Author: nemslie

Grey High produced a commanding performance up front to comfortably quell the challenge of St Andrew’s College, winning their clash 42-22 on Lower Field in Makhanda on Saturday.

The visitors laid down a marker early on, with flank Sibonelo Stuurman crossing for his first try after only a couple of minutes.

From there, they never relinquished their grip on the proceedings, despite the best efforts of St Andrew’s, well led by their skipper, Sivatho Mjali.

Not even two yellow cards at one stage derailed Grey’s march to victory, although St Andrew’s scored one of their four tries in that period to make sure the game was interestingly poised at 14-7 to Grey at halftime.

Hardworking prop Mark Ewing was the scorer of that try and, later in the second half, he repeated that determined effort, barging over for a second time.

That took the score to 21-12 – hooker Micah Wessels had crossed for Grey – but every time the home team put points on the board, Grey answered with a scoring riposte of their own.

This time it was big lock Jean Nel who crashed over as Grey showed patience with their constant driving from mauls close to the St Andrew’s try line. It was supremely relentless, and St Andrew’s found it difficult to counter.

The Andreans were always in the hunt, though, and tries by Avu Bangazi and Josh van Zyl kept their supporters interested. Grey High, though, was able to hit back regularly, and pressure from the maul saw Stuurman and Blake Parker add further tries to take the visitors out to a comfortable margin of victory.

Back at flyhalf after overcoming an injury, Nathan Trytsman assisted the Grey cause by slotting six conversions, while St Andrew’s star Will Stevens lacked his usual accuracy, kicking only one of four conversions and also missing a penalty.

In two remarkable finishes, Marlow Agricultural scored a try on the hooter to draw 25-25 with Nico Malan in Cradock, and Daniel Pienaar slotted a conversion kick with less than a minute remaining to share the honours with Despatch, 18-18.

Marlow dominated the early stages of their match against Nico Malan, running in tries by Marcus September and Logan van Vuuren within the first nine minutes to shoot out to a 14-0 lead.

After that, the match was in the balance as Nico Malan fought back. In fact, it was Marlow who needed to come from behind to claim a share of the spoils.

In response to conceding those early tries, Nico Malan hit back with a potent burst through the Marlow defence by flank Callie de Lange and a penalty from Leighton Lawrence, who left the Humansdorp school trailing 8-14 at the break.

In the second half, there was never much in it, but the visitors looked to have seized the initiative when lock Ruben van Dijk and wing Reagan Stone bounded over for late tries in the 64th and 67th minutes, turning a 15-20 deficit into a handy 25-20 lead.

Marlow, though, refused to throw in the towel. From a penalty close to the Nico Malan line, they set up a driving maul and eventually Sinqobile Siyengo powered his way over for the score-equalling try.

Then it was left to the conversion to win it for Marlow, but to the home team’s anguish, the effort slid wide of the posts, and the contest ended in a stalemate.

The Daniel Pienaar Tigers were forced to come from behind against Despatch to force a draw.

Down 11-18, with time running out, they closed the gap to two points with their second try of the match. Corbelle Claasen then stepped up to the tee and slotted the conversion, making it 18-18, with the final whistle sounding shortly afterwards.

In other games, Kingswood had too much firepower for Port Rex, charging to a 66-7 win, while Brandwag set up a 31-10 victory over Westering by dominating the first half to lead 26-0 at the break.

Westering redeemed themselves in the second period with two tries, but the gap was too large to close.

Scorers

Grey High 42 (14) – Tries: Sibonelo Stuurman (2), Zola Yeye, Micah Wessels, Jean Nel, Blake Parker. Conversions: Nathan Trytsman (6). St Andrew’s College 22 (7) – Tries: Mark Ewing (2), Avu Bangazi, Josh van Zyl. Conversion: Will Stevens

Marlow Agricultural 25 (14) – Tries: Logan van Vuuren, Marcus September, Sinqobile Siyengo. Penalties: Cole Hurter (2). Conversion: Hurter. Nico Malan 25 (8) – Tries: Callie de Lange, Luciano Botha, Ruben van Dijk, Reagan Stone. Penalty: Leighton Lawrence. Conversion: Lawrence.

Daniel Pienaar 18 – Tries: Cariston Mapoe, Zinzile Mtotywa. Penalties: Corbelle Claasen (2). Conversion: Claasen. Despatch: not available

Brandwag 31 (26) – Tries: Franku Fouche, Hannes Klopper, Darren Gardener, Rezanio Petrus, Waymen Sinden. Conversions: Petrus (3). Westering 10 (0) – not available.

Queen’s College overcame some moments of anxiety with 19 minutes remaining before going on to score a solid 40-22 victory in a well-contested encounter against Hudson Park High at the Rec Ground in Komani on Saturday.

The home team led 20-14 at the break, but then had to watch as Hudson took control of the early part of the second half.

By the 51st minute, the visitors led 22-20, after adding eight points without reply.

The Queenians, however, regrouped admirably. A few minutes later, they scored from a rolling maul before hooker Nande Tiwani produced one of the highlights of the match when he found himself in space and sprinted some 30 metres for another try.

That lifted the home side into a 34-22 lead, providing them with some much-needed daylight. Queen’s flyhalf Bongo Nyakaza then made sure of victory by kicking two more penalties.

Nyakaza made a telling contribution with his boot, slotting four conversions and four penalties for a personal tally of 20 points.

