Jeppe finish on a high
JEPPE High School for Boys finished their season off on a high note after a narrow 24-17 victory over traditional rivals Parktown Boys High School at home this past weekend.
A brace from Jeppe captain Boitumelo Tsatsane and nine points from flyhalf Declan Raubenheimer helped seal the victory over a plucky Parktown side.
Parktown were first to register points after slotting a penalty kick, but it was not long before Jeppe crossed the try line with Raubenheimer going over for the score. Raubenheimer converted his own try, handing Jeppe a 7-3 lead after five minutes. Five minutes later Jeppe went over again, this time through captain Tsatsane, who scored his first of the afternoon. Raubenheimer was successful with the boot once again, extending Jeppe’s lead to 14-3.
Parktown were always underdogs going into the match, but they did not let this affect their performance, clawing their way back with a try in the 20th minute. The subsequent conversion was successful and the match was wide open at 14-10.
Parktown were better on defence and showed more resistance to Jeppe’s attack, but eventually the dam wall broke when Tsatsane went over for Jeppe’s third of the contest. Tsatsane has been a terrific leader for Jeppe, slicing his way past defenders all season. Raubenheimer missed the conversion, but Jeppe went into the break with a healthy 19-10 lead.
Jeppe started the second half in magnificent fashion with loose forward Lifa Jambane going over within the first minute to extend Jeppe’s lead to 24-10.
Parktown had the final say in the match when they went over for their second try late on, but it was to no avail as Jeppe walked away 24-17 victors. For Jeppe it was sweet revenge over one of their longest rivals after shockingly losing 24-38 last year.
This was a gutsy performance from Parktown who have not had the best of seasons, but their supporters are optimistic for what the future holds with Max Perks, Nsika Shongwe, Zimvo Tsoayana and Maselino Pooe all still in the ranks for next season.
Jeppe, on the other hand, had a remarkable run to end their campaign, picking up five victories in their last seven matches, including a 25-7 victory over their fiercest rivals, King Edward VII School.
Pretoria Boys High School shocked Afrikaans High School (Affies) 38-21 at home, reclaiming some bragging rights in Pretoria. Pretoria Boys fought their way back after trailing 14-5 at the break, taking the lead for the first time in the 46th minute (14-21). They never looked back from there, going on to score another 17 points and claiming the match 21-38.
In Virseker Cup action over the weekend EG Jansen High School, Garsfontein High School, Helpmekaar College and Monument High School all picked up victories. EG Jansen dispatched Menlopark 29-17 at home, while Garsfontein made light work of Noordheuwel (68-24) in the West Rand. After two consecutive losses, Helpmekaar turned their fortunes around with victory over Waterkloof High School (36-24), before defending champions Monument eased past HTS Middelburg (52-22) at home.