Itembelihle win FNB Classic
Match Report
Itembelihle Comprehensive School beat Ndzondelelo High 15-5 in an FNB Classic Clash at Wolfson Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Thursday.
In a thrilling encounter watched by about 4000 fanatical spectators and in near perfect conditions Itembelihle beat Ndzondelelo. The guest of honour for the game was Chilliboy Ramaphele who impressed everyone with his friendliness and willingness to share information with players as well
as coaches.
It was indeed another classic encounter between two sides who set out to entertain the big crowd.
Itembelihle won the toss and elected to kick off, playing into a slight breeze. Itembelihle struck from the kick off, when from the ensuing ruck, Ndzondelelo flyhalf Ngxobongwana had his clearance charged down by Itembelihle No.8 Msizi. Wing Mtoba was quick to pounce and fall on the ball for the first try of the match, centre Jam-Jam was unable to convert.
From the ensuing kick-off it was Ndzondelelo who applied all the pressure but flyhalf Ngxobongwana had an off day with the boot missing two easy penalties. Centre Jam-Jam of Itembelihle also missed an easy penalty attempt.
Ndzondelelo played attacking rugby but were unable to break the resolute defence of Itembelihle.
On the stroke of half-time Ndzondelelo capitalized from an Itembelihle mistake when No.8 Msizi could not control the ball at the back of the scrum and scrumhalf Makunga booted the ball through for No.8 Tandani to fall on it for an unconverted try. Half-time score: 5-5.
Itembelihle came out firing in the second half and Ndzondelelo were forced to defend for long periods. Itembelihle camped on their try-line and it was only some desperate defence that kept them out, but it eventually gave when flank Magaba was driven over for another unconverted try.
From here on their was only one side on the field and Ndzondelelo were forced to defend desperately only getting into the Itembelihle half on the odd occasion. Itembelihle dominated territory and possession and ran the ball on every occasion even turning down a chance of kicking for goal right in front of Ndzonzondelelo's poles, to take the game away from them. Itembelihle scored in the dying moments of the game when they turned over possession on the halfway line, center Jam-Jam hit a half gap, offloading to No.8 Tikilito Msizi who dived over in the corner for his try. Jam-Jam failed to convert and the final whistle blew. to the joy of the Itembelihle players.
Ndzondelelo were a much improved outfit from the one that took a 33-13 hammering from Itembelihle earlier in the year. Outstanding for Ndzondelelo were vice-captain and No.8 Tandani and flyhalf Ngxobongwana.
For Itembelihle prop Kabila Ntezo was in fine form and was elected man of the match by Chilliboy . Not far behind him were hooker Simphiwe January, tighthead orop Mbeko Kota and scrumhalf Maletse Stick.
Scorers:
For Itembelihle:
Tries: Xolani Mtoba, Sabelo Magaba, Tikilito Msizi
For Ndzondelelo:
Try: Luyono Tandani
Teams:
Itembelihle: 15 Andile Mhlaudi, 14 Xolani Mtoba, 13 Mambush Nzanzeka, 12 Ayanda Jam-Jam (captain), 11 Msawawa Jama, 10 Lutsha Mankwenkwe, 9 Maletsi , 8 Tikilito Msizi, 7 Zingisa April, 6 Lusindisa Tuwe, 4 Bora Ngqolombe, 3 Lizwi Maxela, 2 Simphiwe January, 1 Kabila Ntezo.
Replacements: 16 Stone Mamatu, 17 B Nokwe, 18 Sabelo Magaba, 19 Maramba Mzukwa, 20 Delele Diba, 21 Mpumi Kaulela
Coach: Theo Pieterse
Ndzondelelo: 15 Eddie Rululu (captain), 14 Mlondolozi Mantile, 13 Promise Dhomo, 12 Bulelani Manuathela, 11 Kgotso Mqakaza, 10 Anele Ngxobongwana, 9 Mzwandile Makhunga, 8 Luyono Tandani, 7 Siviwe Mkayo, 6 Bongile Hanabe, 5 Unath Gxogxo, 4 Zandisile Ndongeni, 3 Ske Mankayi Mzomba, 2 Lihle Zondeka, 1 Luthando Menge
Replacements: 16 Pumlani Wangwa, 17 Sonwabo Tafi, 18 Mpumzi Ngcuka,19 Ayanda Mkonqo, 20 Akhona Dapo, 21 Odwethu Mtweni, 22 Tembani Siyalana
Coach: Gerald Antonie
Manager: Dan Ngcape
Referee: Phillip Bosch (Eastern Province)
By Theo Pieterse
