Sithole brace helps Border down Pumas
Dale College’s Kamvelihle Sithole dotted down twice as Border bagged a memorable 27-17 victory over the hosts, the Pumas, in the main match on the B-Field of the 2025 Academy Week at Hoërskool Middelburg.
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The encounter initially struggled to get going with the sides locked 3-3, before Sithole crossed the whitewash for the first time, shortly before the break.
The Border side found their rhythm in the second half with more tries, to Sithole, Luphumzo Toyo and Phawu Ludwaba, and a total of 17 points scored in the final 35 minutes.
The hosts’ Siboniso Manglanghu and Ethan Esterhuizen broke through for the side in pink’s only tries, yet the Pumas had hit their straps just a tad too late.
Valke scrumhalf, Jason Coetzer, booted his side to a 25-19 victory over the Griquas in the curtain-raiser. With the Valke having pierced the Griquas’ defence only once, with a try from Themba Mbele, Coetzer had to step up to the plate from the tee. He did so with aplomb, slotting six penalties and a conversion for a personal contribution of 20 points.
The Griffons shrugged off the 108-point defeat at the hands of the Lions on the first day, to redeem themselves with a 31-12 victory over the visiting Zimbabwe. Inside centre Adieu Cramford provided the necessary punch in midfield. Along with a strong performance on attack, his defence was also noteworthy. He was rewarded with a well-deserved brace, which paved the way for the Purple People Eaters’ win.
The encounter between Namibia and the LSEN XV went down to the wire as the teams pushed each other to the limit. Enjoying a healthy 31-10 lead at the break, which included a brace of tries by Ethan Sinden, Namibia had to start defending for all their worth as the LSEN side shifted into top gear. Ralton Rhode stole the show in the second stanza, delivering a wonderful attacking performance that also yielded a brilliant brace of tries.
The Leopards saw off Border Country Districts 26-7 in the opening fixture on the B-Field. Openside flanker, Wian Vieter, did most of the damage as he, too, crossed the whitewash twice, while inside centre, Wian du Preez, also kept the Country Districts side busy in midfield.
Scorers:
Hoërskool Middelburg C-Field:
Border 27 (10) – Tries: Kamvelihle Sithole (2), Luphumzo Toyo, Phawu Ludwaba. Conversions: Ignanathi Mnunu (2). Penalty: Mnunu. Pumas 17 (3) – Tries: Siboniso Manglanghu, Ethan Esterhuizen. Conversions: WJ Enslin (2). Penalty: Enslin.
Valke 25 (12) – Try: Themba Mbele. Penalties: Jason Coetzer (6). Griquas 19 (0) – Tries: Hlompo Rooibaadjies, Dohan Dege, Azince Mphawuli. Conversions: JG van Heerden (2).
Griffons 31 (24) – Tries: Adieu Cramford (2), Vusi Ndyayi, Jayden Windvogel. Conversions: Windvogel (3), Tyron Adams. Zimbabwe 12 (0) – Tries: Khulekani Nduku, Tavonga Chirisa. Conversion: Rukudzo Mayida.
Namibia 34 (31) – Tries: Ethan Sinden (2), JD Jankowitz, Frederick Engelbrecht, Buhlem Oelofsen. Conversions: William Beukes (2), Jankowitz. Penalty: MC van Wyk. LSEN XV 29 (10) – Tries: Ralton Rhode (2), Rigen Chigosie, Ayema Mbotya. Conversions: Yusuf Hannibal (3). Penalty: Hannibal.
Leopards 26 (5) – Tries: Wian Vieter (2), Wian du Preez, Lethabo Rebanone. Conversions: Luan Snyman (2), Juhan Geldenhuys. Border Country Districts 7 (7) – Try: Uyathnadwa Nogqala. Conversion: Siphesande Mchangayi.
