Boys High finally get hands on FNB Classic Clash trophy

Absolute delirium was on full display when the final whistle signaled the first victory for Potchefstroom Boys against HTS Potchefstroom in the FNB Classic Clash in over three years.

Boys’ High learners stormed their home field following their first team’s 26-12 win over their rivals from the other side of the city as chanting, singing and ululation filled the autumn air.

In this rugby encounter on Saturday, 6 May, Potchefstroom Boys’ High  showed their strength and mettle both physically and mentally to gain an impressive win. College’s captain, Katleho Morapane was one of the stars for the school with a superb all-round performance.

The lock contributed 10 points with the boot and made a number of storming runs with the ball in hand. He was also a kingpin at lineout time as HTS failed to gain possession from their own lineout countless times.

Boys’ High made an early impression with a try under the posts after 8 minutes, courtesy of outside centre, Keamogetse Morapedi. Morapane then slotted in a conversion and two penalties to take the boys in navy into a 13-0 lead.

Photos: Wouter Pienaar

One of HTS’s best players was their flyhalf, Olebogeng Mosiane, who        kicked well with his left boot to keep HTS in the game. His break from just inside Boys’ High’s half resulted in a spectacular solo try to cut the home team’s lead to six points. At 13-7 it was anyone game.

Boys’ High kept going, though, and didn’t lose focus with Kgomotso Matlhabe dotting down in the corner after successfully beating three defenders to extend the lead.

HTS gained a consolation try in the end but it was not enough as Boys’ High celebrated a famous win and a 4-1 aggregate triumph in the rugby matches played on the day. HTS took the bragging rights in the soccer match, though, with both the u.16 and the first team getting the upper hand in the beautiful game.

‘We thought we were cursed for the past three years after narrowly going down to HTS previously. It is a great  feeling to finally be champions in the Classic Clash again.

‘Thank you to Mr de Villiers and his staff at HTS for making this day the success it was, and also to our own staff at Boys’ High. Lastly, thank you to FNB for all their support,’ said Mr Johan van Vuuren, principal of Potchefstroom Boys High.

‘Well done to Boys’ High for being persistent and getting the win. Unfortunately, we could not pull it through this time. Next year, we will be hosting the Classic Clash and we invite Boys’ High for a rematch at HTS,’ said Chris de Villiers, principal of HTS Potchefstroom.

See the photos of the u.16 Classic Clash here:

Results:

Rugby:

u.14: Potch Boys’ High 45 – HTS – 0

u.15: Potch Boys’ High 42 -HTS – 0

u.16: Potch Boys’ High 33 – HTS 20

Second team: PBH 5 – HTS 10

First team: PBH 26 – HTS 12