Ashton show their teeth at Shark Tank

A last minute try by Stephan Williams secured a 34-27 win for Ashton International College over Crawford College La Lucia in a nail biting, see-sawing game at Growthpoint Kings Park on Saturday.

With only 61 seconds of play time left and the score dead even on 27 a piece, the boys from Ballito dug deep to pull a rabbit from the hat, scoring their fifth and winning try.

The schools’ league match, that was also the official pre-game to the Vodacom Super Rugby clash between the Cell C Sharks and New Zealand’s Waikato Chiefs, saw Crawford score two tries within the first eight minutes of the game, catapulting them to an early 12 – 0 lead.

Crawford was in for a surprise if they thought they had the game in the bag, because Ashton made a stunning comeback when Joshua Boyd scored two tries of which flyhalf and vice captain, Regan Sharp converted one to level the playing field at 12 points each.

Crawford then replied with two more tries, putting them comfortably in the lead by 24-12 going into half time.

Inspired by a few words of wisdom from head coach, Sean Temple at half time, Boyd scored his third try of the day followed by Charlie Severs with his first to bring the score to equalise at 24-24 early in the second half.

“Charlie’s try was a big hype for the team; it gave us a confidence boost and put us back in the game,” said Ashton flanker, Benjamin Habig.

A couple of minutes later Ashton conceded a penalty and was trailing by 27-24, before Crawford returned the favour and they were even again on 27-27.

The score stayed even for the remainder of the game until Williams planted the final ball beyond the tryline, followed by a quick conversion by Sharp to seal a well deserved 34-27 victory for Ashton.

“You get goosebumps when you run onto the field and it does not stop,” said Ashton captain Erik van Moerkerken, describing how it felt to play at the Shark Tank.

The Ashton boys unanimously said the school and fans chanting HSCC from the pavilion was a deciding factor for them pulling through the game. HSCC is an acronym for heart, spirit, character and courage.

“Everything on the day worked out like a dream,” said Temple. Five tries and three conversions was proof that bringing former Australian Football League player, Steve Turner to help with the backline and kicking, was the right thing to do.

Temple said the boys received positive feedback from the Sharks, commending them on their impeccable behaviour and manners.

Ashton used the opportunity to raise autism awearness. The Sharks players embraced the cause and wore blue bands and Lifestyle Spar sponsored special edition rugby jerseys for the Ashton boys.