Ithembe run Ukhanyo off their feet

ITHEMBELIHLE emerged triumphant in a tough schools' rugby encounter against Ukhanyo in Alexandria at the weekend, taking the honours 31-13.

The high-paced match was marked by running rugby, with neither side too keen to use the boot.

Ithembe drew first blood when, from a penalty close to the Ukhanyo line, scrumhalf Bulelani Jack broke well and passed to centre and captain Khanyiso Pini who went over in the corner, making it 5-0.

Ukhanyo then enjoyed territorial advantage for a lengthy period and two penalties by flyhalf Sisipho Ntantiso, one of which was from the touchline, put the home side 6-5 ahead.

Ithembe hit back when centre Tyson Smondile cut through and from a penalty close to the Ukhanyo line, big lock Athenkosi Faku barged over for a try converted by Aya Mteto to make it 12-6 at halftime.

The visitors went further ahead when flank Lutho April, who had a good game, took the ball well into the 22 for centre Smondile to side-step his way over for a good try, converted by Mteto. Ithembe attacked again when Bigsho Sixonxo bounced off several defenders in a surging run. When he was brought down, No 8 Siya Charlie broke well and flipped the ball out to Pini who went over under the poles.

Wing Slovo Dzaka scored an excellent try to push the score to 31-6, but Ukhanyo were rewarded when they turned the ball over in the Ithembe 22 and quick passing saw flank Siyasanga Mayinje go over in the corner. Ntantiso succeeded with a difficult conversion to make the final score 31-13.