KES wins at Jeppe to go up 1-0

King Edward VII (KES) secured a sweet victory over Jeppe High School for Boys on Collard Field on Saturday in the first of the season’s home and away fixtures between the rivals, winning 38-28.

Two seasons ago, KES did the double. Jeppe last managed the feat in 2018. Now, the Red Army has a shot at repeating it in 2024.

Rewatch all the action on SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com).

The Johannesburg powerhouses drew a crowd estimated to be over 20 000-strong to Collard Field, which was testament to the excitement and excellence demonstrated by both teams this season. They’ll do battle again on 20 July at KES.

On Saturday, Jeppe made the initial breakthrough when flank Nathan Claassen caught KES off guard after the Zebras outflanked the visitors on the blind side, and he went over in the corner for a try.

Claassen was in the thick of things and almost had a second five-pointer after a charge-down, but that try was disallowed because the referee had blown his whistle for KES hooker Esethu Mnebelele to receive medical attention.

With the end of the half beckoning, KES put the squeeze on Jeppe, playing the game deep inside the home team’s 22. There, they effected a turnover and put lock Thomas Beiling over in the corner. A successful conversion left the visitors 14-8 in front at the break.

In the second half, Jeppe sent their wing Lindelani Nkambule over for two tries, but it wasn’t enough to arrest the momentum of KES, who carried over their strong finish to the first half into the second half.

Their Golden Lions’ Craven Week number eight Kebotile Maake delivered a standout performance, highlighted by an exceptionally high work rate. He was rewarded with a try, which showed off his talent and power.

Wing Haniel Mankoti has been a regular on the score sheet for KES this season, and he dived over for another try after getting on the end of a pinpoint long pass from flyhalf Vusi Moyo, who continues to grow in stature in the number 10 jersey. It was a case of perseverance paying off as the pair had attempted the same manoeuvre three times previously without producing the necessary execution.

Moyo scored a try of his own and also converted four out of his five kicks off the tee. However, it was his kicks into Jeppe’s 22 which caught the eye. His Garryowen’s were masterfully directed, which caused the home side problems.

Late in the match, Moyo left the field with an injury. Last year, he missed a large part of the season after suffering a broken jaw and one hopes Saturday’s knock was not as serious.

There are, no doubt, some sore bodies which will require treatment after the forwards had a good go at one another, especially in the front row.

The contest delivered what one hopes to see in schoolboy rugby, with passion and emotion fuelling a committed and skilful approach.

For some of the Jeppe boys, who are in matric, there was the disappointment of losing their last match against KES on Collard Field. Of course, they have an opportunity to inflict similar disappoint on KES when play again in July.

Point Scorers

Jeppe High School for Boys 28 (8) – Tries: Nathan Claassen, Lindelani Nkambule (2), Leruo Dithagiso. Conversion: Matthew Coetzee. Penalties: Matthew Coetzee (2). King Edward VII 38 (14) – Tries: Thomas Beiling, Jarell Mbuyi, Sam Bruwer, Esethu Mnebelele, Vusi Moyo, Haniel Mankoti. Conversion: Vusi Moyo (4)