Match Reports

Coleraine Grammar School U16 vs Harlequins Rugby Club U16, Pretori

30th June 2026

Coleraine Grammar School began their South African tour with a challenging fixture against Harlequins Rugby Club in Pretoria. Facing a physical and well-organised home side, the visitors made an encouraging start but ultimately found themselves under sustained pressure as the match progressed. The opening exchanges saw Coleraine settle quickly into the game. Rory Elliott got proceedings underway from the kick-off, and the visitors immediately looked eager to make an impression.

Their bright start was rewarded after just three minutes when Joshua Collins crossed for the opening try of the match. The early score gave Coleraine confidence and demonstrated their ability to capitalise on opportunities against strong opposition.

Harlequins responded positively and levelled the scores three minutes later with a try of their own before adding the conversion to take the lead. The Pretoria side began to build momentum through a series of strong carries and phases, testing the resolve of the Coleraine defence.

One of the defining moments of the first half came through the defensive efforts of Thomas McMullan, whose brace of powerful tackles brought a halt to attacking advances and resulted in an injury replacement for the travelling side. His commitment and physicality epitomised Coleraine's determination throughout the contest.

Despite increasing pressure from Harlequins, Coleraine remained competitive and were rewarded again in the 28th minute when Ollie McCloy crossed for their second try. The score kept the visitors firmly in contention and highlighted their ability to threaten whenever opportunities arose However, Harlequins struck back late in the half, scoring from a lineout move on the right-hand side in the 33rd minute. The home side's efficient execution from set-piece play allowed them to take a narrow advantage into the interval.

The second half proved more difficult for Coleraine as Harlequins increased the intensity and controlled much of the territory and possession. Tries in the 40th and 46th minutes, the latter successfully converted, gave the hosts breathing space on the scoreboard.

As the game wore on, Harlequins continued to apply pressure and their fitness and continuity began to tell. Further tries followed in the 58th and 64th minutes, both of which were converted. While the scoreboard reflected Harlequins' dominance in the latter stages, there were plenty of positives for Coleraine to take from their opening tour fixture. The early tries from Joshua Collins and Ollie McCloy, coupled with the defensive commitment shown by all the players, demonstrated the character and resilience within the squad.

The match provided an invaluable introduction to South African rugby and a demanding test against quality opposition. With the first game of the tour complete, Coleraine Grammar School will look to build on the experience gained in Pretoria as they continue their South African adventure.

Tries: Joshua Collins, Ollie McCloy

Venue: Pretoria, South Africa

Opposition: Harlequins Rugby Club, Pretoria

Half-time score: 12-10

Final score: 36-10

POTM: Reuben Turbitt

Captain: Joshua Collins

CGS 55 – 24 Harlequins Rugby Club U18

30 June 2026

Coleraine Grammar’s U17s produced a thrilling display of rugby in Pretoria, running in seven tries and showing both power and flair in a memorable 55–24 victory over Harlequins.

First Half Highlights

The team started strongly, with debutant Finlay Adair securing clean lineout ball to set up the opening attack. From there, the forwards drove hard and Jamie Watson crashed over for the first try, converted by Ben Todd.

Captain Joe Coates quickly stamped his authority on the game. A crunching midfield tackle lifted the team, and moments later he finished a slick move for CGS’s second score. His leadership and energy inspired the side throughout.

Cody’s powerful midfield carry created space for Henry, who finished brilliantly in the corner. Coates then showed his sharp rugby brain, intercepting a pass and racing under the posts for his second try. Harlequins responded with two scores of their own, but CGS went into the break with a deserved lead.

Half‑time: CGS 26 – 14 Harlequins

Second Half Brilliance

The defence stood tall after the restart, with Josh Chambers, McMillan, and Moffatt producing crunching tackles to repel Harlequins pressure. Their resilience was rewarded when Henry crossed for his second try, showing pace and footwork on the wing.

Coates completed his hat‑trick with a flowing backline move, while Todd’s calm kicking and tactical control kept CGS on the front foot. The standout moment came from Penfold, who intercepted inside his own five metres and sprinted the length of the pitch to score under the posts — a try that had the crowd on their feet.

