Grey High beat SACS 28-10, while there were also victories for Selborne, Dale, Rondebosch and Paarl Gym on the last day of the Cape Schools Week.
Grey enjoyed 82% possession in the first half, but still went into the break 10-8 down as an unconverted try by fullback Sihle Njezula and a penalty by flyhalf Curwin Bosch didn't match up to a converted try by flanker Dylan Hadzigrigoriou and a late Kyle Boyd penalty.
The second half belonged entirely to the hosts, however, as they ran in 20 unanswered points through converted tries from flanker Khwezi Mafu and winger Lubabalo Dobelo, and two penalties by Bosch, to ensure Grey ended the Cape Schools Week unbeaten along with Eastern Cape rivals Selborne.
Grey PE coach Tim Fraser emphasised the extent of the challenge despite the scoreline.
'Our game was strong defensively, and we managed to hold off SACS, who were full of running. We had some lineout issues at times, but countered well and did enough to see ourselves over the line. It was a tough game, and the scoreline isn't a fair reflection of just how tight the game was, but you could see both sides were tired and gave it a go regardless.'
SACS coach Graeme Wepener rued his side's discipline and decision-making.
'We had them on the back foot for a period in the first half, but with the wind at their backs in the second half, especially with Curwin Bosch who can kick like a mule, it was a different story. Our discipline cost us a couple of early penalties in the second half, which gave them the lead. We also had our first-choice 9 and 10 at home, so there was a bit of indecision in those pivot roles, and some poor decision-making around the park in general.'
Grey High – Tries: Sihle Njezula, Khwezi Mafu, Lubabalo Dobelo. Conversions: Curwin Bosch (2). Penalties: Bosch (3).
SACS – Try: Dylan Hadzigrigoriou. Conversion: Kyle Boyd. Penalty: Boyd.
Day 3 results:
Grey High 28 SACS 10
Dale 53 Standard Bank XV 3
Selborne 10 Boland Landbou 8
Rondebosch 26 Muir 0
Queens 5 Paarl Gym 34
Day 2 results:
Grey High 16 Boland Landbou 10
SACS 27 Queen's 20
Paarl Gym 29 Dale 14
Muir 15 Standard Bank XV 11
Selborne 34 Rondebosch 17
Day 1 results:
Grey High 15 Rondebosch 10
Selborne 20 Paarl Gym 17
SACS 19 Muir 8
Queen's 25 Standard Bank XV 13
Boland Landbou 26 Dale 14
Photo: Catherine Wilson