Other tries for Queen’s came from Zino Lali, Ncutu Kepe and Zimi Deleki.

Following an early try by scrumhalf Zizibele Mtongwana, Hudson crossed again in the 11^th minute, with their big centre Athan Gravett making a superb break to put Mtongwana in again under the posts.

In the second half, wing Cwenga Bityo beat the cover defence for another good try, while he also added 10 points with the boot.

At Ooskus Gymnasium, Stirling High came from behind, scoring a late try to edge out the home side 19-18, while, in other matches, Selborne and Dale scored big wins.

For Stirling, Iyazi Mbhele crossed for a hat-trick of tries. Crucially, two of those were converted.

Selborne played a midweek fixture against Port Rex and had too much class for their opponents. Loose forward Travis Enslin enjoyed a field day, running in four tries in a 60-10 victory. Selborne led 34-0 at the break

Similarly, Dale set up their 59-7 win over Cambridge High at the Graveyard in Qonce by jumping out to a 33-0 lead at halftime.

Scorers

Queen’s College 40 (20) – Tries: Zina Lali, Ncutu Kepe, Zimi Deleke, Nande Tiwani. Penalties: Bongo Nyakaza (4). Conversions: Nyakaza (4). Hudson Park High 22 (14) – Tries: Zizibele Mtongwana (2), Cwenga Bityo. Penalty: Bityo. Conversions: Bityo (2).

With a mixed bag of results recently, Hudson Park faces a true test of their credentials when they travel to the cauldron of the Rec ground in Komani to tackle a tough Queen’s College outfit on Saturday (15.00).

The East London side has shown flashes of real quality this season, but consistency has proved elusive as they continue to search for the complete performance against the heavyweight schools in the Eastern Cape.

Hudson will know they are walking into one of the most demanding environments in schools’ rugby, with the passionate Queen’s supporters traditionally turning the Victoria Recreation Ground into a fierce arena on match days.

The Komani side has built a reputation for their physicality and resilience, and, despite some setbacks this year, remains a formidable force on home soil. They pushed rivals Dale all the way in a thrilling 31-29 defeat during their reunion weekend and have regularly shown an ability to rise to the occasion in the big clashes.

Hudson’s challenge will be to match Queen’s intensity up front while also taking advantage of the attacking flair they have demonstrated in patches this season. Their forwards will need to lay a solid platform if their dangerous backs are to create scoring opportunities.

The recent history between the teams points to another bruising contest. Queen’s have had the upper hand in recent meetings, winning 18-13 in 2023 and 26-15 in 2022, while Hudson will be desperate to reverse that trend.

In Qonce, another traditional Border derby is set to unfold when Dale College hosts Cambridge High School.

Dale has quietly put together a competitive campaign and will fancy their chances on home ground after some determined recent performances. Their forward pack has again provided the backbone of their game, while their defensive discipline has been a major strength.

Cambridge, however, are seldom easy opponents and will look to play with width and tempo in an effort to unsettle the home side. Dale’s ability to control territory and possession could prove decisive in what promises to be a physical Border showdown.

Meanwhile, Ooskus Gymnasium and Stirling High School should serve up one of the most intriguing clashes of the weekend in East London.

Ooskus have shown plenty of fighting spirit this season and are traditionally difficult opponents when they build momentum through their forwards. Stirling, though, has produced some spirited displays themselves, including a gritty 19-19 draw with Selborne earlier this year.

That result underlined Stirling’s growing confidence and suggests they will head into Saturday believing they can secure another significant scalp.

With several evenly matched contests on the schedule, Eastern Cape rugby supporters can expect another compelling weekend of schoolboy action.

The teams: 

Queen’s College vs Hudson Park from 15:00 at the Recreation Ground in Komani: 

Queen’s College: 15 Mtholozisi Mbambo, 14 Sinqobile Xhentsa, 16 Zinzolwethu Lali, 12 Azive Mzamo, 11 Ncutu Kepe, 10 Bongo Nyakaza, 9 Akhona Mzamo, 8 Zimi Deleki, 7 Sivuyise Mnyimba, 6 Ayabulela Mbulawa, 5 Ethan Oosthuizen, 4 Lihlume Njokweni, 3 Ahlume Gqetywa (captain), 2 Nande Thiwani, 1 Zeacke Mata

Hudson Park: 15 Zearan Booysen, 14 Cwenga Bityo, 13 Masibulele Kwakwini, 12 Athan Gravett, 11 Bubu Mzamo, 10 Likho Gidi, 9 Zizibele Mtongwana, 8 Yimani Matiwane, 7 Phindokuhle Mdlalana, 6 Sisonke Majola, 5 Hlumelo Gobile (captain), 4 Tadana Gope, 3 Manyano Mpendu, 2 Mesuli Ntama, 1 Lithemba Mpini.

Dale College vs Cambridge from 14:45 at the Graveyard in Qonce: 

Dale College: 15 Zingce Poni, 14 Hlakanipha Magenuka, 13 Achumile George, 12 Sophakama Zamile, 11 Yamkela Molose, 10 Sonwabisi Dyani, 9 Lukho Mzingaye, 8 Kungawo Jaca, 7 Sokholo Xaba, 6  Liyabona Mayikana, 5 Xhamla Nyobo, 24 Lihleli Makibi, 3 Sanele Bistoli, 2 Okuhle Fihle (captain), 1 Azole Sodlaka

Cambridge: No team sheet received from Cambridge.

