Grey High inflicted a 43-7 defeat on Michaelhouse, while there were also wins for St Stithians, SACS, Rondebosch, Maritzburg and King David on day one of the St Stithians Easter Festival.

What was touted as the match of the day turned out to be the demolition of the day as Grey ran seven tries past Michaelhouse.

Left wing Siviwe Zondani was the star of the show with a hat-trick of tries, while outside centre Liyema Matyolweni and right wing Jared Kirsten bagged a brace each.

Grey dominated the opening period, and while Maritzburg initially did well against the onslaught on their line, Matyolweni burst over in the eighth minute. Flyhalf Matt Easton knocked over the conversion.

Grey were looking to extend their lead when a wild pass was intercepted and Michaelhouse then scored at the other end.

In reply, Zondani went flying down the right-hand touchline to score in the corner and give Grey a 12-7 lead at half-time.

Grey blew Michaelhouse away in the second half. Kirsten scored off an intercept, Zondani outpaced the Michaelhouse defence again for his second touchdown and Kirsten was put into a gap to complete his double and put them 31-7 up.

When Matyolweni completed his try-double late in the game, the race was on to see which of the three Grey teammates could score a triple. In the end, it was Zondani who went over for a last-gasp effort to seal a remarkable win.

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Meanwhile, hosts St Stithians recorded a commanding 48-12 win against Prince Edward from Zimbabwe, SACS secured a 20-10 victory over Kingswood, Rondebosch did just enough to beat St Andrew’s 17-10, Maritzburg defeated Parktown Boys’ 31-5 and King David beat the Michaelhouse 2nd/3rd XV 25-15.

Day 1 results:

King David 25 Michaelhouse 2nd/3rd XV 15
SACS 20 Kingswood 10
Maritzburg 31 Parktown Boys’ 5
St Stithians 48 Prince Edward 12
St Andrew’s 10 Rondebosch 17
Grey High 43 Michaelhouse 7

All Easter Rugby Festival results (Day 1)

Photo: www.mycomlink.co.za