Injuries had upset the flow of the Westville Boys’ High 1st XV in some of their matches this season, but with many of their injured players fit and healthy again, they roared to a 50-3 victory over Glenwood High on Saturday, winning on Dixon’s Field for the first time since 2015.
With their combinations restored, the Griffins dictated proceedings, although the young Green Machine resisted bravely. A sound foundation laid by Westville’s forwards meant the home side was in trouble; Westville possesses some of the most dangerous backs in the game, if they’re given quality ball and space. They had both on Saturday.
At scrumhalf, Sandiswa Mbokazi controlled the tempo expertly. His sharp service and smart decision-making kept Westville moving relentlessly forward.
Out wide, right-wing Bukho Sotaka proved a constant threat and finished superbly for two tries. Avumile Lisa, on the other wing, also crossed for a try.
Westville coach Zander Erasmus recognised the contributions of his side’s playmakers, saying: “[Fullback] Lux Sonkononkono and [flyhalf] Jade-Will Koopman pulled the strings, and Jadrian Afrikaner came alive in the second half with some great touches, runs, and a good try.”
Summarising his side’s victory, Erasmus said: “It was relentless pressure, high-tempo attack, and double hits on defence, suffocating them and making them work hard on D with snap plays.”
Fed with good ball, Westville revelled, producing a thrilling passing game. “At one stage, it looked like we were playing Sevens with the way we kept the ball alive and played our offload game,” Erasmus reckoned.
He also praised flank Ezra Karosilin, a try scorer and one of the stars of Westville’s run to the national Sevens title in 2025. “He was immense with his linking play and touches to create for the backs on the outside,” Erasmus explained.
One of the highlights of the contest, for the coach, was a first try for the 1st XV from the other flank, Omphiwe Dladla. Westville inside centre, Curtis Fenton, also joined his fellow midfielder, Jadrian Afrikaner, by crossing for a try.
Koopman added 10 points from five conversions.
While the 1st XV result went emphatically Westville’s way, Glenwood had a good day in the open age group, winning four of the seven matches.
The visitors, however, ruled the other age groups, although little separated the u15A sides, with Westville winning by only two points.
Results
1st: Glenwood 3-50 Westville
2nd: Glenwood 19-14 Westville
3rd: Glenwood 12-5 Westville
4th: Glenwood 7-22 Westville
5th: Glenwood 19-33 Westville
6th: Glenwood 24-17 Westville
7th: Glenwood 19-12 Westville
16A: Glenwood 8-45 Westville
16B: Glenwood 7-27 Westville
16C: Glenwood 0-50 Westville
16D: Glenwood 0-50 Westville
15A: Glenwood 19-21 Westville
15B: Glenwood 5-19 Westville
15C: Glenwood 0-40 Westville
15D: Glenwood 0-41 Westville
14A: Glenwood 0-33 Westville
14B: Glenwood 5-22 Westville
14C: Glenwood 19-32 Westville
14D: Glenwood 0-50 Westville
14E: Glenwood 0-50 Westville
14F: Glenwood 0-50 Westville
HOCKEY
One of the results of the weekend, in any sport, was posted by Glenwood’s 1st XI. With a hard-fought 1-0 win over Westville, they ended a long drought of victories against top-tier KwaZulu-Natal opposition.
It has been an encouraging season for Glenwood. They had previously recorded draws against Maritzburg College and Clifton College. However, beating Westville, who’ve been on a good run after a slow start to the season, and especially winning a tight one-goal contest, was a notable and important victory for Glenwood.
Overall, Westville held sway, although not with Glenwood’s u14A side, which has authored an impressive season. They drew 1-1.
Results
1st: Glenwood 1-0 Westville
2nd: Glenwood 0-2 Westville
3rd: Glenwood 1-6 Westville
4th: Glenwood 0-1 Westville
16A: Glenwood 0-2 Westville
16B: Glenwood 0-4 Westville
16C: Glenwood 0-8 Westville
16D: Glenwood 0-7 Westville
14A: Glenwood 1-1 Westville
14B: Glenwood 0-10 Westville
14C: Glenwood 0-10 Westville