Mboniswa’s boot the difference between KES and St John’s
Kenny Prins kicked King Edward VII School (KES) to a narrow two-point victory at their neighbours, St John’s College, on Saturday.
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Prins, running out at fullback for the Red Army this year, converted both the visitors’ tries and slotted an all-important penalty to see his side open their season with a narrow 17-15 win.
Apart from his good performance with the boot, Prince was also a strong presence when KES was on the attack.
The other two members of the Red Army’s back three, wings Luyanda Mbandama and Jarrel Mbuyi, also delivered strong performances. When given an opportunity, and a bit of space on the outside, they capitalised without hesitation, with both diving over for crucial five-pointers.
For the home side, vice-captain and flyhalf, Gerald van Wyk, dictated play wonderfully and put his backline on the front foot. He, too, was impressive from the kicking tee, comfortably slotting a long-range penalty.
Lwandile Khupe, playing on the right wing for St John’s, had an interesting battle with Mdandama and showed off his elusive running and ability to beat defenders in the smallest of spaces.
Thabiso Simelane led the way for the Grey and Blue of St Alban’s College, who won 39-12 at St Benedict’s College. Simelane scored 17 of his side’s points, which included two tries. The inside centre also slotted two conversions and a penalty.
Scrumhalf, Everett Gosling, also shone for the visitors. His presence behind a pack that set Bennies on the back foot made life difficult for the home side’s defenders. He challenged them with nippy runs around the fringes of the breakdowns and went over for a try from one of those sniping runs.
For the home side, openside flank, Sam Walsh, led the way. His physicality and commitment in defence made him stand out. He also didn’t shy away from taking the ball up strongly, ensuring there would be a couple of sore bodies on the side of visitors after the game.
POINTS SCORERS
King Edward VII School 17 (7) – Tries: Luyanda Mbandama, Jarrel Mbuyi. Conversions: Indi Mboniswa (2). Penalty: Mboniswa. St John’s College 15 (8) – Tries: Lwandile Khupe, Tumelo Bopape. Conversion: Gerald van Wyk. Penalty: Van Wyk.
St Alban’s College 39 (12) – Tries: Thabiso Simelane (2), Vhutali Matsila, Everett Gosling, Gian Moolman, Alex Uken. Conversions: Simelane (2). Penalty: Simelane. St Benedict’s College 12 (5) – Tries: Thato Ntshangase, Zac Raats. Conversion: Samuel Sendwe.
Other teams
u.16: St Benedict’s College 6, St Alban’s College 0; King Edward VII School 50, St John’s College 7.
u.15: St Alban’s College 7, St Benedict’s College 5.
u.14: St Benedict’s College 19, St Alban’s College 5.
