Bosch batter SACS
Rondebosch Boys’ High School ended weeks of agony with a nail-biting 18-17 win over hosts, the South African College High School (SACS). After a week of heavy rain and biting cold in Cape Town the clouds cleared and the game was played under sunny skies but on a very wet and muddy surface.
The teams were evenly matched in the opening exchanges and both sides had opportunities to kick at poles in the first ten minutes. With wet underfoot conditions and a muddy ball goal-kicking was difficult on the day and this is ultimately what cost SACS the game. Rondebosch flyhalf Hilton Gibson missed two kicks at goal but his opposite number Shane Fourie missed four penalties.
Fourie was on target after twelve minutes after a good period of phase play from SACS stretched the Rondebosch defence. Prop Joel MacQuene lost the ball reaching for the line but Fourie goaled the subsequent penalty for offside. Rondebosch came onto the attack and made their intentions clear. Their heavier pack looking to take the game to their direct opponents. SACS struggled to contain them all morning and received an early warning for repeated infringements which led to the first points for the visitors.
SACS should have extended their lead before interval but Fourie missed a penalty and SACS lost three line-outs within five metres of the Rondebosch line.
As was the case in the first fixture between the two teams it was the power of the Rondebosch pack, particularly flank Graham Geldenhuys, that propelled them to another derby win. Geldenhuys burst through the SACS defence from twenty metres out and appeared to be held up before the touch judge intervened and the referee awarded a try. Gibson missed the conversion but was on target with a penalty soon after.
SACS struck back will an excellent try through fullback Seb Roodt after they had spread the Rondebosch defence first left and then wide again to the right. Fourie converted from wide on the right to make it 11-10 to Rondebosch.
SACS continued to get on the wrong side of referee Bennie Bothma and the pressure told eventually when Rondebosch extended their lead again after twenty-two minutes. Prop Kyle Whyte going over after a period of sustained pressure. Rondebosch rarely spread the ball further than their big captain and inside-centre Ronnie Melck but the tactic worked in the conditions as they got good momentum from their carries.
SACS closed the gap to one point with six minutes remaining. Wing Matthew Wadling finishing off a set-piece move from a line-out. The game went up and down the field in the closing stages but again SACS got on the wrong end of the referee's decisions at vital moments and were unable to get that illusive final score. Rondebosch played the conditions well and were full value for their win.
Having lost six games in a row and having led the last three it was a massive result for Rondebosch. If they can beat Bishops at home next week it will be a satisfying end to a frustrating season and a fitting send off for coaches Clinton van Rensburg and Rod Labuschagne. SACS travel to Wynberg for their final match and will be hoping to also end their season on a high.
Scorers
For South African College High School (SACS):
Tries: Seb Roodt, Matthew Wadling
Cons: Shane Fourie 2
Pen: Fourie
For Rondebosch Boys’ High School:
Tries: Graham Geldenhuys, Kyle Whyte
Con: Hilton Gibson
Pens: Gibson 2
