Dramatic Nite Series action as SACS and ‘Bosch deliver a spectacular show
Round four of the SACS Nite Series produced huge dollops of entertainment, suspense, and drama as Bishops Diocesan College and Wynberg Boys’ High picked up wins in Cape Town on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, South African College High School (SACS) and Rondebosch Boys’ High played to a thrilling 10-10 draw.
The action at the SACS Aquatics Centre began with the meeting between SACS and ‘Bosch, a showdown between teams that had endured contrasting fortunes in the lead-up to the match.
‘Bosch was unbeaten in the competition while SACS was coming off an 8-9 loss against Bishops the previous week.
It was, by far, the most entertaining game of the series as both teams went blow-for-blow throughout all four chukkas.
The first half produced a total of 10 goals, with Rondebosch taking a 6-4 lead into half-time.
Their attack was spearheaded by the dangerous Noah Reiback, who netted a hattrick, before Jack Robinson, Kieran Bennewith, and Luke Burger joined the scoring party.
For SACS, the deadly Jandro Rojo-Roos found the back of the net before Aidan Turrell, Harry Oldham, and skipper Matt Forbes also made their way onto the score sheet.
In the third chukka, the hosts came out reinvigorated. Bosch mustered two goals, through Reiback, while SACS pulled within one of the visitors with Turrell striking twice, and Rojo-Ross netting, too.
The sides entered the fourth and final chukka with ‘Bosch holding a fragile one-goal lead at 8-7.
Turrell, who had led the SACS’ charge all game long, levelled matters early in the fourth chukka before Robinson responded by firing in two quick goals to help Rondebosch retake the lead.
With only two minutes left, SACS trailed by two, and it looked as if ‘Bosch were on their way to a fourth win on the trot in the Nite Series.
SACS, however, kept pushing and when Matt Robinson pulled one back the crowd sensed there could be a comeback. And that’s exactly what happened when Rojo-Roos scored again to complete his hat-trick to make the final score 10-10 after a thrilling contest.
The draw means SACS have kept their hopes of a semifinal spot alive while Rondebosch remained atop the standings with three wins from their four matches.
SACS will face Reddam House Constantia in round five while ‘Bosch tackles Wynberg.
Following Wednesday’s cracking opener, Wynberg and Bishops collected maximum points.
Wynberg edged out Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG) 6-5, and Bishops thumped Reddam House Constantia 14-4.
Scorers
Rondebosch Boys’ High 10: Noah Reiback (5), Jack Robinson (3), Kieran Bennewith, Luke Burger. SACS 10: Aidan Turrell (4), Jandro Rojo-Roos (3), Matt Forbes, Harry Oldham, Matt Robinson.
Wynberg Boys’ High 6: Timothy Belcher (2), Riley Clarke (2), Sebastian Kastern, James McPetrie. Paul Roos Gimnasium 5: James Swart (2), Sven Flatten, Aiden Laubser, Andrew Reynolds.
Bishops Diocesan College 14: Matt Fenn (3), Owen Cross (2), Harry Ford (2), Noah Edmunds (2), Milo Letschert (2), Jack Grout (2), James Malan. Reddam House Constantia 4: Blake Brown (3), Struan Valentine.
