The tenacious Mary Waters Mawas under-15 rugby side produced a dazzling first half performance that enabled them to be crowned the under-15 Grahamstown Initiative Development Programme champions.
The tenacious Mary Waters Mawas under-15 rugby side produced a dazzling first half performance that enabled them to be crowned the under-15 Grahamstown Initiative Development Programme champions.
The Mawas beat the Nathaniel Nyaluza Nyasas who failed to inconvenience them in the first period of the game.
The Mawas eventually went to the break leading 12-0 and were well placed for lifting the trophy as they continued to put pressure on the Nyasas.
However, the game was not yet won as the Nyasas upped their challenge in the second half, increasing the pace and forcing their opponents on the back foot. Whatever the Nyasa coach said to his players during half time seemed to work as the game approached the end.
With less than 10 minutes remaining on the clock, the Nyasas scored two quick tries for a nerve-wracking finish to the game. But their kicking let them down as their kicker missed both conversions to leave the game at 12-10.
The Mawas only attack in the second half resulted in the Nyasas committing a penalty at full time. It was coolly converted by Garin Strydom for a well-deserved 15-10 lead, with the whistle going off after that. Phumzile Adam who initiated the programme was full of praise for all the participating schools. He said he planned to make the tournament even bigger next year.
“I am more than satisfied with the response from the schools, this was unexpected,” said Adam.
He said the programme is there to help revive school rugby in townships and promised to include the primary schools next year in the competition. In a third and fourth place play-off, CM Vellum defeated Kutliso Daniels 15-14 to take the bronze medal.
Mary Waters were awarded gold medals and a trophy.
They will also receive three piece rugby attire and two balls for their win. The runners-up received silver medals and five rugby balls while third finishers took bronze medals.
