Waterkloof beat Monument 28-26 in a Premier Interschools match on Saturday. DYLAN JACK reports.
Monument, coming off a Tuks Series win, went into the fixture as favourites but struggled to keep hold of the ball in key areas, with Waterkloof claiming their first win against their opponents since 2012.
The visitors started well – firstly by halting an early Monument assault and then by claiming a try when wing Julian Bogner showed his physicality by bumping off a tackle and scoring in the corner.
Fullback Sean Grobler added a penalty to keep the scoreboard ticking over for Waterkloof.
Monument struck back through centre Douw Scheepers, who went over in the corner, running on to a good skip pass from flyhalf Wian van der Walt.
However, straight from the next kick-off, Waterkloof flank Juandre Jooste poached the ball and ran in untouched to extend their lead.
Monnas lock Stephan le Roux showed his skill and pace by spotting a gap and running a good 22m to score and get his side back into the match.
The visitors made a firing start to the second half as Bogner broke through the line and flung a brilliant offload to Jooste, who ran in for his second.
Monument then became desperate, which came back to haunt them when they took a quick-tap penalty in their own 22, only to give away possession and allow Waterkloof No 8 Wikus Lindeque to produce a fantastic finish in the corner.
After a great long-range run from lock Richard van der Berg, Waterkloof extended their lead to 16 points thanks to a second penalty from Grobler.
Heading into the final five minutes, Monument scored two tries, the first of which came through hooker Morné Brandon, who pounced on a loose ball from a Waterkloof lineout to run under the posts.
Replacement prop Tumi Mononyane then rolled over the line to bring the home side within two points of a massive comeback. However, Waterkloof managed to turn the ball over from the kick-off and claim the Gauteng bragging rights.
Monument – Tries: Douw Scheepers, Stephen le Roux, Morné Brandon, Tumi Mononyane. Conversions: Wian van der Walt (3).
Waterkloof – Try: Julian Bogner, Juandre Jooste (2), Wikus Lindeque. Conversion: Sean Grobler. Penalty: Grobler (2).
