Author: hnienaber

Diocesan College and St David’s Marist Inanda will lock horns in the first-ever boys’ final of the Schools SA20 on Saturday at the Tuks Oval in Pretoria.

They also faced each other in the last pool match on Friday on the same field, with Diocesan College, or Bishops, as they are affectionately known, coming out on top by eight wickets.

The Cape Town side secured their place in the final after a seven-wicket victory over Graeme College, of Makhanda, in the semi-finals. Their captain, James Robb-Quinlan (40*), led the charge.

He and opening batsman Adnaan Lagadien (29) continued their excellent form with the bat from earlier in the morning when they lifted their side to win over St David’s.

They shared a 103-run partnership for the second wicket against the Gauteng champions and will, without a doubt, have to play a major role again if they want to return to Cape Town with the trophy.

St David’s won their semi-final against Hoërskool Garsfontein, from Pretoria, by 26 runs. The team from the City of Gold posted 124/8 in their 20 overs, with Hayden Campbell (34) making the biggest contribution.

Garsfontein’s leg-spinning revelation Zizwe Khumalo (2/14) was once again the pick of his side’s bowling attack. Jared Carr (2/17), Echard Struwig (2/21), and Xander Venter (2/30) all also claimed two wickets each.

Garsies were in trouble early on, with Morteza Manack (2/16), Campbell (2/16), and Christopher Emslie (2/18) all capturing important wickets. Only Ruan Boshoff (31) made a meaningful contribution as the local team was dismissed for only 98 runs

The South Africa u19 spin bowler Enathi Kitshini was also on fire in the morning session, snaring five wickets for a miserly eight runs to help the CSA Hub Invitational side to a bonus point three-wicket victory over Pearson High, of Gqeberha.

Summarised Scorecards

St David’s Marist 167/5 (Armaan Manack 74, Jason Rowles 31, Kamogelo Phiri 26; Michael Kruiskamp 2/13); Diocesan College 168/2 (Adnaan Lagadien 89*, James Robb-Quinlan 47, Thaafier Japtha 20*; Morteza Manack 1/23). Diocesan College won by eight wickets.

Pearson 72/10 (Sulaymaan Gangat 19; Enathi Kitshini 5/8, Taywin Adams 2/5); CSA Hub Invitational 76/7 (Olebogeng Scott 19*; Sulaymaan Gangat 2/19). CSA Hub Invitational won by three wickets.

Semi-finals

Graeme College 120/5 (Corbin Tidbury 25, Zuko Pontshi 25, Andrew Muir 25; Luke de Klerk 2/21); Diocesan College 121/3 (James Robb-Quinlan 40*, Adnaan Lagadien 29, Samuel Stavely-Alexander 22, Waco Bassick 20*). Diocesan College won by seven wickets.

St David’s Marist 124/8 (Hayden Campbell 34; Zizwe Khumalo 2/14, Jared Carr 2/17, Echard Struwig 2/21, Xander Venter 2/30); Garsfontein 98/10 (Riaan Boshoff 31; Morteza Manack 2/16, Hayden Campbell 2/16, Christopher Emslie 2/18). St David’s Marist won by 26 runs.

Grey College welcomes Oakdale Landbou from Riversdale to the City of Roses for its first home match this season which will also be the team’s first real test of 2025. The game kicks off at 14:00.

This match is part of the King Price Derby Series.

Catch all the action live on SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com) as well as on DStv Channel 216.

The home side has beaten Hoërskool Trio (38-10) and Welkom Gimnasium (60-17) in their two first outings of the season. This will be Oakdale Landbou’s first encounter of the season.

Grey’s superb outside centre, Ethan Adams’, partnership with Toriq Schambreel in the midfield could cause the visitors problems. Adams has scored four tries in his side’s two matches so far this season.

Flyhalf, Jan-Hendrik van der Linden, will make his first start for the First XI. Schambreel was the general against Trio, while Darius Erwee donned the Nr. 10-jersey against Welkom Gimnasium.

Eighthman, AJ Booysen, will also make his first start of the season, which sees Adem Nieuwoudt move to the side of the scrum. Xander Smit completes the loose trio. Smit is the son of former Springbok flanker, Philip Smit.

The contest of the match to look forward to is without the one between Oakdale’s loosehead prop, Kai Pratt, and Grey’s tighthead, JG Badenhorst. The former was already one of his side’s stalwarts during the 2024 season. He also performed well during the Stadio Craven Week in Krugersdorp.

Badenhorst has shown some potential in his side’s two earlier matches and the battle between these two could be one for the connoisseur.

Oakdale’s eighthman, Jacobus de Villiers, could also be a thorn in Grey’s flesh. He is the younger brother of former Junior Springbok Paul de Villiers.

The visitors’ fullback, Reinhart Viljoen, was one of South Western Districts’ standout performers during last year’s Craven Week. Viljoen easily moved between flyhalf and fullback during the tournament and tested opposition defences with his deceptive running.

