George Campbell beats St Charles 15-12 – match report

George Campbell’s 1^st XV head coach Robert Erasmus passed away during the Easter holidays so his players were more determined than ever to honour the much loved and passionate long serving teacher with a victory over St Charles, who under different circumstances might have been favourites. The extra motivation helped Campbell lift their game to new heights this season as they played as a team with structure. Inspired by pack leader Sisa Sibiya, the Campbell forwards matched their big Saints counterparts in the battle up front, particularly on defence. The cohesion was added to by flyhalf Thobani Ngwenya who did a very good job of getting his backline going, an area where Campbell had struggled previously.

St Charles opened the scoring in the 10^th minute when well-built lock Keagan Jones crashed over after a pop pass near the line, following a good spell of continuity. The lock was unable to convert his own try.

A handling error then effectively put Campbell in front. From the turnover and field position, the home team’s try was scored when centre Innocent Nkomo collected the ball on a disguised midfield scissors move that outdid the defence. Captain and scrumhalf Wayne Ngubane converted to put Campbell 7-5 up, a lead they held until halftime.

St Charles had first bite in the 2^nd half but were unable to breach Campbell’s stubborn goal-line defence, a standout feature of the home team’s game. When Campbell had their first proper attacking chance of the half, wing Anele Nxumalo was unlucky to be denied a try after appearing to apply downward pressure on a kicked ahead ball in the in-goal area. Soon afterwards Campbell managed to spread the ball wide and was rewarded with a 47^th try in the left corner courtesy of their other wing Devon Palmer. This increased their lead to 12-5.

The Saints replied and level matters at 12-12 through their outstanding young centre Sindile Sibisi’s try which Jones converted.

With time running out game then came down to decisions surrounding kicks at goal. When Campbell were awarded a penalty within range, captain Ngubane responded by taking a quick tap and running it. It proved to be a mistake as possession was turned over but it wasn’t too costly as Campbell earned another penalty soon afterwards in an equally good position. This time hooker Quinten Jordan stepped up and landed the winning points kick.

At 15-12 down and with time almost up St Charles declined two opportunities to kick at goal, one of them being directly in from of the posts in the Campbell 22m, as they opted to go for a winning try instead. In spite of throwing everything but the kitchen sink at Campbell, the home team’s defence remained disciplined, organised and committed, repelling several St Charles attempts to cross the try-line before the danger was eventually cleared, followed shortly thereafter by the final whistle.