Worcester edge Drostdy in nail-biter
The Classic Clashes between Worcester Gymnasium and HTS Drostdy is a long-standing rivalry steeped in tradition and both schools were completely consumed with school spirit in the build-up to this epic encounter.
The Worcester first XV had come close in 2014 and with the majority of that team returning this year, it was destined to be a monumental tussle. With HTS having not lost in the past decade they were surely still the favourites heading into the match.
Worcester Gym started very strongly, applying great pressure on the huge Drostdy pack. It was a classic case of size against speed as the Gimmies were able to spread the ball quickly and effectively, moving the huge Drostdy boys around.
Adriaan van der Bank opened the scoring with an expertly taken penalty in the 10th minute. Shortly after this, Bradman Grove cut the Drostdy defence apart to score under the posts, making it an easy conversion for van der Bank to extend their lead to 10 points.
Drostdy's forwards were able to get themselves into the game more and more as it progressed and ultimately culminated in a try for Jurie Wessels in the 21st minute which was left unconverted. The halftime score remained steady at 10–5 in WG's favour.
The second half started as an almighty arm-wrestle with the Drostdy pack slowly starting to make their weight advantage count. Van der Bank managed to slot another penalty in the 42nd minute before Drostdy started tightening the screws.
There was an extended period of pressure where the Drostdy forwards rumbled up the ball. Not succeeding in crossing the whitewash, Andre Swanepoel opted to slot a drop goal to close the gap to 13–8. Drostdy's forwards' pressure was rewarded, first in a close-quarters try to SJ Wessels in the 55th minute and another powerful drive by Albert Liebenberg in the 60th minute to hand them a slender 18-13 lead with 10 minutes to play.
Drostdy had scored 13 points in quick succession and the match seemed to be slipping away from Worcester. WG seemed to become more desperate as the match continued and starting spreading the ball with renewed vigour. With time almost up, WG kicked the ball out in the corner for a five metre line-out. The ball was secured and cleverly recycled to eventually send Jeshua Paul crashing over in the corner. The score was tied 18–18 with time up on the clock.
In order to break the draught, the try would have to be converted right from the touchline. Cometh the hour, cometh the man. Van der Bank, cool as a cucumber, stepped up and slotted the final conversion like a consummate professional.
the long-awaited victory finally achieved. The fairy-tale ending for a group of players who had been working diligently towards this day for the past 4 years had become a reality.
Scorers:
For Worcester Gymnasium:
Tries: Grove, Paul
Cons: van der Bank (2)
Pens: van der Bank (2)
For Drostdy:
Tries: Wessels (2), Liebenberg
DG: Swanepoel
Teams:
Worcester: 15 Thirlo Frdericks, 14 Jeanrick Scheepers, 13 Julian Lodewyk, 12 Gustav September, 11 Lakanyo Magele, 10 Adriaan vd Bank, 9 Lyle Olson, 8 Steyn Olivier, 7 Bradman Grove, 6 Emile Barnard, 5 Charl Schoeman, 4 Daniel vd Berg, 3 Denver Prins, 2 Jeshau Paul, 1 Mias Coetzee.
Replacements: 16 Luke Titus, 17 Reinardt Stemmet, 18 Jacques Morkel, 19 Ethan Setera, 20 Pieter Coetzee, 21 Brenwin Samauls, 22 Rivaldo Morgan, 23 Pieter Swart.
Drostdy: 15 Earl Douwrie, 14 Jo’ah Davids, 13 Gevin Scheepers, 12 Jay-Dee vd Westhuizen, 11 Direnzo Phillips, 10 Andre Swanepoel, 9 Lynthen Barties, 8 Evan Booysen, 7 Jurie Fick, 6 Albert Liebenberg, 5 SJ Wessels, 4 Erik Groenewald, 3 Rossouw Prins, 2 Zander Fernhout, 1 Pieter Stassen.
Replacements: 16 Franco Fourie, 17 Bron Lee Mouries, 18 Aristo Nolann, 19 Theodore Pienaar, 20 Corne Prins, 21 Lourens vd Berg, 22 Juan v Niekerk.
