Pearson outlasts Daniel Pienaar, Graeme rolls against Stirling
Pearson High showed remarkable resolve on defence to hold off HTS Daniel Pienaar team in the final five minutes, scoring a sensational 41-36 win in their clash on the Hannes Strydom Field, at Pearson, in Gqeberha, on Saturday.
In doing so, the home team held onto the Principal’s Hat, which is the trophy the schools contest annually after former Pearson principal Andre van Staden donated his hat as a trophy following one of their matches.
Pearson dominated early in the first half to run up a quick 21-0 lead (26-10 at the break), but the game then became an intense scrap for supremacy as the Tigers showed massive fighting qualities to claw their way back into the hunt.
Within four minutes of the second half, the visitors closed the gap to 26-24 with tries by wing Chibuzo David and flank Etto Mapapu, both of which were converted by fullback Ashley Liesing.
But then, in a period of play which was typical of the match, Pearson crossed for two tries themselves, with Nicholas Gillespie getting his second from a lineout drive and No 8 Robert Harris diving over after a brilliant break in midfield by centre Hanro Botes saw him brought down just before the line.
It was at this time, in the 45th minute, that Daniel Pienaar received a red card for a dangerous tackle, but even playing with 14 men could not quell the fighting spirit of the Kariega outfit.
They took advantage of some defensive lapses to cross for two more tries by hooker Denovan Booysen and flyhalf Rozario Grootboom, the second after a great run down the right by David.
Liesing added the conversion of Grootboom’s try from the touchline and suddenly Pearson found themselves all square at 36-36 with 13 minutes remaining.
The home side, though, was alert to any opportunities and they delivered the final match-winning score when wing Matthew Els was put into space down the right flank for their seventh try of the contest with 10 minutes left.
Pearson almost blew it with five minutes to go when a quick tap from a penalty near the Daniel Pienaar line went astray and the visitors attacked the length of the field before being stopped by the scrambling defence.
The Tigers poured on the pressure in the closing minutes, but Pearson’s defence held firm to defend their lead in a titanic clash.
In East London, Graeme College continued their good season with a clear-cut 45-10 victory over Stirling High.
For the winners, No 8 Ayola Mali and fullback Lucritia Magau led the way with two tries each, while centre Erin Nelson again had an impressive game in attack and defence.
SCORES
Pearson High 41 (26) – Tries: Nicholas Gillespie (2), Sibhu Mkhontwana, Kadin Kretzmann, Siya Ncwadi, Robert Harris, Matthew Els. Conversions: Keano Beling (3). HTS Daniel Pienaar 36 (7) – Tries: Stiaan Coertze, Chibuzo David, Etto Mapapu, Denovan Booysen, Rozario Grootboom. Penalty: Ashley Liesing. Conversions: Liesing (4).
Graeme College 45 – Tries: Ayola Mali (2), Lucritia Magau (2), Luke Doyle, Akho Tonjeni, Athi Bonga. Conversions: Ethan Bokbaard (5). Stirling High 10 – Tries: Joshua Pickering, Lilitha Mayiji.
