It was a “grey” and gloomy day for Grey College as the Maroon Machine of Paul Roos Gymnasium (PRG) delivered a complete performance to win 34-19 in a Supa Quick Premier Interschools clash at the Markötter field in Stellenbosch on Saturday (20 August).
The “Jolla Bolla” rang out as PRG recorded their first win over their rivals in Stellenbosch since 2015.
The opening phases of the match started with hard hits and high intensity as both teams tried to assert early dominance. The hosts drew first blood with an unconverted try, and thereafter only relinquished the lead once.
PRG held on to a 17-7 lead at halftime, following unconverted tries by inside centre Phillip Groenewald, captain and eighthman Herman Lourens, as well as a penalty try awarded by referee Rasta Rashavenga, who deemed Grey had illegally collapsed an attacking PRG driving maul.
Poor discipline by Grey College ultimately lost them the game. Just minutes into the second half, a yellow card was shown to flanker Jean-Henri Smit after consistent penalties.
They, however, continued to fight to keep themselves in the game and scored a seven-pointer, but the hosts were just as determined.
PRG flyhalf Reuben Noble intercepted the ball and rounded off a brilliant individual try against the run of play.
With nothing to lose, Grey threw everything at the hosts, who absorbed relentless pressure in the final 10 minutes. And PRG right winger Luke Graham made another great defensive read and intercepted to score and nail the final nail in the Grey coffin.
PRG full-back Christoff de Bruyn was successful with two conversions and one penalty, while skipper Lourens was named Supa Quick man of the match.