Ooskus Gymnasium vs Stirling from 12:20 in East London: 

Ooskus Gymnasium: 15 Xavier Smith, 14 Stefan de Jager, 13 Juju Tantsi, 12 Kwagga Liebenberg, 11 Kellan Muller, 10 Ethan Jansen, 9 Sebastian le Roux, 8 Andrew Deacon, 7 Christiaan Dercksen, 6 Cole van der Merwe, 5 Tenda Saunyama, 4 Zack Stassen, 3 Leon Muller, 2 Tiaan Frazer, 1 Gustaf Brink.

Stirling: 15 Salusiwe Madalane, 14 Lahluma Daniel, 13 Avela Soyizwapi, 12 Lomelelo Fotoyi, 11 Camagu Mtshotane, 10 Khazimla Mbunge, 9 Owethu Khalishwayo, 8 Joshua Pickering (captain), 7 Uyanda Qweleka, 6 Sive Plaatjie, 5 Lungaka Cakata, 4 Lilitha Mayiji, 3 Sinalo Tena, 2 Iyazi Mbhele, 1 Sihle Ndzonda.

Despite contrasting form lines this season, the fierce rivalry that has defined recent clashes between St Andrew’s College and Grey High should ensure another blockbuster first-team rugby showdown in Makhanda on Saturday (15:00).

The last two encounters between the traditional Eastern Cape rivals have been decided by a single point, underlining just how little separates the teams when they meet on the field. Grey edged home 29-28 in 2024 before St Andrew’s turned the tables with a dramatic 28-27 victory last year.

Those results have added another chapter to one of the province’s great schoolboy rugby rivalries, and there is little doubt that the battle for bragging rights will again be fiercely contested this weekend.

On current form, Grey will start as the favourite. Their only defeats this season have come against powerhouse opposition in Affies, Paul Roos Gymnasium and Wynberg Boys’ High, while they have also produced several commanding victories.

Captain and centre, Ciaran Killian, has been a key figure in midfield, combining leadership with an ability to create momentum on attack, while Grey’s forwards have shown plenty of cohesion and physicality. Hooker Micah Wessels has been a major beneficiary of their strong mauling game, crossing for a number of important tries this season.

St Andrew’s, meanwhile, endured a difficult opening to their campaign with six consecutive defeats before getting back on track against Marlow Agricultural. They built further confidence with an emphatic win over Cambridge last weekend, but will need to raise their intensity again against their arch-rivals from Gqeberha.

Fullback Will Stevens will play an influential role at the back, while the work rate of forwards James Badenhorst, Josh van Zyl and Sivatho Mjali will be crucial if the hosts are to match Grey physically up front.

Given the history between the schools, however, form is unlikely to count for much once the whistle blows, with another close and compelling contest expected.

Another exciting battle will take place in Cradock when Marlow Agricultural host Humansdorp outfit Nico Malan (14:30).

A year ago, Nico Malan scored a notable 26-7 win, but that sort of scoreline is something of a rarity between the two sides, and this weekend’s showdown can be expected to go down to the wire.

For various reasons, neither team have seen much action lately, and a lot will depend on who manages to slip into a rhythm early on.

Kingswood, after a recent slip-up against Hudson Park when they lost 25-24, will be looking for better things against Port Rex in Makhanda (13:30), while Brandwag should start as favourites against Westering at Westering (13:30).

The teams:

St Andrew’s College vs Grey High School from 15:00 in Makhanda: 

St Andrew’s College: 15 Will Stevens, 14 Max de Wet, 13 Avu Bangazi, 12 Alexander Stewart, 11, Qhawe Madikizela, 10 Luke Chorley, 9 Ethan Hayes, 8 James Badenhorst, 7 Warrick Campbell, 6 Kyle Schwechheimer, 5 Josh van Zyl, 4 Harry Horwood, 3 Sivatho Mjali, 2 Ross Faber, 1 Mark Ewing

Grey High School: 15 Keanu Linch, 14 Noah Mbizi, 13 Ciaran Killian (captain), 12 Anfred Jansen, 11 Sikhu Xego, 10 Nathan Trytsman, 9 Santino Goniwe, 8 Zola Yeye, 7 Cole Bennett, 6 Sibonelo Stuurman, 5 Joandre van Jaarsveld, 4 Jean Nel, 3 Juan Potgieter, 2 Micah Wessels, 1 Daniel Naudé.

Kingswood College vs Port Rex THS from 13:30 in Makhanda: 

Kingswood College: 15 Kungawo Badli, 14 James Mackenzie, 13 Sinawo Bukula, 12 Sam Dunne, 11 Chad Roodt, 10 Christopher Zimmerman, 9 Ryan O’Sullivan, 8 Luniko Marivate, 7 Josh Mackenzie, 6 Sizo Klaas, 5 Ross Thompson (captain), 4 Sandi Peter, 3 Junior Ndlazi, 2 Charl du Toit, 1 Sithenkosi Qabaka

Port Rex THS: No team sheet received from Port Rex THS.

Marlow Landbou vs Nico Malan from 14:30 at Willie Meyer Park in Cradock: 

Marlow Landbou: 15 Herlu Schoeman, 14 Charles Marais, 13 Matthew Lieberum, 12 Johannes Schoombee, 11 Jurgens van Staden, 10 Cole Hurter, 9 Logan van Vuuren, 8 GD Jordaan, 7 AC du Toit, 6 CJ Botha, 5 JG de Lange, 4 Sinqobile Siyengo, 3 AJ Raubenheimer, 2 Herman le Roux, 1 Marcus September.

