Makhanda teams Graeme College and St Andrew’s delivered a thrilling display of rugby, bringing the Graeme Rugby Festival to a spectacular conclusion at a sun-drenched Somerset Field in Makhanda on Saturday.
Graeme College dominated their match against Johannesburg visitors St John’s College, running in six tries and establishing a commanding 24-5 halftime lead. They eventually secured a 39-24 victory.
Meanwhile, St Andrew’s showcased sublime handling skills, outclassing Gqeberha rivals Framesby 46-17.
The festival, spanning three days, featured outstanding schoolboy rugby, with numerous exciting encounters adding to the vibrant atmosphere. Players gave their all despite soaring temperatures that reached around 35C.
Graeme coach Jonty van der Meulen will be pleased with his team’s performances, having also claimed a 31-27 victory over Brandwag in a blockbuster opening-day showdown.
In the festival finale against St John’s, Graeme’s pacy backline proved lethal, creating openings that led to four first-half tries, putting them firmly in control.
However, St John’s displayed great resilience, outscoring the hosts in the second half. Their well-coordinated forward pack frequently had Graeme on the back foot, particularly excelling in lineout plays near the Graeme try line, which resulted in multiple tries.
Despite the pressure, Graeme’s energetic backline continued to impress. One pivotal moment came when they took a quick tap from a free kick on their own five-metre line, catching St John’s off guard and launching a length-of-the-field movement that virtually sealed the match at 32-10.
St Andrew’s were equally dominant in their clash with Framesby, stretching their opponents' defence throughout.
By shortly after halftime, they had surged to a 25-3 lead, capped off by winger Qhawe Madikizela’s try in the left-hand corner. Earlier, Madikizela had nearly scored after a thrilling run down the touchline, only to be stopped just five metres short by desperate Framesby defence.
This pattern continued as St Andrew’s slick handling consistently forced Framesby into scrambling defence.
Eventually, the gaps proved too many to plug, highlighted by fullback Will Stevens' sensational breakaway from his own 22-metre line for a stunning solo try.
Stevens was also clinical with the boot, slotting five conversions and two penalties to rack up 21 points, playing a crucial role in his team’s dominance.
Elsewhere, Queen’s College earned a well-deserved 29-15 victory over Brandwag in a match that remained in the balance until the final stages.
Trailing 17-15, Brandwag made a costly error by attempting to play out of their own 22, leading to an interception try under the posts by centre Thina Fenako.
Later, Queen’s produced a brilliant phase of continuity, allowing Bongo Nyakaza to dive over in the corner and seal the win.
Pearson and Stirling engaged in a fierce battle, with Stirling initially leading 14-0. However, Pearson stormed back, breaking away with two late tries to secure a 38-19 lead before a penalty try for Stirling made the final score 38-26.
Muir proved too strong for Gill College from Somerset East, securing a dominant 50-7 victory.
Meanwhile, Cambridge edged out Otto du Plessis 24-21 in a tense contest. Otto had a golden opportunity to level the match with a penalty in front of the posts in the final minute but opted to go for a try and the win.
However, their attempt was held up over the line, and the final whistle confirmed Cambridge's narrow victory.
The Graeme Rugby Festival once again showcased the passion and talent of schoolboy rugby, leaving spectators entertained and players with memories to cherish.