Wynberg vs Rondebosch

Wynberg kept their Headmaster’s Grand Slam dreams alive when they managed to beat a strong Rondebosch first team on Saturday 3 August 2013.

Those that witnessed the game would have been on the edge of their seats until the final whistle: a rollercoaster match with the lead changing three times and the result on a knife edge right to the end. Man for man Rondebosch had the edge, but the Wynberg spirit and Supera Moras psyche won through. Immaculate, intense preparation from coaches Justin van Winkel and Allen Gerber paid the final dividend.

With the half-time score locked at 8-all, a tense second half saw Wynberg trailing 11-20 with little more than 10 minutes left on the clock. Superb tactical substitutions and sublime defence led to turnover after turnover until eventually Wynberg struck and scored two thrilling tries to go 23-20 ahead. Rondebosch hit back with wave after wave of attack in the final minutes but the resolute Wynberg try-line defence stood strong and Wynberg were the winners. When Wynberg was turned over on the second last play of the game and Rondebosch had one last try-line attack, the Wynberg coaches had their hearts in their mouths … but this time the rugby gods were wearing the Wynberg blue and white!

 Wynberg remains unbeaten against our southern suburb rivals to date, beating both SACS and Bishops in the first round while drawing with a strong Rondebosch team who scored on the final whistle and converted in the first game of the season.

 Rondebosch would have fancied their chances as man for man they were bigger, stronger and in most cases older than Wynberg. Preparation, conditioning and spirit goes a long way in the game of rugby. This match was the epitome of schoolboy rivalry.

The magic of the local derby-something that players, coaches,parents, supporters and old boys look forward to annually: the excitement of the home and away rivalry between Bishops, Rondebosch, SACS and Wynberg.

 For so long Wynberg had been the ‘ugly sister’ when it came to local derbies. Fighting it out for the wooden spoon with either SACS or Rondebosch. But over recent years this has changed and Wynberg has clawed their way to being the number 1 Southern Suburbs team at u19 level. Despite the two remaining games against Bishops and SACS there was plenty riding on this match.

The Wynberg boys were aware of it and in front of a large crowd on Saturday neither team disappointed their fans. For a rugby follower and a passionate South African supporter, the pure theatre of the occasion and the manner in which these two school boy teams applied themselves to the task were something to behold. The quality of rugby was special. Future Southern Suburb stars that will go on to represent their province, super 15 franchises and, who knows, perhaps a green and gold blazer or two will materialise among the 30 odd players who were on show? The bottom line: the rugby was exciting, physical, determined and proud. Both teams were outstanding. The difference between the two was marginal.

What makes South African rugby special is the intensity of these rivalries. The meaning for each squad, the sweetness of victory and agony of defeat. The victory will be a special one for Justin Van Winkel and his boys as they knew deep inside what they were up against. The magic of Siya Alam and the leadership and toughness of Sage versus 15 outstanding Rondebosch boys, with some special players to mention: one of the best back three’s I have seen in school boy rugby this year, some sublime kicking skills and some monsters in the tight five. Rondebosch seemed to have had it all their way on the day, playing well and throwing everything at the Wynberg youngsters. But youngsters like Rayno Mapoe the impressive Keagen Timm and the ever improving Pollecutt stood tall, matching, then overcoming their more experienced counter parts.

 In the end, as much as rugby was the winner, so were Wynberg and their pure grit.

 Another special day in our fantastic Wynberg rugby journey-The travelers are the journey indeed.

 Scorers

 For Wynberg:

 Tries: Bevan Barnard, Stefan Botha, Ebrahim Adams

 Con: Karl Martin

 Pens: Karl Martin 2

 For Rondebosch:

 Tries: Jay Sevens, Kyle Whyte, Graham Geldenhuys

 Con: Tyren Lee

 Pen: Tyren Lee

 By Kevin Musikanth