Nico Malan: 15 Leighton Lawrence, 14 Reagan Stone, 13 Jehu Geswindt, 12 Kian van Schalkwyk, 11 Kobus Strydom, 10 Cristiano Goeda, 9 Lleyton Mienie, 8 Sima Ozah, 7 Merwe van der Merwe, 6 Callie de Lange, 5 Luciano Botha, 4 Ruben van Dijk, 3 Ruan Nel, 2 Janu Janse van Rensburg, 1 Reghardt Conradie.

Westering vs Die Brandwag (Kariega) from 13:30 in Gqeberha: 

Brandwag: 15 Rezanio Petrus, 14 Dewandre Witbooi, 13 Clevelon Deysel, 12 Brindley Brandt, 11 Darren Gardener, 10 Egan George, 9 Zanick Carolus, 8 Hannes Klopper, 7 Divan Kotze, 6 Erik Rudman, 5 Luan Greeff, 4 Justin Swanepoel, 3 Casper Steenkamp, 2 Errol Te Brugge, 1 Francu Fouché.

Westering: No team sheet received from Westering.

Graeme College continued their imperious march on the winning trail, comfortably disposing of Hudson Park High 54-19 in their clash on the Somerset Field in Makhanda on Saturday.

The visitors caused a ripple among the home supporters when they were the first to cross the line with a fine try in the third minute by wing Cwenga Bityo, which he converted to lead 7-0.

But it wasn’t long before Graeme got their mojo going by way of a penalty try. Although much of the first half was evenly contested, the home side eventually broke it open with about 10 minutes of the period remaining.

Typically, it was centre and captain Erin Nelson who first tore through the Hudson defence before offloading to fullback Lucritia Magau to cross for the first of his two tries.

That was the catalyst for a burst of scoring, with the Graeme backs showing their willingness to attack, even from deep in their own half. That stretched the Hudson defence to its limits, and resulted in tries by Iviwe Mshubeki, Magau and Ibenathi Kondile as the home side surged into a halftime lead of 35-7.

Hudson hit back after the break with their second try, by substitute Ava Nguza, but they could make little inroads into the big margin Graeme had created.

The home side continued to push hard, and further tries by Selunathi Mfundisi, Nelson and big prop Olo Jaca sealed the deal before one final score from Hudson.

There was a similar scoreline between Pearson High and Muir College in their clash in Gqeberha, although the visitors were still very much in the game at the break, trailing only 10-17.

They scored one more try in the second half, but Pearson cut loose, with Kadin Kretzmann, Keano Beling, and Nathan Heyns each scoring a brace of tries to propel them to a 55-17 victory.

St Andrew’s College was also dominant in the second half of their showdown with Cambridge High in KuGompo City.

The visitors led 26-12 at the break but piled on the pressure in the second half to romp to a 73-19 triumph, building further confidence after their first win of the season against Marlow the previous weekend.

Scorers

Graeme College 35 (54) – Tries: Lucritia Magau (2), Erin Nelson, Ibenathi Kondile, Selunathi Mfundisi, Olo Jaca, Iviwe Mshubeki, penalty try. Conversions: Nelson (6). Hudson Park High 19 (7) – not available.

Pearson High 55 (17) – Tries: Kadin Kretzmann (2), Keano Beling (2), Sebastian Playdon, Nathan Heyns (2), Tyler Breda, Dewald Niemand. Conversions: Beling (5). Muir College 17 (10) – not available.

St Andrew’s College 73 (26) – Tries: Sivatho Mjali (2), David Chorley, Will Stevens, Avu Bangazi, Alex Stewart, Stuart Stern, Qhawe Madikizela (2), James Badenhorst, Ross Faber. Conversions: Stevens (7), Chorley (2). Cambridge High 19 (12) – not available.

Dale College made it a reunion weekend to remember as they built a solid lead and then held off a gutsy fightback from their East London rivals, Selborne College, to win 31-27 in another thriller in Qonce on Saturday.

The result, on the occasion of Dale’s 165^th anniversary, was a mirror image of an earlier victory this season in another of their big derby days when they edged out Queen’s College 31-29 in Komani last month.

It gives a promising season the glimmer of an outstanding year for Dale – they have also beaten Hudson Park High – although they know that their Border rivals will be lurking with serious intent in their return matches.

On Saturday, Dale nearly let it slip as Selborne refused to give up the fight.

Ahead 17-10 at the break, the home side put real daylight between themselves and their opponents when tries by loose forwards Ulikhaya Stuurman and Liybona Mayikana, his second of the match, propelled them into a commanding 31-10 lead, with Sonwabise Dyani adding the conversions.

But Selborne, who scored their first try of the match through hooker Joshua McKay, is not a side that is easily put away.

With 20 minutes left, they mounted their comeback with a try by Mozesh van der Byl, and then flank Daniel Rushmere pounded his way through the defence for a converted try to send jitters through the ranks of the Dale supporters at 31-22.

Selborne struck again with another powerful forward maul, resulting in Mbono Gqoboko dotting down, and suddenly the game was very much alive at 31-27.

However, with just three minutes left, Dale stood firm to keep their line intact for another significant victory.

In Makhanda, St Andrew’s College‘s players and supporters breathed a massive sigh of relief when they broke their duck this season with a solid 33-27 result over Cradock’s Marlow Agricultural.

