MOTHERWELL NU 1 Community Rugby Stadium was filled up to its rafters when Motherwell high schools’ rugby quarter-finals took place on Wednesday.
The first game of the day was between Motherwell High School and Cingani High School, with the former winning 17-5. Despite their 7-0 loss to Soqhayisa High School, James Jolobe High School made their counterparts to run for their money. The big eighth man Lubabalo Kota scored Soqhayisa High School’s try, which was converted by their No 10, Mihlali Mlenze.
Masiphathisane High School faced a tough Coselelani High School, who they overcame 21-19.
Masiphathisane flyhalf, Iviwe Raqisa, scored the unconverted try to put his side 5-0 ahead.
Masiphathisane increased their lead to 10-0 following a try that was scored Hlumelo Mkontwana with Raqisa kicking successfully a penalty to put his school team 13-0 ahead.
Coselelani High School second centre, Africa Mlumiso, scored his school’s opening try that was converted by their flyhalf, Ronaldo Njaba, that decreased their deficit to 13-7. Raqisa’s penalty kick increased Masiphathisane’s lead to 16-7 while Coselelani replied quickly with an unconverted try, thanks to Ayabulela Gala. The scoreline was 16-12.
Abongile Bobani scored the last of Masiphathisane High School’s tries that increased their lead to 21-12. Coselelani came up strongly with Simamkele Klaas scoring their last try, converted by Njaba, to make the final score 21-19 in favour of Masiphathisane High School.
The last match of the day was also a humdinger in which Douglas Mbopa High defeated Vulumzi High School 12-10.
Vulumzi led for the entire first half, after Lucky Mabala and Lelethu Nteyi scored an unconverted try each. Lonwabo Fina was rewarded with an unconverted try, while Sange Godla scored his try that was converted by Lahluma Badenhorst.
