With the scores tied at 24-24 and five minutes of play left, Hoërskool Nelspruit (NHS) scored the match-winning points against Hoërskool Waterkloof on Saturday, April 26.

The SDC Noordvaal matches were played at NHS, being the host school’s first Noordvaal fixture for the season.

NHS lost the U14A match 0-17, won the U15A game 28-0 and lost the U16A match 13-15.

The first team match was a humdinger. There was little to separate the teams and the lead changed hands numerous times.

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NHS had taken a 24-17 lead with 13 minutes left on the clock, but Waterkloof hit back with a try and conversion and the scoreboard read 24-24.

Neither team was prepared to settle for a draw and the pace of play was furious. This opened the chance of a try as space opened up in the defence of both teams.

NHS won turnover possession and the ball was booted downfield. There were two chasers, but the one wearing the Rhinos jersey was quicker. It came down to a bounce of the ball – and it worked perfectly for NHS’s Tinyiko Silubane, who claimed the try.

The score was 29-24. The match was won. But NHS were not finished yet: Liam Pringle placed the ball on the tee for a conversion attempt from the left touch line. He had converted NHS’s previous try from a similar position and without breaking a sweat, the scrum half slotted the ball through the uprights.

NHS had won 31-24 and supporters ran onto the field to celebrate with the players.

It was a match of fine margins, but ‘Nellie guts’ is not just a slogan, it is a fire in the hearts of the NHS first team players.

NHS will play away against Hoërskool Helpmekaar on May 10.