No. 8 James Badenhorst was the standout player for the home team, crossing for two tries. He was a constant threat to the Marlow defence with his surging runs.

Big lock Josh van Zyl was also a factor when St Andrew’s built up momentum, and after one of his drives upfield, flyhalf Luke Chorley went over for a crucial score.

At that stage, the match was balanced on a knife’s edge, with St Andrew’s hanging onto a narrow 21-20 lead with 15 minutes left.

Chorley’s try gave them some breathing space, and then Van Zyl, himself, charged over for another score that increased their lead to a more comfortable 33-20 margin with just more than 10 minutes left.

Although the persistent Marlow team continued to press and scored one more try by JG de Lange, St Andrew’s had done enough to plant the seeds of a possible revival to their season.

Across town, on the Marais Field at Graeme College, the home side underlined the outstanding quality of their attacking play as they brushed aside the Cambridge High challenge, leading 66-0 at halftime before finishing with a 90-21 victory.

Typically, fullback Lucritia Magau was in the thick of things with a hat-trick of tries, and towering wing Asakhe Ranuga and hooker Athi Manyati both went over twice.

Accolades, though, must go to Cambridge, who showed enormous resolve in the second half to score three tries to nearly match their opponents in that period.

In East London, Port Rex registered a solid 31-19 win over Ooskus Gymnasium.

The following matches were cancelled due to the heavy rain: Hudson Park v Kingswood, Grey High v Queen’s, Nico Malan v Pearson, Muir v Union High.

Scorers

Dale College 31 (17) – Tries: Kungawo Jaca, Caleb Smith, Liyabona Mayikana (2), Ulikhaya Stuurman. Conversions: Sonwabise Dyani (3). Selborne College 27 (10) – Tries: Josh McKay, Zweletu Njoholo, Daniel Rushmere, Mozesh van der Byl, Mbono Gqoboko. Conversion: Connor Fowles

Graeme College 90 (66) – Tries: Andrew Muir, Erin Nelson, Lucritia Magau (3), Athi Manyati (2), Asakhe Ranuga (2), Iviwe Mshubeki, Torres Fourie, Ibenathi Kondile, Akho Tonjeni, Ethan de Wet. Conversions: Nelson (8), Kondile (2). Cambridge High 21 (0) – not available

St Andrew’s College 33 (14) – Tries: Ross Faber, James Badenhorst (2), Luke Chorley, Josh van Zyl. Conversions: Will Stevens (4). Marlow Agricultural 27 (10) – Tries: Matthew Lieberum, Herman le Roux, JG de Lange. Penalty: Hurter, Jan-Louw du Plessis. Conversions: Cole Hurter, Du Plessis (2).

The brilliant predatory instincts of centre and captain Erin Nelson sparked Graeme College to a memorable win over St Andrew’s College in their clash on the St Andrew’s Lower Field in Makhanda on Saturday.

Dominating the first half to lead 22-3 at the break, the Graemians held off a fighting comeback from their old rivals to cross for two more tries in the second half and secure a well-deserved victory in their rivalry of almost a century-and-a-half, which has been dominated by St Andrew’s.

Nelson has grown into one of the most exciting players in SA schools rugby and, although he didn’t cross the whitewash himself, he produced another influential display in midfield.

Within 14 minutes, Graeme had built a 12-0 lead, with Nelson slicing through the defence twice to set up tries for fullback Lucritia Magau and scrumhalf Luke Doyle.

Flyhalf Ibenathi Kondile added a third try when the Graeme forwards drove powerfully for the line, picking up the ball to force his way over.

St Andrew’s only got onto the board just before halftime through a penalty by Will Stevens, but they came out after the break with a renewed mindset and a determination to take the fight to their opponents.

First, prop Sivathi Mjalo powered over for a try and then, from the kick-off, lock Josh van Zyl crashed through some would-be Graeme defenders on a memorable 60-metre run downfield. When he was eventually hauled in, St Andrew’s was able to recycle the ball for Stevens to dash over.

At 22-15, the game was back in the balance, but then came a crucial period during which Graeme was reduced to 14 men after Doyle was yellow-carded for a dangerous tackle.

But instead of St Andrew’s taking control, Graeme played with great common sense, holding onto possession and forcing their opponents to make all the play.

From one such move, pacy wing Asakhe Ranuga picked up a loose ball near the halfway line, and there was nobody in front of him as he raced for the line.

Then Graeme went on the attack again and, eventually, flank Akho Tonjeni forced his way over after brave defence from St Andrew’s to extend the visitors’ lead to a commanding 34-15.

Although St Andrew’s delivered one more riposte through wing Qawe Madikizela, there were only five minutes left after that, and Graeme was able to manage play until the end to send their supporters slightly delirious.

Other matches

In another result which bucked the trend in the Eastern Cape, Daniel Pienaar held on in a thrilling finish to their Tinara Cup game against Brandwag, winning 23-22.

The match was tightly contested throughout, with the Tigers kicking three penalties and being awarded a penalty try, which left them trailing 16-17 at halftime.

They then took a crucial lead with a converted try early in the second half (23-17), during which both sides battled for supremacy.

Eventually, it was Brandwag who broke the deadlock when the Tigers lost possession, and scrumhalf Zanick Carolus ran 50 metres before unloading to fullback Rezanio Petrus for a try to make it a one-point game.

However, the conversion went past the upright and, although there were still 18 minutes left, Daniel Pienaar threw everything into defence to keep their Kariega rivals at bay.

