Affies’ first half surge shuts down Jeppe’s challenge

Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) powered to a convincing 39-26 win over Jeppe High School for Boys in Pretoria on Saturday, setting up their victory with an outstanding first 25 minutes.

Affies were brutal in the early going. Five minutes into the match, flyhalf Ruben Pienaar scooted over under the poles, from an offload from inside centre Janco Purchase, following a maul within the 10- metre line.

Soon after that, wing Rickus Strydom made a barnstorming charge down the right side to score a fantastic try.

Affies’ third try came from a sniping run by scrumhalf Zirk Meyer, who excellently exploited a small gap in the Jeppe defence.

Jeppe was, however, able to take some momentum into the second half after a try late in the opening stanza by Kuthadzo Rasivhaga made the halftime score 26-7 in favour of the Witbulle.

Although Jeppe will be disappointed by the result, they bounced back well in the second half. They hit the ground running and, while they conceded 13 points, they significantly reduced the gap by adding 19 of their own.

Displaying a never-say-die attitude, the visitors were more structured and created a number of try scoring opportunities through some phenomenal ball distribution, which brought tries for flank Wanga Ndou and substitute backline player Owaka Manaka.

Affies’ no.10 Ruben Pienaar delivered a good individual performance, converting four out of his five conversion opportunities, and also adding two penalties to the try he scored to get the scoreboard rolling.

With the win, Affies extended their unbeaten streak against Jeppe to nine on the trot. On Saturday, Jeppe had one of their better chances to cause an upset, but the hosts’ blistering start blew up those hopes of success.

Meanwhile, across the railway line, King Edward VII (KES) continued their winning streak against Pretoria Boys High School, winning by a margin of 10 points, with the final score reading 24-14.

KES pressed hard early on and built up early momentum as they controlled the territorial battle. They hit the front through wing Haniel Monkoti, who scored after a brilliant run down the left-hand flank. Moyo’s conversion attempt clipped the post but didn’t go over.

Hooker Esethu Mnebelele, back from an injury which kept him out of action the previous weekend, powered his way to a second try for KES, who were rewarded for a period of sustained pressure deep inside the Boys High half.

In the second half, Pretoria Boys High worked their way into the game and twice crossed for tries, firstly through flyhalf Seth Venter, and then through prop Ofentse Moeng, with both players scoring in front of the old boys’ section, which gave those supporters plenty of reasons to cheer.

The home side also produced a better defensive display, with KES scoring only once more, again through Monkoti.

The inclusion of Seth Venter at no. 10 was a bold move by Boys High. He had previously packed down at flank, but in his time at flyhalf he has shown off a big boot and good awareness. It will be interesting to see how much he impacts PBHS as he grows into his new role.

While KES played well, they picked up two yellow cards during the match, which the coaching staff would feel could have been avoided.

However, even when they were reduced to 14 players, they defended strongly in the face of a late barrage by Boys High over the last five minutes of the game. The home team couldn’t find a way through.

Pretoria Boys High will have another opportunity to stop the Red Army later in the season, but it will be a big challenge as that match will be played at KES on 12 July.

Point Scorers

Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool 39 (25) – Tries: Ruben Pienaar, Rickus Strydom, Zirk Meyer (2), Albert Smit. Conversions: Ruben Pienaar (4). Penalties: Ruben Pienaar (2). Jeppe High School for Boys 26 (7) – Tries:  Kuthadzo Rasivhaga (2), Wanga Ndou, Owaka Manaka. Conversions: Matthew Coetzeee (3).

Pretoria Boys’ High School 14 (0) – Tries: Ofentse Moeng, Seth Venter. Conversions: Seth Venter (2). King Edward VII 24 (17) – Tries: Haniel Monkoti (2), Esethu Mnebelele, Kebotile Maake. Conversions: Simphiwe Moyo (2).