Wynberg squeeze past SACS

Wynberg Boys’ High versus SACS is one of the oldest derby matches in the country and nowadays also a FNB Classic Clash. The match lived up to the occasion.

It was classic derby day rugby played on a lovely winter morning in Wynberg in front of a decent and appreciative crowd. There was no score at half-time and the final score was 10-nil to the hosts.

The talk before the game was by how much Wynberg would beat SACS given the results posted this season by the respective teams. SACS caught Wynberg off guard with some different tactics on the day as well as a much improved and resolute defence. Wynberg showed their class and composure by closing out what was a tightly fought affair.

Wynberg were forced to adapt their tactics slightly and although both teams had chances in the first half it took the hosts until the 50th minute to open the scoring. Centre Evan Frylinck finishing off a sustained period of phase play. Fullback Karl Martin converted the try and a penalty soon after to give the host a lead they were not to relinquish despite a few nervous moments.

SACS best chance came when right wing Damian Rawstorne fielded a box kick and raced clear. He linked with Aidan Deary on the left only for Grant Turner to track back and make a great try-saving tackle that epitomised what this Wynberg side are about.

Karl Martin came into the game as an attacking threat in the second half but the standout player on the day was flank Staggie Davids who was a menace at the breakdown.

For SACS captain and scrumhalf Michael Henning led from the front with a huge appetite for tackles while centre Keagan de Villiers made some telling busts in midfield.

Wynberg were probably hoping for a bigger score but any derby day win is one to be savoured and they can look forward to a well earned rest before the final six games of their high school careers.

With the holidays looming SACS have chosen the wrong time to find some steel but can at least go into the break knowing what they are capable of if they front up physically and play as a team.

Scorers:

For Wynberg

Try: Evan Frylinck

Con: Karl Martin

Pen: Karl Martin

Teams:

Wynberg: 15 Karl Martin, 14 Ibie Adams, 13 Jihaad Smith, 12 Evan Frylinck, 11 Grant Turner, 10 Nicholas Scott, 9 Ryan Southern, 8 Niven Poleman, 7 Josh Helmbold, 6 Staggie Davids, 5 Michael Pollecutt, 4 Brandon Wood, 3 Alex Goldstein, 2 Bevan Barnard (captain), 1 Sam Henriques.  

SACS: 15 Ciaran Dayaram, 14 Damian Rawstorne, 13 Dominic Sherrell, 12 Keagan de Villiers, 11 Aidan Deary, 10 Jordan Chait, 9 Michael Henning (captain), 8 Justin Williams, 7 Thomas Posen, 6 Kaan van der Walt, 5 Connor Osborne, 4 Robbie Mylrea, 3 Alexander Duckitt, 2 Johnno Rauch, 1 Brandon Sweet.