Hoërskool Hermanus utility back M-Jay Matinka had a good day in the no. 13 jersey for his side, scoring a brace as the Whale Coast locals captured a thrilling 33-31 victory over Hoërskool Strand on Saturday.
It was the hosts’ first win after a seven-game losing streak, and it puts them in good spirits going into their last match of the season at Worcester Gimnasium next weekend.
With the win, they also avenged a 20-31 loss last year.
Fullback Caleb Flint played a vital role in their victory, slotting four conversions, while right-wing Obinna Enenchukwu continued his clinical form, finishing twice in the corner.
It’s not a Strand match unless captain and eighthman Rohan Bezuidenhout gets on the scoresheet, which he also did twice. Openside flank Joshua Human put in another exhausting shift at the breakdowns and on defence, but also earned a try from one of his carries.
Despite those strong showings from their loose forwards, Strand would have been frustrated to have lost so narrowly. Next weekend, they’ll have a chance to put things right when they take on Monument Park High.
DF Akademie hopped back onto the winning wagon on Saturday, scoring a comfortable 44-17 win over HTS Bellville.
DF hooker and captain Meyer Brits was on the scoresheet yet again, going over for a try. Much like Strand’s Bezuidenhout, seldom does a match pass without Brits adding a try to his tally.
Nippy scrumhalf Sinalo Kethele, and wings Tarquin Newman and Jayden Plaatjies also dotted down.
Eighthman Gerhard Groenewald and outside centre Dylan Thompson were rewarded for their passionate efforts with a try each.
The hosts broke through for three tries, scored by lock Josue Segima, eighthman Uwan White, and left-wing Ronaldo Sampson. Outside centre Hagan Buys slotted over their sole conversion.
While they had some strong moments, they’ll feel that they lacked consistency, which allowed the visitors to take control of the outcome.
Next weekend, DF tackles Hoërskool Bellville in the final game of their campaign.
Scorers:
Hoërskool Hermanus 33 – Tries: M-Jay Matinka (2), Obina Enenchukwu (2), Ewald du Toit. Conversions: Caleb Flint (4). Hoërskool Strand 31 – Tries: Rohan Beuzuidenhout (2), Caleb Reeding, Henry Hess, Joshua Human. Conversions: Hess (2), Leathon Lewis.
DF Akademie 44 – Tries: Meyer Brits, Tarquin Newman, Gerhard Groenewald, Sinalo Kethele, Dylan Thompson, Jayden Plaatjies. Conversions: Nicholas Barker (4). Penalties: Barker (2). HTS Bellville 17 – Tries: Uwan White, Josue Segima, Ronaldo Sampson. Conversion: Hagan Buys.
Other results:
U19
B: HTS Bellville 22 DF Akademie 0.
U16
A: HTS Bellville 32 DF Akademie 5.
U15
A: HTS Bellville 32 DF Akademie 7.
U14
A: HTS Bellville 0 DF Akademie 45.
