“Baker Ball” on display as PRG thumps Wynberg, Bishops and SACS win big
Paul Roos Gimnasium head coach, Michael Baker will feel a sense of relief after his side produced arguably their most clinical performance of the season to dismantle Wynberg Boys’ High 7-1 on the Maties Astroturf on Friday night.
The Stellenbosch outfit, who, by their standards, haven’t quite reached their full potential this year, looked like a different outfit in front of their supporters in their final match of the term.
They were ruthless going forward, capitalised on the large number of opportunities they created, and their defence was hardly tested.
The home side headed into the clash after picking up a 1-0 win over their rivals, Paarl Gimnasium, the previous week away from home.
Wynberg, on the other hand, had dominated their encounter against Durbanville, winning 5-1 on their home turf.
However, that was quickly forgotten, as the Cape Town side was put under pressure early on with Baker’s boys taking control of ball possession and territory.
Within the first seven minutes, PRG was awarded four penalty corners but failed to convert them due to poor execution. However, they made the fifth PC count, with their captain Reuben Sendzul calmly slotting to break the deadlock.
That was the only goal scored in the first chukka, and PRG went into the break knowing they should’ve scored more.
In the second chukka, the hosts turned up the tempo and were rewarded with three goals, which, essentially, put away the match.
First up, Joshua Smit found himself in space inside the circle. After receiving the ball, he danced his way past two defenders before placing the ball in the back of the net to make it 2-0.
PRG were not about to rest on their laurels and soon after that it was the turn of Barend Geldenhuys to get his name on the score sheet.
Geldenhuys, who would’ve entered the clash gutted after failing to convert some good goal-scoring opportunities last weekend, looked sharp, and just before halftime he doubled his tally to see his team cruising at 4-0 to the good at the interval.
In the third chukka, the Stellenbosch side maintained their intensity and they quickly made it 5-0 through Keith Siebrits, before Sendzul, via another penalty corner drag flick, made it 6-0, much to the delight of those in maroon blazers.
Wynberg mustered a consolation goal through a penalty stroke, scored by Dayle Gertson, after PRG goalkeeper Beor van Reenen fouled a Wynberg player inside the circle.
Paul Roos, though, had the final say, with Louán van Zyl completing the scoring.
With no goals in the fourth chukka, the match ended 7-1, and in the process, PRG recorded their biggest winning margin in the Western Cape league so far this season.
Baker’s side takes a break for exams and provincial action for some of the players until 12 July. Then, they face a big return clash against South African College High School (SACS) in Stellenbosch.
Earlier this season, Paul Roos won 6-5 from the penalty spot in the final of the Hibbert Shield against SACS. However, in a more recent derby match, SACS thumped the Stellenbosch side 6-2.
Wynberg faces the same SACS’ outfit next weekend in a southern suburbs’ derby, which promises fireworks.
Other matches
SACS and Bishops Diocesan College were, meanwhile, convincing winners on Saturday, outplaying DF Malan and Stellenberg High respectively.
After scoring 11 goals against Stellenberg last weekend, SACS returned to action at home and, this time, overwhelmed DF Malan 8-0.
Litha Kraai scored five goals in last week’s win, and this time around netted four. Matthew Jones contributed a brace, while Aiden Hughes and Cohen Williams completed the scoring.
At Stellenberg, Bishops continued their fine form, outscoring the hosts 6-1.
David Handley bagged a double, while Adam Giggle, Albert Steyn, Joshua Mettler, and Andrew Raubenheimer also scored.
With that win, Bishops remains unbeaten in the Western Cape, and they have scored a total of 17 goals in their past three matches against Stellenberg (6-1), Paarl Boys’ High (6-0), and Fairmont High (5-0).
In Paarl, coach Jacques Grobler’s Paarl Gimnasium side got back to winning ways, beating a resilient Parel Vallei 4-2.
Somerset College ended their term’s schedule with a 4-0 win over Bridgehouse, while a testy clash between Paarl Boys’ High, and Rondebosch was called off at half-time with the sides level at 0-0. What might the repercussions be of that decision?
Western Cape Results
Durbanville 3-0 Westerford
SACS 8-0 DF Malan
Somerset College 4-0 Bridge House
Stellenberg 0-6 Bishops
Paarl Boys’ High 0-0 Rondebosch Boys’ High
Paul Roos Gimnasium 7-1 Wynberg Boys’ High
Paarl Gimnasium 4-2 Parel Vallei
Punt (Mosselbaai) 2-1 Belville High
