Author: ralsty

Makhanda was treated to a nail-bitingly close encounter on Saturday as St Andrew’s College claimed a thriller to win their annual derby against Graeme College, in their clash on Lower Field, after a back-and-forth affair.

In the last movement of the game, which celebrated 125 years of 1st XV matches on Lower Field, Graeme College was awarded a penalty at scrum time, with the scoreboard reading 17-15 in favour of St Andrew’s.

Time had almost expired when Marcus Williams opted for a shot at the posts, from a tight angle. Unfortunately for the flyhalf, his kick came up just short of the mark.

It was, however, a missed dropped goal opportunity, five minutes prior to that last penalty kick which was the pivotal moment of the match. It was probably not the right call, because there was more than enough time left on the clock for Graeme to work their way towards the St Andrew’s try line. Instead, the kick was brilliantly charged down and the pressure shifted back onto Graeme.

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

The fixture held special significance because for Nico van der Meulen as it marked his final involvement in the annual derby between the rivals. Van der Meulen, a Graeme old boy, retires in June. He previously coached the Graeme 1st XV before passing on the baton to his son, Jonty.

Van der Meulen senior’s involvement with the fixture began 42 years ago, in 1982. That’s just over a third of the 125 years of rugby history made on Lower Field.

Saturday’s match took a while to catch fire, with both sides scoring a try in the first half, which left them deadlocked at 5-5 at the break. Nic Hall opened the St Andrew’s account, while Graeme’s backline substitute Damon Sias scored in the corner for his side.

In the second half, St Andrew’s turned to the driving maul, which had brought them some success in the opening stanza. However, when they held onto the ball too long in their own 22, instead of putting in a relieving touch-finder, Graeme turned over possession and turned that into points.

Marcus Williams, after receiving a pass from his twin, Ashton, flummoxed the St Andrew’s defenders with a dummy to go over for a brilliant try.

St Andrew’s responded strongly, scoring tries through Murray Wilson and their talented fullback, Karabo van Heerden, who both made Graeme pay for small defensive errors, which gave the hosts the lead for the remainder of the game.

Point Scorers

St Andrews College 17 (5) – Tries: Nic Hall, Murray Wilson, Karabo van Heerden. Conversion: Will Stern. Graeme College 15 (5) – Tries: Ashton Williams and Inathi Planga. Conversion: Marcus Williams. Penalty: Marcus Williams.

Pretoria Boys High School returned to winning ways on Saturday, beating Parktown Boys’ High School 36-5 in a scrappy affair in Johannesburg.

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

The visitors got off to a flyer when flyhalf Seth Venter scored the first points of the day for either side, slicing through the Parktown defence for a five-pointer. He missed out on converting his own try, but managed to convert on three other occasions, to finish with a 75 percent conversion rate for the match.

The try of the day came from Boys High lock and captain Tshepiso Shikhibana, who intercepted a pass well within his own half before galloping down the middle of the field to score, cutting through the Parktown defence like a hot knife through butter.

It has been a tough season for Parktown thus far. However, even in defeat, there were signs of a side coming together. A period of sustained attack in the Boys High 22 in the second half, during which they strung a number of plays together, brought the team in black a consolation try, dotted down by wing Kabelo Jwili.

Just as Parktown began to find their rhythm, two of Boys High’s players, Seth Venter and Motheo Dimpe, were injured and had to be removed from the field, which disrupted the hosts’ momentum. PBHS assistant coach Wian Geldenhuys said both players appeared to be alright, but they will be monitored over the coming days.

Had the pause in play not happened, it would have been interesting to see how Parktown would have progressed. They played far better in the second half, with lock Kingsley Okonkwo and flank Keith Mncube challenging the Boys High defence and leading the way for the home team.

With the match winding down, the visitors added a further 10 points just before the final whistle Prop Jeffrey Singo put in a big effort to force his way over the tryline, and substitute Stephen Adams completed the scoring with a last five-pointer.

The return of Adams from injury was a massive boost for Pretoria Boys High, and they’ll relish having him available to bolster the pack for some of their big forthcoming fixtures.

Despite the match ending in a 31-point win for the Candies, they’ll want to sharpen up on their goal kicking, especially with Venter potentially sidelined. Tebogo Nchabaleng, who has also looked after the kicking duties, is currently out of action, too.

Both coaches will want to attend to some of the ball handling errors around the scrums and lineouts, and greater discipline will be necessary against stronger teams.

Pretoria Boys High next faces Hilton College on 11 May. That’s going to be a tough challenge. After a 26-7 win over Glenwood on Saturday, Hilton has now won six matches in succession.

