Author: nemslie

In a finish which could not have been more frenetic, St Andrew’s College snatched victory from the jaws of defeat when Asante Chivere crossed for the winning try in the final minute of their King Price Derby Series clash with Kingswood College at City Lords, in Makhanda, on Saturday.

Although the conversion missed, the final whistle went straight afterwards for a 25-22 victory, which returned the bragging rights to St Andrew’s after a 22-22 draw last year.

The visitors trailed Kingswood by two points for most of the last quarter of the match after the home side took the lead for the first time in the 49^th minute with a try by left wing Kevin Barnes.

That score by Barnes nearly ended in dismay for Kingswood when he was ever so close to being tackled into touch as he executed an extravagant dive over the tryline. But the referee ruled that the try was good and, although Praise Matsila missed the tough touchline conversion, Kingswood had edged ahead 22-20.

From there, it was a typical K-Day derby, full of passion and commitment by both sides as they fought to secure the victory.

St Andrew’s had an opportunity to retake the lead in the 65th minute, but the normally dependable Will Stevens pulled his kick just wide of the uprights.

However, the Andreans stayed in the hunt and in a brilliant period of control and precision in the last few minutes they worked their way deep into Kingswood territory through a number of phases.

As the home side’s players worked furiously to defend their line, eventually a skip pass to the right gave Chivere enough space to step past the cover defence to slam the ball down over the whitewash for a memorable, match-winning score.

Earlier, St Andrew’s had shown their willingness to run the ball, and they took their chances to lead 17-7 at halftime.

Hooker Amo Habi scored their first try after the forwards created momentum up front and later No. 8 Josh van Zyl went over from a lineout move, which outwitted the Kingswood defence and left Van Zyl with a huge gap to charge through at the back of the set piece.

Stevens added a penalty and two conversions in the first half.

Kingswood showed enterprise to score their first points. They took a quick tap, which eventually resulted in prop Junior Ndlazi bashing his way over, with Praise Matsila adding the conversion.

Four minutes after the break, Kingswood created one of their best moves of the match when wing James Mackenzie sent an inside pass to Matthew Paxton, who beat a few defenders and showed a burst of speed to score a superb try out wide on the right, converted by Matsila (17-14).

After Stevens and Matsila swopped penalties (20-17), Barnes went over for the Kingswood’s third try to put the spectators on the edge of their seats for the rest of the match.

But, eventually, it was the blue jerseys of St Andrew’s that had reason to celebrate after the final whistle.

Scorers:

St Andrew’s College 25 (17) – Tries: Amo Habi, Josh van Zyl, Asante Chivere. Penalties: Will Stevens (2). Conversions: Stevens (2). Kingswood College 22 (7) – Tries: Junior Ndlazi, Matthew Paxton, Kevin Barnes. Penalty: Praise Matsila. Conversions: Matsila (2).

A confrontation of epic proportions is brewing in Makhanda where Kingswood College and their cross-town rivals, St Andrew’s College, have been gearing up for a showdown which annually captures the imagination of thousands of supporters.

Popularly known as K-Day, it is actually a week of cultural and sporting challenges between the two private schools, as well as Diocesan School for Girls (DSG), culminating in the King Price Derby Series first XV rugby showdown, this time at Kingswood’s home ground of City Lords, at 15.30, on Saturday.

As the excitement bubbles over among the learners and supporters, St Andrew’s coach Jonny Mallett said one of their priorities was to help the players “to manage the hype of the occasion”.

“The school, as a whole, is excited for the K-Day fixture, and it is a wonderful week of collegiality and friendship, with some healthy competition thrown in the mix,”” he said.

“The College team is at full strength, and we are very aware of the threat that Kingswood will pose, but everyone is excited about the game.

“It is a highlight on the school calendar and there is a lot of hype around the two campuses. All we want is for the boys to enjoy the week without getting caught up in too many ‘sideshows’.

“They know their role is to play rugby on an awesome occasion and there is no need to hype it up any further. We just need to make sure they manage the environment.”

Mallett said their tactical focus in the past two years has been to recapture the attacking brand of rugby for which St Andrew’s is so well-known.

“We have worked hard on that and it’s no secret about how we want to play, but we know we need to develop our skills in order to play that style. Decision-making is key.”

St Andrew’s has reaped the benefits of that approach this year, with only a draw against Michaelhouse and a loss to Queen’s College spoiling a sparkling winning record.

Since losing to Queen’s, they have bounced back with some eye-catching performances, notably defeating Grey High in Gqeberha by a single point.

And yet, they know that past results will go out of the window when two teams enter the cauldron of City Lords on Saturday afternoon.

Kingswood coach Devon Barnard acknowledged the magnitude of the occasion: “It’s always a highlight on the Kingswood calendar and I personally believe just having a conversation with the boys about the occasion is a good place to start.

