MUIR went down 32-29 to neighbours Despatch in a tough schools rugby fixture in Uitenhage at the weekend.
Despatch opened the scoring with a try, but Muir soon levelled when No 8 Luxolo Koza forced his way over the line, with Joel Wates kicking the conversion.
Although Muir scored a second try by wing Xolela Daniels, Despatch caught the home side napping on several occasions to run in three more tries to take a 24-14 lead at half-time.
Muir’s continuous pressure forced Despatch into errors and Wates kicked a penalty to level the scores.
However, Despatch hit back with a try in the corner and although Muir again drew level when fullback Neo Mehlwana crossed for a try, a final penalty saw Despatch snatch victory.
The try-scorers for Despatch were Ivan Oosthuizen, JC Crouse, Jean-Herman Krause, Brendan Wait and Whayburn Howley. Crouse kicked two conversions and a penalty.
VP v Newton
VICTORIA Park deservedly beat home side Newton Tech 14-6 in an entertaining game, despite the muddy conditions.
VP No 8 Sphato Pokomela had a great game and scored the only try of the match.
It was a superb solo run from 30m out, leaving several defenders in his wake. VP centre Bantu Johnson and flyhalf Nathi Ndaza had good games, with Ndaza landing three penalties.
Newton Tech’s points came from two penalties by flyhalf Shaunton Coleman.
No 8 Sabelo Sam had a storming game while locks Willem van Dyk and Sureshen Padayachee also impressed.
Ithembe v Rabie
ITHEMBELIHLE emerged triumphant in a tough, physical game against Andrew Rabie, taking the honours 25-16.
After an opening penalty by flyhalf Siya Nyalungu, Rabie scored when flyhalf Sherwin Slater booted a loose ball through to dive over under the posts for a try he converted.
Ithembelihle came back strongly and after setting up numerous phases, hooker Bantu Mene powered over the tryline with Nyalungu adding the conversion to make it 10-7 at the break.
Rabie came back strongly in the second half and pinned Ithembe down with some clever kicking, allowing them to take the lead with two penalties by Slater.
Ithembe struck back when strong running No 8 Mabrukwe Ngwalangwala went over for an unconverted try, but Rabie went ahead again after a fine drop goal by Slater.
Nyalungu added a penalty and then Ithembe flank Luphumzo Nomzanga scored the try of the match as they attacked from their own half. Wing Bulle Mendu cut through and passed to the flank who outpaced the opposition for a fine try, converted by Nyalungu.
The game ended with Rabie attacking strongly, but the resolute Ithembe defence kept them out.
Hooker Mene, flank Axole Beqezi and centre Lwandile Dabalele stood out for Ithembe, while flyhalf Slater and centre Tissiano September shone for Rabie.
Sport
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