Point Scorers

Pretoria Boys High School 36 (19) – Tries: Seth Venter, Ntsako Ndhlovu, Tshepiso Shikhibana, Jack Tsanwani, Jeffrey Singo, Stephen Adams. Conversions: Seth Venter (3). Parktown Boys’ High School 5 (0) – Try: Kabelo Jwili.

St Stithians College is in the Eastern Cape for a showdown with Hudson Park High School on Friday afternoon. The game kicks off at 15:30.

With the Grey Festival getting underway next weekend, 4-6 May, both teams will be eager to build some confidence ahead of the Gqeberha event.

For Saints, Friday’s match will present an opportunity to acclimatise to the weather and field conditions on the Eastern Cape coast, while Hudson Park will be able to run the rule over a few players that they might want to give a run next weekend.

Hudson Park went down 12-50 to Graeme College in their most recent game, and they will be desperate to produce a strong response to that 38-point setback. Their efforts will be bolstered by their home field advantage.

Not too much should be read into their loss against Graeme. Hudson Park showed, when they beat a competitive Hoër Landbouskool Marlow 20-7 and ploughed through Cambridge 55-0 the week before, that they have plenty to offer.

St Stithians has had a break since an 11-47 defeat against Jeppe on 6 April, but they’ve also delivered some impressive performances, including thrashing St Benedict’s College 62-3 and beating St Andrew’s College 27-14.

Saints’ fullback Chris Anderson has delivered some fine all-round performances while, in the forward pack, prop Keabetswe Mapukana has also played quality rugby.

Meanwhile, in East London on Saturday, Port Rex Technical High School hosts Queen’s College at 13:30. The visitors beat Dale College 29-15 after trailing 0-12 in the early going last weekend.

Lutho Majavu was the only try scorer for Port Rex last time out, when they suffered a 10-49 defeat against Selborne College.

The Port Rex 1st XV is a young side, mostly made up of u17 players, but they’re always ready for a scrap and are an enthusiastic bunch, according to their coach Waldi van Greunen.

Despite the big loss last weekend, Port Rex showed plenty of fight, which Selborne coach Allan Miles recognised after the game. It would be a surprise if they shocked Queen’s, but Port Rex will hope their home ground lives up to its nickname of the ”Lions’ Den“.

Queen’s College will fancy their chances. They have some quality players in their lineup, and they reacted well against Dale when faced with adversity to come from behind and win the rivalry clash.

They have made a change on the right wing, where Ayathanda Mtyando takes over from Liyakha Sipunzi.

Dale College tackles Cambridge in another Eastern Cape match on Saturday, and they will be laser-focused on a return to winning ways.

Before their defeat at Queen’s last weekend, they showed their potential and their quality in a 32-25 victory over Grey High School, which held the unbeaten Wynberg Boys’ High to a draw in Cape Town on the same day.

Teams

Hudson Park: 15 Likho Gidi, 14 Msuthu Mbane, 13 Jacqyl Wright, 12 Luthando Yase, 11 Lebogang Madikane, 10 D’Angelo Snayers, 9 Landile Gidi, 8 Siyamthanda Klass, 7 Hlumelo Gobile, 6 Sibablwe Mtshini, 5 Luyolo Cweya, 4 Alwaba Yili, 3 Luyolo Nqeno, 2 Siqalo Gwagwa, 1 Linamandla Sonjani.

St Stithians College: 15 Chris Anderson, 14 Cullen Bradford, 13 Nthabeleng Mafole, 12 Gabriel Hore, 11 Sicelo Sakawuli, 10 Josh Meyer, 9 Aphelele Ngcuka, 8 Jono Caveney, 7 Tashinga Chingonzo, 6 Ross Turner, 5 Francois Botes, 4 Ryan Zvinavashe, 3 Jean Antony Eblen, 2 Ethan Jacobs, 1 Branden Lightfoot.

Port Rex Technical High School: 15 Hlulumi Tisane, 14 Qhayiya Silwani, 13 Owa Nqweniso, 12 Mivuyo Kongela, 11 Avela Dyubeni, 10 Indiphile Songqwaba, 9 Thando Maseti, 8 Lutho Majavu, 7 Siyolise Dubula, 6 Ty Fetting, 5 PK Susela, 4 Ethan Schoeman, 3 Arryn Sangerhous, 2 Mlibo Makapula, 1 Elijah Nkantweni.

Queen’s College Boys High School: 15 Mveli Mqulo, 14 Ayathanda Mtyando, 13 Thina Fenako, 12 Sbabalwe Magwebu, 11 Jameel Fleshman, 10 Siya Madzidzela, Ryan Denston, 8 Mbasa Mda, 7 Bulumko Manqina, 6 Jeffrey Niland, 5 Angalakha, 4 Aza Mdingi, 3 Abulele Bolotini, 2 Sinelizwi Deleki 1 Kuhlekonke Stuma.

