Helpies back to winning ways against Bishops, Behardien boots Wynberg to victory
Helpmekaar secured a comfortable 38-12 victory over Diocesan College during the main match of the opening day of the Standard Bank St Stithians College Easter Festival in Johannesburg.
Helpies found some space on the outside with their wingers, Xander van Niekerk and Francois Tonkin, scoring three of their side’s six tries. Van Niekerk completing a brace.
Bishops’ outside centre, Rynard Gordon, was impressive in the midfield. His centre partner, Boytjie Fyfer, scored his try from the kick-off for the second half.
Fyfer’s try drew the scores level at 12-all, after Helpies enjoyed a 12-7 lead going into half-time.
The team from Johannesburg’s midfield combination of Ethan Lourens and Clinton Cloete also combined well.
The trusty boot of flyhalf, Achmat Behardien, was the difference between Wynberg Boys’ High and Hartpury College from the United Kingdom.
The team from Cape Town won the closely contested clash by 19-10, with Behardien’s boot being responsible for 14 of his side’s points.
Behardien slotted four penalties as well as converted his side’s only try by scrumhalf, Morné Noble. The scrumhalf’s try was well-deserved as he kept asking questions of Hartpury’s defence throughout the match.
The visitors from Gloucester led narrowly by 5-3 at the break thanks to a try by hooker, Ruben Cummings.
Hartpury’s replacement loose-forward, Henry Packham, scored with seven minutes to go to bring his side within reach of Wynberg at 10-16. Behardien slotted his fourth and final penalty a couple of minutes later to put the result beyond any doubt.
The visitors from abroad will face another Capetonian side on Saturday when they will lock horns with Bishops. Wynberg will face Helpmekaar in their final match of the festival.
Scorers:
Helpmekaar 38 (12) – Tries: Xander van Niekerk (2), Francois Tonkin, Kyle Beyleveld, Clinton Cloete, AN Other. Conversions: Wian Storm (2), Ethan Lourens (2). Diocesan College 12 (7) – Tries: Rynard Gordon, Boytjie Fyfer. Conversion: Alex Laspatzis.
Wynberg Boys’ High 19 (3) – Try: Morné Noble. Conversion: Achmat Behardien. Penalties: Behardien (4). Hartpury College 10 (5) – Tries: Ruben Cummings, Henry Packham.
