Barberton High School claimed the U15 boys’ title at the BUCO Makhonjwa 7s tournament after two days of competitive action.

The challenging conditions did little to dampen the action this past weekend, with schools from across the region and beyond competing over two days for honours in the U15 and U17 boys’ and girls’ sections.

A total of 16 teams competed in both the U15 and U17 boys’ sections, while there were eight U15 girls’ teams and 10 U17 girls’ teams.

The standard of rugby was impressive, particularly in the girls’ competitions, highlighting the growing strength of schoolgirls’ rugby.

Hosts impress on home ground

For hosts Barberton High School, it was a memorable weekend.

The U15 boys won the title, while the U17 boys finished fifth. The U17 girls were runners-up and the U15 girls claimed third place.

U15 coach Jaco Mouton praised his team’s discipline, skill and determination. “I am extremely proud of the boys. They executed our game plan perfectly throughout the tournament,“ he said.

“They play together as a unit. Their attitude is simply to never give up,” he added.

The U15 boys will now turn their attention to the Mpumalanga 7s Rugby Championships at Penryn.

Girls’ teams showcase determination

Barberton’s U17 girls also impressed, winning five matches before losing to Steelcrest in the final.

Coach Nalizeri Prinsloo said the team’s unity and determination stood out, although she felt some players lacked belief going into the final.

“They fought until the very last second,” she said.

The U15 girls bounced back from their semi-final defeat to win the third-place play-off.

Prinsloo said tournaments such as the Makhonjwa 7s are important in giving young girls opportunities to develop their confidence, fitness, technique and teamwork.

Mouton believes 7s rugby is particularly valuable for developing young players, with its fast pace and emphasis on skill and support play also benefiting 15-man rugby.

Lowveld schools’ results:

U15 Boys
• 1st – Barberton High School
• 2nd – Lowveld High
• 5th – Penryn College
• 6th – Bergvlam
U17 Boys
• 2nd – Lowveld High
• 3rd – Penryn College
• 5th – Barberton High School
U15 Girls
• 3rd – Barberton High School
• 4th – Bergvlam
• 5th – Lowveld High
U17 Girls
• 2nd – Barberton High School
• 3rd – Lowveld High
• 6th – Bergvlam.