Bosch’s boot secure victory for SA Schools
The accurate boot of South African Schools’ fullback, Curwin Bosch, secured a 12-5 victory over France u18 in their clash at Outeniqua Park in George. Bosch slotted four penalties in a tightly contested match which saw the French score the only try in the final minute of the clash.
A try-saving tackle by South African scrumhalf, Embrose Papier, stopped the visitors’ outside centre, Nathan Decron, scoring a try just a few minutes earlier. Papier made quite a few cross-covering tackles during the match. The other South African whom deserves a mention is the centre Stedman Gans who managed to beat the first defender a few times during the match.
For France no one was better than their livewire hooker, Peato Mauvaka. He hit the rucks hard and also doubled up as an extra loose forward. The French are the u18 Six Nations Champions this year after beating Georgia convincingly by 57-0 in the final.
The unlikely Georgia reached the final after beating Ireland (quarterfinal) and Italy (semi-final) in two successive matches being decided by a penalty shootout. The match against Ireland ended in a 8-all draw after which Georgia won the shootout by 3-1.
Against Italy the two team where deadlocked 6-all at the final. The Georgians then won the penalty shootout by 5-4 to book their place in the final with France. The French defeated England by 23-19 in their semi-final and with this victory also halted the English onslaught to bag their fourth succesive European title.
The English flyhalf and captain, Max Malins, scored within the opening minute of his side’s clash against the South African Schools’ A-side at Outeniqua Park in George. Malins also completed a brace of tries before being substituted during half-time. England u18 won the match comfortably by 33-8 after already leading 26-3 at the break.
He played a major part in Felsted School reaching the Schools Cup Vase final in 2013. His side however lost 17-15 against Yarm School at Twickenham. The South African team’s replacement outside centre, Abner van Reenen, scored his side’s only try 62nd minute.
Van Reenen will play a major role for his school, Garsfontein, next week Tuesday in the Beeld Noordvaal Trophy’s semi-final against Monument of Krugersdorp. The Beeld Noordvaal Trophy is the oldest schools’ rugby competition in South Africa.
Wales u18 defeated Italy u18 by 32-10 in the first match of the day in George. The Dragons build up a 18-5 lead at the break.
Scorers:
SA Schools 12 (9) – Penalties: Curwin Bosch (4). France u18 5 (0) – Try: Thomas Darmon.
England u18 33 (26) – Tries: Max Malins (2), Gabriel Ibitoye, Josh Bayliss, Theo Clews. Conversions: Malins (3), Clews. SA Schools A 8 (3) – Try: Abner van Reenen. Penalty: Eddie Fouche.
