Queen’s claw their way back to down Dale

Queen’s College Boys’ High School fended off a strong challenge from Dale College in their FNB Classic Clash over the weekend, to win 29-15 in Komani, after coming from behind.

Dale carried the fine form that took them to a win over Grey High School in their previous outing into the early stages of the match, going up 12-0 after 16 minutes, with backline players Phikolomzi Mtyalela and Singatha Rasi crossing for tries.

Rasi’s impressive five-pointer came from an excellent cross-field kick, which bounced favourably into the outside centre’s outstretched hands, after it had landed just before the dead-ball line.

A strong fightback from Queen’s College ensued with the home team coming back into contention after wing Jameel Fleshman gathered a loose ball and charged to through to score their first try, which sent the 166th Reunion crowd into frenzied celebrations and ignited the turnaround.

At the halfway mark, the match hung in the balance, with Queen’s only one point ahead at 13-12.

In the second half, the home side kept padding their score. Hooker Sinelizwi Deleki broke through the Dale defensive line with a powerful run to add a five-pointer and Fleshman went over for his second try in the corner. Queen’s, with good hands, chucked the ball wide, creating a large overlap and an opportunity for the number 11, which he gratefully took, providing a picture-perfect finish.

The traditional rivalry drew large support for both schools, with the cheering lasting until the bitter end. Queens College will be happy with a third win on the trot, following victories over Stirling and Selborne College.

In East London, Selborne’s hooker Boitumelo Selonyane enjoyed himself, scoring a hat-trick of tries at Port Rex Technical High School, which helped the visitors to a comfortable a 49-10 win.

Despite the large margin of victory, Selborne’s coach Allan Miles was impressed with Port Rex’s effort, stating: “Port Rex played with tons of passion. They made us work really hard for the win. In open play, they were good.”

Vice-captain and scrumhalf Page Fennel converted three out of the eight Selborne tries and will be eager to improve on that rate, especially in tighter matches.

Graeme College stormed to a big victory over Hudson Park, winning the match by 38 points, 50-12.

Fullback Cameron Doyle led the way, scoring 20 points through a try, a penalty and six conversions.

Hudson Park dotted down twice, through Alulutho Giqwa and Osphesona Mbekwa.

Point Scorers

Queen’s College Boys’ High School 29 (13) – Tries: Jameel Fleshman (2), Sinelizwi Deleki, Mveli Mqulo. Conversion: Ryan Denston. Penalities: Ryan Denston (2), Mveli Mqulo (2). Dale College 15 (12) – Tries: Phikolomzi Mtyalela, Singatha Rasi. Conversion: Owethu Mpondo. Penalty: Owethu Mpondo.

Port Rex Technical High School 10 (10) – Try: Lutho Majavu. Conversion: Indiphile Songqwaba. Penalty: Indiphile Songqwaba. Selborne College 49 (22) – Tries: Cole Schonknecht, Gcina Puzi, Boitumelo Selonyane (3), Njongo Mbanga, Robert John-Osunkwo, Liam Hansen. Conversions: Page Fennel (3). Penalty: Page Fennel.

Graeme College 50 (26) – Tries: Xolisa Mdyesha, Cameron Doyle, Ashton Williams, Emihle Sukula, Marcus Williams, Inathi Planga, Damon Sias. Conversions: Cameron Doyle (6). Penalties: Cameron Doyle. Hudson Park 13 (3) – Tries: Alulutho Giqwa, Osphesona Mbekwa. Conversion: Landile Gidi.