A classic on the Collard combines with major match-ups
Provincial derbies mixed with cinematic close encounters were the orders of the weekend
The picturesque Collard played host to one of this season's most dramatic games so far.
Saturday the 31st saw the City of Gold host a double in the King Price Derby Series. The first of which saw Jeppe host Affies in a dramatic, high-scoring match while the other game saw King Edward School thrive as hosts to St. Benedict’s College. At the same time, Framesby played Pearson and Maritzsburg hosted Kearsney in all-Eastern Cape and all-KZN fixtures respectively.
A dramatic drama of a game unfolded on a sunny Saturday upon the famed Collard Field. The Zebras playing in front of their home support, gave a terrific performance against one of the top school sides so far this season, Affies, who were (as of the 12th of May) 24 spots higher than their hosts in the national rankings. Despite this, Jeppe arrived with a fire in their spirit, and 9 times out of 10 would have closed the game out as champs. In devastating fashion however, the game saw the one occasion where it wasn’t to be. A knock on and a penalty for offside in the literal dying seconds of the game after an Affies restart, broke Jeppe hearts. After what had turned largely into a flyhalf battle, between Nehemia Hollenbach of the Zebras and Ruben Groeneweld of Affies, it was these two stars that would give us a hugely dramatic last few minutes of play. With 28 points combined from the sides after 15 minutes of the game, one could already see how dramatic of a game it would become. After a 6-try laden half, Affies would go in at the break with a slim 24-17 lead.
As the second 35 got underway, two further penalties from Hollenbach would be followed by a yellow for the home side, obtained by Ndimphiwe Mjiji, which Affies would capitalize on 6 minutes later with a try from Josh Gouws. Meaning the side from Pretoria took a 6 point lead, 29-23. However, the real drama would follow as the game neared its closing act. With 5 minutes left on the playing clock, Affies had maintained their lead 29-23. 22 points although, were to still to come in the enthralling game. Jeppe would score an imperative try through Lindelani Nkambule in the 65th, before a flurry of penalties took center stage. The battle of big match temperament was underway as late game-defining kicks from both flyhalfs were seen. Groeneweld made it 32-29 in the 67th, Hollenbach responded to make it 33-32 all before the Affies flyhalf would convert three extra points with precious little time left on the clock. In the grandest of finishes, Hollenbach would convert an audacious drop goal to send the home crown into rupture. Scenes that would collapse into agony just seconds later as a knock on from the Affies restart, and a subsequent offside penalty would result in a buzzer beater penalty from Groeneweld. Seeing Affies snatch the latest of wins and escape the Collard field with the dub. Just.
In the other Jozi fixture, KES were looking for immediate redemption after a battering against Affies the previous week. At home versus St. Benedicts this week, KES ensured that they did just that. In a comprehensive performance, the home side ran away with a 33-0 win. Subjecting Benedicts to their second consecutive scoreless result, after going down 17-0 to St. Johns on the 24th. Another big home result was on the cards with Maritzburg holding on to a strong 35-20 victory over Kearsney in a provincial derby. One of the main events in their Reunion Weekend, Springbok old boys such as Jesse Kriel were present to see the current XV do their school’s old boys proud. In doing so, College also managed to avenge last year’s defeat to Kearsney (16-14 that one had ended) while building on their huge effort last week after narrowly going down to unbeaten Westville.
The final King Price Derby Series feature game saw Framesby host Pearson. Up and coming Pearson who had already sustained an early season victory over top Eastern Cape outfit Queen’s. In another provincial head off, the bragging rights would ultimately be shared. 19 apiece and as with Jeppe, the home side gave the fans watching a dramatic last five showing. A capitulation if anything, conceding a red card and a converted try in the dying embers of the game before Jaiden Brewis missed a stoppage time penalty to rescue the victory. All square it would end for both. In conjunction with these four fixtures, Saturday saw some other big clashes take place. In the Western Cape derby between Roos and SACS, the former would notch a comprehensive 22-3 win. Keenan Stoffels shining as he tends to do. Grey PE would, for the second game running, go down by a singular point to Eastern Cape rivals. This time against St. Andrews 28-27. While all at the same time; Michaelhouse defeated Pretoria Boys’ 31-24, DHS downed Hilton and Paarl Boys’ made light work of Stellenburg. With that, May’s action closes and sets up a juicy June, filled with flair and action.
