It was a case of so close, but yet so far for the Wit Bulle of the Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool of Pretoria.

Affies almost managed to overturn a 20‑point deficit in their King Price Derby Series encounter against Hoërskool Garsfontein into a victory. The match was played at Garsies’ Bere Park.

In the end, the Bere claimed a 38-34 victory after Affies’ right wing, Dandré Brink, was tackled out just short of the try line with time already expired. Only a desperate tackle by replacement Eukan Meyers was the difference between winning and losing for the Garsie Bere.

It was the turquoise‑clad team’s first win over its biggest rival in the Jacaranda City since 2023.

The Wit Bulle trailed by 30-10 at the turnaround. In the first half, they had no answers to the home side’s attacking flair.

The home team’s back three, consisting of left wing Neil de Kock, right wing Yuvrah George, and fullback Drewyn Baron, was, as usual, a constant threat.

All three crossed the visitors’ try line. Baron’s try was probably the most spectacular and was named the Suzuki Game Changing Moment of the clash. This award highlights the specific moment that ultimately had the greatest impact on the match’s outcome.

The Bere’s openside flanker, Stefan “Kwagga” van der Vyver, was named King of the Match.

Van der Vyver was outstanding, and it was especially his high work rate over the full 70 minutes that set him apart from the rest.

For the Wit Bulle, no one was better than inside centre, Rico du Plessis, and left wing, Joshua Gouws. Gouws played the leading role in the visitors’ comeback effort. His hat‑trick of tries delivered 15 crucial points.

Although Du Plessis did not cross the try line himself, his work at the breakdowns was exceptional. He played like a powerful loose forward and repeatedly won turnover possession for his team.

In addition, his contribution to the attack was a key part of Gouws’ try‑scoring exploits. It can also not be a coincidence that Affies’ wings have scored a total of eight tries in the two matches that Du Plessis started in the midfield.

This also created an exciting head‑to‑head battle with Garsie’s inside centre, Keegan Knighton. Knighton’s direct running line tested Du Plessis and often allowed the home team to get over the gain line.

Affies’ hooker, Charl Els, crossed the try line twice himself. Els is a strong contender to run out as hooker for the Blue Bulls at this year’s Craven Week. It was specifically his first try, shortly after half‑time, that swung the momentum in the visitors’ favour and kept it there for much of the second 35 minutes.

Despite the defeat, it was still a special day for Affies’ forward coach, Jaco Koch, who was part of the Wit Bulle coaching staff for the 150th time during the encounter.

Source: Google

Scorers:

Garsfontein 38 (30) – Tries: Neil de Kock, Drewyn Baron, André van Wyk, Yuvrah George, Justin Blom. Conversions: Ruan Fluks (2). Penalties: Fluks (3). Affies 34 (10) – Tries: Joshua Gouws (3), Charl Els (2), Fourie Roberts. Conversions: Reuben Venter (2).

Source :  Hannes Nienaber