The teams: 

Grey College: 15 Lamla Mgedezi, 14 Benjamin van den Berg, 13 Ethan Adams, 12 Toriq Schambreel, 11 Thristan Maree, 10 Jan-Hendrik van der Linden, 9 Sherwin Buys, 8 AJ Booysen, 7 Adem Nieuwoudt, 6 Xander Smit, 5 Claude Steyn, 4 Alexi Tyropolis, 3 JG Badenhorst, 2 Tian Fourie, 1 David Hayidakis.

Oakdale Landbou: 15 Reinhart Viljoen, 14 Wayne Ganniwa, 13 Anrich Scheffer, 12 Christian Vorster, 11 Lee-Winn Pretorius, 10 CT Vosloo, 9 Jandrian Goosen, 8 Jacobus de Villiers, 7 Liam Lightley, 6 Jannes Snyman (captain), 5 Diaan Augustyn, 4 Ruan Swart, 3 Francois le Roux, 2 Adrian Smit, 1 Kai Pratt.

Kick-Off: 14:00

Previous Meetings: 

[ninja_tables id=”67235″]

Steyn City School delivered a message loudly and clearly to the rest of the teams on Thursday, the opening day of the girls’ section of the Schools SA20 National Finals at the University of Pretoria.

The side from Johannesburg’s South African women’s player Karabo Meso showed her class with a solid unbeaten 26 runs as they defeated Victoria Hub by seven wickets.

Earlier this year, Meso helped the national u19 side reach the final of the ICC u19 Women’s World Cup in Malaysia. Her Steyn City teammate Diara Ramlakan was also part of the World Cup team.

Jenna-Lee Lubbe (2/13), who was the pick of the Steyn City bowling attack against Victoria Hub, was one of the non-travelling reserves for the national u19 side.

Victoria Hub’s Imaan van Schalkwyk (14) made a start with the bat before being dismissed in the teens. The side from Cape Town’s Zaurah Titus (2/17) can also feel happy about her performance with the ball in hand.

Saints Christian School, from Potchefstroom, began their campaign with a four-wicket victory over Nkowankowa Hub, from Tzaneen.

The star of the Saints’ victory was their spin bowler and captain Tshegofatso Monyela, who picked up four wickets at a cost of only five runs, which helped restrict Nkowankowa to only 33 runs.

She was supported well by Siphumelele Duma (2/7) and Gogontle Padi (2/11), who also troubled the losing side’s batters with their bowling.

For Nkowankowa, it was only Motlalepule Sebele (6*) and Faith Nkuna (6) who mustered even meagre scores in difficult conditions.

Monyela (10) also top-scored with the bat for Saints, with Reabetswe Dithipe (7) also chipping in. Motlalepule Sebele (2/16) was the pick of the Nkowankowa bowling attack.

Dr. JL Dube won by seven wickets over Nomandi in a low-scoring match. Nomandi was bowled out for only 27 runs with Anelisa Mhlongo (3/8) and Zukiswa Msiya (2/6) causing most of the damage.

Msiya (9) also made the biggest contribution with the bat for Dr. JL Dube.

Summarised Scorecards

Nomandi 27/10 (Qhawe Tenjwa 6*, Enkosi Mditshwa 6; Anelisa Mhlongo 3/8, Zukiswa Msiya 2/6); Dr. JL Dube 29/3 (Zukiswa Msiya 9, Lungile Ngcobo 6*; Enkosi Mditshwa 2/9); Dr. JL Dube won by seven wickets.

Nkowankowa 33/10 (Extras 7, Motlalepule Sebele 6*, Faith Nkuna 6; Tshegofatso Monyela 4/5, Siphumelele Duma 2/7, Gogontle Padi 2/11); Saints Christian School 34/6 (Tshegofatso Monyela 10, Reabetswe Dithipe 7; Motlalepule Sebele 2/16). Saints Christian School won by four wickets.

Victoria Hub 33/3 (Imaan van Schalkwyk 14, Nuhuu Benjamin 9*; Jenna-Lee Lubbe 2/13); Steyn City 34/3 (Karabo Meso 26*; Zaurah Titus 2/17). Steyn City won by seven wickets.

Die verdedigende kampioen van die Wesgrow-reeks, die Hoërskool Diamantveld, skop Saterdag sy aanslag in vanjaar se reeks op sy tuisveld in Kimberley teen Witteberg van Bethlehem af.

Die tuisspan sal gewis vanjaar weer ‘n aanspraakmaker op die titel wees. Hy het verlede teen di Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool van Pretoria (24-45) gewys dat hy vanjaar weer oor genoeg grofgeskut beskik.

Die span se binnesenter, Jonathan Harding, sal met sy sterklopies in die middelveld vir Witteberg se twee senters, JC van Rhyn en Sedwin Gysman, goed besig hou.

