Penryn College hosted their annual Penryn Derby against long-time rivals, Uplands College. The Eagles felt they had what was needed to finally silence the Uplands army and they patiently waited for the Nest to be invaded by the army.
The derby started on a great note for the eagles as the Penryn debating teams outsmarted Uplands. This was followed by a great 1-0 victory for the u/14 hockey boys. All seemed to be going well as Penryn was dominating at chess as well; it was Penryn-3, Uplands-0. The army hadn’t travelled all that way to leave with nothing and they summoned their best troops and demolished the u/16 and second team hockey boys 6-0. This was followed by a massive victory against the Penryn first team netball. The scoreboard was levelled and it was now anyone’s game. The first team boys then put on a thrilling encounter which ended with a share of points; 1-1 the score laid. That score was a perfect summary of the overall scoreboard for the day.
The second day kicked off and what a big one it was. It started with both schools still at deadlock as the first team hockey girls' game ended with a draw, 1-1. The lead for Penryn was assured by the Penryn u/16 hockey girls’ victory over Uplands. The action moved to the rugby fields where the Penryn u/14 boys triumphed over uplands with a 26-5 victory. The momentum for Penryn was slowed as the u/15 lost 26-12, u/16 drew 10-10 and the second team lost 32-0. This again proved how the two schools were similar in terms of abilities.
The final match of the day was one to be remembered for generations to come. It was the first team rugby boys’ match- the defenders of their badge; if you lost this game your school had lost the derby. The army upset the eagles as they opened the scoring sheets but it wasn’t long before Penryn reminded them whose turf they were on; as Penryn scored and had their conversion through and took the lead (7-5). The eagles were determined to earn their victory against the army for the first time since 2017. An enticing showdown it was as Penryn responded to everything Uplands had in their arsenal. The spirit from the stands kept the soldiers going but Penryn overpowered Uplands in that department as well. The score ended with Penryn humbling Uplands, 36-29. As the final whistle was blown the home fans flooded the pitch and hugged their first team players who had given up their all for the badge.
Most say this was the best version of Penryn they had seen in a long time and I can’t see a reason to differ. The Penryn head boy, Heath Robinson, minutes before the derby started said, “Play for the name on the front so they can remember the name on the front forever”. The head girl, Kopano Shongwe said to the eagles, “Comparison is a thief of joy, don’t spend your time out there comparing yourself. Instead enjoy it.” It looks as though Penryn has entered a new era of a winning culture and what a ride we are in for.
written by :Bongi Ngoma
photography by Yondela Jezile
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