Boishaai Clinch Cracker at Bulfees
Paarl Boys’ High started their 2020 campaign on a positive note with a hard-fought 17-10 victory over a very tough opponent in Monument High School at the Bulfees in Porterville this past Saturday.
The score was locked in at 10-10 with two minutes of play remaining when replacement forward Etienne van Rooyen scored the winning try for Boishaai. Flyhalf Compion von Ludwig was successful with the conversion.
The turn of events in the final minutes of the game denied Monument yet again after the Krugersdorp side also narrowly lost out last year following a last-minute Boishaai try.
Monnas scored in the third minute of the game on Saturday to lead 7-0. Fullback Luan van der Walt gathered a well-placed chip kick to go over in the corner and this left Boishaai playing catch-up from the start.
The young Boishaai team, however, kept their cool remarkably well against their more experienced opponents.
Monnas will be disappointed for not turning a few scoring opportunities into points, especially in the second half, but then Boishaai also lost two crucial lineouts close to the Monnas try-line.
It was a great start for the Boishaai team but, sadly, government regulations to try and curb the spread of the Coronavirus means they won’t be able to capitalise and create some momentum from their early-season victory.
Their Ireland tour has been cancelled – they were due to leave for Ireland on Wednesday – and the Wildeklawer and St John’s tournaments have also been cancelled. Depending on the spread of the virus, their next encounter might only be on 18 April against Wynberg.
“It’s disappointing, of course,” said Engledow, “but it’s the same for everyone. These are extraordinary circumstances in which we know we have a responsibility to play our part in prohibiting the spread of the virus.”
Engledow was pleased with his squad’s performance in Porterville. “I was delighted with the boys’ physicality. They stood up well against a very physical Monnas team.
“The match gave us a good indication of key areas where we can improve and positives areas on which we can build.
“We missed some crucial tackles and we need to work on our ruck speed. Monnas disrupted us at the breakdown and made it difficult to speed things up.
“But all things considered we’re over the moon. This was an extremely tough game for us and getting the result is amazing.”
Engledow had praise for the way Boishaai captain, Seb Lombard, calmed down the players following the early Monnas try.
“The bounce off a chip kick like that can go in any direction. So it was important for him to underline this and get the guys to relax and stick to their processes.”
Boishaai fans can look forward to seeing their exciting young bunch of Under-19As develop while Tjaart van der Walt’s Monnas squad certainly showed that they are a tough nut to crack this year.
Another loss to Boishaai means that Monnas are still winless against the respected Paarl school, but Monnas can hold their heads high after putting in a great performance which had spectators on the edge of their seats throughout the game in Porterville.
Southern Business School principle, Chris Vorster, was a keen spectator at the Bulfees. “I would like to thank Porterville High School for the privilege of being part of the Bulfees. It’s such a great family weekend and represents a beautiful showcase for rugby and school sports in general.
“These are both remarkable schools that reflect our belief in the country’s youth and their ability to build a better future for South Africa.”
By Southern Business School
