Queen’s restrains Selborne while Grey High wins on the road
Queen’s College produced arguably their best performance so far this season to prevent Selborne College from winning a 16th consecutive match, with the sides playing to a 1-1 draw in an FNB Classic Clash on Friday night in East London.
Queen’s, who were blown away by their opponents twice in in 2023, losing 1-3 and 2-9, looked like a different side, hungry to cause an upset.
Last weekend, coach Michael Baiden’s boys had allowed a 2-0 lead to slip away against Stirling High School, which left them having to settle for a 2-2 draw.
Selborne on the other hand, was brimming with confidence after registering a hard-fought 2-1 triumph over Pearson High School in Gqeberha in their previous outing.
The game’s first chukka was all about settling in for both teams, and Selborne, as expected, had more of the ball possession.
Goalscoring opportunities were scarce, but the hosts had a chance to take the lead when, with about three minutes remaining in the quarter, they were awarded a penalty corner.
Daniel Sirgel’s injection was pinpoint and Selborne skipper Tre’ Gilbert fired off a stinging drag flick, but his shot hit the crossbar, and the visitors survived a scare.
The second chukka saw Queen’s shot-stopper Rowan Miles come to his side’s rescue on numerous times, pulling off some acrobatic saves.
When the deadlock was finally broken, it was, however, Queen’s skipper, Bevaneo Maytham, who made the breakthrough.
Pressing high, while Selborne was trying to build from the back, Queen’s turned over possession, and an ill-timed tackle by Dan Gaylard inside the circle resulted in a penalty stroke for the visitors.
Up stepped Maytham, and he calmly deposited the ball into the right-hand corner to put his side in front.
The team from Komani maintained their lead through the third chukka, but momentum shifted in the fourth, when Cade Kock pulled one back for the hosts.
Just like last week against Pearson, Kock was lively in the circle. His crucial goal came after Gilbert went on the dribble, then picked out Kock in space, and the striker finished smartly to get his side back on level terms.
Both sides pushed hard for a winner, but it ended 1-1.
In Qonce, Grey High School ran rampant against Dale College, powering their way a huge 9-0 win.
Kian Cambier, Xander Elkington, and Luke Tait all netted twice, while Rob Stow, Ben Ristow, and Caden Skinnette all helped to nail Dale’s coffin shut.
Coach Andrew Beynon’s side, unbeaten thus far this season, will be seriously tested next weekend when they travel to Cape Town for two tough matches, against Wynberg Boys’ High on Friday night, and SACS on Saturday.
Cambridge High School was also among the winners on the weekend, beating Makhanda’s Graeme College 4-1.
Coach Tim Stirk’s boys were led to victory by a hattrick of goals from Aqhama Mdlulwa, while Lihle Hempe slotted their other.
Pearson High School were also 4-1 winners in their game against Stirling, and Hudson Park continued their good form at the Oakhill Co-Ed Festival, beating Milnerton High School 2-1.
RESULTS
Cambridge High School 4-1 Graeme College
Dale College 0-9 Grey High
Pearson High School 4-1 Stirling High School
Selborne College 1-1 Queen’s College
Hudson Park 2-1 Milnerton
