Three Muir reports
Muir College of Uitenhage, one of the oldest schools in South Africa, have submitted reports of their matches with Hudson Park High School of East London, Parktown Boys' High of Johannesburg and Union High School of Graaff-Reinet
1. The first game for the College did not end well as they went down 11-16 to Hudson Park. Muir narrowly led 8-3 at the break.
Lock Lungile Sonwabo opened the scoring after a pic-and- drive from the base of a ruck and put the College ahead. Both sides made good use of their opportunities but defensive systems were well set and scoring was kept low. Just before the break Hudson Park narrowed Muir’s lead by kicking a penalty.
The second half saw numerous errors by both sides which slowed the game down. Hudson quickly upped the pace and were rewarded with a converted try to take the lead. Sonjica chipped away at Hudson’s lead by kicking a penalty. Hudson kicked a penalties to take the game out of reach for the Muir side.
2. Muir’s second fixture at the Grey Festival ended in their favour narrowly beating Parktown from Johannesburg 17-15. Parktown was ahead 10-7 at the break.
Muir stretched Parktown’s defence and saw right wing Sithembiso Metshe dot down under the poles. Flyhalf Abongile Sonjica kicked the conversion. Parktown settled into the game and picked up the tempo to be rewarded with a converted try. They extended their lead by kicking a penalty.
Parktown come out firing in the second half, found the College wanting and ran in their second try to further extend their lead. Scrumhalf Yomelela Keswa put a spark into the Muir side when he crossed the line. Sonjica narrowed the deficit by kicking the conversion. Muir continued to apply pressure and played most of the half in their opponents half. The pressure eventually paid off, Sonjica kicked a penalty and Muir took the lead.
3. Muir hosted traditional rivals Union High which always is a hard-fought battle between the four white lines. However, this year Muir ran out victors 33-12 after leading 21-7 at the break.
Because of poor decision making and silly mistakes by the College, Union High took the lead with a converted try. Muir quickly settled, playing to their strengths and structures, and outside centre Mihlali Nobomvu was rewarded with a try. Flyhalf Abongile Sonjica kicked the conversion. Nobomvu was instrumental in the College’s second try after he forced a turnover, kicked behind the defence and saw scrumhalf Yomelela Keswa collect the loose ball to dot down. Sonjica converted his second for the day.
Left wing Xolela Daniels crossed over for the third try in the half when Sonjica drew his opposite number and played the wing inside. Sonjica converted to extend the lead.
The second-half saw both sides defend extremely well and not give each other an inch. Both sides ran the ball as if they had nothing too lose and was a real example of “school boy” rugby to be enjoyed by all.
Muir’s eighthman Mihlali Mosi crossed the fourth try of the day when he picked up at the base of a scrum and showed a clean pair of heals. Captain and centre Lunathi Nxele sealed victory for the College in dotting down under the stick. Sonjica converted his fourth of the day.
Union was not done and played till the bitter end to be rewarded with a consolation try.
Muir’s forwards played well as a unit doing the dirty work to lay the platform for the backs. Forwards that stood out were Lock Ancel Velkers and flank Mzi Goba who forced many a penalty for the College.
By Lyntin Gouws
