Paarl Boys’ beat Grey College 28-18 in Paarl to extend their winning streak to 31 games. TYRONE ENGEL reports.
Saturday’s victory confirmed Boishaai’s status as South Africa’s No 1-ranked rugby school, while Grey suffered their first defeat in 2016.
Boishaai fullback and Man of the Match Gianni Lombard gave the hosts a 6-0 lead with two penalty goals, with his side defending well to prevent the scything Grey College backs from scoring.
Flyhalf Christopher Schreuder got Grey on the board with a penalty goal, as his side continued to launch wave after wave of attack.
But it was Boishaai who scored the first try of the match when winger Thakir Abrahams raced away down the left-hand touchline after some quick hands by the backs to make it 11-3 at the break.
Grey College drew first blood in the second half as fullback David Kriel slipped through the defence to score a converted try that narrowed the gap to one.
But Boishaai hit back when SA Schools centre Manuel Ras broke away down the right-hand touchline and sent replacement centre Divan Enslin in for the try.
Lombard and Schreuder then traded penalties, before Enslin went over for his second try, after another scintillating break from Ras, to put the hosts in front by 15 points with 15 minutes to play.
Grey College responded soon after when No 8 Dian Schoonees went over for an unconverted try from a lineout.
Boishaai were resolute in defence in the final 10 minutes as they kept the visitors at bay and their incredible winning streak alive.
Paarl Boys’ High – Tries: Thakir Abrahams, Divan Enslin (2). Conversions: Gianni Lombard (2). Penalties: Lombard (3).
Grey College – Tries: David Kriel, Dian Schoonees. Conversion: Christopher Schreuder. Penalties: Schreuder (2).
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Photo: Deborah Redelinghuys
