Ithembe show fine spirit in loss to Stirling

Ithembelihle put up a brave performance before succumbing 20-10 to East London outfit Stirling in their schools rugby fixture during the Union High Sports Festival in Graaff-Reinet at the weekend.

In perfect conditions for rugby, it was a cracking match between two evenly matched sides, with Ithembe leading 7-5 at the break.

Ithembe kicked off into a slight breeze and were able to keep Stirling in their own half, though the East London side ran the ball constantly at their opponents. But good defence kept them out.

Ithembe took control when Stirling tried to attack them up front, driving them back with strong performances from props Sibabalwe Booi and Aviwe Nqwelo, as well as lock Kamva Memani and No 8 Bonga Zitshu.

From a penalty, Stirling kicked for touch and attacked from the line-out, eventually creating an overlap to score an unconverted try in the corner.

However, Ithembe came back with determination and after Memani won good possession, they were able to maul their way upfield.

After several phases, centre Yanga Javu crossed over for a try converted by scrumhalf Mimi Gwintsa to give them a halftime lead of 7-5.

In the second half, Stirling came back strongly, working hard in the mauls but Ithembe stood firm. The Gqeberha side then suffered a blow when inspiring centre Siya Davids was sent off for a dangerous tackle.

But Ithembe kept up the attack and flyhalf Lunesipho Maqoma put over an excellent drop goal to make it 10-5.

This sparked a Stirling fightback and their willingness to run the ball eventually paid off when they went over for a converted try to go ahead 12-10.

The game then moved up and down the field as both sides tried to find another try, but eventually it was Stirling who went over for their third try to lead 17-10.

Though Ithembe’s forwards kept the pressure on with powerful running, Stirling received a penalty at 60m, which they converted to make it 20-10.

Ithembe flyhalf Maqoma nearly got through for a second try, only to be stopped metres from the line, and eventually Stirling were able to kick the ball into touch to take the win.