Alex hold on to beat Ithembelihle

ALEXANDER Road defeated Ithembelihle 16-12 in a closelyfought schools rugby encounter played in windy conditions at Alex on Saturday.

The wind played havoc with both teams’ lineouts and Ithembe could not properly execute their traditional running game due to the tough conditions. Ithembe played with the wind in the first half and turned down opportunities to kick for goal to rather focus on attack.

Twice they came close to scoring through centre Tyson Smondile and prop Wiseman Sotsoe, but the referee ruled a knock-on and then that the ball being held up.

Alex scored the first points, when scrumhalf Bradley Niekerk kicked an easy penalty to make it 3-0 at half time.

The second half was more exciting as both sides tried to play open, attacking rugby.

Alex increased their lead to 10-0, when centre Cameron van Heerden crossed over for a try close to the poles after taking the ball through several phases, converted by Niekerk.

Ithembe eventually struck back when fullback Solly Nomzanga, joined the backline and put speedy wing Lutho Mdudo in possession to round his man for a try close to the poles. Flyhalf Akho Tshoba slotted the conversion.

The visitors stayed on the attack, but Alex defended like Trojans and, after a long period of sustained attack, big lock Olwethu Ngesi scored for Ithembe, following a quick tap penalty to make it 12-10.

Niekerk then struck for Alex by landing two more penalties to put them in the lead 16-12.

The game ended with Ithembe on the attack. Mdudo nearly scored after cutting through, but was stopped by desperate defence inches from the line.

An Ithembe knock-on gave Alex a scrum and they secured possession to end the contest.