Rondebosch Boys’ High ended Wynberg Boys’ High’s tilt at a southern suburbs slam on Saturday, winning 33-29 in a thrilling contest on the Tinkie Heyns Field.
Hooker Liam Lewis crashed over the try line twice as ‘Bosch dominated with the rolling maul, giving the visitors a taste of their own medicine after Wynberg scored four tries with that method when they won at home in the first meeting of the sides earlier in the season.
Wynberg lock James Orwin and flank Alex Barret were as combative as ever, and both collected tries.
In the absence of SA U18 flyhalf Achmat Berhadien, Riley Clarke made a rare start in the no. 12 jersey, but he looked right at home. He and hooker Naeem Mohammed were the visitors’ other try-scorers.
‘Bosch closes their 2026 campaign against Bishops next weekend. Wynberg finishes theirs with a tricky visit to an in-form SACS outfit.
Last year, Hoërskool Hugenote (Wellington) snatched a 26-25 triumph, but Hoërskool Swartland exacted revenge on Saturday, with a last-minute penalty kick by flyhalf De Wet Van Aswegan securing a 31-28 win in Wellington.
For the past two seasons, Van Aswegen has served Swartland admirably as the team’s playmaker, and he deserved to score the winning points. His contribution to the Rockies‘ victory was 11 points, from four conversions and the crucial penalty.
Prop Ernst Coetzee also shone for Swartland. He’s been one of his side’s most reliable try-scorers all season long, and he added another two to his collection as a parting gift.
Hugenote’s right-wing Jacquin Ephraim and fullback Marco April excelled when given space, while Christoff Filmalter, another prop with a nose for the try line, joined the two flyers on the score sheet.
While their season finished with a narrow defeat, Hugenote enjoyed a good season, with 10 victories from 15 matches.
Swartland ended their season with four consecutive victories and 11 wins against only three losses.
In a challenging campaign, Milnerton High‘s first win came in their 11th game (they drew their seventh match against Brackenfell), but Saturday’s tight 10-5 defeat of Hoërskool Melkbosstrand was their third in their last five outings.
Melkies claimed their five points from a try by inside centre Arno Visser, while outside centre Kyle Lodewyk dotted down for Millies.
As has often been the case, Milnerton captain and flyhalf Chadlin Sellidon was a difference-maker. He converted Lodewyk’s try and added a penalty, which was the difference between the sides’ totals.
It was a fourth consecutive loss for Melkbosstrand, who will look for answers ahead of their showdown with Hoërskool Strand in their last fixture next Saturday. At the top of their list will be unlocking their offence.
Despite a tough season, Milnerton showed grit to finish with three victories late in their campaign. That character bodes well for next season.
Scorers:
Rondebosch Boys’ High 33 (19) – Tries: Liam Lewis (2), Janu Pretorius, Ephraim Mangunga, penalty try. Conversions: Eathon Williams (3). Wynberg Boys’ High 29 (15) – Tries: James Orwin, Riley Clarke, Naeem Mohammed, Alex Barret. Conversions: Luke Gertze (3). Penalty: Gertze.
Hoërskool Swartland 31 (21) – Tries: Ernst Coetzee (2), Jean Beukes, Adieu Cramford. Conversions: De Wet van Aswegen (4). Penalty: Van Aswegen. Hoërskool Hugenote (Wellington) 28 (14) – Tries: Jacquin Ephraim, Marco April, Christoff Filmater, Jordan Davids. Conversions: Li-Grant Summery (4).
Milnerton High 10 – Try: Kyle Lodewyk. Conversion: Chadlin Sellidon. Penalty: Sellidon. Hoërskool Melkbosstrand 5 – Try: Arno Visser.
Other results:
U19
II: Rondebosch 10 Wynberg 15, Hugenote 20 Swartland 18, Milnerton 5 Melkbosstrand 0.
U16
A: Rondebosch 22 Wynberg 19, Hugenote 28 Swartland 26, Milnerton 17 Melkbosstrand 26.
U15
A: Rondebosch 3 Wynberg 49, Hugenote 39 Swartland 3, Milnerton 25 Melkbosstrand 14.
U14
A: Rondebosch 16 Wynberg 7, Hugenote 29 Swartland 7, Milnerton 0 Melkbosstrand 14.
