All four Allen Glen High rugby teams through to quarterfinals of Noordvaal Trophy
First XV goes further than any team before it to reach last eight for the first time
A long trek through the minefield now has them journeying through unchartered waters.
For the first time in the school’s history, Allen Glen High School will be represented by four age groups in the quarterfinals of the premier regional school’s rugby competition. Formerly known as the VirSeker Beker, the Noordvaal Trophy is a tiered competition that tests the best rugby schools in the northern sections of the country.
Playing at Randfontein Rugby Club on July 23, Allen Glen won three of their four finals matches to book themselves a place in the last 16. The First XV were the odd ones out when they again lost to Hoërskool Carletonville but still qualified for the knockout phase as the best runners-up. Hosting several schools on July 30, the Blue Machine delivered a four-star performance, much to the delight of the coaching staff.
Beginning Saturday’s action, the U/14s took care of Edenvale High School 17–7 before the U/16s demolished Christian Brothers’ College 67–13. Unbeaten throughout the season so far, the U/15s had earned a bye and were already sent straight into the quarterfinals. Aiming to put the cherry on top, the First XV boys were up against a Springs Boys’ High School team they had narrowly beaten earlier in the season.
The visitors started the game the more nervous of the teams, with erratic phases doing little to worry the Blue Machine’s defence. The home team struck early, pouncing on some carelessly loose passing to dot down under the posts for the intercept try. Two more tries followed as Allen Glen raced into a 21–0 lead, controlling the tempo of the first half through winning repeated turnover penalties at the breakdown.
A try just before the break gave the young men from Springs some hope but Allen Glen were disciplined in defence while controlling field possession and never looked like being pulled back. Always keeping a spirited Spring Boys’ at arms length, Allen Glen sealed a 33–12 triumph when their forwards crashed over after winning another penalty just 10 metres out. On to next week and a shot at the final four.
