalton kicked two penalties. Flank Jonathan Grobler had an excellent game.

Muir v Nico Malan

AFTER trailing 13-0 at the break, Muir fought back to draw 18-18 with Nico Malan, which was a fair reflection of their schools rugby match in Uitenhage on Saturday.

Nico opened the scoring with a penalty after Muir infringed at a ruck and the visitors made use of the weather to keep Muir pinned in their half through well-placed kicks.

This resulted in a few mistakes by Muir, which saw Nico score a try and a penalty.

This did not dampen Muir spirits and they made good use of their opportunities, but could not finish off the moves.

The second half saw Muir increase the intensity of the game, catching Nico on the back foot.

Outside

centre

Luphelo Miggels put Muir on the board with a penalty, narrowing Nico’s lead and left-wing Sicelo Tole followed up with a try.

Nico then used their forwards extremely well to suck in Muir’s defence and create an opening on the blindside for their second try.

This did not faze Muir, however, and they started putting phases together to get the upper hand.

Tole scored his second try and Miggels converted to narrow Nico’s lead to 18-15.

Muir kept the pressure on Nico, forcing a penalty which Miggels converted to level the scores.

Muir No 8 Sipelele Latola had an outstanding game and did a lot of work in the loose to get Muir on the front foot.

Among the backs, Tole, Mihlali Mosi and Miggels did well to keep Nico’s defence on their toes, producing good running rugby.

Special mention must go to captain and centre Lunathi Nxele, who reached a milestone by earning his 50th cap for the first team.