“We feel that, as a group, we just need to make sure we do the basic rights and that will give us a chance,” he said.

“St Andrew’s are coming into this fixture with a great run of form, so I don’t think playing on our home ground of City Lords will be such a big factor.”

Teams

St Andrew’s College: 15 Will Stevens, 14 Asante Chivere, 13 Ali de Kock, 12 Aphindile Ngcuka, 11 Qhawe Madikizela, 10 Oli Johns, 9 David Chorley, 8 ⁠Joshua van Zyl, 7 ⁠Luca Nigrini, 6 ⁠Coel Trollip, 5 ⁠Matthew Harvey (capt), 4 ⁠William Beamish, 3 ⁠Sivatho Mjali, 2 Amo Habi, 1 Jake Jackson.

Kingswood College: 15 Praise Matsila, 14 James Mackenzie, 13 Likhona Kepe, 12 Matthew Paxton, 11 Kevin Barnes, 10 Matthew McCarthy, 9 James McMahon, 8 Liyema Katikati, 7 Josh Mackenzie, 6 Olunje Jama, 5 Ross Thompson, 4 Sandi Peter, 3 Lyke Ukwekwe, 2 Robbie Miles, 1 Junior Ndlazi.

Last 10 K-Day Results

2024: St Andrew’s 22-22 Kingswood
2023: Kingswood 13-10 St Andrew’s College
2022: St Andrew’s College 22-3 Kingswood
2021: Kingswood 19-35 St Andrew’s College
2019: St Andrew’s College 21-20 Kingswood
2018: Kingswood 5-24 St Andrew’s College
2017: St Andrew’s College 72-5 Kingswood
2016: Kingswood 34-22 St Andrew’s College
2015: St Andrew’s 19-20 Kingswood
2014: Kingswood 28-42 St Andrew’s College

After a decisive defeat at the hands of Graeme College last week, a wounded Stirling High will be aiming to get their season back on track in their derby against Hudson Park, at Hudson, in East London, on Saturday.

The other match in the Border region this weekend takes place on Friday when Selborne College hosts Cambridge High.

Stirling went down 10-45 to the high-flying Graemian team and they face another tough examination against the combative Hudsonians.

With the Gidi brothers, Landile and Likho, partnering at halfback for Hudson, the visiting Stirling side will need to be on point when on defence, as that pair is capable of exploiting the smallest of gaps to their advantage.

Prior to last weekend, Stirling produced a solid performance in a 24-17 win over Cambridge, and they will have to show similar organisation and attacking intent to put one across Hudson Park.

By way of comparison, Hudson Park held Graeme College to 22-27 result in their meeting and despite being on the losing end, they demonstrated their grit and determination.

Hudson was not in action last weekend, and they will have been working hard to ensure they are in the right frame of mind to tackle opponents who cannot be taken lightly.

With No 8 Sibabalwe Mtshini a powerful factor up front, the home side will be keen to take control early on, allowing the Gidis to dictate the pattern of play.

Another tough challenge looms for Cambridge after they leaked 70 points against St Andrew’s College last week. The plus factor for Cambridge is that they worked extremely hard to stay in the fight and scored five tries of their own against the Makhanda outfit.

Those attacking qualities and a determination not to let any team trample over them means Selborne will have to perform with efficiency and precision to register a win.

The home team also possess many attacking qualities and a strong effort in the forwards, led by prop and captain Robert John-Osunkwo, could pave the way for them to finish the term on a high note.

Teams

Selborne College: 15 Sam Jacobsen, 14 Iviwe Kabale, 13 Njongo Mbanga, 12 Armand van Rooyen, 11 Chad Weimann, 10 Bungqina Nuku, 9 Aaron Senekal, 8 Uviwe Jikwana, 7 Dominic Stegmann, 6 Lwandle Bacela, 5 Travis Enslin, 4 Matthew Beän, 3 Zothando Mrara, 2 Liam Hansen, 1 Robert John-Osunkwo (captain)

Cambridge: 15 Lithemba Mpikwa, 14 Lisakhanya Magoxo, 13 Liqhame Mkanzana, 12 Somili Pityi, 11 Imange Roto, 10 Sivuyise Salman, 9 Manga Mlonyeni, 8 Somila Mooi, 7 Joshua Adjei-Frimpong, 6 Bonga Maseko, 5 Nakwesi Masiso, 4 Luxolo Mashaba, 3 Kendon Nass, 2 Luphumzo Magqabeni, 1 Iviwe Mzingayi.

Hudson Park: 15 Mahle Zinto, 14 Bahlumile Mavusa, 13 Ukhona Kama, 12 Lunathi Dolo, 11 Masibulele Kwakwini, 10 Likho Gidi, 9 Landile Gidi, 8 Sibabalwe Mtshini, 7 Likhanye Mandila, 6 Phindokuhle Mdlalana, 5 Sange Gwarube, 4 Tautenda Saunyama, 3 Tyrique Peters, 2 Kwakokuhle Pasha, 1 Manyano Mpendu.

