Ithembelihle run riot in Durban

ITHEMBELIHLE rounded off the season on a good note, winning two of their three matches in the KwaZulu-Natal under-17 rugby tournament held in Maritzburg during the school holidays.

The New Brighton school opened their account with a solid 37-0 win over Midlands.

Wing Khanyiso Pini was first to score from a full-line movement, rounding his wing to run in for the try and followed it up with a penalty. Then outside centre Ntsikeleo Fumba made it 17-0 at half time. Early in the second half, 120kg prop Sinoxolo "Beast" Sihoyiya powered over for a try that was converted by Siya Sogoni.

Sogoni was next to score as Pini provided the final pass, while centre Samkelo Ndlovu finished off with two scintillating tries. His first try came after another break by Tshoba and for his second, he simply cut through the defence. Tshoba was named man-of -the-match.

In their second game, Ithembelihle battled against a huge forward pack against Durban in searing heat and went down 22-5.

Ndlovu was the first to score against Southern KZN after a break by Fumba for a tally of 5-0 at half-time. No8 Lwandile Charlie scored after Ithembelihle attacked from their own 22m, with Sogoni adding the conversion. Pini cut through from the halfway line to score in the corner, securing the man-of-the-match award.