Die skrumskakel, Ruben van der Linde, sal ook met valkoë deur die besoekers dopgehou word. Van der Linde se skerp breekslae het al ‘n hele paar geleenthede vir sy span geskep.

Witteberg het vanjaar teen die Hoërskool Rustenburg (25-27) vasgeval en boonop vir Wesvalia van Klerskdorp met 23-7 ore aangesit. So dit sal nie ‘n maklike kragmeting vir die Diamonds wees nie, maar die tuisveldvoordeel behoort die deurslaggewende faktor te wees.

Die Hoërskool Fichardtpark het besluit om die doktor nader te trek voor hulle eerste Wesgrow-kragmeting teen Goudveld-Hoërskool. En nee dis nie ‘n spelfout nie, ons praat hier van die gewilde Springbok-afrigter, Doktor Rassie Erasmus.

Erasmus en die voormalige Springbok-agtsteman en deesdae lid van die Bokke se bestuurspan, Duane Vermeulen, het die Fichie Leeus se truie voor die kragmeting aan hul oorhandig. Die Bok-afrigter se doktorgraad is ‘n eredoktorsgraad aan hom toegeken deur die Noordwes Universiteit.

Die Leeus se breiers het ook heelwat aan hul span verander sedert die hoofwedstryd van Fichardtpark se jaarlikse Standard Bank Sportdag twee weke gelede. Die skrumskakel, JM Rensburg, sal teen Gouties in die laaste vesting diens doen. Allerick Jonker sal teen die besoekers van Welkom die oond skoonmaak.

Fichies het op sy sportdag teen Diamantveld met 7-25 in die stof gebyt. Die Leeus sal vandag as die gunsteling op die veld draf, maar sal gewis nie oorgerus wees nie.

Gouties word vanjaar weer deur die voormalige Vrystaatse veelsydige agterspeler Eben von Gericke afgerig. Die span het in sy eerste wedstryd van die seisoen met 0-56 teen die Cherries sy rieme styfgeloop.

Die span van Welkom het wel in sy geledere ‘n hele paar spelers wat verlede jaar al goeie spel opgedis het. Die buitesenter, Ru-bran de Kock, sal sonder twyfel die Fichies se verdediging op die proef stel .

Die spanne is: 

Diamantveld t. Witteberg in Kimberley om 12:40: 

Diamantveld: 15 Clinton Brits, 14 John-Leighton Fortuin, 13 Jaco Beukes, 12 Jonathan Harding (kaptein), 11 Driaan Jacobs, 10 Ezlin Swartz, 9 Ruben van der Linde, 8 Enrique Boshoff, 7 Jayden de Klerk, 6 Louis Fourie, 5 Zuan Rautenbach, 4 MG van Greuning, 3 Dian Ellis, 2 Jaydrian Jacobs, 1 Bernard Daniels.

Witteberg: 15 Qlin Booyse, 14 Donay Williams, 13 JC van Rhyn, 12 Sedwin Gysman, 11 Kenyon Morat, 10 Tshepo Motloung, 9 Christiaan de Boer, 8 Daniel Mentjies, 7 JP Cronjé, 6 Divan Marais, 5 Jacques Jordaan, 4 Pieter Nel (kaptein), 3 Mila Oersen, 2 Rico van Vuuren, 1 Cobus Labuschagne.

Fichardtpark t. Goudveld-Hoërskool in Bloemfontein om 13:30: 

Fichardtpark: 15 JM Rensburg, 14 Unathi Ntuli, 13 Divan Maartens, 12 Junior Titoti, 11 Za Mathese, 10 Pule Motsilili, 9 Allerick Jonker, 8 Janco Dorfling, 7 Buko Mlali, 6 Josh Nelson, 5 Dian Visagie, 4 Jonathen Duarte, 3 Marko van der Westhuizen, 2 Marno Smit, 1 Justin van Eyssen.

Goudveld-Hoërskool: 15 Kamohelo Moloke, 14 Tshepo Manenye, 13 Ru-bran de Kock, 12 Ethan Swartz, 11 KB Sonopo, 10 Nale Kwena, 9 Motsisi Mototo, 8 Malan Marx, 7 Tiaan Harmse, 6 Thabiso Phafudi, 5 Joshua van Heerden, 4 Anrich van der Merwe, 3 Thomas Bothma, 2 Diaan Jonker, 1 Toka Khooe.

Die gesogte Wesgrow-reeks skop in alle erns af dié naweek.

Die Hoërskool Trio sal nie te oorgerus wees wanneer hy Saterdag op sy tuisveld teen Jim Fouché van Bloemfontein uitdraf nie.

JF het vanjaar goed uit die blokke gekom. Hy het op Fichardtpark se jaarlikse sportdag vir Duineveld van Upington met 39-10 afgestof voordat hy ook in sy eerste Vrystaatse ligawedstryd vir Burgersdorp met 36-14 verslaan het.

