South African College High School (SACS) had to work extremely hard for a 1-0 victory over Paarl Boys’ High in Cape Town on Friday.
SACS scored the winner in the dying seconds of the match after failing to convert numerous goal-scoring opportunities, with Boishaai‘s resilient defence and heroic shot-stopping by goalkeeper Ben Swanepoel denying the home side time after time.
There was nothing the goalkeeper could do, however, when Litha Kraai had one last chance from a short corner. He made no mistake from the top of the D to seal a tight win for his side.
It was SACS’s third victory in as many weeks after they thumped Stellenberg 5-0 and beat Parel Vallei 4-0 to keep their unbeaten record in the Western Cape intact.
While SACS escaped a potential shocker at Newlands, Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG) demonstrated grit to come from two goals behind and beat Bishops 4-2 in Stellenbosch.
Coach Michael Baker‘s side turned in a lacklustre performance in the first half and conceded two goals from short corners by Luc Dicey and Robert Vincent, respectively.
In the second half, the hosts looked like a different side, upping their intensity.
Captain Seth Paterson netted a brace before Ruben Gouws and the dangerous Luke van der Merwe sealed a hard-fought win for the Maroon Machine.
At the Astro of Dreams, Wynberg Boys’ High bounced back from a loss to Paarl Gimnasium, defeating Parel Vallei 3-2, with Mustapha Kajee, Kalo Nsika, and Zachariah Booley finding the back of the net for coach Devin Stanton‘s side.
Paarl Gim won comfortably against Somerset College, cruising to a 6-1 victory.
JJ Geldenhuys and Dian Vorster struck twice each for coach Jacques Grobler‘s side, and further goals from Thomas Henn and Jordan White sealed the win.
Rondebosch Boys’ High continued their impressive run, beating Durbanville 7-0 away from home.
Jason Warneke and Zac Hillman both netted twice, while other goal contributions came from Oliver Roach, Martin Barnard, and Joe Beggs.
In Langa, the Langa Hockey Club side came from behind to force a 2-2 draw with Reddam House Constantia.
Results
Rondebosch 7-0 Durbanville
Reddam House Constantia 2-2 Langa Hockey Club
SACS 1-0 Paarl Boys’ High
Paul Roos 4-2 Bishops
Paarl Gim 6-1 Somerset College
Wynberg 3-2 Parel Vallei
