The morning mist over Botha’s Hill had barely cleared when Peterhouse Boys and Milnerton High served up an absolute cracker at Stott Field. Saturday’s early kick-off at the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival promised running rugby at its finest, and the two sides delivered a breathless 80 minutes that had spectators on the edge of their seats from first whistle to last.
When the dust settled on this pulsating encounter, the Zimbabweans had edged it 29-23, exacting revenge for last year’s 34-18 drubbing at the hands of the Capetonians.
Milnerton captain Chadlin Sellidon announced his intentions early, slotting a nerveless penalty from 40 metres after just five minutes to give Millies first blood. But Peterhouse’s response was immediate and emphatic.
Working through multiple phases after claiming the restart, flyhalf Victor Watama showcased his class with a devastating step off his right foot that carved open the Milnerton defence. Though his conversion drifted wide, the statement had been made. Watama added a penalty ten minutes in to push Peterhouse 8-3 ahead, and the tone was set for a proper arm-wrestle.
Both sides looked to stretch the opposition wide, but it was Peterhouse’s forward muscle that gave them the edge in the opening exchanges. Number eight Prosper Zimbango was colossal, making his presence felt on both sides of the ball and providing the go-forward that kept Milnerton scrambling backwards.
Sellidon orchestrated a breakout from the Milnerton 22, engineering field position that led to another penalty opportunity. The skipper duly obliged from a similar range to his first success, trimming the deficit to two points at 8-6.
Peterhouse’s pattern became clear: aggressive restart strategy, secure possession, attack. Scrumhalf Tasso Dombropoulos capped a sustained surge to dot down and extend the lead to 13-6. But Milnerton hit straight back when number nine Charl Michaux burrowed over from a five-metre scrum, keeping his side in touch at 13-11 as the teams headed for the sheds.
Watama continued his kicking masterclass two minutes after the restart, slotting another three-pointer from Sellidon’s favourite spot to make it 16-11. The Zimbabweans looked to be gaining control, but Milnerton right-wing Akho Mkaya had other ideas.
The winger combined power and footwork to finish brilliantly in the corner, levelling the scores. Watama’s boot restored Peterhouse’s lead moments later at 19-18.
With 15 minutes remaining, Peterhouse produced the moment of magic that would ultimately decide the contest. A perfectly weighted cross-kick found wing Bradley Marange, who gathered, wriggled free from the covering defence, and popped a sublime offload over his left shoulder for Zviko Matipano to race clear. The try extended the lead to 24-18.
The Zimbabweans had the bit between their teeth now, controlling possession and territory. The match had become frantic, both sides running on fumes, but Peterhouse had one more dagger to thrust.
Watama made a break but didn’t have the legs to beat the last defender. Showing superb vision, he slid a perfectly judged grubber in behind the Milnerton backline. Matipano timed his run to perfection, gathering on the bounce and crossing for his second try.
Troy Ferreira grabbed a consolation for Milnerton two minutes from time, but at 29-23, Peterhouse had done enough.
For the boys from Marondera, this victory carried extra sweetness. Last year’s 34-18 defeat at KERF had clearly not been forgotten, and they ensured the history books would show a very different outcome in 2026.
