Jade Brigade defends their home fortress against Wynberg
Stellenberg High defeated Wynberg Boys’ High 38-10 in Bellville on Friday. The victory was the latest in an outstanding season thus far for the Jade Brigade.
Big lock Juvan Burden crashed over the try line on two occasions, hitting short passes from scrumhalf Daniel Steffen with intent. On defence, he led the Stellies‘ forward pack, with the hosts effectively dismantling the Wynberg rolling maul, which included a breakdown steal on their own five-metre line.
They opened the scoring through left-wing, Chad Campbell, who dived over in the left-hand corner with defenders on his back after receiving the ball five metres out. Flyhalf Luke Gertze slotted the challenging conversion.
All three of Stellenberg’s visits to Wynberg’s 22 in the first half led to tries.
Right-wing Ralton Rhode got Stellenberg onto the scoreboard with a scintillating 40-metre run, which started from an overlap on the blindside. The Wynberg defenders were unable to shuffle across in time to stop the speedster from scoring.
For the second try, Wynberg’s defenders made it back in time to prevent Rhode from scoring an identical try. However, the wing skillfully offloaded the ball for blindside flank Carlo Brink to run in untouched for five points.
Stellenberg’s third try was finished by left wing Emile Cilliers in the corner.
Throughout the season, Stellenberg’s quick attacks down the blindside have borne fruit, and they executed them to perfection on Friday.
At the break, it was 19-10 to the hosts. They, however, had the advantage of the wind at their backs in the second half.
Using the elements well, flyhalf Ethan van Biljon often kicked for space in the left corner, utilising some superbly accurate kicking to make multiple 35-40 metre territorial gains. As a result, Stellenberg frequently made their way into the Wynberg 22 in the second half.
They sealed victory in the 68th minute with their last try, which came through replacement scrumhalf Jean-Roux Wessels.
After Van Biljon kicked deep, Stellenberg won the ball inside the Wynberg 22, with replacement hooker Matthew van Wyk grabbing possession. After taking the ball up through numerous phases, Wessels dummied and sniped over for five from about two metres out.
Next Saturday, the Jade Brigade travels to Riversdale for a showdown with Oakdale Landbou. It’ll be a tough contest between sides that boast two of the best lineouts in the game this season.
Scorers
Stellenberg High 38 (19) – Tries: Juvan Burden (2), Carlo Brink, Ralton Rhode, Emile Cilliers, Jean-Roux Wessels. Conversions: Ethan van Biljon (4). Wynberg Boys’ High 10 (10) – Try: Chad Campbell. Conversion: Luke Gertze. Penalty: Gertze.
