Kingswood laid claim to the title “Champions of Grahamstown” after they beat Graeme 19–13 in a fiery local derby encounter on 30 July.
Kingswood laid claim to the title “Champions of Grahamstown” after they beat Graeme 19–13 in a fiery local derby encounter on 30 July.
Kingswood fly-half, Lihleli Xoli was the star of the game and man of the match. He was magnificent both in attack and on defence in one of the best displays of fly-half rugby seen for a long time.
First half
The match started at a frenetic pace, as both packs tried to seize control of the game.
Kingswood opened the scoring when Xoli strategically put fullback Stephen Loock into space and cut through the defence to sprint 50m towards a skilled try under the poles. This was then converted by Laine Collett.
After sustained pressure, Graeme responded with a penalty by wing Siweze Stamper.
On the stroke of half time, Kingswood scored further when scrumhalf Ryan Goldberg scored giving Kingswood a half-time lead of 12–3.
Second half
The game was scrappy at times during the second half, as both teams were on the attack. During this time, Stamper put over another penalty for Graeme.
The Graeme defence eventually succumbed through another brilliant play by Xoli, who drew three defenders before putting through a grubber kick, which, speedy wing Ruru Msutu was able to pounce on and score. Collett converted this play again. Kingswood led 19–6.
Graeme attacked ferociously, but could not break the Kingswood defence as they put in tackle after tackle, defending their try line.
The pressure eventually got to Kingswood, as Graeme were awarded a penalty try to take the score to 19-13, which was to be the final score.
The win
The final whistle blew to the jubilation of the home supporters. Kingswood had now defeated the Grahamstown big three this season; St Andrew’s, Mary Waters and Graeme.
Those to shine for Kingswood were Xoli, Collett, tighthead prop Leiken Whitehead, centre Anselm Castelyn and lock Arran Bryceland, while flank Dalu January, fly-half Sean Condon and hooker Taiga Haywood fought hard for Graeme throughout.
