SCHOOLS RUGBY
St Alban's with a better performance to take the win against Clifton
St Alban’s produced a far more composed and clinical performance this past weekend, overcoming a determined Clifton side 24-8 in a hard-fought encounter. While Clifton remained competitive throughout, St Alban’s showed greater control in key moments and were rewarded with four tries to one.
1st XV match report by Mr Lwazi Zangqa
(St Alban's College Director of Rugby)
The home side wasted no time getting onto the scoreboard. Within the opening minute, a well-worked team try saw Alex Uken finish in front of the poles after several strong phases to give St Alban’s the ideal start.
Although Clifton enjoyed more possession overall, holding 58% of the ball, St Alban’s made far better use of their opportunities. Their defensive work rate stood out throughout the contest, completing tackles and forcing Clifton into several difficult attacking situations. St Alban’s also dominated the collision areas.
Despite enjoying strong territory and applying pressure close to the Clifton line, St Alban’s were often left frustrated as handling errors and defensive resistance denied them further scoring opportunities.
It was Tabiso Simelane who provided the spark before halftime, crossing the tryline to give St Alban’s valuable breathing room. His brace ensured the hosts went into the break with a deserved 19-8 advantage.
One of the defining moments of the game came with just over 10 minutes remaining. Clifton had worked themselves to within five metres of the St Alban’s line and looked certain to score, only for Simelane to produce a crucial turnover that preserved the home side’s advantage.
As the game opened up in the closing stages, St Alban’s finally found the decisive score. Fittingly, it was Uken, who had opened the scoring in the first minute, that also had the final say. Picking up from the back of a five-metre scrum, he beat two defenders with a powerful finish to put the result beyond doubt and secure a deserved 24-8 victory.
The performance marked a positive step forward for St Alban’s. While there are still areas to improve, particularly converting pressure into points, the side showed improved physicality, defensive commitment, and composure under pressure against a spirited Clifton outfit.