Hudson Park produced a solid performance on Friday, outplaying Framesby 43-26. In a mid-week encounter, Selborne scored 36 points in each half, proving too strong for Ooskus Gymnasium, as they rumbled to a 72-15 victory.

In Gqeberha, Pearson and King Edward VII (KES), from Johannesburg, had a ding-dong battle, and eventually settled for a 15-15 draw. In Humansdorp, Nico Malan held the edge against Punt, of Mossel Bay, to win 24-13.

Scorers

Graeme College 34 (22) – Tries: Lucritia Magau, Luke Doyle, Ibenathi Kondile, Asakhe Ranga, Akho Tonjeni. Penalty: Nelson. Conversions: Nelson (3). St Andrew’s College 22 (3) – Tries: Sivatho Mjali, Will Stevens, Qawe Madikizela. Penalty: Stevens. Conversions: Stevens (2).

Selborne 72 (36) – Tries: Josh McKay, Lwandle Bacela (3), Othando Magadla, Daniel van Biljon (2), Travis Enslin, Connor Fowles, Rosh Els, Hlumelo Molosi, Daniel Rushmere. Conversions: Riley Hansel (6). Ooskus Gymnasium 15 (3) – Tries: Kwagga Liebenberg, Tiaan Frazer. Penalty: Ethan Jansen. Conversion: Jansen

Brandwag 22 (17) – Tries: Josh Badenhorst, Zanick Carolus, Luan Greeff, Rezanio Petrus. Conversion: Petrus. Daniel Pienaar 23 (16) – not available

Pearson 15 (8) – Tries: Henrico Ferreira, Liyda Maswana. Penalty: Keano Beling. Conversion: Beling. KES 15 (7) – not available

The Maroon Machine from Stellenbosch continued to march on as Paul Roos Gymnasium (PRG) held off a spirited fightback from Grey High to triumph 28-15 in their King Price Derby Series clash on the Kolisi Field at Grey on Saturday.

After leading 14-0 at halftime and then 21-5 six minutes into the second half, the visitors had to withstand a fightback, which lifted Grey to within six points of their tally. PRG then turned to their forwards to rumble upfield, and they eventually pulled away late in the game for a deserved victory.

Grey was guilty of some defensive lapses in the first half, and a sudden burst, which resulted in tries for the Maroon Machine’s burly centre, Jean Hamman, and their speedy wing, Cadynn Samuels, saw the touring side rocket into a 14-0 lead after only 13 minutes.

Samuels took his chance when Grey failed to deal with a kick ahead by scrumhalf Tristan Armitage. The ball bounced kindly for the left wing, and he outpaced the Grey defence in a 50-metre dash for the try line.

In windy conditions, Kyle Snyers was on song with his boot, converting both Paul Roos tries.

It took Grey High until the 40th minute to get the scoreboard moving. A series of drives from the home side’s forwards ended when prop Daniel Naudé forced his way over for a try.

Those five points were quickly cancelled out when PRG no. 8 Werner du Bruin got onto the end of a pass from a quick tap close to the Grey line, and there was no stopping him from scoring the visitors’ third try.

Then came Grey’s brightest period of the match. They made Paul Roos pay for the basic error of a dropped pass, with wing Sikhu Xego snapping up possession near the halfway line and racing away to score.

Ten minutes later, excellent hands by the Grey backline quickly shifted the ball out wide to right-wing Noah Mbizi, who used nifty footwork to evade a few defenders before crossing the whitewash for the hosts’ third try.

With 19 minutes remaining, and the scoreline favouring Paul Roos 21-15, there was everything to play for, but PRG quickly tightened things up.

Although they missed a penalty kick, they took control of proceedings through their forwards, and a 25-metre maul from the halfway line underpinned their intentions.

They were able to stay in the right areas of the field, and their constant pressure eventually told when flank Christian le Roux burst over for their final try, converted by Snyers, to complete the scoring.

In a frenzied finish on the Framesby ground, down the road from Grey High, the visitors from Humansdorp, Nico Malan, held on for a slim 35-34 win after a conversion attempt from the home side dropped just short of the posts.

During the match, Nico Malan demonstrated the diversity they have introduced into their approach, while Framesby turned to their structured physicality, led by their powerful mauling pack and hard-running backline.

The visitors built a 21-7 lead, but Framesby was determined to stay in the fight and closed the gap to 21-19 at the break.

That trend continued in the second half. Nico Malan went ahead by two scores before the match went down to the wire.

With the visitors 35-29 to the good and on the attack deep inside Framesby’s 22, a knock-on gave the home side a scrum, which became a free kick, and that enabled them to go on the offensive.

Taking the ball through a number of phases, they crossed for a try in the left-hand corner. But that left the home side needing a difficult conversion into a strong wind to snatch victory. To Nico Malan’s relief, it fell short, and they claimed a nail-biting win.

There was another one-point victory in Kariega where Brandwag scored a try on the hooter and added the conversion for a 26-25 win over Muir College in the Tinara Cup.

Daniel Pienaar took control of their match against Otto du Plessis in the second half, piling on 23 points to win 33-10 after leading only 10-3 at the break.

Pearson, meanwhile, had their unbeaten run emphatically ended by Outeniqua, who charged their way to a 62-0 win.

