Sharks and Eastern Province deliver drama at Academy Week
Jeppe High School for Boys’ Collard and Jake White Fields witnessed some nail-biting action on the first morning of the u18 Academy Week.
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There was nothing to choose between KwaZulu-Natal’s Sharks and Eastern Province on Monday as an extremely tightly contested second match of the day went down to the wire.
In the end, there was nothing to separate the sides, who had to settle for a 38-38 draw. It was a fair reflection of the 70 minutes of action.
Jade-Will Koopman stayed cool, calm and collected to slot a crucial conversion in the game’s dying moments to pull the Sharks level. His accurate boot kept the KZN team in the hunt throughout the contest as he slotted five conversions and a penalty, to contribute 13 points to his side’s total.
Sharks’ eighthman Wasi Vyambwera and their openside flank, Cyril Cherayi, caused headaches for the side from the Eastern Cape, keeping them on the defensive with powerful runs and smart attacking lines. Their industry was rewarded as both went over for tries
Denilo Jordaan, the Eastern Province replacement scrumhalf, who was given the starting assignment, made full use of his opportunity.
He showed no fear, especially when taking on the Shark’s big forwards, with dangerous sniping runs. Twice, he crossed the whitewash, which played a vital role in his side leading for the majority of the game. His efforts were also recognised when he was named the Player of the Match.
The Golden Lions XV nearly caused a big upset by pushing the Blue Bulls to the limit in their clash. The hosts’ team consists entirely of u17 players. Only a Ruben Groenewald penalty, with just a couple of minutes to spare, separated the Lions from victory.
Groenewald’s match-winning performance with the boot for the Blue Bulls included six penalties and one very important conversion, as the side from north of Gauteng scraped a hard-fought 30-28 victory.
The physical impact of the loose forwards, Aiden King and Marko Kok, played an integral role in the Bulls’ success. Both King and Kok took it to the younger Lions, launching intimidating runs down the field.
The Lions’ blindside flank, Sam Bruwer, who played openside in his side’s first outing, wasn’t fazed. His defence was impeccable, as he dropped his shoulder time and time again to put in massive hits.
A double by Griquas’ outside centre, Themba Kella, saw the side from the Northern Cape claim a well-deserved 39-30 victory over the Griffons. He expertly exploited the space on the outside and caused havoc in the northern Free Staters’ backline.
Griquas’ fullback Jonaden Links was equally impressive. He combined nicely with Kella on the attack and, more than once, put the speedy centre into space. Links’ performance was also rewarded with a visit behind the Griffon’s try line.
Scorers
Sharks 38 (14) – Tries: Wasi Vyambwera, Cyril Cherayi, Lizwe Mtetwa, Rourke O’Sullivan, Aphiwe Buthelezi. Conversions: Jadewill Koopman (5). Penalty: Koopman. Eastern Province 38 (18) – Tries: Denilo Jordaan (2), Ayola Mali, Zandre van der Mescht. Conversions: Marcus Williams (3). Penalties: Williams (4).
Blue Bulls 30 (11) – Tries: Tapiwa Rwafa, Marko Kok. Conversion: Ruben Groenewald. Penalties: Groenewald (6). Golden Lions XV 28 (18) – Tries: Andrew Lambert, Andrew Jackson, Indi Gusha. Conversions: Gusha (2), Penalties: Gusha (3).
Griquas 39 (13) – Tries: Themba Kella (2), Jonaden Links. Conversions: Caydon Daniels (2). Penalties: Daniels (3). Griffons 30 (11) – Tries: Jacques van der Merwe, Ayden Bezuidenhout, Ashwon Mellen. Conversions: Adriaan Bonthuys (3. Penalties: Ethan Smith (2), Bonthuys.
Other Results
Border Country Districts 40 (19) – Tries: Mbasa Mthethelwa, Chuma Mxamli, Sikho Mapukata, Avuyily Funani, Emie Mlandu, Azu Magqasa. Conversion: Magqaza. Penalties: Magqaza (2). LSEN XV 27 (6) – Tries: Edrigh Greyling, Edwill Jantjies, Jordan Derrocks. Conversions: Edwill Jantjies (2). Penalties: Jantjies (2).
Valke 49 (35) – Tries: Deveraux Weideman (3), Ettienne Smit (2), Sharon Nsenda, Tian Aucamp. Conversions: Ryan Smith (7). Border 33 (7) – Tries: Sbabalwe Magwebu (3), Adam Schwedhelm, Liam Hansen. Conversions: Page Fennel (4).
Zimbabwe 44 (9) – Tries: PK Manyakara, Kudzai Chenda, Obina Nwelke, Takudzwa Matsvindo. Conversions: Tinotenda Chinyadza (5). Penalties: Chinyadza (3). Limpopo Blue Bulls 40 (25) – Tries: Anvernio Adonis (2), Ruan Marcos, Ian van der Merwe. Conversions: Divan Brown (3). Penalties: Boshoff (3).