Die Groen Masjien het wel in sy eerste kragmeting van die seisoen teen Welkom Gimnasium met 12-24 die knie gebuig.

Die span se afrigters, Corné Erasmus en Schalk Malherbe, sal egter nie ontevrede oor hul span se vertoning in die nederlaag wees nie.

Trio van Kroonstad het sy seisoen met ‘n nederlaag van 10-38 teen Grey-kollege afgeskop. Die span se breiers, Quintin Geldenhuys en Kerr Till, sal self nie te veel slapelose nagte daaroor hê nie. Veral na Grey verlede week vir Welkom Gimnasium met 60-17 ‘n opstopper gegee het.

Trio het ook teen die Hoërskool Rustenburg met 10-17 vasgeval.

Die besoekers sal Saterdag sonder sy losskakel, Breyton de Wee, moet klaarkom. Sy broer, Brenden, wat tot dusver vanjaar sy skakelmaat was, sal teen Trio sy tokse moet volstaan.

Voorlangs kan die agtsteman, Franco Oberholzer, loskopstut Tristan Russell en slot Rico Kellerman die tuisspan hoofbrekens besorg.

Trio se sleutelspeler teen JF sal ook sy losskakel, Jayden Windvogel, wees. Hy sal moet sorg dat sy agterhoede genoeg geleenthede kry om punte aan te teken.

In Bethlehem sal Voortrekker sonder twyfel nog hul wonde lek na hy verlede week teen Durban High School met 8-63 gekarnuffel is.

Die Trekkers sal ook weet dat die Bloktruie van die Hoërskool Sentraal wat vandag teen hulle op die veld sal draf nie dieselfde span is, wat die skool van Bloemfontein die afgelope paar jaar in die veld gestoot het nie.

Hoewel die Tralies nog opsoek is na hul eerste sege van 2025 het die span reeds vanjaar in nederlae teen die Cherries (0-36) en Marlow Landbou (24-36) gewys dat hy vanjaar nie in die sentrale streek gering geskat kan word nie. Die span het reeds baie veggees het in die twee nederlae getoon.

Die Trekkers se losskakel, Adriaan Bonthuys, kan die Tralies behoorlik met sy spel toets. Voorlangs sal die tuisspan se twee losvoorspelers, Attila Ozturk en Wian Muller, beduidende rolle vertolk.

Sentraal se twee vleuels, CJ Hertzog en Aiden Gottsch, het vanjaar reeds gewys dat hulle meer as gewillig is om met die bal te hardloop. Voorlangs behoort die twee losvoorspelers, MJ Cronjé en Jandré Jardim, ook staatmakers vir die besoekers te wees.

Die spanne is: 

Hoërskool Trio t. Jim Fouché in Kroonstad om : 

Hoërskool Trio: 15 D’Marco Basson, 14 Darius Job, 13 Kyle Kruger, 12 Tyron Adams, 11 Jaylin Jones, 10 Jayden Windvogel, 9 WJ van Niekerk, 8 Dian Serfontein, 7 Killian Kriek, 6 Franco de Wet, 5 Danie Fourie, 4 Richardt Joubert, 3 Janru Janse van Rensburg, 2 Myburgh Jacobs, 1 Cade Swanepoel.

Jim Fouché: 15 Bendré Vermaak, 14 Kay-Dinn Langley, 13 Adrian de Necker, 12 Juan Swart, 11 Hanro Marais, 10 Brenden de Wee, 9 Duardt Bester, 8 Franco Oberholzer, 7 Qian Moller, 6 JC van Niekerk, 5 Franco Greyling, 4 Rico Kellerman, 3 Jandré Opperman, 2 HJ Noëth, 1 Tristan Russell.

Voortrekker vs Sentraal in Bethlehem om 14:35: 

Voortrekker: 15 Christiaan van der Sandt, 14 Sizwe Qwabe, 13 Karabo Ralethohlane, 12 Nolen du Plooy, 11 Renier van Niekerk, 10 Adriaan Bonthuys, 9 Henry Janse van Rensburg, 8 Attila Ozturk, 7 Jayden de Jesus, 6 Wian Muller, 5 Berto van Niekerk, 4 Theo van Wyk, 3 Moropa Lephondo, 2 Wessel Hattingh, 1 AJ Myburgh.

Sentraal: 15 SJ Coetzee, 14 CJ Hertzog, 13 Johan du Plessis, 12 Waldo Slabbert, 11 Aiden Gottsch, 10 Hanco Nel, 9 Christopher du Toit, 8 MJ Cronjé, 7 Liam Pretorius, 6 Jandré Jardim, 5 DJ Bredenkamp, 4 Pieter Muller, 3 Hugo Coetzer, 2 AJ le Roux, 1 Willem Kotzé.

