Nudgee flyhalf Chilli Smith was hotter than a habanero, scoring an intercept try and slotting the match-winning drop goal in his side’s 29-26 victory over Grey College at the St John’s College Easter Festival in Johannesburg. Photo: Frans Lombard/Actionpix
On Thursday night in Johannesburg, at the St John’s Easter Festival, Grey College suffered a second consecutive loss for the first time since 2017.
A drop goal by Chilli Smith, the flyhalf of St Joseph’s Nudgee College, broke open a tie with the Bloemfontein powerhouse with a minute left on the clock, and the Australians went on to record a memorable 29–26 victory.
In 2017, Grey College suffered consecutive defeats to Paarl Boys’ High and Selborne College, losing those matches 31-46 and 19-20, respectively.
The Australians were uncompromising, giving nothing away in a physical clash. Crucially, with a solid defensive effort, they forced Grey into errors, from which they capitalised.
Beyond the winning drop goal, Smith controlled proceedings outstandingly. He also crossed the whitewash and added a conversion to further underline his influence on the result.
Grade 11 eighthman Niel du Randt stood out for Grey College. He and lock Alexi Tyropolis worked tirelessly to drive Grey’s challenge, while Nudgee hooker, Xavier Hill, kept the Grey pack busy with his relentless work rate.
After playing a third game in five days, Grey will enjoy a well-earned break before travelling to Paarl later in the month to face Paarl Gimnasium.
The match that preceded the big Grey College vs Nudgee clash provided rich entertainment, with the Wit Bulle of Hoërskool Monument overpowering New Zealand’s Westlake Boys’ High 56–35.
There was nothing in it at the interval, however, with the teams level at 21-21. After the break, Monument’s backline found another gear.
Their superb performance was orchestrated by SA Schools’ scrumhalf Morné Noble, who dashed over for a hat-trick of tries. Centre Blessing Monareng added momentum with his powerful midfield carries, while left-wing Ruan Genis stretched the Westlake defence with his powerful running.
In reply, outside centre Matt Fleming showcased pace and skill and touched down twice for the New Zealanders. His first effort was a strong contender for the try of the day.
Scorers
Nudgee College 29 (12) – Tries: Aiden Luke, Billy Spicer, Chilli Smith, Barry Taukolo. Conversions: Bond Bradley (3), Smith. Dropgoal: Smith. Grey College 26 (12) – Tries: Henru Erasmus, Alexi Tyropolis, Niel Du Randt, Penalty try. Conversions: Christoff Crous (2).
Monument 56 (21) – Tries: Morné Noble (3), Blessing Monareng, Migael Coetzee, Hanco van Geelen, Roche Botha, Ivan van der Merwe. Conversions: Cameron Kourie (8). Westlake Boys’ High 35 (21) – Tries: Matt Fleming (2), Archer Lumsden, Levi Leith, Haley Pethybridge. Conversions: Leith (5).
Franco is a sports fanatic from Tzaneen, a small town in Limpopo. Obsessed with both cricket and rugby, he still does the sport at club level when given the chance. Combining the rush of sports with his other passion, writing, gives him the fix any sport-crazy fan needs. In his spare time, he spends quality time with family and friends, preferably around a braaivleis fire.
