Bishops scored five tries to beat rivals SACS 39-21 in one of South Africa’s oldest schoolboy derbies in Cape Town on Saturday. DYLAN JACK reports.

In their most impressive performance so far this year, a young Bishops first team, composed mostly of Grade 11 schoolboys, put their rivals to the sword, claiming early bragging rights before the reverse fixture in July.

There were impressive performances from Bishops captain Isaiah Wharton, who scored a brace of tries and led from the front with some powerful carries, as well as fullback Joe Kirsten, who looked electric every time he touched the ball.

The opening exchanges were very evenly matched as Bishops opened the scoring through a try from Kirsten, before SACS responded when wing Duran Koevort scored one of his two tries.

A penalty from flyhalf Matthew Lennett and No 8 Wharton’s first try saw Bishops go into the half-time 15-7 ahead.

Bishops went on to the offensive from the get-go in the second half, and got their third try when Wharton bashed his way over from close range. That left SACS with a job to do, but they managed to get back into the game when Koevort ran an excellent inside line to break the line and score near the posts.

Another penalty from Lennett, added to an incredible try from hooker Keegan Blanckenburg, allowed Bishops to once again extend their lead to 18 points. The game was all but sealed when Bishops centre Mike Ford ran a good line between two defenders to score their fifth of the day.

However, it was SACS who would have the final say when Nic Boden scored a consolation try after full time.

SACS – Tries: Duran Koevort (2), Nic Boden. Conversions: Matthew Hayes (3).
Bishops – Tries: Joe Kirsten, Isaiah Wharton (2), Keegan Blanckenburg, Mike Ford. Conversions: Matt Lennett (4). Penalties: Lennett (2).

Photo: Peter Heeger/Gallo Image