Harlequins battled hard and added late scores, but CGS’s defensive organisation and attacking flair ensured the scoreboard reflected their dominance. Millar’s cover tackle and Henry’s late interception sealed the win.

Full‑time: Coleraine Grammar School 55 – 24 Harlequins

Star Performances

• Ben Todd – Controlled the game superbly at fly‑half, kicking accurately and earning Man of the Match.

• Joe Coates – Inspirational captain, scoring three tries and leading the defensive line.

• Henry – Two superb finishes on the wing plus a crucial late interception.

• Jamie Watson – Opened the scoring and delivered big defensive hits.

• Penfold – Length‑of‑the‑field interception try that lit up the game.

This celebratory style makes it perfect for a school newsletter — highlighting teamwork, debut performances, and the standout moments that students and parents will remember. Would you like me to also create a short headline version for quick bulletin boards, or keep this longer narrative format for the newsletter?

Match Report: CGS U16 v Pirates (Johannesburg)

2nd July 2026

CGS continued their tour with a 5-8 victory over Pirates in Johannesburg after a disciplined and determined team performance.

CGS dominated the first half, controlling both possession and territory. Rory Elliot, who has moved to fly-half for the tour, adapted superbly to his new role. He scored a try and added a penalty, while his outstanding tactical kicking repeatedly pinned Pirates deep inside their own half. Despite their dominance, CGS were unfortunate not to add another couple of tries before the break.

Pirates responded strongly after half-time and scored an early try to reduce the deficit to 8–7, putting CGS under pressure. However, the team showed great resilience, with Thomas McMullan producing a series of outstanding chop tackles to halt the Pirates’ momentum. James Coates and Jonah Ross were both hugely influential with powerful carries and excellent work at the breakdown. Jonah was rewarded for his efforts by crashing over for the decisive try, restoring CGS’s advantage and securing a deserved 15-8 victory.

It was an impressive all-round performance and an excellent first win of the tour. 

CGS opened thoeir tour with an excellent 15-8 victory over Pirates in Johannesburg after a disciplined and determined team performance.

CGS dominated the first half, controlling both possession and territory. Rory Elliot, who has moved to fly-half for the tour, adapted superbly to his new role. He scored a try and added a penalty, while his outstanding tactical kicking repeatedly pinned Pirates deep inside their own half. Despite their dominance, CGS were unfortunate not to add another couple of tries before the break.

Pirates responded strongly after half-time and scored an early try to reduce the deficit to 8–7, putting CGS under pressure. However, the team showed great resilience, with Thomas McMullan producing a series of outstanding chop tackles to halt the Pirates’ momentum. James Coates and Jonah Ross were both hugely influential with powerful carries and excellent work at the breakdown. Jonah was rewarded for his efforts by crashing over for the decisive try, restoring CGS’s advantage and securing a deserved 15-8 victory.

It was an impressive all-round performance and an excellent first win of the tour. 

Match Report CGS U18 v Linden High School (Johannesburg)

2nd July 2026

 Coleraine Grammar School’s U18s secured their second win of their South African tour with a hard-fought 12-7 victory over Linden High School in Johannesburg after an intense and physical encounter.

The opening half was a bruising battle, with the South Africans dominating the scrum and putting the CGS front row under sustained pressure. Despite creating several promising attacking opportunities, Coleraine were unable to capitalise, with a series of wayward passes preventing them from opening the scoring. As a result, the sides went into the interval locked at 0-0.

CGS finally broke the deadlock five minutes into the second half. Excellent work from Jamie Watson at the front of the lineout created the platform before he produced a perfectly timed pass to send George McClean over from close range. Although the conversion drifted wide, Coleraine held a deserved 5-0 lead.

Linden responded impressively with a superb passage of flowing rugby. Combining powerful carries with impressive pace, the hosts carved through the CGS defence to score beneath the posts, adding the conversion to move ahead 7-5.

