Author: mbloem

Hoërskool Outeniqua vs Boland Landbou

Hoërskool Outeniqua made their home supporters happy, defeating Boland Landbou 34-24 in a fast-paced battle in George on Saturday.

Both sides brought flair and power to the contest, with cross-kicks, darting runs that broke the defensive lines, and rolling mauls proving to be effective weapons.

In the second half, Outeniqua outside centre Gerrit Janse van Rensburg pulled off a similar feat, but still had to use his speed to get around a couple of covering defenders before pinning the ball to the ground for five points.

The main difference between the sides was the Kwaggas’ finishing when they got themselves to within striking distance of the try line. Captain and loosehead prop Matthew Prins and blindside flank Bradley Steyl both powered through a swarm of defenders from close range to score tries. The Farmers, meanwhile, came up short from close range on a number of occasions.

While the scoreboard reflects a 10-point victory for Outeniqua, those who watched the match closely will know that the difference between the sides was a matter of only centimetres.

Hoërskool Bellville vs Hoërskool Brackenfell

In a try-less 12-6 victory over Hoërskool Brackenfell, Hoërskool Bellville made their last home game for the next six weeks count.

Three penalties from outside centre Rian Kuyk and a drop-goal from flyhalf Marno Botes were enough to ensure that the hosts were able to celebrate after the full-time whistle had blown.

Brakkies will be frustrated that they couldn’t find a way through the home team’s defence. It was their fourth defeat in five games.

Next Saturday, they’ll travel to take on a hungry Milnerton High outfit, which is eager to arrest a six-game slide.

Bellville visits Wellington to take on Hugenote.

Scorers

Hoërskool Outeniqua 34 (17) – Tries: Gerrit Janse van Rensburg (2), Heiliano Beukes, Matthew Prins, Bradley Steyl. Conversions: Tylor Marais (3). Penalty: Marais. Boland Landbou 24 (10) – Tries: Juan Visagie, Adrian le Roux, Divan Meyer. Conversions: Meyer (3). Penalty: Meyer.

Hoërskool Bellville 12 – Penalties: Rian Kuyk (3). Drop-goal: Marno Botes. Hoërskool Brackenfell 6 – N/A.

Results

u19 – Outeniqua I 34 Boland Landbou I 24, Outeniqua II 21 Boland Landbou II 11, Outeniqua III 33 Boland Landbou III 0, Outeniqua IV 40 Boland Landbou IV 12, Outeniqua V 62 Boland Landbou V 0, Outeniqua VI 50 Boland Landbou VI 0; Bellville I 12 Brackenfell I 6, Bellville II 30 Brackenfell II 10, Bellville III 0 Brackenfell III 24.

u16 – Outeniqua A 7 Boland Landbou A 19, Outeniqua B 19 Boland Landbou B 12, Outeniqua C 26 Boland Landbou C 17; Bellville A 19 Brackenfell A 10, Bellville B 17 Brackenfell B 0.

u15 – Outeniqua A 14 Boland Landbou A 5, Outeniqua B 22 Boland Landbou B 14, Outeniqua C 3 Boland Landbou C 12, Outeniqua D Boland Landbou D 35; Bellville A 12 Brackenfell A 0, Bellville B 32 Brackenfell B 0.

u14 – Outeniqua A 17 Boland Landbou A 10, Outeniqua B 27 Boland Landbou B 26, Outeniqua C 17 Boland Landbou C 0, Outeniqua D 12 Boland Landbou D 5; Bellville A 19 Brackenfell A 17, Bellville B 7 Brackenfell B 5.

With Paul Roos Gimnasium up 10-0 at the half-time break on Saturday, one might have thought that the highlights of Stellenberg’s 2026 campaign would end with their 20-19 win over Paarl Gimnasium and a 26-21 victory over Grey College. Stellies had other ideas.

The Jade Brigade marched on in the second half in Bellville, with the Maroon Machine unable to stop their momentum, resulting in their dismantlement, and a historic 20-10 triumph for the hosts, their first-ever victory against the Stellenbosch powerhouse.

