The third match was expected to be closely contested between Glenwood and HTS Drostdy, two of the highest ranked sides at the festival. It did not disappoint with play moving from one end to the other.

Although the half-time score was 19-7 it could easily have been closer as Drostdy had their chances, but good Glenwood defence prevented them scoring more than a single try in the first half.

Glenwood opened the scoring when Drostdy, with the ball in hand, made a mistake and it was capitalised on by centre Conan le Fleur, the Glenwood SA schools’ player, who ran 20m to score. Their second SA schools’ player, Jayden Hendrinkse, added the extra points for a 7-0 lead.

Fullback Joe Jonas completed a good handling movement when he dived over in the corner for a 12-0 lead. Drostdy had also looked dangerous with the ball in hand but mistakes cost them dearly.

A little stab through resulted in a Drostdy line-out 5m out. The ensuing maul was controlled well by Drostdy and their eighth man CJ van Rensburg fell on the ball for a five-pointer. Cohen Jasper converted to leave the score 7-12.

Just on half-time Hendrikse forced his way over and, with his conversion successful, took Glenwood into halftime with a 19-7 lead.

Drostdy were the first to score in the second half after a successful box kick was gathered by wing Adrian Maans who showed good pace down the touchline to dot down in the corner, thereby narrowing the gap to 12-19.

Glenwood were not finished winning good ball from a ruck and it was spread to the left. Good inter-passing down the left flank ended in Hendrickse’s hands. He cut inside to score under the poles, giving himself an easy conversion and extend the lead to 26-12.

Going into the last quarter, Glenwood were awarded another penalty at a ruck which Hendrikse converted. Drostdy again had chances but poor passing and handling prevented them getting over the line until six minutes from the end; where they did get their movement with a five-pointer, converted by Jasper, to narrow the lead to 10 points.

A good long pass to Jasper on the right end in a consolation converted try in the final seconds of the game, leaving the score 29-26 in a fine game of top schoolboy rugby.

Point Scorers:

Glenwood: Tries J Jonas, C de Fleur, J Hendrikse (2); Conversions J Hendrikse (3); Penalties J Hendrikse

HTS Drostdy: Tries C Jasper, A Maans, CJ van Rensburg (2); Conversions C Jasper (3)