Fixtures

Friday, 26 April 

Hudson Park vs St Stithians College 

u16A:  14:30 – Hudson Park vs St Stithians College (A Field)
u19A: 15:30 – Hudson Park vs St Stithians College (A Field)

Saturday, 27 April 

Port Rex Technical High School vs Queens College High School for Boys

u19A: 13:30 – Port Rex Technical High School vs Queens College High School for Boys

King Edward VII (KES) will lock horns with Jeppe High School for Boys in the first leg of their much-anticipated season’s double-header on Saturday. Winning the first game potentially sets up the victors for a season’s sweep and the bragging rights that would come with that.

Kick-off takes place at 14:00 on Jeppe’s iconic Collard Field.

Both schools’ 1st XVs ranks among South Africa’s elite in 2024 and their clash promises to deliver an afternoon of exhilarating rugby action, lathered in the history and tradition of the fixture.

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

The rivalry dates back to 1935. Since then, Jeppe and KES have met on 97 occasions. Despite playing so many times, the intensity of that rivalry appears to be escalating.

While the Red Army was dominant during the 1970s, ’80s, and ’90s, Jeppe has mounted a formidable resurgence and clawed their way back into contention, with the schools splitting the wins evenly over their past 10 meetings.

KES has the upper hand in the overall record, with 63 victories to Jeppe’s 28, and six draws. In last year’s fixtures, KES won the first leg 23-20, in a nail-biting clash, while Jeppe bounced back strongly in the second match to secure a composed 43-31 victory.

Both sides feature players who were part of last season’s squads, which should add a bit of ”spice” to Saturday’s encounter. Many of the players would have also shared changerooms while playing together at various age-group levels for the Golden Lions over the years.

KES is in good form, having won all four of their April outings. Most recently, they beat Pretoria Boys High School 24-14 last weekend and the weekend before that they crushed Parktown Boys’ High 80-0.

Jeppe lost at Affies a week ago. The final result read 26-39. Jeppe made a slow start and trailed by 19 at the break, but they showed in the second half what they’re capable of being, winning it 19-13.

Spectators will need to keep a close eye on the front rows as both sets of forwards carry some formidable weight and a hard-fought battle is expected up front.

Jeppe’s Andre Poulton, Bonga Nxumalo and Luca Trevisan have shown up well this season, but they will be up against some stiff competition from Connor White, Esethu Mnebelele and Nathan van der Merwe.

Another interesting contest within the contest will be that between the flyhalves, Vusi Moyo (KES) and Matthew Coetzee (Jeppe), who have both impressed this season. They present two very different styles of play, which should challenge both players tactically.

Jeppe’s defence will need to be airtight against a rampant KES team which has shown an affinity for an aggressive brand of attacking rugby.

Of course, nobody owns a better win this season than Jeppe’s over Grey College at the NMI Toyota North-South Tournament.

Teams

Jeppe High School for Boys: 15 Sanele Simelane, 14 Mjij Ndimphiwe, 13 Kuthadzo Rasivhaga, 12 McMillen Mongwana, 11 Lindelani Nkambule, 10 Matthew Coetzee, 9 Talent Sithole, 8 Risima Khosa, 7 Nathan Claassen, 6 Uwaku Manaka, 5 Luke Cannon, 4 Lagan Leisher, 3 Luca Trevisan, 2 Bonga Nxumalo, 1 Andre Poulton.

King Edward VII: 15 Mbuso Methula, 14 Jarell Mbuyi, 13 Olunje Mehlomakulu, 12 Tristan Maugeri, 11 Haniel Monkoti, 10 Simphiwe Moyo, 9 Regan McGurk, 8 Kebotile Maake, 7 Sam Bruwer, 6 James Kobrowisky, 5 Michael Bownes, 4 Thomas Beiling, 3 Nathan Frank vd Merwe, 2 Esethu Mnebelele, 1 Connor White.

Fixtures

Jeppe High School for Boys vs King Edward VII

u14A: 8:00 Jeppe High School for Boys vs King Edward VII (White Field)
u15A: 09:30 Jeppe High School for Boys vs King Edward VII (Collard Field)
u16A: 11:10 Jeppe High School for Boys vs King Edward VII (Collard Field)
u19B: 12:30 Jeppe High School for Boys vs King Edward VII (Collard Field)
u19A: 14:00 Jeppe High School for Boys vs King Edward VII (Collard Field)

In the heart of the Eastern Cape, in Makhanda, St Andrew’s College will be celebrating 125 years of playing rugby on Lower Field, when they take on one of their longstanding rivals, Graeme College, on Saturday.