The defeat was also the first loss suffered by Paul Roos this season.

Down by double digits, the start of an epic comeback began when right-wing, Ralton Rhode, cut inside to wrongfoot the nearest defender and dot down in the 44th minute.

Then, lock Juvan Burden, who was in the thick of the action throughout, ploughed over for a try in the 64th minute. At 10-10, history beckoned if Stellenberg was able to seize the opportunity.

In the 68th minute, tighthead prop Janu van Deventer squeezed his way through two defenders for the home side’s third five-pointer to give them the lead, and victory was assured when flyhalf Ethan van Biljon slotted a penalty in the last minute of the match. Van Biljon moved to outside centre in the second half with fullback, Liam Jacobs, slotting into the flyhalf berth which gave their side even more of a cutting edge in the back.

It was also another momentous performance by the Jade Brigade’s captain and eighthman, Yanos Molnar. He led the side once again from the front, and his combination with Carlo Brink in the loose kept the Maroon Machine at bay. The Western Province selectors can’t ignore Molnar anymore when the Craven Week trials comes around.

Stellies’ victory over Paul Roos was certainly no fluke. They’ve already taken down three of South Africa’s biggest powers and suffered a heartbreaking last-minute defeat to Hoërskool Garsfontein, and it’s only mid-April. More tough challenges await, but one wonders if their remaining opponents have the firepower to handle the Jade Brigade’s battle-hardened unit.

For Hoërskool Hermanus, Saturday was one of those days on which not much seemed to go their way. However, for the home side, HTS Drostdy, it was an almost perfect start to the new school term.

The Donkies delivered a ruthless performance, powering their way to a one-sided 80-15 victory.

Their inside centre, Jano van Deventer, elicited cheers from the home crowd, bagging himself a hat-trick of tries, and landed 10 conversions, to tally an incredible 35 points for his team.

The Worcester locals could have reached triple digits after going into the halftime break with a 54-10 lead, but their coastal visitors didn’t roll over and play dead.

Rather, they showed strong character and firmed up their defence, allowing the hosts less than half the points they scored in the opening stanza after the break.

A smooth-flowing victory will boost Drostdy’s confidence, but Hermanus will have plenty of work to do before their next outing.

As suggested in a preview of the match, Saturday’s showdown proved that this was not the same Parel Vallei outfit which had lost 7-20 to Milnerton last year.

The Bulldogs ran out onto the field determined to shed their underdog status, and they were successful, handing Millies a 32-17 defeat.

PV fullback Shudley Rhoda was on song, crossing for two tries to secure 10 points, which fell just short of his flyhalf Stephen Niemann, who picked up his 12 points from three conversions and two penalties off the kicking tee.

Despite the loss, Millies’ fullback Chadlin Sellidon shone, scoring all 17 points for the home outfit. With two tries, two conversions, and a penalty, he showed why he is his team’s talisman.

Based on their performance on Saturday, Parel Vallei could reverse more of 2025’s defeats this season, while, with Sellidon as their playmaker, Milnerton should enjoy some success.

Scorers:

Stellenberg 20 (0) – Tries: Ralton Rhode, Juvan Burden, Janu van Deventer. Conversion: Ethan van Biljon. Penalty: Van Biljon. Paul Roos Gimnasium 10 (10) – Try: Stef de Villiers. Conversion: Travis Pheiffer. Penalty: Pheiffer.

HTS Drostdy 80 (54) – Tries: Jano van Deventer (3), Tristin Syster (2), JP Lotriet, Werno Ramshauer, Simamkele Lahlekile, Anwill Jacobs, Juan Jansen van Vuuren, Yurick van der Berg, Ruan Nortje. Conversions: Jano van Deventer (10). Hermanus 15 (10).

Parel Vallei 32 – Tries: Shudley Rhoda (2), Rafael von Loeper, Michael Kent. Conversions: Stephan Niemann (3). Penalties: Niemann (2). Milnerton 17 – Tries: Chadlin Sellidon (2). Conversions: Sellidon (2). Penalty: Sellidon.

