Old Friends Meet Again
One of the oldest school boy fixtures was rekindled on the weekend when Muir hosted Grey High after 11 years.
Muir took on Grey’s 2nd XV (Blues) as Meyer Sauerman Rugby Day fell on the same day. Nonetheless this was a physical encounter and saw the visiting Blues run in four tries to Muir’s two and take the game 32-14. Muir narrowly led 14-11 at the break.
Grey’s Blues opened the scoring with a penalty after one of many silly mistakes by Muir which ended up costing them. The Blues extended their lead after continued pressure and ran in their first try. The Muir side rallied together and stated playing to their strengths and centre Mihlali Nobombu crossed to open Muir’s account. Flyhalf Abongile Sonjica kicked the conversion.
The Blues kicked another penalty to edge ahead. The College side kept to the task at hand and was rewarded when outside centre Xolela Daniles capitalised from a mistake and put Muir in the lead. Sonjica kicked the conversion.
Muir’s narrow lead was not enough and still had plenty of work ahead in the second half if they wanted to be victors. Both sides went at each other with nothing to lose and played to their strength. The last few minutes saw the Blues physically dominate phases because of their size and run in three unanswered converted tries.
The loose trio of Mziwamadoda Goba, Lutho Geza and Siphelele Latola did extremely well for the Muir side by doing the basics, getting stuck in at rucks and forcing penalties and turnovers. Centre Mihlali Nobomvu needs a mention for his continuous commitment and never-say-die attitude on the field.
By Lyntin Gouws
