Wynberg edge SACS in season ending nail-biter!

Wynberg and SACS faced off in the annual end of season derby game at Wynberg Junior on Saturday. SACS who beat Wynberg earlier in the season were coming off three consecutive losses while Wynberg were the in form side having won their last four games. The weather was ideal for a display of running rugby and the crowd turned out in their numbers to witness what was to be a “humdinger” of a game!

SACS started the stronger of the sides and tested Wynberg’s defence in the early five minutes. Their forward pack was extremely strong and this showed in the dominance of the early scrums. Wynberg kept their cool and soaked up all the pressure, and when they entered the SACS half came out with 3 points, thanks to the boot of inside centre Mika Ekstrom. This seemed to rattle the visitors and Wynberg sensed an opportunity to pounce. A mistake from the SACS backline allowed Wynberg outside centre, Ayanda Mkhonto, a chance to pick up loose ball and run 30m to score the first try of the day. Mika converted, and Wynberg led 10-0 after 15 minutes.

SACS came back firing after a grilling from their coaches behind the poles, and once again tested the Wynberg defence. The last 5 minutes of the first half was all SACS, and they managed to score twice before the whistle. One try was converted and SACS led 12-10 at the break.

The atmosphere at the break was tense, and both sets of coaches demanded another 25 minutes of high intensity rugby from their boys.

Five minutes into the second half and Wynberg were once again leading through the boot of Mika, slotting his second penalty. The score now 13-12 in favour of the hosts. This lifted Wynberg, and the home supporters got behind their team. Some excellent individual play by captain and scrumhalf Labib Kannemeyer resulted in Wynberg scoring their second try through left wing Wasiem Kagee. A superb conversion from the corner, once again by Mika, gave Wynberg a 20-12 lead with 10 minutes to go.

Wynberg knew they were 10 minutes away from an excellent end to their already impressive season. SACS again threw everything at Wynberg, and were rewarded with a try and conversion to leave the score at 20-19 with 5 minutes to go. Both teams were extremely nervous to make a mistake which would have huge consequences for their sides. SACS were awarded a penalty in between the 22m and 10m line in Wynberg territory. The clock was sitting at 45 seconds remaining when the penalty attempt was missed and it was Wynbergs 22m drop-out. Play went on for a while before Wynberg were given a penalty of their own. They kicked it into touch ending the game and starting the huge celebrations from players, parents and fellow learners. Wynberg had won the derby, 20-19.

Huge congratulations must go out to both sides for giving the crowd a highly entertaining game of rugby. An excellent way for Wynberg to end their season, beating all 3 boys’ schools and claiming the “Triple Crown!” 

Scorers:

Tries: Ayanda Mkhonto, Wasim Kagee
Conversions: Mika Ekstrom (2)
Penalties: Mika Ekstrom (2)

Picture gallery can be seen on the SACS rugby page.

Video highlights