The Saints 1st XV travelled down to Durban this past weekend and took on Glenwood High School on Dixon’s field. There was much hype going into this clash, with Saints on a four-match win streak, and Glenwood coming off the back of two close loses to Northwood and Kearsney. In-spite of this the home team were still massive favourites to win this as they were playing at home, showing some great growth as a team and importantly St Charles haven’t managed to beat them since 1942.
The match kicked off, and both teams were straight into their work. Saints dominated the early exchanges, and managed to score two quick tries, both conversion attempts were missed, and the score read 10-0 within the first 15 minutes. Credit must go to Glenwood for not panicking, and for utilising the wind to keep us pinned back in our half, their ball retention and accuracy at the breakdown was a key factor in them clawing their way back, the home team managed to put some wonderful passages together and scored two well worked tries. Playing into the wind, we knew that we had to remain within striking distance going into the second half, the boys managed to repel Glenwood’s impressive attack and go into the break 14-10 down.
The message at half-time was to simply use the wind, dominate the collision areas and play deep in Glenwood territory. The goal in the week was to be clinical in the opposition 22, and exit with points on every visit, going into the second half we wanted to be the team to score first, we achieved that goal with another well worked try, the conversion attempt was successful, and the visiting team were up 17-14. It was said at half-time, that the team that got themselves into the most mini battles on either side of the ball would come away from this game victorious. Saints were tremendous on defence, and at disrupting the opposition breakdown – our connection, communication and line speed were all on point and this pressure translated into points with Rashied Isaacs picking up Glenwood scraps and going over for a wonderful try. The last 10 minutes of the game was back and forward, with Glenwood throwing everything at the away team, the final score ending 32 – 19 to Saints.
We would like to thank Glenwood for hosting us, and for playing their part in yet another classic clash. We would like to wish the all the very best for the remainder of the season, and we look forward to hosting them in 2025.
Try Scorers:
Okuhle Peti
Matthew Ludick
Stefan Veldsman
Sam Odell
Rashied Isaacs
Report sent from St Charles College
