Itembelihle win Seven's tournament
Thu, 10 Sep 2009 22:04
The Itembelihle boys with SA Sevens captain Mzwandile Stick
Itembelihle played in Muir College's Seven's tournament over the weekend. They roped in the services of Mzwandile Stick, South Afrifca's Sevens captain, for the tournament and it paid handsome dividends.
The side trained in the school hall the Wednesday as the rain pelted down.
Other teams to take part in the tournament were, Grey (PE), Muir, Despatch, John Walton, Uitenhage High and a few more.
Itembelihle won their first game, 24-5 against Uitenhage High. Next they played Grey. Grey soon led 14-0, but Itembelihle fought back to lead 19-14. Grey struck back just before the final whistle to force a draw.
Itembelihle's next game was against the difficult John Walton outfit. Itembelihle were behind just before the final whistle, when lock Sihle Mngautwa broke through to score. Flyhalf Coyi Banda converted to give them a 21-15 victory. Itembelihle then faced a young Despatch side and went into a 21-0 lead before Despatch struck back with two good tries to make the final score 21-14.
Grey played Muir in the one semifinal in a rousing encounter with Muir running out winners! The final was contested between the hosts Muir and Itembelihle.
Itembelihle were first to score when they attacked from behind their try-line for flyhalf Banda to sprint through for a try which he converted himself. From the next kick-off, Muir could not control the ball and lock Mngautwa grabbed the ball to dot down in the corner.
Muir struck back with a fine try to make the score 12-7. Itembelihle struck from a lineout, close to Muir's tryline for wing Skumbuzo Lali to dive over for a converted try. Muir struck back just before and just after half-time with two tries, score 19-17.
After that try, Itembelihle woke up and scored two goals and a try against a tired Muir side. First Banda struck to score under the posts, then hooker, John Magenuka ran from the Muir 10m line to score in the corner and wing Lali also scored close to the poles.
Banda ended the tournament with 61 points from seven tries and 13 conversions.
Itembelihle will now take part in this weekend's @lantic seven's tournament at Daniêl Pienaar in Uitenhage, but they will be minus three of their stars, lock Mngautwa and centre Ludwe Jack will be off to the KwaZulu Natal Under-17 tournament in Newcastle Natal and flank Zingisa April will be doing duty for the EP Under-19 side.
Muir must be congratulated for a well organised tournament.
By Theo Pieterse
Contact Us | Terms and Conditions | Privacy Policy
