SACS vs DURBANVILLE MATCH REPORT

In a thrilling under-19 school’s rugby match between SACS and the home side Durbanville, the outcome was in doubt until the final whistle before ending in 22-22 draw. It was an even contest, with the forwards from both sides displaying tremendous ferocity at the breakdown. The Durbies line out functioned well and their mauls from this phase were a feature of the game. 

The first half was largely a stop-start affair, with the home side having the better in terms of territory and possession. It was very much against the run of play that SACS opened the scoring. Following a breakout in their own half by flank Richard Skeeles full back Aya Machuli crossed for an unconverted try. 

The Durbies forwards upped the tempo and had SACS back peddling in the mauls. It was only solid defence that kept them out. It was SACS that went further ahead when their backs went into gear, and flanker Ben van Coller  was on  hand to cross for Raashied Conrad to convert (12-0),

The home side was justly rewarded with a try just before halftime when wing Cayden Louw gathererd a kick ahead and flyhalf Shaun Klein converted to make it (12-7) at the changeover.

In the second half, both sides played with more intent, with the backs swinging into action. After Conrad and Klein traded penalties, SACS went into a 22-10 lead when lock Kwesi Ndlovu forced his way over following a strong run by wing Jack Benade. Stung by this reversal, Durbies struck back via centre James Nero who scored a converted try following a tap penalty and they were back in the game at 22-17.

Spurred on by the home fans, Durbies threw everything into attack as SACS, in desperation, copped a yellow card in the 62^nd minute.SACS showed incredible determination in defence as they put their bodies on the line. In a dramatic twist, Nero became the darling of the home crowd, as he outstripped the cover defence scoring a crucial last-minute try that led to the game ending in a draw.