Helpmekaar says welcome Gimnasium, Gimmies says thank you
Welkom Gimnasium was once again in superb form against Helpmekaar-kollege as they ran out victors by 25-16 in these two side’s clash in Johannesburg on Saturday. Gimmies hosted Helpies back in 2020 just before Covid and won handsomely by 35-7 on their home-turf.
This time around it was Gimmies that showed Helpies that home ground advantage is probably not going to play a part in this interschools.
There were some nail-biting moments where you almost forgot you were watching school rugby; and felt more as if you were watching the Bokke and the All Blacks at war.
Helpmekaar put up a great fight, but unfortunately, the home ground advantage doesn’t always pay off. Welkom ended up taking a 25-16 victory over their rivals, surely leaving the Helpies fans disappointed, but still impressed with their efforts.
Welkom Gimnasium’s flyhalf, Ronaldo Kiewiet, had an excellent day with the boot as even the commentator jokingly comparing his kicking abilities to that of Christiano Ronaldo. He managed to slot two penalties and two conversions for Gimmies.
Winger Naylen Goeda scored two tries for the visitors from Welkom, helping his side to secure the victory. Nr. 8, Ethan Jones, scored what was certainly the most entertaining try of the match, diving head first like a gazelle, dotting the ball down.
Helpmekaar definitely put on a great game themselves; and literally, did not give up until the end. Even after the end; as their final play stretched past the full time marker. Pieter Moller had the most impressive try of the game; and maybe of their season. He went full steam ahead until he put that ball down.
Helpies’ fullback, Junayden Seffier, also played an integral part in this maneuver, the two of them working in unison. Seffier made an excellent catch, providing the opportunity for Moller to land this beautiful try.
The home side’s flyhalf, Michael Benzien, had an excellent game as well. Succeeding with two penalties and crossing the try line for one of his side’s two tries.
Both teams played with heart today, and gave it their all.
It was a really entertaining game to watch, and showed everyone involved just how much effort they will need to put into their performance this season.
Scorers:
Welkom Gimnasium 25 (10) – Tries: Naven Goeda (2), Ethan Jones. Conversions: Ronaldo Kiewiet (2). Penalties: Kiewiet (2). Helpmekaar-kollege 16 (11) – Tries: Michael Benzien, Pieter Moller. Penalties: Benzien (2).
The teams:
Helpmekaar-kollege: 15 Junayden Seffier, 14 Ruan Nel, 13 Tiaan le Roux, 12 Rynhardt van der Linde, 11 Pieter Moller, 10 Michael Benzien, 9 Tristin Van Niekerk, 8 Michael MacDonald, 7 Christiaan van der Merwe, 6 Zack Smit, 5 Josh van Rhyn, 4 Ulrich Swart, 3 Boela de Wet, 2 JJ du Preez, 1 Jandré Labuschagne.
Welkom Gimnasium: 15 Naylen Goeda, 14 Taschon Meas, 13 Mojalefa Mathoka, 12 Jayden Weiderman, 11 Naven Goeda, 10 Ronaldo Kiewiet, 9 Julian Samuels, 8 Ethan Jones, 7 Ayanda Silwanyana, 6 Danté Smith, 5 Tyrese Brouers, 4 Jayden Auld, 3 Tristan Appollis, 2 Waynedrew George, 1 Keanan August.