With time running out, Coleraine showed tremendous character to snatch victory. In the final minute, a brilliantly timed pass from Ben Todd released Joe Coates through the South African defence. Coates showed both strength and speed to race under the posts, allowing Ben Todd to add the straightforward conversion and seal a memorable 12-7 win

Match Report: CGS U18 vs Dynamic Skills Sports Academy, George

6th July 2026

Coleraine Grammar School and Dynamic Skills Sports Academy played out a fiercely contested encounter in a match that showcased the commitment and determination of both teams.

From the opening whistle, the game was played at a high intensity, with both sides moving the ball well and producing some excellent attacking rugby. CGS crossed for three well-worked tries, while DSA replied with four tries of their own in an evenly matched contest that ebbed and flowed throughout.

The physical nature of the game was evident throughout, with neither team willing to give an inch. Strong defensive efforts, committed tackling and competitive set-piece play made for an entertaining spectacle.

Unfortunately, the match was brought to a premature end following an injury to one of the players. With player welfare the priority, the referee made the decision to end the game early. As the full match could not be completed, the fixture was recorded as a draw.

Both teams deserve great credit for the spirit in which the game was played, and we wish the injured player a full and speedy recovery.

CGS U16 v Dynamic Skills Academy

6th July 2026

CGS faced Dynamic Skills Academy from George in a fascinating clash of contrasting styles. While CGS held the edge up front through their powerful forward play, Dynamic Skills posed a constant threat with their pace and power out wide.

CGS built much of their success through dominance at the lineout, with front rowers George McClean, Lucas McBride and George Taylor all crossing the whitewash. James Coates also added a well-deserved try from close range.

The standout score of the match came from Macjek Brozozowski, whose superb finish capped off some excellent handling in the backs. After slick interplay created the opening, Brozozowski stepped his opposite number and raced over for a memorable try.

Despite a brave and determined performance, CGS ultimately came up just short as Dynamic Skills proved lethal in broken-field situations, with their dangerous backs making the difference.

Final Score: Dynamic Skills Academy 29-24 CGS

CGS U16 v Cloetesville High School, Capetown

CGS suffered an early setback, conceding a soft try directly from the kick-off. However, they responded superbly and spent much of the first half on the front foot, thanks to an excellent lineout and some intelligent tactical kicking from Rory Elliot. Despite creating several opportunities, CGS were unable to turn their pressure into points.

A sucker-punch try just before half-time gave Cloetesville a significant boost and left the CGS boys with a mountain to climb. The hosts added two further tries after the break before CGS showed tremendous character to fight back, with James Coates and Lucas McBride both crossing for deserved scores.

Although the result did not go their way, the boys displayed great resilience and determination throughout the contest.

Final Score: Cloetesville High School 26-12 CGS

Coleraine Grammar School U18s v Clotesville High School, Capetown

9th July 2026

Coleraine Grammar School U18s produced a dramatic late comeback to edge Clotesville High School 39–38 in one of the most entertaining matches of the tour.

It was a classic contrast in styles, with Clotesville looking to use their pace and attacking flair, while CGS relied on their physicality and power to gain the upper hand. The result was an exhilarating end-to-end contest that kept everyone on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

CGS crossed for six tries through Noah Beggs, Joe Coates, Jamie Watson, Alec Doherty, Cody Moffatt and, fittingly, a dramatic last-minute winner from Adam Moore. Each score reflected the determination and resilience shown by the visitors as they refused to let the game slip away.

Clotesville continually threatened with their speed in open play, stretching the CGS defence and ensuring the outcome remained in doubt throughout. However, the power and determination of the Coleraine pack laid the platform for the backs to capitalise, with CGS repeatedly finding a way back into the contest.

With time running out and the game hanging in the balance, CGS launched one final attack. Adam Moore crossed the whitewash to secure a memorable victory, sparking jubilant celebrations among the players and supporters.

It was a tremendous team performance from Coleraine Grammar School, with every player contributing to a hard-earned victory in a match that perfectly demonstrated the excitement and spirit of schoolboy rugby.

Final score - 39-38 to Coleraine Grammar School