The SA Schools Girls side defeated SA Schools Girls ‘A’ 31-17 in a history-making inaugural clash at Grey High School in Gqeberha. Both sides showed a fierce willingness to run the ball, but it was the crisp handling and blistering pace of the SA Schools team that ultimately secured them a landmark victory.
The SA Schools ‘A’ side started like a house on fire. Off a dominant scrum, Maira Hlatshwayo sniped down the blindside to feed captain Angel Nxasane, who crashed over in the corner. The unconverted try gave SA Schools ‘A’ an early 05-00 lead just four minutes into the first half.
Shortly after, SA Schools set up camp in the ‘A’ team’s red zone. Winger Anothando Mbada showcased incredible pace to score in the corner, with Mia Kanka adding the conversion to edge SA Schools ahead 07-05.
The ‘A’ side struck back immediately. Following an outstanding, surging run by Naylha Jansen, fullback Buncwane Komani dotted down to score her team's second try, retaking a 10-07 lead after 20 minutes of play.
Ten minutes before the break, SA Schools caught the defence sleeping with a quick tap five meters from the line. Likhona Masiza crashed over for her side’s third try, sending SA Schools into the halftime break with a narrow 12-10 lead.
Just three minutes into the second half, some defensive lapses allowed Endinalo Fihla to break free and score a brilliant, long-distance try. Alice Ncube added the extra two points, extending the SA Schools lead to 19-10.
The momentum stayed with SA Schools as Surrender Chauke stormed past several defenders, crashing over directly under the poles. Ncube converted once again to push the scoreline to 26-10.
With nine minutes left on the clock, silky handling from the SA Schools backline put Raylee Phathakge into open space, allowing her to cruise over the line and stretch the lead to 31-10.
SA Schools ‘A’ refused to back down and answered with a spectacular long-distance effort of their own. Charnique Brown sliced the SA Schools’ defence to pieces before offloading to Alicia de Klerk, who showed exceptional speed to score. Zukhanye Roxa successfully converted, cutting the final deficit to 31-17 in what was an unforgettable showcase of South African schoolgirls' rugby.
Scorers:
SA Schools Girls: Tries: Anothando Mbada, Sine Rasmeni, Endinalo Fihla, Surrender Chauke, Raylee Phathakge. Conversions: Mia Kanka, Alice Ncube (2).
SA School Girls ‘A’: Tries: Angel Nxasane, Buncwane Komani, Alicia de Klerk. Conversion: Zukhanye Roxa.
SA Schools Girls: 15 Chariva Visagie, 14 Anothando Mbada, 13 Jessie Schoeman (c), 12 Endinalo Fihla, 11 Liyabona Kali, 10 Mia Kanka, 9 Imange Norayase, 8 Oratile Finyade, 7 Inga Jim, 6 Inathi Nxiweni, 5 Nommah Sandifolo, 4 Sine Rasmeni, 3 Likhona Masiza, 2 Silakhe Masizana, 1 Isipho Dungelo. Replacements: 16 Lethokuhle Madwayi, 17 Aqhama Siko, 18 Rethabile Kubequ, 19 Lisakhanya Kaptain, 20 Nokulinda Makhubela, 21 Asive Gaqa, 22 Surrender Chauke, 23 Zoe Antonie, 24 Alice Ncube, 25 Sibahle Luit, 26 Raylee Phathakge, 27 Nonhlanhla Thumbuni.
SA Schools Girls ‘A’: 15 Buncwane Komani, 14 Tatum-Joy Kaboni, 13 Naylha Jansen, 12 Endinako Higa, 11 Alicia de Klerk, 10 Angel Nxasane (c), 9 Maira Hlatshwayo, 8 Mamello Motaung, 7 Natalie de Vos, 6 Liyema Ngawuliswazi, 5 Kungawo Hlalukana, 4 Anomtha Mamana, 3 Zayaan Majiet, 2 Iminathi Nkwandla, 1 Lindokuhle Mkonto. Replacements: 16 Charmaine Seodi, 17 Thando Hlakanyana, 18 Limise Njoli, 19 Palesa Nqadini, 20 Elihle Sontsethe, 21 Zukhanye Roxa, 22 Busisiwe Wisani, 23 Oratilwe Moreke, 24 Kelebohile Thate, 25 Lene Joubert, 26 Charnique Brown.
