The u/16 Phakisa Pumas put up a spirited display of rugby to edge out the Thepa Trading Griffons 29-24 on the final day of the Grant Khomo Week at Hoërskool Rob Ferreira this morning.

The Pumas hit early with a try from Njabulo Maseko. Christiaan Gates converted and kicked a penalty minutes later for a 10-0 lead.

Midway through the half the Pumas won a lineout. The ball went through various phases of attack with Khirwin Erasmus claiming the try. Gates added the two points.

The Griffons Hendrik Claassen ran through poor tackling for his teams’ first points.

Erasmus then sprinted down the left touch line to score a try  for a commanding 22-5 lead.

The Griffons started a determined fight back and just before half time Thladi Phenyane scored a try which was converted by Dendré  Aucamp.

The half time score was 22-12 in favour of the home team.

The Griffons put on the pressure and scored first in the second period. Lerato Ndlangisa dotted down.

Kwanele Nkambule scored the match winning try after Gates broke the Valke’s defensive line. The fly half converted from in front of the poles.

The Griffons scored last, again through some shoddy tackling, and Phenyane claimed his second. Aucamp converted.

The score was an accurate reflection of the match. The teams were well matched but the Pumas dug that little but deeper for a deserved win.