Schoolboy rugby roared back across South Africa this weekend with a series of breathtaking finishes that delivered genuine upsets, heroic comebacks and heart-stopping drama as teams entered the final stretch of the regular season.
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From Rustenburg’s maiden Noordvaal Cup victory to a last-gasp penalty saving DHS, the weekend proved once again that nothing is decided until the final whistle sounds.
Rustenburg snatch famous first victory
Perhaps the weekend’s most remarkable result came in the Virseker Noordvaal Cup where Rustenburg claimed a stunning 37-34 home victory over Helpmekaar, the North West outfit’s first win in the competition.
Pacy wing CJ Plaatjies grabbed an early lead for Rustenburg, but Helpmekaar hit back emphatically before halftime. Burly prop Diandro Botha burst through the defensive line before Zuan Krige used his pace to beat them out wide, Krige adding a second to give Helpmekaar a 15-10 halftime advantage.
The second half delivered ding-dong battles with the lead changing hands repeatedly. With six minutes remaining, Helpmekaar had built what appeared an insurmountable 34-20 advantage. Game over. Or so it seemed.
Rustenburg clawed their way back to 34-34 with less than a minute remaining, setting up a grandstand finish. When time expired, Ayden Willemse was presented with the opportunity to kick the winning penalty. He slotted it coolly, delivering a famous 37-34 victory and Rustenburg’s first Noordvaal Cup win of the campaign.
Paul Roos break SACS hearts at the death
In Cape Town, SACS defended brilliantly throughout their encounter with Paul Roos, the southern suburbs outfit frustrating the Paarl giants for 70 minutes before heartbreak struck in the final play.
Flyhalf Jake Dave enjoyed an incredible afternoon, contributing 24 of SACS’ 34 points as they led 19-12 at halftime before extending their advantage to 34-31 with 10 minutes remaining. A crucial tactical decision may have cost them when they kicked to the sideline rather than taking points with five minutes left, their maul subsequently going nowhere.
Paul Roos showed exceptional patience to work their way back into the SACS 22, employing short pick-and-drives before releasing it wide, a tactic that had worked all afternoon. They grabbed the winner to seal a 38-34 victory that broke southern suburbs hearts.
“What a match, many people I have spoken to said it was one of the best matches they had ever seen,” reflected the SACS coach. “Unfortunately they scored in the last play of the game to win. Unbelievable effort from the guys, the defence was incredible, the commitment was great. It was such a good advert for schoolboy rugby, actually just rugby in general. It is a pity someone had to lose. But we are a young side and we’ll be better off for it. The boys know they can compete with the bigger teams,” said Nick Maurer, SACS defence coach after the match.
Jeppe’s comeback ends in dramatic draw
In Durban, Jeppe stormed back from 15-0 down to come within minutes of claiming a famous scalp at DHS. The visitors led 21-18 in the dying moments before DHS were awarded a penalty 37 metres out. They coolly took the points to salvage a 21-21 draw against the strong Johannesburg outfit.
The weekend proved that in schoolboy rugby, nothing is impossible and no lead is safe.
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