The miserable weather on Saturday didn't manage to dampen the mood for spectators, but rather proved how much the Graeme College Rugby Day has become an invaluable fixture on the Grahamstown sports calendar.
The miserable weather on Saturday didn't manage to dampen the mood for spectators, but rather proved how much the Graeme College Rugby Day has become an invaluable fixture on the Grahamstown sports calendar.
The predicted rain fell heavily on Saturday morning but the clouds cleared later and all scheduled matches were played. The grass banks were full of eager and passionate supporters cheering their schools on. “The day was another outstanding success.
Not even the rain and cold weather could put a dampener on proceedings, said the event's organiser, Brendan Grant. Approximately 7 000 spectators passed through the school's gates, and according to Grant the teams to really impress were Dale College, Queen's College and Grey High School. Grahamstown schools will be disappointed with their performances though, and the top two local schools that played were thoroughly outplayed by the opposition.
Hosts, Graeme, frustrated their supporters and went down 19–0 to Hoerskool Nico Malan. Although the wetness of the pitch underfoot made play difficult, Graeme were simply beaten for physicality. The best teams of the day were the ones who used the ball prudently and gained valuable metres through disciplined forward play.
Unfortunately Graeme lost the forward battle, and the visiting team's 5-0 half-time score was extended by two tries just before match end. After last year's thrashing from Dale College, it wasn’t surprising that Graeme was moved out of the main time slot. The home side played their game after lunch and the last game of the day saw St Andrew's College (SAC) vs Framesby.
SAC started well and attacked Framesby’s line early on, but the PE school was up to the task and were able to absorb the pressure. Framesby then returned the favour and camped at SAC’s 22m line for the remainder of the half. When SAC was tested by wave after wave of attack, their defence remained resolute and a frustrated Framesby had to turn to the boot for their points.
The half-time score was 8-0, Framesby scoring through to a penalty and a try. One thing that SAC should've observed was that you cannot win a rugby game without the ball. They lost too much possession and in the end were unable to defend the number of phases that Framesby threw at them. Framesby scored three more penalties and a try, bringing the final score to 16–6.
All first team scores: Port Alfred lost to Graeme Invitational 5–10 PJ Olivier beat Nathaniel Nyaluza 13–6 Cambridge lost to Brandwag 0–23 Dale beat Hoer Landbouskool Marlow 6–3 Queen's beat Muir 75–3 Graeme lost to Nico Malan 0–19 Grey beat Hudson Park 32–6 St Andrew's lost to Framesby 6–16.
