Captain Erin Nelson produced another influential display, scoring two tries and adding four conversions, as Graeme College dug deep to defeat Dale College 33-22 in a ferocious Eastern Cape schools rugby clash on the Somerset Field in Makhanda on Saturday.
A 15th victory in 17 matches this season was anything but straightforward for the hosts, with Dale again proving why they have been one of the province’s most dangerous teams this year.
Graeme appeared to be in complete control after racing into a 14-0 lead inside the opening eight minutes, only for the visitors to launch an impressive fightback.
The home supporters had barely finished celebrating Graeme’s blistering start before they looked up to see Dale leading 17-14 with five minutes remaining in the first half.
Nelson opened the scoring in the fourth minute with a trademark display of strength and footwork, taking possession from a scrum inside the Dale 22 before shrugging off one defender and side-stepping another to score.
Powerful flank Akho Tonjeni followed with Graeme’s second try, but Dale responded in determined fashion.
After sustained pressure inside the Graeme 22, flyhalf Sonwabise Dyani spotted a gap and darted through for Dale’s opening try before adding the conversion and a penalty to narrow the deficit.
The visitors then edged ahead when towering lock Lihleli Makibi crashed over following another forceful attacking spell, with Dyani again adding the extras.
Graeme, however, had the final say before halftime as Nelson once more exposed the Dale defence, sprinting 40 metres for his second try to hand the hosts a slender 19-17 lead at the break.
The intensity continued after the restart, with both sides throwing themselves into every collision. One of the defensive moments of the match came when Dale’s Yamkela Molose produced a crunching tackle on Graeme wing Selunathi Mfundisi as he dived for the line, forcing a crucial knock-on.
Dale regained the lead early in the second half through scrumhalf Lukho Mzingaye, whose quick tap from a free kick caught the defence off guard before he angled over for a superb individual try.
Trailing 22-19, Graeme again responded like a championship contender.
Burly flank Iviwe Mushubeki, filling in at hooker, powered over from a five-metre lineout before Nelson landed an excellent touchline conversion to bolster his side’s advantage.
With five minutes remaining, Graeme finally secured some breathing space. Nelson again created the opportunity before releasing powerful wing Asakhe Ranuga down the right touchline. The speedster had too much pace for the cover defence as he raced away to score beneath the posts.
Nelson completed a personal haul of 18 points with the simple conversion as Graeme sealed another impressive victory, while Dale was left to reflect on a contest in which they matched the hosts for long periods.
Pearson High made a fast start to win 33-26 at Marlow Agricultural after leading 19-12 at halftime. The visitors extended their advantage to 33-12 early in the second half before withstanding a spirited late fightback from the home side.
In Gqeberha, Oakdale proved too strong for Framesby, claiming a 46-22 victory, while Brandwag overwhelmed DF Malherbe 81-12.
Scorers:
Graeme College 33 (19) – Tries: Erin Nelson (2), Iviwe Mshubeki, Akho Tonjeni, Asakhe Ranuga. Conversions: Nelson (4). Dale College 22 (17) – Tries: Sonwabise Dyani, Lihleli Makibi, Lukho Mzingaye. Penalty: Dyani. Conversions: Dyani (2)
Pearson High 33 (19) – Tries: Keano Beling (2), Siphe Myataza, Stephan Kapp, Sebastian Playdon. Conversions: Belnig (2), Riegerdt Oosthuizen (2). Marlow Agricultural 26 – Tries: CJ Botha, AC du Toit, Herman le Roux (2). Conversions: Cole Hurter (3).
