Sports News: St Andrew’s College Makhanda rugby match against Bishops
First Half
The 1st XV match started with both teams trying to figure each other out for the first 10 min.
Bishops broke the deadlock in the 13th minute with an unconverted try. College answered back almost immediately through a try from Josh van Zyl. 5 all.
Both teams played some good rugby and continued to ask questions of each other. It seemed more of a ‘when‘ rather than ‘if’ more tries would be scored.
Bishops won a penalty and went for touch, they used a maul to get over the line and scored their second of the day with 5 minutes of the half remaining.
College again bounced back and scored a beautiful try through Matthew Harvey.
Half time 10-10
Second Half
Bishops came out strong in the second half and dominated the first 10 minutes of the half scoring 2 tries both of which were converted. They went to a commanding 10-24 lead.
College regained composure and Daniel Arnold crossed the line for a try which was converted by Will Stevens.
With 10 minutes to go College was awarded a penalty try when a Bishops player deliberately knocked the ball on. The score was 24 all and the game was in the balance.
With 6 minutes remaining, Sivatho Mjali took a quick tap which went through the hands to Arnold on the left wing. He showed strength and speed to go over in the corner and Stevens converted.
The game was far from over and the Bishops desperately held on the possession and applied pressure on the home side. A defensive error led to the Bishops breaking the line and scoring a try with 90 seconds remaining! The try was converted and the score was locked at 31 all with less than 30 seconds to play.
College kicked off deep and won a penalty from a ruck with time up on the clock Stevens stepped up, kept his cool, and slotted the 3 points. Jubilation on the Lower field in the the 100th fixture between the two sides.
College the victors on this occasion 34-31. An epic game of schoolboy rugby.
1st Team Rugby rankings
U16 INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS HOCKEY FESTIVAL
The U16A hockey team travelled to Pietermaritzburg in KwaZulu-Natal to compete in the Independent Schools Hockey Festival which ended up being an exceptional start to their season.
Match Results:
St Andrew’s College 3-1 Midstream College
The team had a slow start to the festival as they worked to find their rhythm. An early goal helped them settle into the game. By halftime, the score was level at 1-1. Strong communication and clinical finishing in the second half secured a well-deserved victory.
St Andrew’s College 3-0 Helpmekaar College
The team had a scrappy start and had to dig deep to maintain their composure and structure against a physical Helpmekaar side. After regrouping at halftime, the College boys found their rhythm, executing their style of hockey and securing victory with two penalty corner goals and a well-worked field goal.
St Andrew’s College 1-0 York High
Despite College controlling possession, York maintained relentless pressure, making it difficult to break through their defense. However, the College boys remained persistent and ultimately secured a well-earned victory with a decisive penalty corner goal.
St Andrew’s College 5-1 Trinity House
The team delivered a dominant performance against Trinity House, thanks to a well-structured game plan and strong execution—an encouraging sign of their potential for the season ahead.
St Andrew’s College 0-0 Cornwall Hill
In the final match of the festival, the boys gave it their all, displaying strong connections on the field. Despite creating multiple scoring opportunities, they were unable to find the back of the net. However, they finished the festival unbeaten, which is a good starting point for the season.