In the very first fixture between the schools, played in September 1886, Graeme College (formerly Grahamstown Public School) won. The rivalry has since gone from strength to strength.

Mutual respect has been built up over the years and it will again be to the fore when the teams run out onto the hallowed turf of Lower Field at 15:30.

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

To celebrate the 125-year milestone, St Andrew’s College will be donning a vintage kit as worn by the team between 1887-1904 in a nod to their proud and longstanding history as one of South Africa’s premier schools. The three stripes, which today represent the College 1st XV, were first introduced on 27 April. 1904

Three distinct iterations of the St Andrew’s College 1st XV jersey exist. The original jersey, adorned with thin navy and light blue stripes, was worn until 1887 and resembles the current school jersey worn across all College and Prep teams. On Saturday, supporters will see the boys sporting a fresh look.

St Andrew’s College last played a match on 30 March at the Saints Easter Festival, where they went down 15-34 to Michaelhouse in the battle for the Currey-Clark Cup. They had fallen 14-27 to St Stithians on the opening day of the event.

Graeme College is fresh off a big 38-point win over Hudson Park last weekend and has named an unchanged starting XV for Saturday’s showdown.

Fullback Cameron Doyle has been one of Graeme College’s standout performers this season. He shone at the St John’s Easter Rugby Festival, where he scored a hattrick of tries in a 50-10 defeat of St Benedict’s College.

St Andrew’s fullback Karabo van Heerden has also enjoyed a strong season and performed well at the Saints Sports Festival. The contributions of the two number 15s could be key to the outcome of the Makhanda derby.

Last year when they clashed, with just two minutes remaining on the clock, the score stood at 23-17 in Graeme’s favour. St Andrew’s, however, scored a late try by Daniel Hickey, which was converted, to snatch a nail-biting 24-23 win.

Back in 2022, in a very cold, wet and muddy affair, Graeme College came away with an 11-5 victory in a low scoring but entertaining game.

Both schools have produced renowned players over the years. Graeme’s Hennie le Roux ran out at centre for South Africa in the 1995 Rugby World Cup final and was the founder and president of the first players’ union in 1997.

St Andrew’s College boasts among its past pupils former Springbok and Springbok coach Nick Mallet. Their other Springboks include, among others, Frank Douglass, Fanie Cronje, Jackie Powell, Jack Dold, Daantjie van de Vyver, Russell Bennett and Ryan Kankowski.

The stage is set, the teams are ready, and history will be remembered and made when St Andrew’s College and Graeme College collide on Saturday.

Teams

St Andrew’s College: 15 Karabo Van Heerden, 14 Aza Nonxube, 13 ⁠Nic Hall, 12 Aphindile Ncuka, 11 ⁠Julian Mapoore, 10 ⁠Oli Johns, 9 Will Stern, 8 Murray Wilson, 7 ⁠Guy Fraser, 6 Philipp Maske, 5 Roman Van Zyl, 4 Rob Faber, 3 Thatao Machaba, 2 Joe Wostenholm, 1 Mark Were.

Graeme College: 15 Cameron Doyle, 14 Emihle Sukula, 13 Ashton Williams, 12 Xolisa Mdyesha, 11 Inathi Planga, 10 Marcus Williams, 9 Kevin Bodie 8 Ayamila Bill, 7 Liyema Mbatyotyi, 6 Fumani Baloyi, 5 Ayola Mali, 4 Mikhulu Yolani, 3 Byron Hunter, 2 Lebo Mahasele, 1 Avuyile Helesi.

Fixtures

U14A: 8:30 – St Andrew’s College vs Graeme College
U15A: 9:30 – St Andrew’s College vs Graeme College
U16A: 10:30 – St Andrew’s College vs Graeme College
U19D: 11:45 – St Andrew’s College vs Graeme College
U19C: 13:00 – St Andrew’s College vs Graeme College
U19B 14:15 – St Andrew’s College vs Graeme College
U19A: 15:30 – St Andrew’s College vs Graeme College

Two 1st XVs which have struggled to find their feet in 2024 come face to face on Saturday when Pretoria Boys High School (PBHS) chases a much-needed victory against Parktown Boys’ High.

Kick-off takes place at 13:45 on the Parktown A-Field.

Parktown heads into the clash fresh off a 38-15 win over Springs Boys’ High School last weekend. That came as a welcome confidence-booster after they were the victims of an 80-0 shellacking at the hands of King Edward VII the weekend before.

