For the first time ever, Woodridge College travelled to Knysna over the weekend and enjoyed a series of sports fixtures with Knysna High School. In the rugby encounters, Woodridge held the upper hand but only after some hard fought matches with Knysna High competing well in each match.
The under 15 match started well and went over for the opening try to lead 5-0. Woodridge responded quickly with an unconverted try by centre José Chandler soon to be followed by a penalty by flyhalf Randy Syce. The score remained at 8 - 5 to Woodridge until the half time break. Woodridge side came out strongly in the second half and after tries by Chandler (his second) and Syce, they won the tough match 18 – 5. The Woodridge 2nd team played well to beat a much heavier Knysna side 18-17. Woodridge controlled the lineouts throughout the game and it was no surprise when James Taylor went over for a try from a line out drive. Jack McClure added a penalty and Woodridge held onto an 8-5 score at halftime. In the second half, McClure added another penalty and Woodridge scored another converted try through Dylan Pienaar. With 10 minutes to go, Woodridge lead 18-5. Knysna controlled the last 10 minutes and scored two tries, but Woodridge had done enough to secure an 18-17 win.
In the first XV match it was clear from the start it was not going to be an easy match. Knysna had a big pack of forwards and quick backs with excellent hands. The match started with Woodridge soon getting the upper hand with some well-executed plays and momentum to put themselves in a position to convert paly into points. However, the Knysna defence was resolute, not allowing Woodridge to assert themselves. Woodridge continued to pile on the pressure and eventually gathered their composure, putting a number of phases together and following up a brilliantly weighted cross-kick by Bhuko Patsi, Buzwe Pango scored in the corner. VanGinkel Venter scored the second try to make the halftime score 10- 0 to Woodridge.
Knysna’s forwards put the Woodridge scrums under tremendous pressure in the second half with Woodridge having to work hard defensively with the Knysna strong forwards attacking the channel between the scrumhalf and flyhalf. Their backline was also strong runners, but Woodridge stuck to their defensive structure and managed to keep them from scoring on several occasions.
Early in the second half, Knysna scored, but Woodridge responded quickly, with Kyle Lottering scoring the team’s third try. The last try was scored by VanGinkel Venter who received an inside ball from a line break by Phumelela Mbiza, taking Woodridge to the final score of 20-12 to Woodridge.
Knysna showed true class when they took on the Woodridge first netball team. Displaying excellent skills, Knysna dominated this encounter from the start, gaining a significant lead in the first quarter of the game. Woodridge struggled to get back into the game and went down 37 – 11. The under 16A and B matches were more evenly contested with the Woodridge A team losing by the narrow margin of 21- 18 and the B’s losing 16 – 10.
On the hockey pitch, the Woodridge boys 2nds had a very exciting match against the Knysna's 1st Team, with both sides fighting hard for the ascendency. Although Woodridge looked dangerous on attack, the Knysna team held fast to draw an excellent match, one all. The Woodridge under 16B team also had a hard match to beat a determined Knysna under 16A team 2 -1.
Not to be outdone the Woodridge equestrian riders had a successful day at the Western Mounted Games Qualifier 5 competition held this weekend at the PE Polocross fields. The results were as follows:
Woodridge Prep lead-rein class
1st Emile van Vuuren
2nd Josh Brink
3rd Riley Russett
LEVEL 0 Prep riders
1st Neranze Nel (Kirkwood primary-WEC rider)
2nd Somila Ncalu (Woodridge)
LEVEL 1 Prep rider
2nd place Ryan Nel (Kirkwood primary - WEC rider)
LEVEL 2 Woodridge Prep riders
1st Amie de Klerk
2nd Kungamsa Sitoto
College riders:
LEVEL 0 (Woodridge)
1st Carys Pollock
2nd Michaela Wedderburn
LEVEL 2
2nd place Nicole Reid (Woodridge)
3rd Zandri Stumke (Framesby H/S - WEC rider)
LEVEL 3 (Woodridge)
2nd & 3rd Jani Muller (Woodridge).
Our young up and coming G1&Q2 riders, Stella Giullietti and Amila Faltein, also made us very proud with great performances. Stella rode a new pony called Valkyrie.
