Northern areas high schools rugby U19 final finishes in historic draw

FOR the first time in the history of the northern areas high schools rugby tournament, the trophy was shared after David Livingstone and Paterson played to a 10-10 draw in the U19 final at the Adcock Stadium at the weekend.

David Livingstone drew first blood and looked set for a comfortable first-half lead, but Paterson held their own and defended beautifully.

David Livingstone fullback Muhamed Jacobs, who also excelled in their 18-10 semifinal win over Bertram – was once again instrumental in his side's showing.

He put his team in front with a penalty in the 10th minute.

Paterson flyhalf Keanan Potgieter could have levelled matters shortly after but playing against the strong wind made it difficult to kick for posts.

David Livingstone increased their lead when inside centre Brandon Smith pounced on a ball kicked forward to dive under the posts. Jacobs converted.

Paterson did well to get in the opposition's half on several occasions in the first half but unforced errors let them down.

Prop Raymond Kock scored Paterson's first-half points with an unconverted try following a driving maul to go to the break trailing 10-5.

The second half was more about Paterson on the attack, but they were still prone to handling errors and poor decision-making.

They could have scored points on several occasions but opted to punt the ball out instead of going for posts.

With time running out, Paterson's pressure was finally rewarded with a Cuan Plaatjies try in the dying minutes of the game.

Potgieter could have won the game for Paterson, but his kick went just wide of the post.

Paterson coach and tournament organiser Shaun Fondling said: "I told the players to enjoy the game and they went according to the plan. Livingstone are a very good team and are unbeaten this season. They beat us twice, so I am very happy about the boys' performance."

David Livingstone coach Isaac Barendse said: "The boys put their bodies on the line and I am very happy about that."

Other finals results were:

U17: Booysen Park 24 David Livingstone 8; U15: Booysen Park 14 David Livingstone 10; U19 bottom section: Gelvandale 36 Bethelsdorp 17; 3rd: Bertram 20 Booysen Park 19; girls sevens: Booysen Park 5 Bertram 0.

ýHumansdorp school Nico Malan won the medium schools section at a competition for Eastern and Western Cape schools. They defeated Hermanus 14-13 in Saturday's final in Paarl. Paarl Gym won the big schools section with a 16-10 win over George team Outeniqua.