To score lots of points, a side needs to be able to launch speedy attacks. HTS Drostdy executed that principle to a tee in Saturday’s 31-24 triumph over Oakdale Landbou in Worcester.
The Donkies clearly weren’t stubborn. Rather, they took the time to learn from last year’s mistakes and succeeded in pulling off an upset, while recording their sixth successive victory.
Flanks Werno Ramshauer and Joniel Claasen were in top form. They went toe-to-toe with the relentless loose forwards of the Bulle, and both crossed the whitewash, which was deserved reward for their valiant efforts at the breakdowns.
Right-wing Tristin Syster, a regular on the scoresheet, added another try to his tally for the season, while fullback Anwill Jacobs ran good lines, often blitzing forward from deep, and he, too, dotted down for the Donkies.
The Bulle scored three maul tries, all through debutant hooker Muller Geldenhuys, who, on a personal level, began his 1st XV career in dream-like fashion. Even in defeat, Oakdale’s rolling maul was impeccable, but the loss took a bit of the shine off of Geldenhuys’s outstanding achievement.
Right-wing Luan Mortlock also put his stamp on the game with a try and two conversions.
Oakdale will aim to return to winning ways on the road against Hoërskool Framesby next Saturday, while Drostdy heads to Milnerton High.
Hoërskool Bellville inside centre Xandru Büter scored two tries for the second game in a row to help his team overcome Hoërskool Hermanus 26-13 at home on Saturday.
His centre partner, Caylem du Plessis, is also a regular try-scorer, and he broke through for a try of his own. Together, he and Büter are well-synchronised and make a big impact on both attack and defence.
Blindside flank Zalyn Bazier scored the lone try for Hermanus, while their outside centre, Giano Da Kosta, added the extras and knocked over two penalties for his eight points.
The visitors appeared somewhat rusty after the holiday break and often weren’t able to capitalise on the momentum when they had it.
They’ll be hoping to turn things around next weekend, but face a tough challenge against a confident and unbeaten Hoërskool Charlie Hofmeyr. Bellville will endeavour to keep up the tempo when they visit Hoërskool Strand.
Inside centre Brad Brown was on fire for Parel Vallei High, scoring a hat-trick in their emphatic 52-12 victory at Hoërskool Melkbosstrand on Saturday.
Right-wing Aydin February‘s performance wasn’t far behind Brown’s, as he scored twice. His peer on the left wing, Raphael von Loeper, one of the most consistent try-scorers in the country, also dotted down.
The Somerset West locals will aim for a third successive win when they host the wounded Hoërskool Tygerberg next Saturday. Melkies face the Tigers the following weekend, so they will have two weeks to prepare for that clash.
Scorers:
HTS Drostdy 31 (24) – Tries: Joniel Claasen, Anwill Jacobs, Werno Ramshauer, Tristin Syster. Conversions: Jano van Deventer (4). Penalty: Van Deventer. Oakdale Landbou 24 (7) – Tries: Muller Geldenhuys (3), Luan Mortlock. Conversions: Mortlock (2).
Hoërskool Bellville 26 – Tries: Xandru Büter (2), Caylem du Plessis, Zandro Stramrood. Conversions: Devanté Vlotman (3). Hoërskool Hermanus 13 – Try: Zalyn Bazier. Conversion: Giano Da Kosta. Penalties: Da Kosta (2).
Hoërskool Parel Vallei 52 – Tries: Brad Brown (3), Aydin February (2), Shudley Rhoda, Owen Cockcroft, Raphael von Loeper. Conversions: Stephan Niemann (6). Hoërskool Melkbosstrand 12 – No info received from Melkbosstrand.
Other results:
U19 – Drostdy II 15 Oakdale II 22, Drostdy III 22 Oakdale III 21, Drostdy IV 38 Oakdale IV 5, Drostdy V 24 Oakdale V 21; Bellville II 26 Hermanus II 10, Bellville III 24 Hermanus III 12; Melkies II 12 PV 7, Melkies III 3 PV III 0.
U16 – Drostdy A 29 Oakdale A 12, Drostdy B 10 Oakdale B 24, Drostdy C 19 Oakdale C 33; Bellville A 32 Hermanus A 10, Bellville B 42 Hermanus B 12; Melkies A 19 PV A 14, Melkies B 15 PV B 12.
U15 – Drostdy A 35 Oakdale A 12, Drostdy B 15 Oakdale B 5, Drostdy C 31 Oakdale C 12, Drostdy D 12 Oakdale D 7; Bellville A 19 Hermanus A 21, Bellville B 23 Hermanus B 10; Melkies A 0 PV A 12, Melkies B 24 PV B 22.
U14 – Drostdy A 26 Oakdale A 12, Drostdy B 21 Oakdale B 10, Drostdy C 29 Oakdale C 15, Drostdy D 8 Oakdale D 12; Bellville A 5 Hermanus A 0; Melkies A 5 PV A 21, Melkies B 12 PV B 5.