Parktown’s Siya Masinga will be one of their key players. He has shown promise in the number 8 jersey and has played a pivotal role in directing mauls and helping to drive the pack forward.

Behind the scrum, Parktown will look to scrumhalf Tshepiso Tladi, who got onto the scoresheet against Springs, to direct their backline’s attack.

Candies‘ assistant coach Wian Geldenhuys said Boys High is looking forward to playing against Parktown, from whom he is expecting a robust challenge. “It’s always tough up front, especially at the breakdown against them,” he commented.

Fullback Itu Baloyi is back in the PBHS lineup and makes his first start since suffering a concussion against Selborne at the King Edward VII Easter Festival. Last weekend, he managed to get some game time for the 2nd XV and came on as a substitute for the 1st XV in their loss to KES.

Another player returns to the 1st XV for Boys High, with Stephen Adams running out for the first time since their game against Paarl Boys’ High on 1 April. He’s been sidelined with a knee injury since then.

PBHS won’t be at full strength, however. They’ll be missing their tenacious inside centre Rickus Wessels, who is dealing with a hip flexor niggle. He has been replaced by Londie Nemudzivhadi, who will be keen to make his mark as a starter.

Boys High has played an extremely tough schedule and they’ll be keen to score another win to add their victories over Selborne College and St Alban’s College. They’ve demonstrated good fighting spirit and made matters tough on KES in the second half of a 14-24 defeat last weekend.

The addition of those familiar faces who are returning from injury might be just the boost Pretoria Boys High needs to help them hit their straps.

Teams

Parktown Boys High School: 15 Calestin Felkers, 14 Owami Phambuka, 13 Promise Kanda, 12 Lisasa Mnukiso, 11 Kabelo Jwili, 10 Kgotso Tumahole, 9 Thepiso Tladi, 8 Siya Masinga, 7 Keith Mncube, 6 Mfundo Nkosi, 5 Kingsley Okonkwo, 4 Disema Mofokeng, 3 Azola Peter, 2 Lethoko Mallane, 1 Manuel Motsi.

Pretoria Boys High School:  15 Itu Baloyi, 14 Ntsako Ndlovu, 13 Motheo Dimpe, 12 Londie Nemudzivhadi, 11 Ompfuna Tsanwani, 10 Seth Venter, 9 Cole Williams, 8 Katlego Shebu, 7 Akin Akingbola 6 Panyaiotis Ellinas, 5 Tshepiso Shikhibana, 4 Matthew Parrott, 3 Ofentse Moeng, 2 Thapelo Mphela, 1 Jeffery Singo.

Fixtures

Saturday, 27 April  

u14A: 09:40 – Parktown Boys High School vs Pretoria Boys’ High School (C Field)
u15A: 10:30 – Parktown Boys High School vs Pretoria Boys’ High School (B Field)
u16A:  11:20 – Parktown Boys High School vs Pretoria Boys’ High School (A Field)
u19B: 12:35 – Parktown Boys High School vs Pretoria Boys’ High School (A Field)
u19A: 13:45 – Parktown Boys High School vs Pretoria Boys’ High School (A Field)

Queen’s College Boys’ High School fended off a strong challenge from Dale College in their FNB Classic Clash over the weekend, to win 29-15 in Komani, after coming from behind.

Dale carried the fine form that took them to a win over Grey High School in their previous outing into the early stages of the match, going up 12-0 after 16 minutes, with backline players Phikolomzi Mtyalela and Singatha Rasi crossing for tries.

Rasi’s impressive five-pointer came from an excellent cross-field kick, which bounced favourably into the outside centre’s outstretched hands, after it had landed just before the dead-ball line.

A strong fightback from Queen’s College ensued with the home team coming back into contention after wing Jameel Fleshman gathered a loose ball and charged to through to score their first try, which sent the 166th Reunion crowd into frenzied celebrations and ignited the turnaround.

At the halfway mark, the match hung in the balance, with Queen’s only one point ahead at 13-12.

In the second half, the home side kept padding their score. Hooker Sinelizwi Deleki broke through the Dale defensive line with a powerful run to add a five-pointer and Fleshman went over for his second try in the corner. Queen’s, with good hands, chucked the ball wide, creating a large overlap and an opportunity for the number 11, which he gratefully took, providing a picture-perfect finish.

The traditional rivalry drew large support for both schools, with the cheering lasting until the bitter end. Queens College will be happy with a third win on the trot, following victories over Stirling and Selborne College.

In East London, Selborne’s hooker Boitumelo Selonyane enjoyed himself, scoring a hat-trick of tries at Port Rex Technical High School, which helped the visitors to a comfortable a 49-10 win.

