Paarl Gim scored four unanswered second-half tries to beat Affies 46-19 in a Premier Interschools match in Paarl on Saturday. DYLAN JACK reports.

It was Paarl Gim’s fifth consecutive victory over their northern rivals, and they continue their excellent start to the 2019 season which has seen them claim convincing wins over Monument and Bishops.

Affies, coming off a superb win against Helpmekaar, were looking for their first win over Paarl Gim since 2012, and by doing so to make a major statement against one of the stronger 1st XV squads this year.

Despite giving as good as they got in the first half, Affies were well dealt with in the second as Paarl Gim scored four unanswered tries to ultimately seal their 11th overall win over their opponents.

A tough game which saw more than a couple of schoolboys limp off injured, started in fiery fashion as Gim opened the scoring through a penalty from fullback Tiaan Swanepoel.

Affies hit back and took the lead for the only time in the match through a try from flank Willie Potgieter.

A magical brace from flying wing Stravino Jacobs then allowed Gim to regain the lead, which was stretched when flank Louw Nel went over from a maul.

Affies gave themselves hope with two quick-fire tries before the break from lock Gustav Bester and flyhalf FC Potgieter, which made it a one-point match at the break.

However, the home side ran away with the game in the second half as flanks Eric Basson and Pierich Siebert each grabbed a try to go with scores from hooker Liam Compion and centre Stephan du Toit, who finished off a wonderful attacking move started by wing Curwin Gertse.

Paarl Gim – Tries: Stravino Jacobs (2), Louw Nel, Eric Basson, Liam Compion, Stephan du Toit, Pierich Siebert. Conversions: Tiaan Swanepoel (2), Johan Smal (3). Penalty: Swanepoel
Affies – Tries: Willie Potgieter, Gustav Bester, FC Potgieter. Conversions: Dieter Crafford (2).

Photo: Snapsport