Graeme College Rugby Day results
Dale, Grey strong
The games played at the Graeme College Rugby Day in Grahamstown on Saturday produced some surprises, some runaway victories, as well as some tight matches which ensured that this was an entertaining day’s rugby.
In the main game Graeme came across a Dale side playing impressive rugby this early in the season. Graeme scored a charge down try to lead 7-0 early in the first half which excited the home crowd, but Dale scored eight tries and 59 unanswered points in outplaying the hosts. Graeme made far too many mistakes and on each occasion Dale capitalised and made the most of the turnover ball they received
St. Andrews ran a willing Nico Malan team off their feet, gaining a 50-17 victory. Halfway through the first half Nico Malan led 12-7, but once St. Andrews got going Nico Malan had no answer to their brand of running rugby.
Queens looked impressive in downing Framesby 26-24. The score line flatters Framesby somewhat as they managed to score two late tries after trailing 26-10 late in the second half.
Grey ran out comfortable victors versus Hudson Park by 44 points to 12 thanks to a late surge which led to four tries in the last 10 minutes. Grey were always in control and their defensive line was not breached, with Hudson only managing to convert four penalties.
The first upset produced was Muir’s 16-14 victory over Selborne which occurred in somewhat controversial circumstances. The match was blown 10 minutes short, but Muir defended courageously and deserved their surprise victory up until that stage of the game.
Nathaniel Nyaluza were just too fast amongst the backs for Port Alfred who could contain them up front but eventually ran out of speed and tacklers as the Grahamstown side ran in quick tries.
Alexander Road actually scored first, an excellent try by their eighthman and captain but Union High got their way back into the game and eventually dominated it, again through the speed of their backs.
Results:
Dale vs Graeme, 59-7
Grey vs Hudson Park, 44-12
Muir vs Selborne, 16-14
Nathaniel Nyaluza vs Port Alfred, 31-6
Queen's vs Framesby, 26-24
St Andrew's vs Nico Malan, 43-17
Union High vs Alexander Road, 34-17