Despite the large margin of victory, Selborne’s coach Allan Miles was impressed with Port Rex’s effort, stating: “Port Rex played with tons of passion. They made us work really hard for the win. In open play, they were good.”

Vice-captain and scrumhalf Page Fennel converted three out of the eight Selborne tries and will be eager to improve on that rate, especially in tighter matches.

Graeme College stormed to a big victory over Hudson Park, winning the match by 38 points, 50-12.

Fullback Cameron Doyle led the way, scoring 20 points through a try, a penalty and six conversions.

Hudson Park dotted down twice, through Alulutho Giqwa and Osphesona Mbekwa.

Point Scorers

Queen’s College Boys’ High School 29 (13) – Tries: Jameel Fleshman (2), Sinelizwi Deleki, Mveli Mqulo. Conversion: Ryan Denston. Penalities: Ryan Denston (2), Mveli Mqulo (2). Dale College 15 (12) – Tries: Phikolomzi Mtyalela, Singatha Rasi. Conversion: Owethu Mpondo. Penalty: Owethu Mpondo.

Port Rex Technical High School 10 (10) – Try: Lutho Majavu. Conversion: Indiphile Songqwaba. Penalty: Indiphile Songqwaba. Selborne College 49 (22) – Tries: Cole Schonknecht, Gcina Puzi, Boitumelo Selonyane (3), Njongo Mbanga, Robert John-Osunkwo, Liam Hansen. Conversions: Page Fennel (3). Penalty: Page Fennel.

Graeme College 50 (26) – Tries: Xolisa Mdyesha, Cameron Doyle, Ashton Williams, Emihle Sukula, Marcus Williams, Inathi Planga, Damon Sias. Conversions: Cameron Doyle (6). Penalties: Cameron Doyle. Hudson Park 13 (3) – Tries: Alulutho Giqwa, Osphesona Mbekwa. Conversion: Landile Gidi.

Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) powered to a convincing 39-26 win over Jeppe High School for Boys in Pretoria on Saturday, setting up their victory with an outstanding first 25 minutes.

Affies were brutal in the early going. Five minutes into the match, flyhalf Ruben Pienaar scooted over under the poles, from an offload from inside centre Janco Purchase, following a maul within the 10- metre line.

Soon after that, wing Rickus Strydom made a barnstorming charge down the right side to score a fantastic try.

Affies’ third try came from a sniping run by scrumhalf Zirk Meyer, who excellently exploited a small gap in the Jeppe defence.

Jeppe was, however, able to take some momentum into the second half after a try late in the opening stanza by Kuthadzo Rasivhaga made the halftime score 26-7 in favour of the Witbulle.

Although Jeppe will be disappointed by the result, they bounced back well in the second half. They hit the ground running and, while they conceded 13 points, they significantly reduced the gap by adding 19 of their own.

Displaying a never-say-die attitude, the visitors were more structured and created a number of try scoring opportunities through some phenomenal ball distribution, which brought tries for flank Wanga Ndou and substitute backline player Owaka Manaka.

Affies’ no.10 Ruben Pienaar delivered a good individual performance, converting four out of his five conversion opportunities, and also adding two penalties to the try he scored to get the scoreboard rolling.

With the win, Affies extended their unbeaten streak against Jeppe to nine on the trot. On Saturday, Jeppe had one of their better chances to cause an upset, but the hosts’ blistering start blew up those hopes of success.

Meanwhile, across the railway line, King Edward VII (KES) continued their winning streak against Pretoria Boys High School, winning by a margin of 10 points, with the final score reading 24-14.

KES pressed hard early on and built up early momentum as they controlled the territorial battle. They hit the front through wing Haniel Monkoti, who scored after a brilliant run down the left-hand flank. Moyo’s conversion attempt clipped the post but didn’t go over.

Hooker Esethu Mnebelele, back from an injury which kept him out of action the previous weekend, powered his way to a second try for KES, who were rewarded for a period of sustained pressure deep inside the Boys High half.

In the second half, Pretoria Boys High worked their way into the game and twice crossed for tries, firstly through flyhalf Seth Venter, and then through prop Ofentse Moeng, with both players scoring in front of the old boys’ section, which gave those supporters plenty of reasons to cheer.

The home side also produced a better defensive display, with KES scoring only once more, again through Monkoti.

The inclusion of Seth Venter at no. 10 was a bold move by Boys High. He had previously packed down at flank, but in his time at flyhalf he has shown off a big boot and good awareness. It will be interesting to see how much he impacts PBHS as he grows into his new role.

While KES played well, they picked up two yellow cards during the match, which the coaching staff would feel could have been avoided.

