Bulletin

Union High School’s 1st XV played Muir College Boys’ High School in their annual derby day fixture at Union this past Saturday, 15 May.

Union started the match well by applying lots of pressure which the Muir College side struggled to deal with.

Union opened up a 9-0 lead through the boot of James Pienaar who kicked exceptionally well in very windy conditions. Muir College was relentless on attack, but Union was equal to the task on defence.

Union was unlucky to not have slotted another couple of penalties towards the end of the first half. Both teams created opportunities but failed to convert and assert dominance. Muir scored a converted try just before half-time, which ended 9-7 in favour of Union.

The second half was going to be tough as Union received a yellow card on the stroke of half-time. Union defended well during this period with 14 men only conceding a try. Muir then took the lead 12-9.

It was a match of multiple opportunities created by both sides and Union, unfortunately, failed to convert theirs. With 10 minutes to play, Union cut open the Muir defence but could not hold onto the last pass to score and regain the lead.

“I must commend the Union team, they played their hearts out and kept on trying until the final whistle,” commented coach Mr Christopher Felix. “This loss is hurting, but as a coach, I am proud of the way the boys played. Union had a last gasp at drawing the match but unfortunately failed to convert. My message was simple: keep on trying and enjoy the match. Which they did wholeheartedly.”

Congratulations to Muir College for taking the spoils 12-9.