SA Schools 'A' edged SA Schools 34-33 in a 10-try thriller at Grey High School's Kolisi Field in Gqeberha on Thursday, coming from behind in the final minutes to clinch a one-point victory.
SA Schools controlled the early exchanges, with fullback Ethan van Biljon and hooker Theo Boshoff crossing in the opening quarter. Boshoff then turned provider, busting through the middle before releasing scrumhalf Mickyle Boose with a timed offload for the third try. A fourth try to Stefan van der Vyver extended the lead, with Travis Pheiffer and replacement flyhalf Achmat Behardien sharing conversion duties.
The 'A' side's path back into the game began when midfielder Ruan Roux beat several defenders to score, with Ruan Fluks converting to cut the gap to 14 at half-time. Replacement flyhalf Jaydon Viljoen's penalty in the 55th minute brought it back to six, but Luxolo Sonkonokono's try — finishing off a Behardien grubber — appeared to put the result beyond doubt.
Nathan Aneke's intercept try and Viljoen's conversion reduced the deficit to four, before fullback Rhandzu Mkhabela sprinted down the right touchline to put the 'A' side ahead by one. SA Schools pushed hard in the closing stages and had a player dive for the line, but the referee ruled the ball held up, sealing the comeback win.
Scorers: SA Schools — Tries: van Biljon, Boshoff, Boose, van der Vyver, Sonkonokono; Cons: Pheiffer 3, Behardien SA Schools 'A' — Tries: Roux, Aphelele Chamane, Lucritia Magua, Aneke, Mkhabela; Cons: Fluks, Viljoen 2; Pen: Viljoen