From Queen’s College:
Queen’s College hosted, fellow Border rivals Selborne, in Queenstown. The match was played in perfect conditions for running rugby. The visitors were the first to score after Queen’s were penalized for a ruck infringement and enjoyed a 3-0 lead. Selborne added to their total a few minutes later after there wing crossed the whitewash for an unconverted try after an enterprising backline move.
Queen’s then began to exert pressure on the visitor’s defense only to lose the ball in contact and for Selborne to launch an attack from the turnover. The ball was moved into space and the Selborne wing finished off the move which started from their own 22m area. The kick was wide and Selborne were in a comfortable lead at 13-0 up.
The first opportunity that Queen’s had was a penalty which was unsuccessful and from the resultant 22m drop out a Queen’s player was tackled off the ball and the home side decided to back their line out and kick the ball out on the Selborne 5m line. Qhawe Bula crashed over from the maul to open the scoring for the hosts. The conversion was wide. Queen’s immediately went back on the attack and after several phases lost the ball in contact. Selborne capitalized on this error and after a good kick ahead saw the speedy Selborne winger score his teams third try which was converted. Selborne enjoyed a comfortable lead at the break leading 20-5.
The never say die attitude of the hosts ensured that they scored the first points of the second half. The big winger, Mihlali Peter, barged his way through would be defenders after a great backline move. Justin Kuyler added the extra two points. Selborne fought back and scored a well worked try with their scrumhalf and flanker combining well. The conversion was good and the visitors had restored their 15 point lead. Queen’s then managed to turn over possession and the ball was moved wide and Bulela Sotyelwa after beating several defenders passed to his captain, Raegan Oranje, who scored. Kuyler was successful with the conversion. From the kick off Selborne won back possession only for the ball to be intercepted by Oranje who ran in long range try form his own 22m area. Kuyler once again added the extra two points and Queen’s trailed 26-27.
After the next restart Queen’s was penalized and Selborne set up a line out on the host’s line. After sustained pressure the Selborne hooker barged over for a converted try. Queen’s then bounced back after some good play by the forwards and backs saw Connor Wilkinson cross the whitewash for an unconverted try. Selborne managed to have the final say in the game after some good work by their forwards resulted in a try in the corner which was converted. The final score was 39-31 in Selborne’s favour.
The match was tough and uncompromising but was played in fantastic spirit and both teams will be pleased with many areas of their games.
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