However, even when they were reduced to 14 players, they defended strongly in the face of a late barrage by Boys High over the last five minutes of the game. The home team couldn’t find a way through.

Pretoria Boys High will have another opportunity to stop the Red Army later in the season, but it will be a big challenge as that match will be played at KES on 12 July.

Point Scorers

Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool 39 (25) – Tries: Ruben Pienaar, Rickus Strydom, Zirk Meyer (2), Albert Smit. Conversions: Ruben Pienaar (4). Penalties: Ruben Pienaar (2). Jeppe High School for Boys 26 (7) – Tries:  Kuthadzo Rasivhaga (2), Wanga Ndou, Owaka Manaka. Conversions: Matthew Coetzeee (3).

Pretoria Boys’ High School 14 (0) – Tries: Ofentse Moeng, Seth Venter. Conversions: Seth Venter (2). King Edward VII 24 (17) – Tries: Haniel Monkoti (2), Esethu Mnebelele, Kebotile Maake. Conversions: Simphiwe Moyo (2).

The Eastern Cape is in for a treat with plenty of exciting matchups across the region this weekend.

The game of the day sees Dale College taking on Queen’s College Boys’ High School in Komani.

At home against Grey High School last weekend, Dale took the honours in a tight contest by seven points, 32-25.

Queen’s College has enjoyed an impressive run over the last three weeks, beating Selborne College 26-21 in East London last time out, while also keeping Stirling and Ben Vorster off the scoreboard in one-sided 50-0 and 38-0 victories.

With a number of the Queen’s players representing Border at the Grant Khomo Week last year and captain Mda Mbasa playing in the Academy Week side, the hosts, who are celebrating the school’s 166th Reunion this weekend, pose a huge threat against Dale.

Their tighthead prop Abulele Bolotini represented Border at the u18 Craven Week last year and will be aiming to build on that achievement as he pushes for a spot in the squad again this year.

SuperSport Schools will broadcast the derby matches live, with the 1st XV game kicking off at 15:00.

Port Rex Technical High School hosts Selborne College, keen to get one over their rivals from East London.

Selborne’s 21-26 loss to Queens’s last weekend was the second time this season they’ve gone down by that score, with Pretoria Boys High beating them 26-21 two weeks earlier.

Graeme College faces Hudson Park and a closely contested encounter is expected.

Graeme features Marcus and Ashton Williams at flyhalf and inside centre respectively. They’re twins, and they played in the 1st XV last year. With an excellent understanding of one another and what’s required at 1st XV level, they’ll give the home side serious impetus in the backline.

Lock Ayola Mali, who played in the Academy Week last year, will be pushing for inclusion in the Craven Week side this year.

Last weekend, Graeme cruised to a 29-12 win over Cambridge, while Hudson Park beat a competitive Hoër Landbouskool Marlow 20-7, which was their fourth win in seven matches this season.

Players to watch from Hudson Park include scrumhalf Landile Gidi and flanker Sibablwe Mtshini, who both represented the Eastern Province u18 Craven Week side in 2023.

Teams

Selborne College: 15 Bunqina Nuku, 14 Daniel Breetzke, 13 Cole Schonknecht, 12 Siya Sakhela, 11 Anjolauluwa Sogbanmu, 10 Chad de Beyer, 9 Page Fennel (vc), 8 Josh Cloete, 7 Gcina Puzi (c), 6 Liam Hansen, 5 Matthew Beän, 4 Thabo Sonamzi, 3 Luke Stegmann, 2 Boitumelo Selonyane, 1 Robert John-Osunkwo.

Port Rex Technical High School: 15 Hlulumi Tisane, 14 Lukho Kettledas, 13 Owa Nqweniso, 12 Mivuyo Kongela, 11 Avela Dyubeni, 10 Indiphile Songqwaba, 9 Thando Maseti, 8 Lutho Majavu, 7 Siyolise Dubula, 6 Ty Fetting, 5 PK Susela, 4 Ethan Schoeman, 3 Arryn Sangerhous, 2 Mlibo Makapula, 1 Elijah Nkantweni.

Graeme College: 15 Cameron Doyle, 14 Emihle Sukula, 13 Ashton Williams, 12 Xolisa Mdyesha, 11 Inathi Planga, 10 Marcus Williams, 9 Kevin Bodie 8 Ayamila Bill, 7 Liyema Mbatyotyi, 6 Fumani Baloyi, 5 Ayola Mali, 4 Mikhulu Yolani, 3 Byron Hunter, 2 Lebo Mahasele, 1 Avuyile Helesi.