Stirling: N/A

After a closely contested first half, Queen’s College found their rhythm in the second period to ultimately overwhelm a gutsy Port Rex Technical High outfit 57-10 in their clash on the Rec Field, in Komani, on Saturday.

The visitors fought hard to match their high-flying opponents, who are enjoying one of their best seasons in Eastern Cape schools’ rugby for many years.

Port Rex scored a converted try and a penalty in the first half to make it 17-10 at the break, leaving the match very much in the balance.

But Queen’s then showed how dangerous an attacking side they can be, ruthlessly exploiting their opponents’ defensive mistakes to run in six tries and 30 unanswered points to record a comfortable victory.

The visitors simply ran out of steam as they tried to plug the gaps while Queen’s attacked from all parts of the field.

With their tails up, Queen’s didn’t hesitate to run the ball from deep inside their own half and, as spaces opened up, their dangerous backs, led by fullback Mveli Mqulo and wings Ncutu Kepe and Ayathanda Mtyando, took advantage to each cross for a brace of tries.

Fittingly, it was their hardworking flank and captain Jeffery Niland who crossed for their ninth and last try as the home side completed a satisfying afternoon’s performance.

It was a hard day for the underdogs because Cambridge High also found it tough going against St Andrew’s College in East London, losing 31-70 after trailing 19-42 at the break.

While the final gap was significant, Cambridge deserves plenty of credit for their fighting spirit. They never threw in the towel and crossed for five tries of their own.

St Andrew’s hooker Amo Habi had a field day behind a dominant pack, dotting down four times, while their try scorers also included locks William Beamish (2) and Matthew Harvey.

In a remarkable display of kicking accuracy, fullback Will Stevens converted all 10 tries scored by St Andrew’s.

SCORERS

Queen’s College 57 (17) – Tries: Ncutu Kepe (2), Mveli Mqulo (2), Ayathanda Mtyando (2), Bulumko Manqina, Jeffery Niland, Acwenga Saul. Conversions: Conversions: Mveli Mqulo (6). Port Rex Technical High 10 (10) – Try: Lonwabo Mtwapi. Penalty: Ndimphiwe Songqwaba. Conversion: Songqwaba.

St Andrew’s College 70 (42) – Tries: Amo Habi (4), William Beamish (2), Asante Chivere, David Chorley, Matthew Harvey, Qhawe Madikizela. Conversions: Will Stevens (10). Cambridge High 31 (19) – Tries: Lisakhanya Magoxo (2), Imange Roto, Lithemba Mpikwa, Luphumzo Maqabeni. Conversions: Mange Mhlonyeni (3).

Pearson High showed remarkable resolve on defence to hold off HTS Daniel Pienaar team in the final five minutes, scoring a sensational 41-36 win in their clash on the Hannes Strydom Field, at Pearson, in Gqeberha, on Saturday.

In doing so, the home team held onto the Principal’s Hat, which is the trophy the schools contest annually after former Pearson principal Andre van Staden donated his hat as a trophy following one of their matches.

Pearson dominated early in the first half to run up a quick 21-0 lead (26-10 at the break), but the game then became an intense scrap for supremacy as the Tigers showed massive fighting qualities to claw their way back into the hunt.

Within four minutes of the second half, the visitors closed the gap to 26-24 with tries by wing Chibuzo David and flank Etto Mapapu, both of which were converted by fullback Ashley Liesing.

But then, in a period of play which was typical of the match, Pearson crossed for two tries themselves, with Nicholas Gillespie getting his second from a lineout drive and No 8 Robert Harris diving over after a brilliant break in midfield by centre Hanro Botes saw him brought down just before the line.

It was at this time, in the 45^th minute, that Daniel Pienaar received a red card for a dangerous tackle, but even playing with 14 men could not quell the fighting spirit of the Kariega outfit.

They took advantage of some defensive lapses to cross for two more tries by hooker Denovan Booysen and flyhalf Rozario Grootboom, the second after a great run down the right by David.

Liesing added the conversion of Grootboom’s try from the touchline and suddenly Pearson found themselves all square at 36-36 with 13 minutes remaining.

The home side, though, was alert to any opportunities and they delivered the final match-winning score when wing Matthew Els was put into space down the right flank for their seventh try of the contest with 10 minutes left.

Pearson almost blew it with five minutes to go when a quick tap from a penalty near the Daniel Pienaar line went astray and the visitors attacked the length of the field before being stopped by the scrambling defence.

The Tigers poured on the pressure in the closing minutes, but Pearson’s defence held firm to defend their lead in a titanic clash.