Other Results: 

u19 – Stellenberg I 20, Paul Roos I 10; Stellenberg II 0, Paul Roos II 38; Stellenberg III 10, Paul Roos III 21; Stellenberg IV 21, Paul Roos IV 7; Stellenberg V 0, Paul Roos Gim V 54; Stellenberg VI 7, Paul Roos VI 60; Stellenberg VII 0, Paul Roos VII 67; Milnerton II 10, Parel Vallei II 15; Milnerton III 7, Parel Vallei III 27.

u16 – Stellenberg 5, Paul Roos 52; Milnerton 21, Parel Vallei 15; Stellenberg II 7, Paul Roos II 24; Milnerton II 19, Parel Vallei II 7; Stellenberg III 0, Paul Roos III 38; Stellenberg IV 7, Paul Roos IV 54.

u15 – Stellenberg A 5 Paul Roos Gim A 48, Stellenberg B 0 Paul Roos Gim B 36, Stellenberg C 10 Paul Roos Gim C 59, Stellenberg D 3 Paul Roos Gim D 45; Milnerton A 19 Parel Vallei A 0, Milnerton B 12 Parel Vallei B 22.

u14 – Stellenberg A 0 Paul Roos Gim A 34, Stellenberg B 7 Paul Roos Gim B 15, Stellenberg C 0 Paul Roos Gim C 68, Stellenberg D 3 Paul Roos Gim D 80; Milnerton A 5 Parel Vallei A 27, Milnerton B 5 Parel Vallei B 19.

Hoërskool Outeniqua vs Boland Landbou

The George locals, Hoërskool Outeniqua, host Boland Landbou at 13:30 on Saturday. Last year, the Kwaggas won 49-34 in Paarl.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

Both sides have been involved in high-scoring clashes this season, so an entertaining clash should be on the cards.

In their first two matches of 2026, Outeniqua tallied 144 points without reply in wins over Worcester Gimnasium (99-0) and Nico Malan (45-0). They also pushed Paarl Boys’ High hard before falling to a 22-26 loss in their next outing.

Meanwhile, the Farmers have made a slow start to the season, and will aim to make their fourth official match their first official win. In their most recent outings, they went down 22-50 to Helpmekaar Kollege and 28-46 to Die Hoërskool Menlopark. 

Among the most influential players on the pitch should be the fullbacks, the Kwaggas’ Darnell Delport and Boland Landbou’s Gehano van Bo. Both units also boast powerful loosehead props, with Matthew Prins captaining Outeniqua, while Nico de Beer, the Farmers’ loosehead, is strong enough to plough fields when the tractors are out of order.

Hoërskool Melkbosstrand vs DF Akademie

When they met in June 2025, Hoërskool Melkbosstrand claimed a 20-15 win over DF Akademie (formerly known as DF Malan).

Melkies were the hosts then, and they will be at home again on Saturday. Despite their home ground advantage, they are, arguably, at a disadvantage, having played only one match while DF has played five times in 2026 already.

The hosts will, though, be fresh when they kick off at 12:35 on Saturday. They will also have had ample time to prepare for the clash.

Of course, match fitness is something that can be achieved only by playing games, so Melkbosstrand should be ready to counter any plans that DF has been cooking up ahead of their showdown.

DF, though, will have the motivation of last season’s reversal in their collective memory bank to propel their challenge on Saturday. It should be a tight contest.

TEAMS

Outeniqua vs Boland Landbou at 13:30 on Saturday.

Outeniqua: 15 Darnell Delport, 14 Ray Jordan, 13 Gerrit Janse van Rensburg, 12 Jean Capes, 11 Heiliano Beukes, 10 Tylor Marais, 9 Fagon Hendricks, 8 Aldo Gouws, 7 Bradley Steyl, 6 Wiaan Baard, 5 Francom Pienaar, 4 Sam Augustyn, 3 Logan Jacobs, 2 Chunks Oliver, 1 Matthew Prins.

