Late conversion seals dramatic APS title for King’s Christian College
Captain Magnus Van Deventer held his nerve from the sideline as King’s Christian College edged Somerset College in a thrilling 2026 APS First XV grand final.
King’s Christian College claimed the 2026 APS First XV premiership with a stirring 25-24 win over Somerset College at Bond University Rugby Club on Wednesday, June 3, surviving a see-saw contest that ranks among the competition’s most memorable grand finals.
The decider was tight from the outset. Both sides crossed in the opening half but were unable to add the extras, before King’s nudged ahead 8-5 with a penalty goal on the stroke of half-time. The match burst to life after the break, with momentum swinging repeatedly as neither team gave ground.
Somerset appeared to have one hand on the trophy when it broke clear from inside its own half to score a runaway try and open a 24-18 lead with 10 minutes remaining. But Kings responded through its set piece, winning a crucial scrum against the feed before finishing in the corner to reduce the margin to a single point. With just two minutes left, King’s needed a conversion from the touchline to snatch victory. Van Deventer delivered under pressure, drilling the kick from a sharp angle to put his side in front 25-24. Kings then withstood a frantic final passage of play to complete a dramatic premiership triumph.
