SA's top schoolgirls light up Gqeberha in historic clash

The 'A' side delivered a spirited showing in the early stages of the contest and drew first blood after captain Angel Nxasane scored in the fourth minute. While they struggled to live with the SA Schools team at the scrum, they defended well to limit the opposition's scoring chances.

The dam wall eventually broke in the 19th minute, after SA Schools centre Jesse Schoeman ran into space and found wing Anothando Mbada on the edge. Flyhalf Mia Kanka slotted the conversion to edge her team into a slender lead.

The 'A' side replied via centre Naylha Jansen, who came within inches of scoring herself, before fullback Buncwane Komani arrived to convert the chance into points.

SA Schools regained control before half-time, with Schoeman breaking the line and lock Sine Rasmeni crashing over in a later phase. After a nervy start, SA Schools finished the half with a 12-10 lead.

Schoeman's midfield partner Endinalo Fihla made her mark immediately after the break, running through the defence to score under the posts.

A powerful and determined drive by replacement Surrender Chauke culminated in the fourth try for the girls in green, as SA Schools started to take control.

The 'A' side struggled with their discipline in the second stanza and SA Schools made their opponents pay when outside back Raylee Phathakge touched down shortly before the final whistle.

The girls in white grabbed a consolation score, however, when Charnique Brown broke from deep within her own half and created an opportunity for fellow wing Alicia de Klerk to score under the posts.

Score

SA Schools Girls 31 (12) - Tries: Anothando Mbada, Sine Rasmeni, Endinalo Fihla, Surrender Chauke, Raylee Phathakge. Conversions: Mia Kanka, Alice Ncube (2).

SA Schools Girls 'A' 17 (10) - Tries: Angel Nxasane, Buncwane Komani, Alicia de Klerk. Conversion: Endinako Higa.