Wynberg get the better of SACS
Sun, 22 Aug 2010 23:15
Wynberg in action. (c) Doug Fitz-Gerald
In a highly entertaining end-of-season derby, hosts the South African College High School (SACS) were unable to defend a 24-3 first half lead and finally went down 26-24 to a spirited Wynberg Boys' High School side.
Despite the match being played in difficult conditions the teams played quality rugby befitting the rivalry between the two oldest schools in South Africa.
SACS had the benefit of the strong northerly wind that was blowing directly down the field in the first half. The teams were evenly matched for the most part and an early penalty by SACS flyhalf Ryan van Rensburg gave them the lead. Wynberg was responded to with a drop-goal by his opposite number Dalton Kannemeyer.
Midway through the first half SACS and their left-wing Luca Rizzo, in particular, hit a purple patch. Rizzo scored three tries in ten minutes, the first two coming from turnovers secured inside the Wynberg half. Both attacks were launched by centre Jordan Morris who linked with Rizzo who scored.
The third try was started when SACS ran the kick-off from inside their own quarter and centre Dean Rees-Gibbs broke through. He fed Rizzo who chipped over the fullback and gathered to score. Van Rensburg converted all three tries, the last one from the touchline, to see SACS into a 24-3 lead.
Soon after SACS were reduced to fourteen men as the visiting official from the UK saw something untoward. Wynberg cashed in and scored after a patient build-up saw them secure an overlap on the left for wing Ayanda Hess. Wynberg finished the half strongly and added a penalty to leave the score 24-11 at the interval.
Still plaing a man down SACS conceded a kickable penalty two minutes into the second half, which scrumhalf Dylan Frylinck was unable to convert. The key moment in the game came soon after.
SACS' No.8 and captain broke blind from a scrum and cut through. He passed inside and a great opportunity was lost when the ball was dropped. Wynberg's SA Schools flank Sikhumbuze Notshe collected the ball and started a counterattack. He broke brilliantly and cut through into the SACS 22m-area. From the ensuing ruck Wynberg set another phase before Frylinck broke around the ruck to score.
Six points in arrears and with the wind at their backs Wynberg had their tails up as they went in search of the win. Playing with composure and structure Wynberg again went about patiently building the phases and probing away at the SACS defence.
They eventually got around the outside of SACS and when the ball was passed inside it went loose and was collected by a SACS defender. Notshe ripped the ball away from him and dived over in the corner for the try. Frylinck was unable to kick the conversion that would have put Wynberg in front.
Wynberg took the lead for the first time with just under ten minutes to go. SACS, trying to attack from within their own quarter, attempted a grubber through. The ball ricocheted off a Wynberg player and into the SACS 22m-area. In the chase for the ball a SACS player was adjudged to have held back an attacker and Wynberg were awarded a penalty. Frylinck made no mistake and Wynberg were ahead 26-24.
SACS went in search of a score to get them back in the lead and threw everything they had at Wynberg in the tense final five minutes. Poor handling and some questionable options saw them spurn the few opportunities they had and Wynberg held on for a memorable and morale-boosting win.
The game was played in good spirit and both sets of supporters finished the season in style. SACS first saluting their heroes with a stirring rendition of the school song before the Wynberg boys took to the field en masse for their school song and war-cry. It was a fitting end to what have been disappointing season for both schools.
The scorers:
For South African College High School:
Tries: Luca Rizzo 3
Cons: Ryan van Rensburg 3
Pen: Van Rensburg
For Wynberg Boys' High School:
Tries: Ayanda Hess, Dylan Frylinck, Sikhumbuze Notshe
Con: Frylinck
Pens: Frylinck 2
DG: Dalton Kannemeyer
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