Paarl Boys’ High got their season back on track with a 14-13 win against Bishops in Paarl on Saturday. DYLAN JACK reports.
At a muddy Brug Street field, the rain pelted down, making it difficult for both sides to string the phases together. Ultimately, it was the hosts who made the most of their opportunities to extend their winning streak against the Cape school that began in 2010.
Ultimately, a well-worked try from Boishaai centre Quan Horn was the difference between the two sides, despite two penalties from Bishops flyhalf Jordan Meyer making it a nervous finish for the home crowd.
The visitors had the better of the early phases, virtually camping in the Boishaai 22. The pressure eventually told as No 8 Izzy Whalton put his body on the line to crash over from close range, injuring himself in the process.
However, Bishops have made a bad habit of conceding straight after they score and they did just that as Paarl Boys’ regained possession off the kickoff, with No 8 Evan Roos powering over from a 5 metre scrum.
The hosts then took the lead as Horn ran a brilliant line onto a pass from Kian Meadon off a lineout to break through and score. Meyer then slotted his first penalty to close the gap to just four points at half-time.
As the rain started to clear, the home team had the better of the second half but were kept out by some strong scramble defence which forced them into errors.
Bishops were rewarded for this defence when they pushed Boishaai near their 22, winning a penalty which Meyer slotted to make it a one-point game going into the closing stages.
Despite the best attempts from Bishops to win the game, the Boishaai defence pinned them in their half, eventually seeing the home side win back possession and get their first win in three games.
Paarl Boys’ – Tries: Evan Roos, Quan Horn. Conversions: Kian Meadon (2).
Bishops – Try: Izzy Wharton. Conversion: Jordan Meyer. Penalties: Meyer (2).
