Graeme beat Union High

Three tries in the last 10 minutes gave Graeme a 36-17 victory over Union High in Grahamstown on Youth Day.

Graeme dominated throughout, but this did not show on the scoreboard – until late in the second half the two teams were locked at 17 all.  Finally Graeme played the rugby they are capable of and scored tries through the back three of Given Freemantle and wings Bradley Birkholtz and a brilliant individual effort from Chad Gill.

Graeme scored two first half tries from lock Justin MacDougall and centre Joao de Fonseca to take a 12-10 lead at the break.  Union’s points came from an intercept try to Ricardo Maqananqa and a penalty and conversion from Dylan Schaeffer.

Another intercept try to Sinethemba Madikane gave Union a 17-12 lead early in the second half.  But prop Welmon Botes replied straightaway with a try from a drive close to the ruck, and Graeme drew level and from then on took control of the rest of the match.

Graeme now travel to Durban where they have three tough fixtures at the Pharos Rugby Legends Festival.

Scorers:

For Graeme
Tries: Justin MacDougall, Joao de Fonseca, Welmon Botes, Given Freemantle, Bradley Birkholtz, Chad Gill
Cons: Chris van der Meulen, Lorenzo Southey 2

For Union High:
Tries: Ricardo Maqananqa; Sinethemba Madikane
Cons: Dylan Schaeffer 2
Pen: Dylan Schaeffer

Other results:

2nd XV: Graeme won 52-5
Graeme 4th XV vs Union XV: Graeme won 45-0
Graeme Under-15 A won 7-0
Graeme Under-14 A won 57-0