 

Hoërskool Garsfontein, of Pretoria, and Graeme College, of Makhanda, became the first teams to book their places in the semi-finals of the boys’ section of the Schools SA20 Final Showdown in Pretoria on Thursday.

The Garsies bagged two bonus point victories, defeating St Andrew’s School, of Bloemfontein, by eight wickets in the morning session before scoring a 19-run win over Northwood in the afternoon.

The afternoon match was reduced to only seven overs per side because of rain, with Garsfontein reaching only 53/7 in their turn at bat. Their opener Reuben van Zyl (23) continued his good form, while Ben Cilliers (3/9) and Kyle White (2/6) caused the Pretoria side problems.

Northwood, who beat Graeme College in the morning, needed to reach the victory target in 5.3 overs to secure a place in the playoffs, but they were bowled out for a mere 34 runs, with Echard Struwig (3/8) and Zizwe Khumalo (2/4) causing them all sorts of problems.

In the morning session, Garsfontein beat Saints by eight wickets, thanks to a half-century by Van Zyl (52) and excellent bowling by Ruan Coetzee (4/17) and their captain, Xander Venter (2/4).

Graeme College also advanced to the playoffs after picking up a bonus point in a win over St Andrew’s in a match reduced to only five overs a side. The Makhanda boys posted 43/3 in their innings, led by Enrique Strydom’s effort (15*).

Saints needed at least 34 runs in their run chase to keep Graeme College from claiming a bonus point and booking their place in the semi-final. However, the Bloemfontein boys mustered only 29/6.

Diocesan College started their Schools SA20 Final Showdown campaign with an emphatic 142-run victory over Pearson, of Gqeberha.

Bishops‘ Julian Pilkington (5/6) was the star of the show, becoming the first bowler to claim a five-for in the tournament, which is being hosted by the University of Pretoria.

In their second outing, the Cape Town school suffered a seven-wicket defeat against Cricket South Africa’s Hub Invitational XI in a contest reduced to five overs per side.

Bishops tallied 44/3 in their five overs, with Adnaan Lagadien (14) making the biggest contribution. The Invitational side overhauled that score on the second last delivery of their innings thanks to a four by Ryall Julies.

Bishops will face the unbeaten St David’s Marist Inanda in their final pool match on Friday.

Summarised Scorecards

Morning Session

St Andrew’s School 81/10 (Extras 21, Erhard Barends 19; Ruan Coetzee 4/17, Xander Venter 2/4); Garsfontein 82/2 (Reuben van Zyl 52; Nikhil Sukraj 1/14). Garsfontein won by eight wickets.

Diocesan College 190/6 (Alexander Vintcent 41*, Waco Bassick 40, James Robb-Quinlan 36, Samuel Stavely-Alexander 21; Kade Myburgh 2/49); Pearson 48/10 (Jude Septoo 12; Julian Pilkington 5/6, Luke de Klerk 3/23). Diocesan College won by 142 runs.

Northwood 120/6 (Tuswa Phetha 30, David de Bruyn 28, Ross McGlashan 21; Lisekho Zinyane 2/18, Ethan Bokbaard 2/27); Graeme College 99/9 (Jordan Adams 22, Corbin Tidbury 21; Ben Cilliers 2/12, Jamie Wimble 2/14). Northwood won by 21 runs.

Afternoon Session

Garsfontein 53/7 (Reuben van Zyl 23; Ben Cilliers 3/9, Kyle White 2/6, Jordan Matthews 2/13); Northwood 34/10 (Ben Cilliers 7; Echard Struwig 3/8, Zizwe Khumalo 2/4, Katlego Lebelo 2/8). Garsfontein won by 19 runs.

Graeme College 43/3 (Enrique Strydom 15*; Nikhil Sukraj 1/2); St Andrew’s School 29/6 (Andrew Sobiech 7; Ajay Jeggels 2/10, Ethan Bokbaard 2/11). Graeme College won by 14 runs.

Pearson 45/5 (Matthew Burton 23; Christopher Emslie 2/11, Morteza Manack 2/13); St David’s Marist Inanda 46/3 (Jason Rowles 25, Kamgelo Phiri 14; Matthew Burton 2/20. St David’s Marist Inanda won by seven wickets.

Diocesan College 44/3 (Adnaan Lagadien 14; Ryall Julies 1/14, Enathi Kitshini 1/14); CSA Hub Invitational 47/3 (Matthew Florence 16*; Julian Pilkington 2/22). CSA Hub Invitational won by seven wickets.

St Andrew’s School, St David’s Marist Inanda, and Hoërskool Garsfontein got their Schools SA20 Final Showdown campaigns off to winning starts in the opening round at the University of Pretoria on Wednesday.

Saints, from Bloemfontein, secured a convincing 37-run victory over Northwood according to the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern method. Their match was cut short due to lightning and rain with 21 deliveries to go on the Tuks Oval.

