Drostdy outmuscle SACS
Hosts HTS Drostdy gave the South African College High School (SACS) a lesson in physicality and intensity with a resounding first half performance that proved enough to hold off their gallant visitors from the city. Drostdy lead 16-3 at the interval before holding on for a 19-18 win.
Drostdy completely dominated the first half. They had the breeze at their backs and were also helped by a lethargic performance for the visitors. SACS gifted Drostdy possession on numerous occasions and failed to threaten the host’s tryline.
Drostdy played brilliantly, keeping it tight amongst their big forwards and allowing flyhalf Kelly Olivier to kick them into position. Inevitably whenever they got down into SACS territory they mauled and drove with their forwards. This resulted in a try for flank Izak Burger which was converted by flyhalf Kelly Olivier, who also landed three penalties. SACS managed to string together only one meaningful passage of phase play which resulted in a penalty which was converted by flyhalf Chris Smith.
The second half began poorly for SACS as they dropped the kick-off and were immediately under pressure. They conceded a penalty to see Drostdy extend their lead. Staring down the barrel SACS eventually began to play with the desired urgency. Using the breeze and building the phases, they kicked a penalty and then managed to free up right-wing Keagan Wheeler for a converted try.
Drostdy kept trying to attack but like SACS in the first half they saw themselves punished and sent back downfield whenever they made a mistake. SACS kept attacking as the game drew to a close and No.8 Gino Lupini eventually crashed over with four minutes to go. Chris Smith had the conversion from fifteen metres in from touch on the right-hand side of the field to probably win the game for SACS. His kick missed narrowly to the right and Drostdy were able to hold on for a hard-earned but well deserved win.
Scorers:
For HTS Drostdy
Try: Izak Burger
Conversion: Kelly Olivier
Pens: Olivier 4
For SACS
Tries: Keagan Wheeler, Gino Lupini
Con: Chris Smith
Pens: Smith 2