Scorers

Paul Roos Gymnasium 28 (14) – Tries: Jean Hamman, Werner de Bruin, Cadynn Samuels, Christian le Roux. Conversions: Kyle Snyers (4). Grey High 15 (0) – Tries: Daniel Naudé, Sikhu Xego, Noah Mbizi.

Nico Malan 35 (21) – Tries: Leighton Lawrence, Callie de Lange, Elrich van Zyl, Luciano Botha, Kian van Schalkwyk. Conversions: Lawrence (5). Framesby – not available.

Grey High will embark on the school rugby version of the Masters golf course’s Amen Corner when they host the formidable Paul Roos Gimnasium team in a King Price Derby Series encounter in Gqeberha on Saturday.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

The main action on the Kolisi Field at the Mill Park campus will kick off at 14.30, the first step in the home team’s most challenging period of the 2026 season.

Following their clash with the Western Cape powerhouse, Grey will go into their annual Standard Bank Festival with seriously tough fixtures lined up against Michaelhouse next Saturday, 25 April, and Pretoria Boys’ High, two days later.

If they can emerge from that period with their reputation intact, it will be a major plus for the rest of the season after some modest results, by their standards, in their 2025 campaign.

But first, Grey High’s focus will be on the Stellenbosch outfit, who had strung together some impressive wins this season before having the wind knocked out of their sails by the high-flying Stellenberg last weekend, losing 10-20.

That should only serve to fire up the Maroon Machine for another terrific SA schools derby, albeit one that they have dominated.

Grey High last beat Paul Roos in 2017 when they produced a remarkable fightback, scoring 14 points in the last 12 minutes to triumph 22-20.

Since then, Paul Roos has called the shots, and it will take a massive performance from Grey captain and centre Ciaran Killian and his teammates to reverse that trend this weekend.

That is just one match on a day of fascinating Eastern Province schools clashes, which includes Pearson facing their hardest match of the season against Outeniqua in George, where kick-off takes place at 13:20.

The Summerstrand side has stitched together four wins out of four so far, but they will have their unbeaten run properly tested by the Kwaggas.

A huge showdown looms in Kariega when Brandwag hosts Muir College in a classic town derby.

Both sides are coming off close defeats last weekend, so they will have every incentive to regain the winning feeling in their Tinara Cup clash.

In Gqeberha, Framesby and Nico Malan will go hammer and tongs in a match that is always a fierce contest, while Daniel Pienaar should have too much ammunition for the gutsy Otto du Plessis outfit.

TEAMS

Grey High vs Paul Roos in Gqeberha at 15:30.

Grey High: 15 Keanu Linch, 14 Noah Mbizi, 13 Ciaran Killian (captain), 12 Anfred Jansen, 11 Michael Oosthuizen, 10 Nathan Trytsman, 9 Ryan Swarbrick, 8 Zola Yeye, 7 Cole Bennett, 6 Sibonelo Stuurman, 5 Jean Nel, 4 Joandre van Jaarsveld, 3 Juan Potgieter, 2 Micah Wessels, 1 Daniel Naude

Paul Roos: 15 Tevez Cupido, 14 Krige le Roux, 13 Jean Hamman, 12 Albert Nel, 11 Cadynn Samuels, 10 Travis Pheiffer, 9 Tristan Armitage, 8 Werner de Bruin, 7 Gerard Bekker, 6 Christian le Roux, 5 Sebastian Celliers, 4 Stef de Villiers, 3 Zak Steyn, 2 Lehan Barnard, 1 Thomas Meyer.

Brandwag vs Muir College in Kariega at 14:10.

Brandwag: 15 Egan George, 14 Dewandre Witbooi, 13 Clevelon Deysel, 12 Raydin Lewis, 11 Darren Gardener, 10 Rezanio Petrus (captain), 9 Zanick Carolus, 8 Erik Rudman (vice-captain), 7 Divan Kotze, 6 Josh Badenhorst, 5 Luan van Jaarsveld, 4 Justin Swanepoel, 3 Casper Steenkamp, 2 Errol Te Brugge, 1 Francu Fouche

Muir College N/A

Outeniqua vs Pearson in George at 13:15.

Outeniqua: 15 Darnell Delport, 14 Jean Capes, 13 Gerrit Janse van Rensburg (vice-captain), 12 Lothering Jade, 11 Heiliano Beukes, 10 Tylor Marais, 9 Fagon Hendricks, 8 Aldo Gouws, 7 Bradley Steyl, 6 Wiaan Baard, 5 Franco Pienaar, 4 Sam Augustyn, 3 Logan Jacobs, 2 AJ Botha, 1 Matthew Prins (captain)

Pearson: 15 Keano Beling, 14 Tyler Breda, 13 Henrico Ferreira, 12 Hanro Botes (captain), 11 Lili Giyose, 10 Riegerdt Oosthuizen, 9 Kadin Kretzmann, 8 Liya Maswana, 7 Gustav Pegram, 6 Henrico Bodenstein, 5 Stefan Kapp, 4 Alexander Serfontein, 3 Dewald Niemand, 2 Nathan Heyns, 1 Joshua Pienaar.

Framesby vs Nico Malan in Gqeberha at 13:50.

Framesby N/A

Nico Malan: 15 Leighton Lawrence, 14 Reagan Stone, 13 Jehu Geswindt, 12 Kian van Schalkwyk, 11 Tequane Koopman, 10 Masood Knowlden, 9 Lleyton Mienie, 8 Sima Ozah, 7 Erich van Zyl, 6 Callie de Lange, 5 Luciano Botha, 4 Merwe van der Merwe, 3 Drikus Kruger, 2 Janu Janse van Rensburg, 1 Ruan Nel.