In East London, Graeme College continued their good season with a clear-cut 45-10 victory over Stirling High.

For the winners, No 8 Ayola Mali and fullback Lucritia Magau led the way with two tries each, while centre Erin Nelson again had an impressive game in attack and defence.

SCORES

Pearson High 41 (26) – Tries: Nicholas Gillespie (2), Sibhu Mkhontwana, Kadin Kretzmann, Siya Ncwadi, Robert Harris, Matthew Els. Conversions: Keano Beling (3). HTS Daniel Pienaar 36 (7) – Tries: Stiaan Coertze, Chibuzo David, Etto Mapapu, Denovan Booysen, Rozario Grootboom. Penalty: Ashley Liesing. Conversions: Liesing (4).

Graeme College 45 – Tries: Ayola Mali (2), Lucritia Magau (2), Luke Doyle, Akho Tonjeni, Athi Bonga. Conversions: Ethan Bokbaard (5). Stirling High 10 – Tries: Joshua Pickering, Lilitha Mayiji.

Graeme College will retrace their steps to East London for another showdown with rivals from across the Great Fish River when they clash with Stirling High on Saturday.

The Makhanda visitors were in the city two weeks ago and registered a hard-earned 27-22 win over Hudson Park. They know they will again have to be on their game to maintain their winning streak.

Stirling was given a stern test by Cambridge High last weekend, when they claimed a 24-17 victory in the annual derby. They will need to lift themselves again to deal with Graeme’s sharp attacking edge.

Coach Jonty van der Meulen‘s charges have won seven of their last eight matches and last week scraped home by a single point against the tough Nico Malan outfit, in Makhanda.

It’s probably true to say that Graeme has not yet produced the sort of complete performance they are seeking this season. While their attack was effective against Nico Malan, they leaked too many points for the coach’s liking.

However, they did post a decisive 50-10 win over Cambridge in their clash earlier in the season, and that is an indication of the difficult task that lies ahead for Stirling.

In Gqeberha, the action will take place on the Hannes Strydom Field, at Pearson, where the home side takes on HTS Daniel Pienaar.

The Tigers are unpredictable, and they won’t be taken lightly by Pearson, who are coming off a 19-19 draw with Framesby last Saturday.

This weekend, Keano Beling and Denilo Jordaan, who both scored against Framesby, swop positions, with Beling at flyhalf and Jordaan taking the No 15 jersey.

It shouldn’t diminish their attacking play at all, and Daniel Pienaar will need to have their defensive system on point to contain the exciting duo.

If the Tigers are able to achieve a degree of parity for most of the match, they are the sort of team capable of leaving their opponents’ fans in a state of despair.

TEAMS

Graeme College: 15 Lucritia Magau, 14 Inathi Planga, 13 Erin Nelson, 12 Torres Fourie, 11 Elgin Fanton, 10 Alden Walters, 9 Luke Doyle, 8 Ayola Mali, 7 Mikhulu Yolani, 6 Lwandle Dlamini, 5 Andrew Muir, 4 Akho Tonjeni, 3 Athi Bonga, 2 Lebo Mahasele, 1 Bagcine Njengele.

Stirling High: N/A.

Pearson: 15 Denilo Jordaan, 14 Matthew Els, 13 Sibu Mkhontwana, 12 Hanro Botes, 11 Siya Ncwadi, 10 Keano Beling, 9 Kadin Kretzmann, 8 Robert Harris, 7 Cameron Knoetze, 6 Siphe Myataza, 5 Stefan Kapp, 4 Mlibo Toni, 3 Jordan Bruintjies, 2 Nicholas Gillespie, 1 Joshua Pienaar.

Daniel Pienaar: 15 Ashley Liesing, 14 Chibuzo David, 13 Mauriano Pillay, 12 Luyanduhlanga Ndzimande, 11 Sibabalwe Kopisani, 10 Rozario Grootboom, 9 Jade Miles, 8 Stiaan Coertze, 7 Luphawu Manzine, 6 Etto Mapapu, 5 Josh Steyn, 4 Ntsako Maimela, 3 Clewin Papenfus, 2 Denovan Booysen, 1 Mihle Busakwe.

With little to lose, underdogs Port Rex Technical High and Cambridge High will be out to show that they can also bite when they play in Border schools matches on Saturday, in Komani and East London respectively.

Port Rex will be up against the top side in the Eastern Cape at present, Queen’s College, on Komani’s Rec Field, and nobody will need reminding just how difficult it is to take down the home side in that high-pressure environment.

Cambridge, meanwhile, will have their hands full when they entertain the potent St Andrew’s College team, from Makhanda, who are coming off a cracking win over Grey High, in Gqeberha.

On a five-match winning streak, during which they have knocked off the region’s top guns, it seems only complacency can prevent Queen’s from racking up another victory.

