St Andrews makes last minute quick recovery to beat Queens

When St Andrew’s College and Queen’s College took the field today, it was a close game if there ever was one.

The first sixteen minutes did not see any points being scored, but rather both schools fighting to keep the other at bay while simultaneously trying to gain ground.

At sixteen minutes, a penalty called in favour of Queens but was shortly overturned in favour of St Andrews, with St Andrews opting to make the kick and gain some forward momentum; ideally putting the initial points on the board.

Daniel Hickey made the kick from quite an unfavorable position, a good distance away and far off to the right, granting St Andrews the three points and giving them an edge in the game. 

When Queens were granted a free kick, it made some distance but fell into the position of Jacques Cloete with a brilliant catch. There was no hesitation, and he ran straight ahead, the defence were not prepared for the quick breakthrough.

Cloete outpaced his chasers and put the ball down with ease to score the first try for St Andrews and of the game. Daniel Hickey came through with the conversion and St Andrews were ten points ahead with just over six minutes left in the first half of the game. 

It seemed like 10-0 would remain until half time, until St Andrews backline found themselves offside and a penalty was granted to Queens.

Queens opted for the kick; Turshaan Hare succeeded, and Queens was back in the game. Hare repeated this play at the end of the first half, narrowing the gap and ending the first half at 10-6 to St Andrews.

Queens weren’t wasting any time as the second half commenced, with Axola Khatshwa scoring a try at under three minutes into the game. Queens made some quick passes down the line, opening the opportunity for their captain to score their first try game of the game. Queens now had the lead for the first time this game. 

This lead was maintained, and it seemed they had it in the bag, as nothing changed on the score board for the next half an hour. 

When St Andrews were granted another penalty and time had run out, this would be the final play of the game and all pressure was on Daniel Hickey when St Andrews decided to go for the kick. Daniel Hickey made it look easy, the kick was good, and St Andrews had won the game in the nick of time.

The celebration from players and fans was once in a lifetime, it was a moment that will live on forever and a story that will be cemented in St Andrews legacy. 

Scorers:

St Andrews College 13 – Tries: Jacques Cloete. Conversions: Daniel Hickey. Penalties: Daniel Hickey (2). Queen’s College 11 – Tries: Axola Khatshwa. Penalties: Turshaan Hare (2). 

Other results: 

Selborne College 70, Cambridge 12; Hudson Park 33, Stirling 10; Dale College 24, Graeme College 20.