In a day of high-stakes school rugby clashes across South Africa, Rondebosch Boys' High pulled off a stunning comeback to snatch victory from Bishops in Cape Town, triumphing 29-24. Meanwhile, Stellenberg flexed their muscles with a dominant 48-24 victory over Boland Landbou, rounding off the term with a display of sheer power and pace.
At the picturesque Piley Rees Field, it initially seemed like Bishops would cruise to victory. They nailed the first half with a 24-12 lead, thanks to a trio of tries and flawless kicking from centre Eljaron Geduld. However, Rondebosch, undeterred and resilient, flipped the script in the second half. The game-clincher came from hooker Kwaza Gobingca, who bulldozed over the line in the dying moments, leaving the home supporters in disbelief.
"It was a test of character, and the boys passed with flying colors,"
remarked a jubilant Rondebosch coach after the match.Not to be outdone, Stellenberg High School showcased their might in Paarl. Captain Yanos Coetzee led from the front as one of seven scorers, contributing to a comprehensive tally that Boland Landbou struggled to counter. Flyhalf Ethan van Biljon was instrumental, adding 13 points with his accurate boot.
Elsewhere, the rugby fields of the Western Cape saw Wynberg Boys’ High overcoming South African College Schools (SACS) with a 26-15 scoreline, thanks largely to a stellar three-try performance from winger Zachary de Kock.
Over in the Eastern Cape, the action was equally thrilling. Kingswood College comfortably overcame St Andrew’s College 29-10, while Selborne College made light work of Cambridge, cruising to a 36-10 victory. Hudson Park also claimed bragging rights with a solid 22-5 win over Stirling.
Heading north to KwaZulu-Natal, a nail-biter saw Hilton College edge out Kearsney College 31-27, and Michaelhouse secured a hard-fought 24-17 win against Maritzburg College. Gauteng had its share of drama too, with Wesvalia scraping a 23-22 victory over Klerksdorp, and Pretoria Boys’ High dismantling St Alban's with a staggering 68-20 scoreline.
The day's results were a testament to the spirit and skill of school-level rugby in South Africa, setting the stage for future encounters filled with anticipation and excitement.