Fortunately for them, they will have wise counsel from experienced coaches Clinton Loest and Tyrone Rankin, who are only too well aware of the pitfalls which loom for schoolboy players who get ahead of themselves.

Additionally, Queen’s players have an extremely proud ethos when they pull on the first team jerseys and they are sure to remain committed to giving their best effort.

Port Rex will have to find a way to contain the danger out wide, where wings Ncutu Kepe (a hat-trick against Hudson Park last week) and Ayathanda Mtyando, have wreaked havoc on their opposition this season.

The East London team will be encouraged by a dominant display against Ooskus Gymnasium last week, when they won 43-10, but they know that they face a much tougher challenge this time.

St Andrew’s should also have too many weapons against Cambridge. The Makhanda boys showed last week that they not only have the character to overcome the biggest tests, but they also have a number of gamebreakers in their ranks.

With locks William Beamish and captain Matthew Harvey prominent up front, they should be able to lay the platform for a solid performance against an East London team which they will be wise not to underestimate.

The elusive Oli Johns is another significant threat at flyhalf for St Andrew’s as he goes about igniting the backline, while fullback Will Stevens will add an attacking thrust, as well as provide points from the boot if Cambridge fail to maintain a strict sense of discipline.

TEAMS

Queen’s College vs Port Rex, Rec Ground, Komani, 14:30

Queen’s College: 15 Mveli Mqulo, 14 Ayathanda Mtyando, 16 Thina Fenako, 12 Sbabalwe Magwebu, 11 Ncutu Kepe, 10 Inga Mnunu, 9 Ayola Somhlahlo, 8 Khaka Xoseni, 7 Acwenga Saul, 6 Jeffrey Niland (capt), 5 Sambesiwe Vetman, 4 Ethan Oosthuizen, 3 Ahlume Gqetywa, 2 Bulumko Manqina, 1 Amyoli Ngxongwana.

Port Rex: 15 Phumelela Sheleni, 14 Deano Snyman, 13 Owam Nqweniso, 12 Mivuyo Kongela, 11 Qhayiya Siwani, 10 Ndimphiwe Songqwaba, 9 Lluthando Maseti, 8 Lonwabo Mntwapi, 7 Lutho Majavu, 6 Kwakhanya George, 5 Zuko Batyi, 4 Ethan Schoeman, 3 Liam Botha, 2 Mlibo Makupula, 1 Siyema Mdyogolo.

Cambridge High vs St Andrew’s College, Cambridge, East London, 14:45

Cambridge High: N/A

St Andrew’s College: 15 Will Stevens, 14 Asante Chivere, 13 Avimule Bangazi, 12 Ali de Kock, 11 Qhawe Madikizela, 10 Oli Johns, 9 David Chorley, 8 ⁠Joshua van Zyl, 7 ⁠Luca Nigrini, 6 ⁠Coel Trollip, 5 ⁠Matthew Harvey (capt), 4 ⁠William Beamish, 3 ⁠Sivatho Mjali, 2 Amo Habi, 1 Jake Jackson.

Pearson pulled off a thrilling draw against Framesby in the final minute when wing Siya Ncwadi sliced through the defence for an outstanding try next to the poles in their King Price Derby Series clash, at Framesby, in Gqeberha, on Saturday.

Despite the relatively easy nature of the conversion, the pressure was on Pearson fullback Keano Beling with time running out, but he nailed the kick to draw the scores level at 19-19.

The drama, however, was not over because, from the kick-off, Framesby was awarded a penalty around the Pearson 10-metre line, five metres in from touch. However, the kick to win the match failed to find its mark and the teams had to settle for a share of the spoils.

Meanwhile, in the other big showdown in Gqeberha, St Andrew’s College produced an outstanding team effort to inflict another one-point defeat on Grey High, winning 28-27 on the Kolisi Field. This came after Grey lost 24-25 to Queen’s College the previous weekend.

In Makhanda, Graeme College crossed for three tries after halftime to transform their 22-21 lead at the interval into a 43-42 victory over Nico Malan.

At Framesby, the home side was forced onto the defensive early on, conceding a scrum penalty in the second minute and allowing Pearson two shots at goal.

Both of those missed, however, and it was Framesby who struck first when a bad error in Pearson’s in-goal area saw flank Ethan Terblanche pounce on a loose ball to dot down. Jaiden Brewis added the conversion to make it 7-0.

But Pearson had come to play. They soon spelt out their intentions when a brilliant backline move saw centre Sibu Mkhontwana surge through a gap to put away the irrepressible Denilo Jordaan for their first try.

Soon after halftime, Framesby extended their lead when livewire wing Damian Witbooi darted past a couple of defenders to score next to the poles, with Brewis adding the conversion.

But it was a game in which neither side was able to take control and Pearson’s ability on attack was again shown when Jordaan was put into space for his second try, making it 14-12.

