SA Schools stars serve up 10-try thriller

The SA Schools 'A' side left it late but managed to edge SA Schools by 34-33 (half-time 7-21) at Grey High School in Gqeberha on Thursday.

SA Schools were in charge for large parts of the annual battle, which was staged at the Kolisi Field at Grey High on Thursday. A late fightback by the 'A' side, however secured the second-stringers the narrowest and most dramatic of wins.

SA Schools showed their class in the opening quarter, with fullback Ethan van Biljon and hooker Theo Boshoff scoring for their side.

Boshoff went on to set up the team's third try, after he busted up the middle and found scrumhalf Mickyle Boose with a well-timed offload.

The 'A' team managed to win some possession and territory towards the end of the first half but it took something special to unlock the SA Schools defence.

Midfielder Ruan Roux stepped past several defenders en route to the tryline and flyhalf Ruan Fluks' conversion reduced the deficit to 14 points before the break.

The 'A' side continued to threaten SA Schools' tryline and when replacement flyhalf Jaydon Viljoen slotted a penalty in the 55th minute, only six points separated the teams.

SA Schools regained control after speedster Luxolo Sonkonokono chased down a well-weighted grubber by replacement flyhalf Achmat Behardien, and at that stage, the boys in green appeared to be on course for victory.

But outside centre Nathan Aneke sparked a late comeback, intercepting a pass and racing away to score for the 'A' side, with the conversion making it a four-point game.

Moments later, fullback Rhandzu Mkhabela flew down the right-hand touchline to earn his team a one-point lead. SA Schools had their chances in the dying stages but failed to convert pressure into points.

A long period on attack culminated in a desperate dive for the tryline – but on closer inspection, the referee ruled that the ball had been held up.

As a result, SA Schools were denied and the 'A' team hung for a deserved victory.

Score

SA Schools 33 (21) - Tries: Ethan van Biljon, Theo Boshoff, Mickyle Booise, Stefan van der Vyver, Luxolo Sonkonokono. Conversions: Travis Pheiffer (3), Achmat Behardien.

SA Schools 'A' 34 (7) - Tries: Ruan Roux, Aphelele Chamane, Lucritia Magua, Nathan Aneke, Rhandzu Mkhabela. Conversions: Ruan Fluks, Jaydon Viljoen (2). Penalty: Viljoen.