Bishops had to work hard for victory over Rondebosch, Wynberg a bit less against SACS
Diocesan College pulled off a massive 13-8 statement victory against their old rivals, Rondebosch Boys’ High, on the Tinkie Heyns field in Rondebosch over the weekend.
This was the 201st time these two sides’ first teams have faced each other, and they produced a battle fitting the occasion, showcasing why this rivalry has remained so strong over all these years.
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David Simon (fullback) opened the scoring early, converting a penalty to give the home team the lead.
It wasn’t long before Shaywan Blankenberg, Bishops’ flyhalf, who has recently been selected as part of the Western Province XV team, who will be competing at the Craven Week next month, levelled the score.
After a physical back and forth between the two teams, during which neither looked equally likely to score, it was the Rondebosch prop, Nicolas Swier, who finally broke the stalemate, barging over the line for the first try of the match.
Diocesan College’s exciting play-breaker fullback, Gilermo Mentoe, had the final say in the half, scoring a beautiful try in the final moments, which Blankenberg converted to give the visitors a 10-8 lead at halftime.
The second half was an epic battle, with nothing separating the two teams over more than 35 minutes of play apart from an early penalty conversion by Blankenberg.
There was by no means a lack of action, though, as both teams gave their everything in this classic southern suburbs derby.
Rondebosch must also be commended for not conceding more, even when down to 14 men with a yellow card. In fact, they were still taking the game to Bishops, managing to build attacks, even with their handicap.
Each enterprising attacking move was met with resolute defence as they traded blows, with neither team giving an inch.
During the last seven minutes of the match, the Bishops defence braved 19 phases of Rondebosch attacking pick and drive around the ruck within five metres of their own try line.
This phenomenal win by the visiting team sets up a thrilling rematch in August on the Piley Rees, when they face each other again.
Nichollas Molyneux, Rondebosch Boys’ High’s outside centre, performed exceptionally well for his team. He was rock solid in defence, quick over the ball at the rucks and looked exciting every time he carried the ball forward.
The massive defensive efforts by the visiting team and a moment of magic by Mentoe made the difference for Bishops as they secured victory.
Just up the road, SACS were also hosting Wynberg Boys’ High in another big southern suburbs derby.
Wynberg found their form after a difficult run, managing to showcase more of their potential and securing an impressive 30-17 victory.
Their captain, flanker and sole Western Province Craven Week representative, Xola Nyali, led from the front, scoring the first try for the visiting team.
Their versatile fullback, Xolela Hoyi scored a brace, and the trusty boot of their flyhalf, Yaqeen Ahmed added another 15 points as they steadily kept on adding scoreboard pressure.
Two tries in quick succession by Jack Benade (winger) and Ben van Coller (no. 8) cushioned the blow and showed what the SACS attack is capable of, but it was too little too late, and the Wynberg team expertly managed the remaining time to secure their first win since the 6th of May, when they showed what they are capable of, beating Grey High School 35-8.
Scorers:
Wynberg Boys’ High 30 (20) – Tries: Xolela Hoyi (2), Xola Nyali. Conversions: Yaqeen Ahmed (3). Penalties: Ahmed (3). SACS 17 (3) – Tries: Jack Benade, Ben van Coller. Conversions: Rayaan Solomons (2). Penalty: Solomons.
Diocesan College 13 (10) – Try: Gilermo Mentoe. Conversion: Shaywan Blankenberg. Penalties: Blankenberg (2). Rondebosch Boys’ High 8 (8) – Try: Nicolas Swier. Penalty: David Simon.
Other results:
u16 – Rondebosch Boys’ High 33, Diocesan College 0; SACS 16, Wynberg Boys’ High 13.
u15 – Rondebosch Boys’ High 21, Diocesan College 8; Wynberg Boys’ High 24, SACS 7.
u14 – Rondebosch Boys’ High 44, Diocesan College 0; SACS 14, Wynberg Boys’ High 0