Then came a crucial turnaround when, with the visitors pressing hard in the Framesby 22, the ball bobbled around from a pass, only to be collected by Witbooi who showed extreme pace by running 80 metres for a try in the corner, chased all the way by Mkhontwana.

The conversion failed, but Framesby had a cushion, only to be crushed by another spectacular attack, leading to Ncwadi becoming the hero for Pearson.

On the Kolisi Field, St Andrew’s shocked the Grey supporters when they broke through for two outstanding tries by Qhawe Madikizela and Aphindile Ngcuka, which put the visitors 12-0 ahead after 16 minutes.

The match was a fluctuating battle, but eventually Grey found a way through, largely through the magical feet of fullback Meyer Prinsloo, who scored an outstanding try in the 23^rd minute, which bamboozled the visiting defence.

That was followed by a pushover try for flank Cody Wilmot, but St Andrew’s astutely created some scoreboard pressure through the accurate boot of Will Stevens.

He knocked over two penalties to make it 18-10 at halftime and three minutes after the restart he added a third penalty.

Grey’s lineout did not function smoothly, with St Andrew’s lock William Beamish poaching a number of balls at the front, but when it did, Grey was able to drive forward for Wilmot’s second five-pointer.

The visitors, however, were always innovative, often taking quick taps and this resulted in Beamish storming over for a crucial try from about 15 metres out.

A superb touchline conversion by Stevens was significant because it put them eight points ahead, which was just as well for them because Prinsloo was again at it soon after the restart.

Receiving the ball on the halfway line, the Grey fullback swiftly sized up his options and again sliced through the visitors’ defence for his second score of the match.

He slotted the conversion to make it a one-point ballgame, but neither side could add any further points during the last 10 minutes, and it was St Andrew’s who erupted with joy at the end.

Graeme College built up a critical cushion in their clash with Nico Malan after a tightly contested first half.

From a score of 22-21, the home team scored two tries to make it 36-21 and although Nico Malan hit back once, another try restored Graeme’s 15-point advantage.

That ultimately helped them secure the win because Nico Malan was not done and crossed for two tries in the last 10 minutes to close the gap to only one point.

Unfortunately for them, the referee blew for fulltime after their final try and there was no chance for the visitors to snatch victory.

For Graeme, the standout players included Lucritia Magau, Erin Nelson, Luke Doyle, and Ayola Mali, while Waldo Krige and Neil Lategan each crossed for a brace of tries for Nico Malan and Leighton Lawrence kicked six conversions from six attempts.

SCORERS

Framesby 19 (7) – Tries: Damian Witbooi (2), Ethan Terblanche. Conversions: Jaiden Brewis (2). Pearson 19 (5) – Tries: Denilo Jordaan (2), Siya Ncwadi. Conversions: Keano Beling (2).

St Andrew’s College 28 (18) – Tries: William Beamish, Qhawe Madikizela, Aphindile Ngcuka. Penalties: Will Stevens (3). Conversions: Will Stevens (2). Grey High 27 (10) – Tries: Meyer Prinsloo (2), Cody Wilmot (2). Penalty: Prinsloo. Conversions: Prinslo (2)

Graeme College 43 (22) – Tries: Luke Doyle, Lebo Mahasele, Lucritia Magau (2), Ethan Bokbaard (2). Penalties: Bokbaard. Conversions: Bokbaard (5). Nico Malan 42 (21) – Tries: Waldo Krige (2), Neil Lategan (2), Janu Janse van Rensburg, Pietman Kleinhans. Conversions: Leighton Lawrence (6).

Hudson Park will be desperate to regain the winning touch, but they face what has become the toughest challenge in Eastern Cape schools’ rugby this season when they host Queen’s College, in East London, on Saturday.

The Hudson outfit has not won since a victory over Eldoraigne in the KES Easter Festival, and they head into Saturday’s showdown after recent setbacks against Framesby and Graeme College.

That means coach Onke Dubase and his charges will have to press the reset button to handle the formidable challenge the high-flying Queenians will pose.

Even home-ground advantage will not make it any easier for Hudson Park as Queen’s is riding a four-match winning streak and their confidence will be at a peak.

In their recent games, flank Jeffrey Niland‘s team has seen off Eastern Cape powerhouses Selborne, Dale, St Andrew’s, and Grey High.

With a solid pack of forwards and dangerous backs, Queen’s will start as the outright favourites, but there can be no room for complacency as Hudson has everything to play for and will be fired up to claim a signature win.

In another massive showdown, Selborne College makes the trip to the Free State to face one of the giants of South African schools’ rugby, Grey College.

Although the Bloemfontein side has lost twice this year, to Paarl Gimnasium and Paarl Boys’ High, they remain one of the benchmarks in schools’ rugby and with flyhalf Darius Erwee and the explosive Ethan Adams looming in the midfield, it could be a tough afternoon for the visitors.

