Grey defeat in downpour while KES kill off a Pretoria push - Weekend Wrap Part 2
Frozen fields pair with sunshine as the KP Derby Series represent in both the Eastern Cape and Gauteng
In sheets of rain and dropping temperatures, Grey High get their first win since 2019 against Framesby - Credits https://www.instagram.com/ishootstories%20and%20kingpricederbyseries/
In part two of Saturday’s derby action, a contrast of conditions hit TV screens as Grey High and Framesby made way for a bitterly cold and wet atmosphere while Pretoria Boys’ hosted King Edward School in warm, capital weather.
Windswept, frozen and wet the XVs took to the Kolisi Field in a classic Gqeberha derby day. Hosting this one were Grey High, who were keen to put an end to a three game losing streak sustained over the last few weeks of term two. Yet to play since May, Grey were also hoping their home support would come through to carry them over the line against their foes for the first time since 2019. Framesby on the other end were looking to also begin afresh after a topsy-turvy first half of the season. With conditions favouring more of a dogfight than a dazzling display, coupled with the winning margin of the last 4 match-ups between the two being won by no more than 5 points, meant an affair of tight margins was due. A solitary try each in the first thirty-five showed glaring evidence of the weather woes. With Grey converting their try via the boot of Tristan Kemp seeing them edge the half 7-5. Bearing the brunt of winter, the second half began with an early second for Cody Wilmot and Grey. Converted once more by Kemp. An advantage that lasted close to half an hour, before a Jaiden Brewis penalty and a David Matyani try saw the away support see their side take the lead. 15-14 with seven minutes left. Rocking in the rain, the Kolisi Field would see a blast of heroics as Wilmot crashed over for a third of the game. Sealing his side’s triumphant win. Wild weather was not enough to stop Grey’s determination, with the result sparking a fresh start to their season.
In a drastic change of weather, KES traveled to Gauteng to undergo the home side Pretoria Boys’ test. A sunny outlook decorated the match as both sides were keen to begin again with new energy. Both as well find themselves in very similar places in the most recent rugby rankings. With Pretoria Boys’ slightly edging KES going into the third term (32nd and 35th respectively). With things set after tight victories for each in the u16 and u15A games (KES winning the former 29-27 while Pretoria won the latter 22-14), the XVs sprinted onto the field surrounded by support. A strong first half ensued for both teams, with KES striking twice to take a narrow lead, 12-10. Pressure would build significantly in the second 35 for the away side however, with a further penalty and conversion from flyhalf Renier Kruger. Putting Boys’ High ahead by eight points. Just
over ten minutes later KES would dot down one of their own, but Kruger would hit back soon after with another penalty to keep his side 23-17 up. The clock closing down to the 70 mark, it would be King Edward School who would find the final dagger to dash Pretoria Boys’ hopes and silence the home support. Right underneath the sticks making it an easy conversion for number 13, Indibabale Mboniswa. An epic encounter ending on the Brooks Field with KES snatching it by a point, 24-23.
In other action around the country; Affies continued their strong 2025 season with a 45-27 victory over Maritzburg, Graeme College and Peason shared the spoils with a 10-all draw and Northwood defeated Glenwood 19-11 to help the Knights claim a second season sweep over the green machine. Overall, a great start to an enthralling third term of rugby action. With next week’s standout fixture of Paarl Gim vs Paarl Boys’ supported with derby-days between Jeppe and KES and Grey College vs Grey High among other clashes.
