GRAAFF-REINET NEWS — Union High School's first rugby team lost 31-41 in a ding-dong battle against Grens Hoërskool in East London on Saturday, August 19.

After the high of last weekend’s inter-schools win and suffering five injuries, Union made a slow start and found themselves trailing 12-31 at half-time.

Their enormous backs dominated the gain line and forced them into making uncharacteristic errors on defence and attack. Two of their tries came through interceptions against the run of play which was heartbreaking.

With the wind at their backs in the second half, Union increased the tempo of the game to force their big players to work hard without much rest. This style of play gave them renewed energy and momentum swung completely in Union's favour. Some incredible attack got them within five points at 31-36 before Grens scored the try which sealed their victory.

Ross Stanley led from the front, scoring a hat-trick and being influential throughout the match. Cohen Pieterse and Iviwe Ndamane were Union's other try scorers, both rounding off superb team plays.

It was perhaps not the ideal ending to the season, but Union can be proud of the way they fought back and it certainly was a spectacle for all present. The final score was 31-41.

In other rugby games, Union's U.14s lost 0-52, the U.15s lost 0-69, the U.16s lost 12-32 and the second team won 12-5.

In the hockey games against Grens, Union's first team played their final match of the season.

As a fun way to end off the hockey season, they played the match with the defenders and attackers switching positions and the umpires blew with extended advantage. Despite over 30 shots at goal, Union only managed to score two goals.

But nevertheless, it was an enjoyable, hard fought match. The final score was 2-0, leaving the first hockey team with the following exceptional statistics for the season:

Playing 31 matches, they won 21, drew 5 and lost 5 which gives them a win percentage of 68%. They scored 152 goals throughout the season only allowing 26 against them.

In other hockey results against Grens, the U.16B team won 12-0, the second team won 7-0 and the first team won 2 - 0.

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