Selborne welcomes back hard-working flank Dominic Stegmann, who missed last week’s defeat against St Andrew’s. He and captain, prop Robert John-Osunkwo, will have to marshall the forwards if they are to have any chancing of maintaining a degree of parity.

Another exciting clash looms in Nxuba (formerly Cradock), where Marlow Agricultural will pit their renowned fighting qualities against the winning ambitions of Dale College.

It has not been a great season for Qonce’s Dale, but a number of their losses have been by narrow margins. They got back on the winning track against Cambridge High last weekend and would like to build on that this weekend.

Marlow will be highly motivated after a disappointing loss against Nico Malan last Saturday when the only points they scored came from a penalty try.

It was a rather error-prone display and coach Derik Olivier will be calling for greater precision all-round to secure a home win against the never-say-die Dalians.

TEAMS

Hudson Park vs Queen’s College at 14.30

Hudson Park

15. Likho Gidi, 14. Athan Gravitt, 13. Ukhona Kama, 12. Lunathi Dolo, 11. Masibulele Kwakwini, 10. Mahle Zinto, 9. Landile Gidi, 8. Sibabalwe Mtshini, 7. Likhanye Mandila, 6. Phindokuhle Mdlalana, 5. Hlumelo Gobile, 4. Tautenda Saunyama, 3. Manyano Mpendu, 2. Kwakokuhle Pasha, 1. Tyrique Peters

Queen’s College
15. Mveli Mqolo, 14. Ayathanda Mtyando, 13. Splash Magwebu, 12. Thina Fenako, 11. Ncutu Kepe, 10. Inganathi Mnunu, 9. Ayola Somhlahlo, 8. Khaka Xoseni, 7. Acwenga Saul, 6. Jeffrey Niland (captain), 5. Sambesiwe Vetman, 4. Ethan Oosthuizen, 3. Ahlume Gqetywa, 2. Bullz Manqina, 1. Amyoli Ngxongwana

Grey College vs Selborne College at 14:00

Grey College
15. Lamla Mgedezi, 14. Benjamin van den Berg, 13. Ethan Adams, 12. O’Ryan Klein, 11. Thristan Maree, 10. Darius Erwee, 9. Sherwin Buys, 8. AJ Booysen, 7. Adem Nieuwoudt, 6. Xander Smit, 5. AJ Meyer, 4. Claude Steyn, 3. JG Badenhorst, 2. Tian Fourie, 1. David Hayidakis

Selborne College
15. Oliver Schmidt, 14. Iviwe Kabale, 13. Aaron James, 12. Armand van Rooyen, 11. Chad Weimann, 10. Bungqina Nuku, 9. Aaron Senekal, 8. Connor Maree, 7. Dominic Stegmann, 6. Lwandle Bacela, 5. Luca Liebenberg, 4. Matthew Beän, 3. Zothando Mrara, 2. Luke Bowman, 1. Robert John-Osunkwo (captain).

Marlow Agricultural vs Dale College at 14.00

Marlow Agricultural
15. Du Preez Vermaak, 14. Ockert du Preez, 13. Dawid-Malan de Ridder, 12. Gian Steyl, 11. WJ Pienaar, 10. Cole Hurter, 9. Logan van Vuuren, 8. GD Jordaan (vice-captain), 7. Adrian Joubert, 6. CJ Botha, 5. Marnus Malan, 4. Burgert van Heerden, 3. Herman le Roux, 2. Markus Bester, 1. Zian Jacobs.

Dale College
15. Phikomozi Mtyalela, 14. Achumile George, 13. Milani Madide, 12. Nxande Ngcaba, 11. Amahle Mehlomane, 10. Soso Dyani, 9. Wethumtha Malawana, 8. Liyabona Mayikana, 7. Ebenezer Sarpong, 6. Linamandla Peter, 5. Qhawe Mtati, 24. Kungawo Jaca, 3. Phawu Ludwaba, 2. Lakhanya Mbewu, 1. Azole Sodlaka.

The host team, Framesby, will be aiming for a bounce-back performance from what has been a difficult season for them with a quality performance when they meet Pearson in a King Price Derby Series fixture, in Gqeberha, on Saturday.

The annual clash pits two of the Eastern Province’s most competitive teams against each other, with Framesby a well-established force, while Pearson is rising fast through the ranks in the region.

An indication of Pearson’s credentials is that they are the only Eastern Cape team to have lowered the colours of Queen’s College this season, beating the Komani side 20-17 at the Graeme College Festival.

Admittedly, Queen’s has developed into a much-improved outfit since that loss in March, but Pearson poses a distinct threat to Framesby’s victory hopes, especially with the elusive Denilo Jordaan calling the shots from flyhalf.

