Exceptional Erwee leads Grey to victory over Maroon Machine
It took an exceptional performance and at least three moments of brilliance by flyhalf, Darius Erwee, to hand Grey College a narrow 26-25 victory over Paul Roos Gimnasium from Stellenbosch on Saturday.
These two sides faced each other in Bloemfontein for their King Price Derby Series clash. Catch all the action again on SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com).
The last moment of brilliance will be spoken about for years to come, as Erwee launched a perfectly placed kick-pass to winger Eddie Mabena with about a minute to go on the clock. Mabena launched himself off the ground, flying through the air to gather the ball to score his second try of the match.
This try only brought Grey within one point of Paul Roos at 24-25. Erwee still needed to keep his calm and slot the conversion from near the touchline to secure a famous victory.
This was undoubtedly the best performance by Erwee this season. His first moment of brilliance was when he regathered a chip-kick and, with a perfectly executed pass, sent winger Benjamin van den Berg over to score Grey’s second try.
He also had a hand in Mabena’s first try after slipping through half a gap and slipping a chicken-wing pass to the winger to score.
Grey College went into half-time with a 19-15 lead. After the lead changed three times in the first half.
When Paul Roos’ outside centre, Tiaan Basson, scored in the 53rd minute to give his side the lead, it seemed as if the momentum had shifted in favour of the visitors. A couple of minutes later, flyhalf, Travis Pheiffer, slotted a penalty from 50 metres out to extend his side’s lead to 25-19.
Before the drama unfolded in the City of Roses in the 68th minute, with Erwee’s brilliant foot pass to set up Mabena’s second try.
For Paul Roos their standout player on the day was their scrumhalf, Jan-Jan Nel, who kept the home side busy with his sharp breaks around the scrums. In the pack of forwards hooker, Lehan Barnard, had an outstanding game.
For Grey, their two props, Marinus Oosthuizen and David Hayidakis, also produced noteworthy performances.
Both had players missing out on being part of this big occasion due to their duties for the South African u18 side in the International Series. Paul Roos’ two captains through the season Altus Rabe (hooker) and Gert Kemp (loose forward).
The side from Bloemfontein had four players in action for the national side in AJ Meyer (lock), Ethan Adams (outside centre), Lamla Mgedezi (fullback) and JG Badenhorst (tighthead prop).
Scorers:
Grey College 26 (19) – Tries: Eddie Mabena (2), Alexi Tyropolis, Benjamin van den Berg. Conversions: Darius Erwee (3). Paul Roos Gimnasium 25 (15) – Tries: Luke Kent, Lehan Barnard, Tiaan Basson. Conversion: Travis Pheiffer. Penalty: Pheiffer.
Other Results
u19
II – Grey College (Cherries) 24, Paul Roos Gimnasium (Bituas) 19
III – Paul Roos Gimnasium (Chakkas) 21, Grey College (Peaches) 20
IV – Paul Roos Gimnasium 23, Grey College 0
V – Grey College (Packs) 29, Paul Roos Gimnasium (Pirates) 19
VI – Paul Roos Gimnasium 20, Grey College (Pigs) 15
VII – Paul Roos Gimnasium 24, Grey College (Crocs) 21
VIII – Paul Roos Gimnasium 24, Grey College (Camels) 17
IX – Paul Roos Gimnasium 31, Grey College (Cheese & Wine) 15
X – Paul Roos Gimnasium 58, Grey College (Metals) 7
XI – Paul Roos Gimnasium 15, Grey College 14
u16
A – Grey College 26, Paul Roos Gimnasium 10
B – Grey College 17, Paul Roos Gimnasium 14
C – Paul Roos Gimnasium 22, Grey College 7
D – Paul Roos Gimnasium 26, Grey College 14
E – Grey College 20, Paul Roos Gimnasium 15
u15
A – Paul Roos Gimnasium 26, Grey College 18
B – Grey College 31, Paul Roos Gimnasium 12
C – Grey College 15, Paul Roos Gimnasium 12
D – Grey College 23, Paul Roos Gimnasium 14
E – Paul Roos Gimnasium 33, Grey College 0
F – Paul Roos Gimnasium 13, Grey College 0
u14
A – Grey College 19, Paul Roos Gimnasium 7
B – Paul Roos Gimnasium 24, Grey College 12
C – Paul Roos Gimnasium 27, Grey College 15
D – Paul Roos Gimnasium 24, Grey College 17
E – Paul Roos Gimnasium 35, Grey College 10
F – Paul Roos Gimnasium 42, Grey College 20
