In arguably the match of the week so far, Dale College pulled off a nerve-wracking win over Pearson, coming from 20-10 down with 11 minutes left to edge home 22-20 on the second day of the GBS Graeme College Rugby Festival in Makhanda on Friday..
The closing stages of the match were marked by some tension-filled kicking opportunities, which ultimately enabled the Dalians to snatch a dramatic victory.
Firstly, having drawn level 20-20 when Lindokuhle Xozwa crossed for their third try, Dale kicker Oyama Kuse received a reprieve after his first conversion attempt fell just short. Because the Pearson players had charged too early, the referee ruled that Kuse could have a second attempt. This time he nailed the conversion to put them in the lead with four minutes left.
But the drama was not over. Pearson charged back onto the attack and received two penalties in the closing stages for a chance to edge ahead once more. Unfortunately for them, in conditions not made easy by a swirling wind, both attempts went past the left upright, the second after the hooter had gone.
It was a tough finish for Pearson, who created great momentum in the second half to come from 10-8 down to lead 20-10 after crossing for two tries. However the Dalians showed admirable fighting spirit to stay in the game for an exceptionally hard-fought win.
The game preceding that match was also full of gutsy effort as Muir held on to defeat Stirling 21-10.
The final margin was probably a bit harsh on Stirling who demonstrated their fighting qualities to draw back to 14-10 from 14-0 down with a few minutes remaining.
As they sought to launch a final attack, however, the ball was turned over and instead it was Muir who made advances upfield for Brent Koraan to finally cross over, adding to early tries by Isa Marola and Ntandazo Mboniswa. Lyle Meintjies did well with the boot to add three conversions.
Stirling’s brave effort was marked by tries from Jared Evans and Vuyo Kolobeni.
In the day’s opening match Woodridge held too many aces for Port Alfred High, winning 32-0 and Union High took control for a 26-7 victory over Mary Waters.
Daniel Pienaar conceded an early try against Cambridge but then called the shots for a solid 24-7 triumph.
GBS Graeme College Rugby Festival: Day Two results
First teams
Woodridge bt Port Alfred High 32-0
Union High bt Mary Waters 26-7
Daniel Pienaar bt Cambridge 24-7
Muir bt Stirling 21-10
Dale bt Pearson 22-20
Selborne bt Nico Malan 34-17
Grey High bt Hudson Park 27-7