No doubt, Framesby coach Louis Gerber and his staff will have worked on plans to contain Jordaan and those will likely revolve around establishing some sort of supremacy up front.

If they can do that, then their own halfbacks, Mondre van Heerden and Calestin Felkers, will be able to unleash their dangerous backs in a bid to find the winning touch.

On the other hand, should Pearson gain parity up front, they will severely test the defensive systems of the home side.

The other big showdown in Gqeberha on Saturday comes a few kilometres across town where Grey High faces Makhanda’s St Andrew’s College in a match that always whets the appetite.

While Grey will be hurting from a late one-point loss to Queen’s in Komani, St Andrew’s heads into the contest off an impressive 40-10 victory over Selborne College and they’ll want to ride that wave of momentum onto the Kolisi Field.

Talented fullback Meyer Prinsloo stands out as one of the dangermen who St Andrew’s will need to keep quiet, but the whole Grey squad will be fired up and eager to get their season back on track.

St Andrew’s is also littered with game-breakers, none more so than their number 15, Will Stevens, who could make an impact with both his running ability and his educated boot.

A blockbuster of a match is also brewing in Makhanda where the exciting Graeme College side hosts high-flying Nico Malan.

With both sides possessing exciting sets of backs, capable of setting the Somerset Field alight, it should be a high energy cracker.

Although Graeme lost recently to St Andrew’s, they have an outstanding record this season, with nine wins in their other 10 matches. Significantly, they won away from home against the tough Hudson Park last weekend. They will need to be as consistent to handle the Humansdorp side.

Nico Malan has three defeats and a draw from their 11 matches, but they have recently seen off the challenges of Pearson and Marlow Agricultural.

They’ll be confident ahead of the Graeme clash. It will be a new day, however, and any complacency could be their death knell.

TEAMS

Framesby vs Pearson at 14:00

Framesby: 15 Jaiden Brewis, 14 Jaco George, 13 Cole Hilpert, 12 Reon Saaiman, 11 Damian Witbooi, 10 Calestin Felkers, 9 Mondre van Heerden, 8 David Matyani, 7 Aiden Dennis, 6 Ethan Terblanche, 5 JJ de Lange, 4 Raynardt Brown, 3 Nathan Birkholtz, 2 Luke Didoft, 1 Eden Calitz.

Pearson: 15 Keano Beling, 14 Matthew Els, 13 Sibu Mkhontwana, 12 Hanro Botes, 11 Siya Ncwadi, 10 Denilo Jordaan, 9 Kadin Kretzmann, 8 Robert Harris, 7 Cameron Knoetze, 6 Siphe Myataza, 5 Stefan Kapp, 4 Mlibo Toni, 3 Jordan Bruintjies, 2 Nicholas Gillespie, 1 Joshua Pienaar.

Grey High vs St Andrew’s College at 15:20

Grey High: 15 Meyer Prinsloo, 14 Sikhulekile Xego, 13 Bradley Myburgh, 12 Noah Mbizi, 11 Akhumzi Masoka, 10 Adam Holmboe, 9 Ray-Dylan Wilkinson, 8 Sibonelo Stuurman, 7 David Melariri, 6 Cody Wilmot, 5 Raees Williams, 4 Riley Higgs, 3 Ross Atkinson, 2 Blake Parker, 1 Evan Mucka.

St Andrew’s College: 15 Will Stevens, 14 Asante Chivere, 13 Alastair de Kock, 12 Aphindile Ngcuka, 11 Qhawe Madikizela, 10 Oli Johnds, 9 David Chorley, 8 Joshua van Zyl, 7 Luca Nigrini, 6 Coel Trollip, 5 Matthew Harvey, 4 William Beamish, 3 Sivatho Mjali, 2 Amo Habi, 1 Jake Jackson.

Graeme College vs Nico Malan at 14:15

Graeme College: 15 Lucritia Magau, 14 Inathi Planga, 13 Erin Nelson, 12 Torres Fourie, 11 Elgin Fanton, 10 Alden Walters, 9 Luke Doyle, 8 Ayola Mali, 7 Mikhulu Yolani, 6 Lwandle Dlamini, 5 Andrew Muir, 4 Akho Tonjeni, 3 Athi Bonga, 2 Lebo Mahasele, 1 Bagcine Njengele.

Nico Malan: 15 Alarno Primo, 14 Reagan Stone, 13 Gelden van Niekerk, 12 Enzo Machaba, 11 Tequane Koopman, 10 Leighton Lawrence, 9 Lleyton Mienie, 8 Pietman Kleinhans (captain), 7 Neil Lategan, 6 MC Ferreira, 5 Ruben van Dijk, 4 Ulrich van Zyl, 3 Drikus Kruger, 2 Janu Janse van Rensburg, 1 Waldo Krige.