the Green machine cruise past College
Glenwood have now won nine of their 13 matches, while College who is ranked just below the Top 20 suffered their seven defeat in 15 matches.
Hard, running rugby was the theme of the day which saw two KZN stalwarts clash in a typical Derby Day affair. The Green Machine outscored College four tries to three in the sides last KwaZulu-Natal derby for the season.
Glenwood started off the which were evenly poised, with a collision of two distinct styles – the brute strength of College's forwards against Glenwood's agility packed backline. Like expected, the hosts exploded into action and produced an amazing counter-attack initiated by fullback Siyanda Cele, however, it was lost forward inside College's 22.
College also had an opportunity to draw first blood after referee Marius Jonker penalised his son Rynaard Jonker, unfortunately for College Keegan Collyer's kick failed to travel the distance and the score remained 0-0 with 10 minutes on the clock.
Soon Jonker made up for his mistake by winning a penalty. With the wind behind their back, scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse stepped up and handed Glenwood a 3-0 lead after 15 minutes.
With points in the bag, Glenwood started to take control of proceeding. They worked their way to College's half and were rewarded with a penalty inside the 22. This time the hosts countered College's approached and made use of the scrum. The physical strength combined with speed proved to be fruitful as scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse snatched the ball from the back of the scrum and sneaked over the whitewash for the converted try, 10-0.
Minutes later Glenwood had a line-out on the College's 10 metre, they shifted the ball wide and some great interplay resulted in Janus Hendrikz's visit to the chalk.
Just before the break, drama unfolded inside the Glenwood's 22, the lock JJ van der Mescht was given a yellow card for a tip tackle, however, College failed to use the numerical advantage instead it was Glenwood who added another successful penalty.
The hosts took a 20-nil lead at the break.
College showed more vigour and intent in the second half, they managed to produce two try-scoring opportunities but elementary errors just halted their attack.
Despite their failed attempts, the visitors kept the intensity and was finally rewarded with a try. Wing Ethan Heuer went over in the corner infornt of the Maritzburg's travelling supporters, to trail 5-20 with 44 minutes gone.
Soon Glenwood captain Dylan Kruger made sure his side extended their lead. The lanky flank received an offload from Jayden Hendrikse, and dived over the whitewash. Jaydon Hendrikse added the extra points.
With less than 10 minutes left to play, Nkondlo Radebe scored a try for Maritzburg. Collyer added the extras to trail 12-27.
For a second time in the match, Glenwood were down to 14-man, this time Dylan Pretorius was given a yellow card for a high tackle on Radebe behind the try-line.
Minutes later, College were again inside the Glenwood's 22. Courtesy of a successful line-out, they secured the ball and shifted it wide before Phelani Zuma powered his way through Glenwood's defence to score.
However, it was Glenwood who had the final say. They won a penalty close to the College's line, while College switched off, Glenwood took a quick tap-and-go which resulted in Runake Brynard's try. Jayden Hendrikse added the extras to secure the victory.
The scorers:
For Glenwood:
Tries: Hendrikse, Hendrikz, Kruger, Brynardt
Cons: Hendrickse 4
Pen: Hendrikse 2
For Maritzburg College:
Tries: Radebe, Heuer, Zuma
Cons: Collyer
Yellow cards: JJ van der Mescht (Glenwood, 35), Dylan Pretorius (Glenwood, 63)
Glenwood: 15 Siyanda Cele, 14 Morne van Rensburg, 13 Conor Alan, 12 Rynaard Jonker, 11 Janus Hendrikz, 10 Dylan Pretorius, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Slade Du Randt, 7 Runake Brynardt, 6 Dylan Kruger, 5 JJ van der Mescht, 4 Lunga Ncube, 3 Brendon Schultz, 2 Dewet, 1 Jordan Clarke.
Maritzburg College: 15 Jaco Truter, 14 Nkondlo Radebe, 13 Njabulo Majara, 12 Yamkela Tetyana, 11 Ethan Heuer, 10 Keegan Collyer, 9 Phelani Simamane, 8 Damien Walden, 7 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 6 Jaco van den Linda, 5 Dylan Jones, 4 Liam Cameron-Mackintosh, 3 Phelani Zuma, 2 Fezokuhle Mbatha, 1 Ethan Hodgson.
Referee: Marius Jonker
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