Hudson Park: 15 Likho Gidi, 14 Msuthu Mbane, 13 Jacqyl Wright, 12 Luthando Yase, 11 Lebogang Madikane, 10 D’Angelo Snayers, 9 Landile Gidi, 8 Siyamthanda Klass, 7 Hlumelo Gobile, 6 Sibablwe Mtshini, 5 Luyolo Cweya, 4 Alwaba Yili, 3 Luyolo Nqeno, 2 Siqalo Gwagwa, 1 Linamandla Sonjani.

Queen’s College: 15 Mveli Mqulo, 14 Liyakha Sipunzi, 13 Thina Fenako, 12 Sbabalwe Magwebu, 11 Jameel Fleshman, 10 Siya Madzidzela, Ryan Denston, 8 Mbasa Mda, 7 Bulumko Manqina, 6 Jeffrey Niland, 5 Angalakha, 4 Aza Mdingi, 3 Abulele Bolotini, 2 Sinelizwi Deleki 1 Kuhlekonke Stuma.

Dale College: TBC

Fixtures

u19A: 13:30 Port Rex Technical High School vs Selborne College
u19A: 14:30 Graeme College vs Hudson Park
u19A: 15:00 pm Dale College vs Queen’s College Boys’ High School

The King Edward VII (KES) 1st XV is flying, having stormed through Parktown Boys’ High School last weekend, when they won 80-0, and having brushed aside their rivals, St John’s College, the weekend before that.

Pretoria Boys High School (PBHS) will be tougher opposition than Parktown, but they have played a murderers’ row of a schedule and enter Saturday’s showdown against KES off the back of a 15-43 defeat to Maritzburg College in Pietermaritzburg.

The game is at picturesque Brooks Field, however, and PBHS will be hoping to make full use of home field advantage and the solid support of parents and old boys.

Kick-off in Pretoria is at 13:15.

SA Schools’ hooker Esethu Mnebelele returns to action for KES after sitting out last weekend’s fixture with an injured ankle.

He enjoyed his last outing on Brooks Field, where he put his skills up against Boys High captain Shaun Schürmann, who has since matriculated and is now playing within the Bulls’ junior structures.

This year’s Boys High hooker Thapelo Mphela will have his work cut out for him, but what better way to test your ability than to face one of the top hookers in the country? Some would say “Carpe Diem”.

Fortunately for Mphela, he is well supported by props Ofentse Moeng and Jeffrey Singo, and PBHS performed well up front against College on the past weekend, especially when mauling.

Last year, when the teams met, it was KES who came out on top on both occasions after hard-fought games, winning 28-19 and 32-23.

It has been a tough run over the last few seasons for the Candies when facing their rivals from Johannesburg. Based on current form, they face another difficult challenge.

Slowing down a marching Red Army, will take some good match-day tactics and sure tackling. Coach Paul Anthony will draw from his rugby nous to find a way to stop the barrage of strong offensive plays that Marco Engelbrecht has instilled in his side.

Expect a fast-paced match with neither team holding back. If Boys High can restrict ball to the KES backline – and their impressive rolling maul could be one avenue for them to explore – it could end up closer than the pundits are calling it.

KES, though, are full of confidence and rightfully the hot favourites heading into the game.

Teams

Pretoria Boys’ High:  15 Luyanda Khumalo, 14 Ntsako Ndlovu, 13 Motheo Dimpe, 12 Rickus Wessels, 11 Ompfuna Tsanwani, 10 Seth Venter, 9 Cole Williams, 8 Katlego Shebu, 7 Akin Akingbola 6 Panyaiotis Ellinas, 5 Tshepiso Shikhibana, 4 Matthew Parrott, 3 Ofentse Moeng, 2 Thapelo Mphela, 1 Jeffery Singo.

King Edward VII: 15 M Methula, 14 Jarell Mbuyi, 13 Olunje Mehlomakulu, 12 Tristan Maugeri, 11 Haniel Monkoti, 10 Simphiwe Moyo, 9 Regan McGurk, 8 Kebotile Maake, 7 Sam Bruwer, 6 James Kobrowisky, 5 Chinedu Amadi, 4 Michael Bownes, 3 Nathan Frank VD Merwe, 2 Esethu Mnebelele, 1 Connor White.

Fixtures

Pretoria Boys’ High School vs King Edward VII

u14A: 8:55 – Pretoria Boys’ High School vs King Edward VII (Dorey Near)
u15A: 10:00 – Pretoria Boys’ High School vs King Edward VII (Oehley Far)
u16A:  11:00 – Pretoria Boys’ High School vs King Edward VII (Oehley Near)
u19B: 12:00 – Pretoria Boys’ High School vs King Edward VII (Brooks Field)
u19A: 13:15 – Pretoria Boys’ High School vs King Edward VII (Brooks Field)