Rondebosch overpowers Queen’s, Pearson edges out Eldoraigne
Rondebosch Boys’ High School delivered a commanding performance, running in four tries in the second half, to overpower Queen’s College 33–0 in the second fixture on Monday, the final day of the Standard Bank King Edward VII School Easter Festival.
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The scoreline belied the valiant efforts of a spirited Queen’s side, who came out determined to unsettle ‘Bosch from the outset.
They impressed during the opening 30 minutes, valiantly repelling wave after wave of Rondebosch surges at the try line to keep themselves in the contest.
Leading the defensive charge was the openside flank, Jeffrey Niland, who stood out at the breakdown where he secured several crucial turnovers when they were most needed.
Despite Queen’s resilience, Rondebosch’s relentless assault eventually brought reward in the second half. Randall-John Davids was a constant threat in the midfield, where his powerful carries kept the Queens defenders on high alert throughout the encounter.
Up front, Bulela Mbala made a telling impact off the bench. The dynamic front-rower imposed himself with a tireless display, and he was ably supported by the towering locks, Bertus Versfeld and Danil-Nicolas Oosthuizen, who delivered industrious performances to all corners of the field.
Meanwhile, Pearson held firm against a late surge from Hoërskool Eldoraigne to claim a 21-12 win over the Centurion-based outfit.
The Eastern Cape side’s outside centre Sibu Mkhontwana produced a standout performance, not only in open play but also with the boot. He kept the scoreboard ticking, slotting three penalties and also converted one of Pearson’s two tries.
Scrumhalf, Denio Jordaan, who is also the school’s first XI cricket captain, caught the eye with a sharp and energetic showing behind a pack that more than held its own against a formidable Eldoraigne forward unit.
Eldoraigne has work to do on sharpening their attacking edge. Their blindside flank, Justin Meintjies, showed how to do it with a tireless display, which was capped off by a superb long-range try in the dying moments.
SCORERS
Rondebosch Boys’ High School 33 (7) – Tries: Andrea Parrello, Daniel Arendse, Randall-John Davids, Bulela Mbala, Ethon Williams. Conversions: Sebastian Boshoff (3), Harry Soboil. Queen’s College 0.
Pearson 21 (8) – Tries: Denio Jordaan, Keano Beling. Conversion: Sibu Mkhontwana. Penalties: Mkontwana (3). Eldoraigne 12 (0) – Tries: Kevin Earle, Justin Meintjies. Conversion: Damian Elferink.