St Andrew’s won the toss, elected to bat first, and tallied 162/7 from their 20 overs with opening batsman Naudé Botha (45) making the biggest contribution. Johnathan Hickley (28) and Johan Liebenberg (25) also chipped in with useful knocks.

Northwood’s Jordan Matthews (3/20) caused the most problems for the Saints’ batsmen with his left-arm spin bowling.

When the Knights took to the crease, Tuswa Phetha (31) tried his best to keep the team from Durban in the game. However, when they lost Connor Leclezio (13) to an injury, they were in trouble, on 89/6 and running out of overs.

St David’s won their opening encounter against Cricket South Africa’s Hub Invitational side by 13 runs, also on the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern method.

The team from Johannesburg posted 173/3 in their 20 overs, with the Manack brothers, Morteza (55*) and Armaan (45), leading their charge.

St David’s enjoyed two significant partnerships, with Armaan sharing a 65-run stand for the second wicket with South African u19 player Kamogelo Phiri (26), while Morteza and captain Samrat Basu (19*) put on an unbeaten 70 for the fourth wicket.

Morteza faced a mere 29 deliveries, striking five fours and three sixes, in his unbeaten half-century. Another SA u19 player, spinner Enathi Kitshini, was the pick of the Invitational side’s bowling attack, picking up 2/33.

The CSA Hub Invitational XI produced a valiant reply and had reached 119/4 when lightning and later rain interrupted their innings after 16.1 overs. At that stage, Tshepang Laka (48*) and Paul Matlala (33*) had added a steady 77 for the fifth wicket.

Morteza Manack, who picked up three wickets at a cost of only 15 runs, was also the pick of his side’s bowling attack.

Garsfontein secured a comfortable five-wicket victory over Graeme College, overhauling the Eastern Cape side’s total when they reached 144/5 off the first delivery of the 18^th over.

Garsies‘ opening batsmen, Reuben van Zyl (37) and Charl van Staden (29), laid the foundation for their win with a rapid 69-run partnership in the first six overs.

Graeme College’s Corbin Tidbury (52) also shone, weighing in with a solid half-century, while Echard Struwig returned 2/27 from four overs for the Ysbere.

Summarised Scorecards

St Andrew’s School 162/7 (Naudé Botha 45, Johnathan Hickley 28, Extraas 26, Johan Liebenberg 25; Jordan Matthews 3/20); Northwood 93/6 (Tuswa Phetha 31; Heindré Serfontein 1/5, Andrew Sobiech 1/5). St Andrew’s School won by 37 runs (DLS method).

St David’s Marist 173/3 (Morteza Manack 55*, Armaan Manack 45, Extras 23, Kamogelo Phiri 26; Enathi Kitshini 2/33); CSA Hub Invitational 119/4 (Tshepang Laka 48*, Paul Matlala 33*; Morteza Manack 3/15). St David’s Marist won by 13 runs (DLS method).

Graeme College 141/5 (Corbin Tidbury 52, Luphelo Mdyesha 28; Echard Struwig 2/27); Garsfontein 144/5 (Reuben van Zyl 37, Charl van Staden 29; Ajay Jeggels 2/28). Garsfontein won by five wickets.

South African schoolboy rugby is to be showcased like never before, with the 55 biggest schoolboy derbies set to feature in the spotlight of the King Price Derby Series, which starts this week.

Provantage, one of Africa’s largest media and marketing companies, and SuperSport Schools will be partnering for the groundbreaking series, with King Price as the title sponsor.

“To be part of something that can change and shape a young person’s life is a privilege, and we believe every young South African is a hero in waiting,” said Justinus van der Westhuyzen, the CEO of King Price Insurance.

“As a ‘very proudly young’ South African brand we wanted to find a project that combines the energy and optimism of our youth with rugby, and hence the King Price Derby Series was born.

“We’ve always believed in the potential of the little guy and some of the schools we’ll showcase are the proverbial little guys, who, for a day, will be turned into giants.”

All 50 derbies will be broadcast on the SuperSport Schools’ linear channel 216 on DStv, as well as on the SuperSport Schools App. Every Saturday, one of South Africa’s biggest schoolboy derbies will be featured on SABC Plus.

Nothing divides and unites a community quite like interschool clashes, including famous traditional rivalries between Paarl Gimnasium and Paarl Boys’ High, HTS Middelburg and Hoërskool Middelburg, Klein Nederburg and New Orleans, King Edward VII and Jeppe, and Hilton College against Michaelhouse, among many other noteworthy games.

The list of prominent schools participating in the King Price Schools Derby Series also includes Grey College, Bishops, SACS, Rondebosch Boys’ High, Boland Landbou, Maritzburg College, Queen’s College, Oakdale Landbou, Selborne College, Waterkloof, and Garsfontein.

