GALLERY: Allies the toast of Golden Lions League

HOËRSKOOL Alberton again proved they are one of the most consistent rugby schools in the league after they qualified to play in three finals for the Golden Lions Trophy this year.

The u-14, u-16 and first teams qualified for the finals. The u-15 team, who played in the final last year, narrowly missed out with a last gasp penalty at the hands of Hoërskool Bastion in a game played at Emirates Airline Park on June 8. This was one of the curtain-raisers to the Lions vs Hurricanes Super Rugby clash.

Allies’ u-14 side came up against Hoërskool Randburg, who they had beaten the week before. On that occasion, Carlos Madjiedt, Ethan van Rensburg, Luan van Schalkwyk and Mark Hechter scored tries, with Daniel Gouws adding two conversions.

It was pretty much the same story at Emirates Airline Park as the local boys ran out as 33-5 victors. Madjiedt is a real star in the making and scored a hat-trick with Muhlungu Natando and Hechter adding their names to the score sheet. Gouws made four conversions. Allies will play Bastion in the final.

The u-16 team played Hoërskool Linden in the play-offs to earn the right to play Randburg in the final.

Allies played very well, running out as 36-26 victors after leading 28-12 at the break with Aiden van der Linde scoring four conversions and a penalty after tries by Quinton Nel, Marnus Potgieter, Ettienne Smal, Grant Beukes and Charl Marais.

The previous week Allies were soundly beaten 34-22 with by Randburg van der Linde scoring two tries and converting one with Ronan Audier and Marco Nieuwoudt also scoring tries.

It will be a tough ask against Randburg, but not impossible. If they play with spirit and never-say-die attitude that they played with against local rivals Hoërskool Dinamika, they will not be easy to beat.

By far the most mouth-watering prospect is the final for the first teams that will be between Allies and Randburg. Allies played against Bastion in the semi-finals with a well-played 26-10 victory.

Sheldon Mickingly, JJ Erske, Justin van der Sandt and William Pullen all went over the white wash while fly half Damian Holl managed three conversions.

The week before they played to a 25-25 draw against the Randburg team – the team they will meet in the final. On that day they had to recover from a half-time deficit of 10-6, with Ruan van Staden and Eddie Lessing scoring while Holl added two conversions and two penalties.

The team has come a long way from the opening game against Hoërskool Brits, where they didn’t look very impressive even though the scoreboard told another story.

The forward pack this year has been a revelation and forwards coach Marcus Pretorius can be very proud indeed. The pick-up and drive tactic they employ is working well.

The only concern is that if the forwards get under pressure they will have to change the plan and maybe play a channel or two wider. In the past, Allies sides have sometimes battled to change to plan B.

A little limelight for unsung heroes

The u-14B, u-16B and third teams were all Golden Lions League winners. The u-15B team were runners-up in their league. The second team, showing the depth not only of players, but also coaches at Allies, have now won six straight titles as Golden Lions champions. Well done to all coaches and players of these teams on a remarkable achievement.

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