Rondebosch beat Grey High 18-17, while there were also wins for Prince Edward, Maritzburg, St Andrew’s and the Michaelhouse XV at the St Stithians Easter Festival on Saturday.

The highly anticipated clash between Grey and Rondebosch lived up to expectations as they went toe-to-toe in a game of small margins.

Nothing separated the sides after a thrilling opening 15 minutes, before Grey flyhalf Matthew Easton kicked a penalty goal.

Rondebosch’s forward dominance was rewarded with two kickable penalties, which fullback Conor van Eden knocked over as the Cape side took a 6-3 lead into the break.

The match sparked to life in the second half. Right wing Jared Kirsten scuttled away to score a converted try for Grey, but his effort was quickly cancelled when Rondebosch hooker Troy Fisher burrowed over, and Van Eden added the conversion.

The game was on a knife’s edge in the final 10 minutes as both sides pushed for the win. It looked for all money as if Grey were on course for a second win at the festival when scrumhalf Hlumelo Klaas dived over from a quick throw-in.

But, as they had done throughout the game, Rondebosch responded when outside centre Dalvon Blood broke the defence to go over for the match-winning try.

In other results, Prince Edward from Zimbabwe caused the upset of the tournament when they beat Parktown Boys’ 28-19, Maritzburg hammered Kingswood 38-7, St Andrew’s took down struggling Michaelhouse 40-19, while the St Stithians XV lost 31-7 to the Michaelhouse XV.

The final match of the day, between St Stithians and SACS, was cancelled due to lightning.

Day 2 results:

Michaelhouse XV 31 St Stithians XV 7
Prince Edward 28 Parktown Boys’ 19
Rondebosch 18 Grey High 17
Maritzburg 28 Kingswood 7
St Andrew’s 40 Michaelhouse 19
St Stithians vs SACS (cancelled due to lightning)

All Easter Rugby Festival results (Day 2)

Photo: St Stithians