Pearson High stayed within touching distance of highly rated Graeme College for nearly three quarters of their Eastern Cape schools rugby clash before the hosts shifted into top gear to power to a 61-24 victory on Somerset Field in Makhanda on Saturday.
Although the final score suggested a comfortable win for the Sons of the Leopard, Pearson trailed by just nine points at 19-28 until the 55th minute after producing an enterprising display that kept Graeme under pressure for much of the contest.
The first half was a captivating affair as Graeme showcased the attacking brilliance of scrumhalf Luke Doyle, captain Erin Nelson, and fullback Lucritia Magau, while Torres Fourie and the towering wing Asakhe Ranuga repeatedly threatened with their strong running.
Graeme crossed for four converted tries before the break, with Doyle grabbing two. The standout moment came when Nelson launched a superb counter-attack from deep inside his own half, sprinting 50 metres to beat the cover defence for a spectacular try.
Pearson, however, refused to be overawed. Fullback Henrico Ferreira opened the scoring in the third minute, setting the tone for an impressive attacking display.
Flyhalf Keano Beling sliced through the Graeme defence for their second try, before wing Ian Ecaad produced one of the moments of the match, soaring high above his opposite number to gather the ball and score a superb third try to keep the visitors firmly in contention at halftime.
The third quarter developed into an armwrestle, with neither side able to establish sustained dominance.
Eventually, though, Graeme’s superior depth and attacking quality began to tell. Their forwards laid an excellent platform with consistent front-foot ball, allowing the dangerous backline to cut loose.
Magau was outstanding during this decisive spell, weaving through defenders and shrugging off tackles to score two outstanding tries as Graeme crossed four times in quick succession to put the result beyond doubt.
Nelson’s accurate goal-kicking also played a major role, with the captain adding eight conversions to keep the scoreboard ticking over.
Pearson finally added their first points of the second half after capitalising on a wayward lineout throw, but the hosts had the final say.
Another incisive break by Doyle split the defence before he delivered the scoring pass to substitute Athenkosi Mukume, who crossed for Graeme’s ninth and final try.
Elsewhere in Eastern Province, Brandwag claimed local bragging rights with a hard-fought 36-24 victory over Muir College in Kariega, Nico Malan overwhelmed DF Malherbe 95-12 in Humansdorp, while Daniel Pienaar edged out Andrew Rabie 45-43 in a thrilling encounter.
Scorers:
Graeme 61 (28) – Tries: Luke Doyle (2), Asakhe Ranuga (2), Erin Nelson, Andrew Muir, Lucritia Magau (2), Athenkosi Mukume. Conversions: Nelson (8). Pearson 24 (19) – Tries: Henrico Ferreira, Keano Beling, Ian Ecaad, Liya Maswana. Conversions: Beling (2).
