Alexandria edge Ukhanyo in Classic Clash
Ukhanyo were looking to claim back-to-back victories over their rivals, having won the 2015 fixture, but Alexandria had other thoughts on their mind as the Classic Clash continues to go the way of the visiting side.
Close to 3000 people surrounded the field at Ukhanyo Secondary in anticipation of a hard-fought and tightly contested encounter, and the players certainly delivered. There was no separating the sides in the opening exchanges as the fierce rivalry and comradery between the schools was on full display, with neither side willing to give an inch.
However, the deadlock would eventually be broken by the home side when No.8 Mayinje Sinoxolo barged his way over Alexandria's try line to grab the first points of the match. Mkele Baphumze stepped up and held his nerve to slot the conversion to hand Ukhanyo a 7-0 lead.
Alexandria worked their way back into the contest and began to build up some good momentum but chances were few, as Ukhanyo hung onto their lead. The visitors would find reward before half-time when their reliable captain Mason Brooks grabbed his side's first try, before converting it himself to level matters.
The score remained deadlocked at 7-all as the teams headed into the half-time interval.
The high tempo encounter continued at the resumption of play as the match remained evenly poised. The schools traded penalties to remain level at 10-all before Alexandria took control of proceedings.
They kept plugging away at the Ukhanyo defence and their pressure was rewarded. Estin Jacobs added the visitors second try and Brooks added the extras to seal the match 17-10 and exact revenge for their 2015 defeat.
Ukhanyo captain, Mphumezi Magobhiyane expressed his thanks to the sponsors and rivals Alexandria for the hard fought match.
"Thank you very much for the sponsorship and for giving us this wonderful opportunity every year. Thank you to our rivals, Alexandria High School for a fair game. We played very well as a team and we lost as a team," Magobhiyane said.
Ukhanyo's coach was pleased with his side's efforts.
"Both teams were desperate to win. This match was fast and physical but players put in everything they had and I am sorry for our loss. Next year is going to be the tough year," he stated.
Alexandria's coach, JC Prince was really proud with his teams victory.
"The boys put in everything and gave 100 percent. They played for each other and according to the game plan, I am really proud of the boys," Prince stated.
Scorers:
For Ukhanyo:
Tries: Mayinje Sinoxolo
Cons: Mkele Baphumze
Pens: Mkele Baphumze
For Alexandria:
Tries: Mason Brooks, Estin Jacobs
Cons: Mason Brooks 2
Pens: Mason Brooks