“We are excited to give these top school derbies the legitimate platform that they deserve,” said Xhanti-Lomzi Nesi, Managing Director of Provantage Sports.

“Schools’ rugby has been the foundation for the Springboks’ success for a long time and has been pulling bigger crowds, as well as television audiences, than provincial matches for years now. The King Price Schools Rugby Derby Series looks to build on this success.”

Provantage has proved with their very successful management of the SDC Noordvaal Cup their ability to expand an already popular event, while also providing commercial value to the schools that participate in it and creating further opportunities for other stakeholders.

“We are delighted by the announcement of The King Price Derby Series in 2025, where SuperSport Schools will consolidate all major rugby derby matches on Channel 216 and the SuperSport Schools Channel on SABC Plus,” said Thando Bakumeni, General Manager of SuperSport Schools.

“This new series will bring together a diverse and inclusive series of between 52 and 55 live matches during the 18 weeks of the school derby rugby season, showcasing the vibrant culture and intense rivalry that South African school rugby has to offer.

“Our goal is to celebrate the unique character and passion of these community-centric events while significantly boosting their visibility and engagement nationwide.

“We believe that The King Price Rugby Derby Series will not only captivate our current audience but also attract new fans, further solidifying rugby’s place in the hearts of South Africans,” Bakumeni enthused.

Dedicated school rugby fans will have the opportunity to watch three King Price Schools Rugby Derbies live on DStv channel 216 from 12:30 on at least 14 Saturdays throughout the season. The second round of matches will kick off at 14:00, with the final live match of the day showcased from 15:30.

The Fixtures: 

15 March 2025 

Paarl Gimnasium vs Stellenberg
Grey College vs Oakdale Landbou
Durban High School vs Maritzburg College

21 March 2025 

Maritzburg College vs Northwood
Monument vs Grey College

22 March 2025 

King Edward VII vs Jeppe High School for Boys

12 April 2025 

Paarl Gimnasium vs Affies
Outeniqua vs Grey College
Oakdale Landbou vs Paarl Boys’ High
Paul Roos Gimnasium vs Grey High School

26 April 2025 

Grey College vs Paarl Gimnasium
Queen’s College vs Selborne College
Affies vs Garsfontein
Pretoria Boys’ High vs Maritzburg College

10 May 2025 

Paarl Boys’ High vs Grey College
Dale College vs Queen’s College
Grey High School vs Wynberg Boys’ High
Paul Roos Gimnasium vs Paarl Gimnasium

17 May 2025 

Grey College vs Affies
Selborne College vs Dale College
Boland Landbou vs Paul Roos Gimnasium

24 May 2025 

Paarl Boys’ High vs Paul Roos Gimnasium
Nico Malan vs Marlow Landbou
Wynberg Boys’ High vs Diocesan College

31 May 2025 

Framesby vs Pearson
Maritzburg College vs Kearsney College
Jeppe High School for Boys vs Affies
Pretoria Boys’ High vs Michaelhouse

7 June 2025 

Northwood vs Hilton College
Westville Boys’ High vs Kearsney College
Rondebosch Boys’ High vs Wynberg Boys’ High

14 June 2025 

Kearsney College vs St Stithians College
Kingswood College vs St Andrew’s College
Michaelhouse vs Westville Boys’ High

21 June 2025 

St Stithians College vs St John’s College
Hilton College vs Michaelhouse
SACS vs Wynberg Boys’ High
Rondebosch Boys’ High vs Diocesan College

26 July 2025 

Paarl Gimnasium vs Wynberg Boys’ High
Grey High School vs Framesby
Paarl Boys’ High vs SACS

2 August 2025 

Jeppe High School for Boys’ vs King Edward VII
Paarl Gimnasium vs Paarl Boys’ High
Affies vs Waterkloof
Grey High School vs Grey College

9 August 2025 

Affies vs Pretoria Boys’ High
Hoërskool Upington vs Duineveld
Oakdale Landbou vs Boland Landbou

16 August 2025 

Grey College vs Paul Roos Gimnasium
Selborne College vs Grey High School
Hoërskool Durbanville vs Stellenberg

23 August 2025 

Queen’s College vs Dale College
Charlie Hofmeyr vs Robertson

30 August 2025 

Wynberg Boys’ High vs SACS
Diocesan College vs Rondebosch Boys’ High

The team that thinks Bishops is a one-man show will do so at their own peril during the Schools SA20’s Final Showdown in Pretoria.

The national tournament will conclude this week from 12 to 15 March at the University of Pretoria.

Catch all the action live on SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com).

Schools could be excused for thinking that Diocesan College‘s effort will only rely on the devastating batting skills of their opening batsman, Adnaan Lagadien. There is no question about the fact that Lagadien knows how to wield a willow.

