Stellenberg High School (the Jade Brigade) narrowly defeated Oakdale Landbou 15–13 on Saturday at "Die Plaas" in Riversdale, known as a notoriously difficult venue for visiting teams.
Described as a "gritty" and "intense contest," the match featured a heavy focus on set-pieces and forward dominance, with Stellenberg ultimately edging out the hosts thanks to a missed penalty conversion attempt by Oakdale to claim the match.
Stellenberg opened up an early lead of 12-03 following tries by Yanos Molnar and Ralton Rhode. However, following a barnstorming run, Jacobus de Villiers scored a brilliant try, cutting Stellenberg’s lead to just two points (12-10) and fifteen minutes still to play in the second half.
The second half was a defensive battle. Stellenberg flyhalf Ethan van Biljon added a crucial penalty to extend the lead, while Caleb Williams kept Oakdale in striking distance with his boot.
Despite a late push from Oakdale, the "Jade Brigade" held firm to secure their seventh consecutive win of the season with a 15-13 victory.
Scorers:
Oakdale: Try: Jakobus de Villiers, Conversion: Caleb Williams. Penalties: Caleb Williams (2).
Stellenberg Tries: Yanos Molnar, Ralton Rhode. Conversion: Ethan van Biljon. Penalty: Ethan van Biljon.