The first of two clashes this season in one of Border’s most famous rivalries unfolds on the Rec Ground in Komani on Saturday when Queen’s College puts their reputation on the line against their old foes from Qonce, Dale College.

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The match, which falls on Queen’s College’s 168th Reunion, could give a strong indication of who will reign in the region this year, with the home side aiming to continue a streak that saw them emerge as the best Eastern Cape team of 2025.

They have a number of players back from that side, so it will be a case of trying to quickly find their rhythm against a Dale team, which has been highly competitive thus far in 2026, recording four wins and two losses in their six matches.

The visitors, too, will be hurting after going down 12-24 at home to Grey High last weekend. Saturday’s showdown in Komani offers them the perfect opportunity to jump back onto the winning horse.

One thing is certain, though: there is no easy path to victory at the Rec, a venue of pain for many visiting teams over the years.

Queen’s enjoyed an unbeaten run at their home ground last year, and the school’s rugby legacy will ensure they remain committed in defence of that proud record.

Another blockbuster takes place in East London when Selborne College hosts Graeme College, the Eastern Cape’s top-performing side this year.

Under the captaincy of Erin Nelson and featuring the predatory instincts of fullback Lucritia Magau, the Makhanda side has produced some thrilling rugby, winning their six matches thus far. Last weekend, they underlined their attacking nature with a 48-10 demolition of Port Rex.

They return to East London for a clash against a perennially tough team in Selborne, who, despite some off-field drama swirling around their heads this week, will be fully motivated to show they can produce where it matters most – on the field.

Although it has not been a successful season for Selborne so far, Graeme’s coach, Jonty van der Meulen, is far too astute to see that as a factor. There’s no such thing as a weak Selborne side, and the Graemians will have to be on point in all facets to return home with another victory.

Hudson Park travels to Cradock for a showdown with Marlow Agricultural in a clash which could go down to the wire.

The Hudsonians were a bit slow out of the blocks against Cambridge last weekend, and if they give the Wolramme that sort of latitude, it could be a tough afternoon in the Karoo.

TEAMS

Queen’s College vs Dale College at 15:30 in Komani.

Queen’s College: 15 Bongo Nyakaza, 14 Sinqobile Xhentsa, 16 Mthokozisi Mbambo, 12 Tyler von Cullwitz, 11 Ncutu Kepe, 10 Inga Mnunu (vice-captain), 9 Akhona Mzamo, 8 Zimi Deleki, 7 Ethan Oosthuizen, 6 Sivuyise Mnyimba, 5 Carlo Davids, 4 Lihlume Njokweni, 3 Ahlume Gqetywa (captain), 2 Ntsika Boya, 1 Zeacke Mata

Selborne College vs Graeme College at 14:00 in East London.

Dale College: 15 Caleb Smith, 14 Zingce Poni, 13 Achumile George (vice-captain), 12 Sophakama Zamile, 11 Hlakanipha Magenuka, 10 Sonwabisi Dyani, 9 Lukho Mzingaye, 8 Kungawo Jaca, 7 Ulikhaya Stuurman, 6 Liyabona Mayikana, 5 Xhamla Nyobo, 24 Lihleli Makibi, 3 Sanele Bistoli, 2 Okuhle Fihle (captain), 1 Azole Sodlaka

Selborne College: 15 Edward Malinzi, 14 Daniel van Biljon, 13 Iviwe Kabale, 12 Aaron James, 11 Sabelo Vuso, 10 Riley Hansel (captain), 9 Connor Fowles, 8 Mbono Gqoboko, 7 Daniel Rushmere, 6 Hlumelo Molosi, 5 Travis Enslin, 4 Mozesh van der Byl, 3 Daniel Naude, 2 Josh McKay, 1 Luthango Ngese

Graeme College: 15 Lucritia Magau, 14 Asakhe Ranuga, 13 Erin Nelson, 12 Torres Fourie, 11 Selunathi Mfundisi, 10 Ibenathi Kondile, 9 Luke Doyle, 8 Lidwala Maliti, 7 Akho Ntonjeni, 6 Iviwe Mshubeki, 5 Andrew Muir, 4 Ben-Francois du Toit, 3 Luyolo Mpalala, 2 Athi Manyati, 1 Bagcine Njengele.

Marlow Landbou vs Hudson Park at 14:00, in Cradock.

Marlow Agricultural: 15 Herlu Schoeman, 14 Charles Marais, 13 Matthew Lieberum, 12 Ockert du Preez, 11 Jurgens van Staden, 10 Cole Hurter, 9 Logan van Vuuren, 8 GD Jordaan (vice-captain), 7 AC du Toit, 6 CJ Botha, 5 JG de Lange, 4 Sinqobile Siyengo, 3 AJ Raubenheimer, 2 Herman le Roux, 1 Marcus September.

Hudson Park: 15 Zearan Booysen, 14 Cwenga Bityo, 13 Masibulele Kwakwini, 12 Athan Gravett, 11 Bubu Mzamo, 10 Likho Gidi, 9 Zizibele Mtongwana, 8 Yimani Matiwane, 7 Ivile Mkhohlakali, 6 Phindokuhle Mdlalana, 5 Hlumelo Gobile (captain), 4 Tadana Gope, 3 Lithemba Mpini, 2 Avela Magcoba, 1 Manyano Mpendu.