On Saturday, 3 August, Glenwood High School, Durban, tackled Maritzburg College in a pulsating derby on Goldstones in front of a huge crowd, as Maritzburg College celebrated their Reunion Day.
The Green Machine found themselves staring down the barrel midway during a chastening first half but tries from Joe Jonas, Marthino van Wyk, Sikholise Nanto and Blaine Golden in the second half resulted in Glenwood running out as 36-25 winners.
A high intensity but erratic opening to proceedings saw both sides struggling to get points on the board and both teams’ kickers missed early penalties.
It was Maritzburg College who ignited the game, scoring two tries in three minutes. Fullback, Anele Nzimande dived over from close range after Brandon Webster broke the line. Left wing Khwezi Hadebe picked up a kick from Sven Zunckel to dot down in the corner. Glenwood trailing 0-12
Glenwood packed on the pressure and managed to score their opening try through left wing Katlego Thinyane and Jordan Hendrikse failed with the conversion. Glenwood still trailing at 5-12.
With 15 minutes left, both teams were guilty of wasting opportunities with ill-discipline and handling errors scuppered the try scoring abilities, trading one penalty each before the half time buzzer. Glenwood trailing at the break with 8-15.
It was clearly going to be a game of two halves as Glenwood came out firing in the second period. Their first try of the half came against the run of play with Marthino van Wyk intercepting a loose pass from College to race away and score. Joe Jonas added the extra two points as Glenwood levelled the score at 15-all.
Glenwood’s discipline got the better of them as they were penalised right in front of their poles. Maritzburg College’s flyhalf Sven Zunckel made the kick look easy. Glenwood trailing by 3 (15-18). It would take just a few minutes for Glenwood to hit back, breaking the line well. Glenwood carried it up towards the 5m line, a few pick drives came agonising close but prop Blaine Golden finished off under the poles. Jordan Hendrikse slotted the conversion, Glenwood leading 22-18.
Glenwood’s fourth try came soon after. Dominant carries and neat build-up play between the backs allowed hooker Sikholise Nanto to round-off the scoring in stunning fashion. Hendrikse converted again and Glenwood was leading 29-18.
It looked like the end of the road, but Maritzburg College fought their way back into the game, courtesy of a powerful run by Malwande Dlangalala to score. Sven Zunckel again being the chief destroyer, breaking through the Glenwood defence to set Dlangalala up. Zunckel converted, narrowing Glenwood’s lead to 4.
Glenwood restarted and College immediately showed intent by carrying the ball up. Flyhalf Sven Zunckel held on the ball too long before offloading and Jordan Hendrikse intercepted, offloaded to Joe Jonas who ran in for a simple try. Joe Jonas converted his try extending Glenwood’s lead to 36 – 25.
With some solid defence Glenwood held on for a nervy but impressive victory in the end. Finishing their season with 13 wins from 17 games. It truly has been a momentous season with a new team building towards a continuity, strength, teamwork and a magical GREEN team.
GLENWOOD: 36 (8)
Tries: Katlego Thinyane, Marthino van Wyk, Blaine Golden, Sikholise Nanto, Joe Jonas
Con: Jordan Hendrikse (3), Joe Jonas (2)
Pen: Joe Jonas
MARITZBURG COLLEGE 25 (15)
Try: Anele Nzimande, Khwezi Hadebe, Malwande Dlangalala
Con: Sven Zunckel (2)
Pen: Sven Zunckel (2)
Report by Mr Alex van der Merwe
Photos by Silindokuhle Mtshali