If Lagadien fails to launch one of his devastating knocks. The next player who will walk to the crease will be Bishops’ captain, James Robb-Quinlan. He has the ability to calm the nerves of his teammates as well as coaches while constructing his innings. He also has the ability to multiply the damage Lagadien has done with the willow if need be.

Further down the batting order, Bishops also have Waco Bassick in their back-pocket, who is more than capable with the bat in hand. He will also play a major role for the side from Cape Town with his bowling. Michael Kruiskamp is another stalwart in Bishops’ bowling attack.

All eyes will however be on Lagadien who made his debut for the South African u19-side against England earlier this year. He also recently made his List A debut for the SA Emerging side. Lagadien is an aggressive opening batsman and if he gets going could take any match away from the opposition. He boasts a best score in time-cricket of 218 and also scored a century for the SA u19 Emerging side against Zimbabwe last year.

The biggest question will be how quickly Bishops will be able to adjust to the conditions and pitches in Pretoria. If Lagadien comes to like the batting-friendly conditions, the team from Cape Town could move from dark-horses to title-contenders.

Bishops will play their opening match against Pearson of Gqeberha on the second day of the tournament. They will face the CSA Hub Invitational in their second clash on Thursday, while completing their pool matches against St David’s Marist on Friday.

SQUAD

James Robb-Quinlan, Mogamat Arendse, Waco Bassick, Luke de Klerk, Thaafier Japtha, Michael Kruiskamp, Adnaan Lagadien, Cameron MacBeth, Litha Mbiko, Julian Pilkington, Sam Stevely-Alexander, Kyle Stirk, Alex Vintcent.

For the first time since 2019, a national T20 schools champion will be crowned in Pretoria this week.

The national T20 program received a well-deserved second life as the Schools SA20 which was formed by Cricket South Africa (CSA) in collaboration with SA20. The top schools T20 sides from each region will fight it out from Wednesday at the University of Pretoria for the Final Showdown of the competition.

Catch all the action live on SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com).

Besides the six regional champions – St Andrew’s School, Pearson, St David’s Marist, Hoërskool Garsfontein, Diocesan College (Bishops) and Northwood – there will also be two additional sides in action in the boys’ section. Graeme College from Makhanda received an invitation to the Final Showdown as a Cricket South Africa Focus School.

The other side, who cracked an invitation, is a CSA Hub Invitational side which also can’t be underestimated. This side was handpicked from the various Hubs of CSA throughout South Africa by the national schools’ selection panel.

St Andrew’s from Bloemfontein is the only team in attendance who have a national T20 title in the bag. They won the Coca-Cola Schools T20 back in 2018. They had Protea paceman Gerald Coetzee in their midst and were captained by Garnett Tarr. The latter is representing the Knights these days.

Their coach in 2018, Gregg Hobson, is now the Director of Cricket at Saints with AJ van Wyk coaching the side. They will know what is expected of their side if they want to be one of the teams in action in the final on Saturday.

St David’s Marist of Johannesburg will be one of the early favourites with South African u19 player Jason Rowles, leading the charge. They also have the Manack brothers, Armaan and Morteza, which could also change the course of a match. Another player who has represented the national u19-side Kamogelo Phiri, will also be a stalwart for the side from the City of Gold.

They will open their onslaught against the CSA Hub Invitational on the opening day. They will have to be wary of the invitational side’s Ryall Julies who made the SA Colts’ side at the conclusion of last year’s Khaya Majola Week in Cape Town. Julies is one of the fastest bowlers at school level in South Africa.

Garsfontein of Pretoria will open their account against Graeme College in the opening round. The Garsie Ysbere defeated Affies in their regional final and will also be strong contenders to lift the trophy.

The Fixtures: 

Wednesday, 12 March 2025 

14:00 – Northwood vs St Andrew’s School | Tuks Oval
14:00 – St David’s Marist vs CSA HUB Invitational | Tuks D-field
14:00 – Graeme College vs Garsfontein | Tuks E-field

Thursday, 13 March 2025 

09:30 – Garsfontein vs St Andrew’s School | Tuks E-field
09:30 – Pearson vs Diocesan College | Tuks Oval
09:30 – Northwood vs Graeme College | Tuks D-field

14:00 – Diocesan College vs CSA HUB Invitational | TUKS D-field
14:00 – Garsfontein vs Northwood | Tuks Oval
14:00 – Graeme College vs St Andrew’s School | Tuks E-field
14:00 – Pearson vs St David’s Marist | Tuks B-field

Friday, 14 March 2025 

09:30 – Diocesan College vs St David’s Marist | Tuks Oval
09:30 – CSA HUB Invitational XI vs Pearson | Tuks B-field

14:00 – Semi-Final 1 (A1 vs B2) | Tuks B-field
14:00 – Semi-Final 2 (B1 vs A2) | Tuks D-field

Saturday, 15 March 2025 

13:00 – Schools SA20 Final | Tuks Oval