Boland Landbou: 15 Gehano van Bo, 14 Steyn Lamprecht, 13 Divan Meyer, 12 Cobus Immelman, 11 Erchel Hanga, 10 Caleb Seroot, 9 Oloff Seroot, 8 Josua Kruger, 7 Juan Visagie, 6 Jacques Bester, 5 Reiner Visser, 4 Chad Meintjies, 3 Tiaan Malan, 2 Adrian le Roux, 1 Nico de Beer.

Melkbosstrand vs DF Akademie at 12:35 on Saturday.

Melkbosstrand: 15 Craig Solomons, 14 Enrique Kastoor, 13 Sean Cooper, 12 Zandrich Nel, 11 Reese Jooste, 10 Arno Visser, 9 Patric van Niekerk, 8 Ethan Loncq, 7 Beuran Geduld, 6 O’Ryan Crouse, 5 Kevin Wessels, 4 Matthew Julies, 3 Jorden Lewis, 2 Connor Breytenbach, 1 Joshua Cloete.

DF Akademie: N/A.

Wynberg Boys’ High vs Rondebosch Boys’ High

In the first southern suburbs’ derby of 2026, Hawthornden Field is the venue for a 12:30 kickoff between Wynberg Boys’ High and Rondebosch Boys’ High on Saturday.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

In August 2025, Wynberg earned their biggest ever win over ‘Bosch, rolling to a 43-0 victory. Matters were much tighter in their first meeting in June, with a Morné Noble snipe earning them a last-minute 38-33 win.

Wynberg was in action at the Saints Easter Sports Festival in Johannesburg over the long weekend, where they produced a strong performance to beat St Stithians College 28-12.

They did, however, lose 14-35 to HTS Drostdy in their last home match in March. They’ll be seeking redemption against one of their main rivals.

Rondebosch has been dominant in their three official fixtures so far this year. Their smallest victory came against Pretoria Boys’ High in the school’s own 125th Birthday Festival, where ‘Bosch outplayed the 125th birthday boys 43-20.

However, they’ll face their fiercest opponents yet when they take on Wynberg, making Saturday’s outcome a tough one to predict.

Among the players who could swing the match are Wynberg fullback Laeeq Davids and Rondebosch wing Caleb Bell. Both are capable of incredible individual brilliance when in possession, thanks to their agility, vision, and speed.

Milnerton High vs Hoërskool Parel Vallei

Milnerton High has started the season with some tough fixtures. Their most recent outing resulted in a 3-41 loss against a mighty Westville Boys’ High side.

After five consecutive defeats – they also fell 20-27 to Dr EG Jansen, and 23-29 against Peterhouse at the Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival – they’ll be hungry to claim their first win of the season when they host Hoërskool Parel Vallei (PV) at 12:30 on Saturday.

The Bulldogs suffered a 7-20 defeat to Millies in Somerset West last season, so a visit to Cape Town may seem rather daunting.

PV, however, is evolving, and they’ve recorded three wins in three matches this season, including a 41-3 win over HTS Bellville.

The visitors are not a side to be overlooked, but Milnerton’s hunger should not be underestimated. The ingredients for an entertaining battle are in place.

Hoërskool Durbanville vs SACS

Hoërskool Durbanville showcased their resilience in a tough 13-24 loss to Affies at the NMI Toyota Noord-Suid Festival at the end of March.

SACS, meanwhile, will aim to return to winning ways when they travel to Durbies. Kickoff on Saturday is at 12:30.

After two wins, including a 26-17 defeat of Milnerton High, they most recently lost 7-24 against Maritzburg College at the Pretoria Boys’ High 125th Festival.

The 2025 clash between Durbanville and SACS, played at SACS, was a tight contest, with Durbies pulling off a narrow 20-17 win. Playing away on this occasion, SACS will need to be at their best to balance the scales.

TEAMS

Wynberg vs Rondebosch at 12:30 on Hawthornden Field this Saturday.

Wynberg: 15 Laeeq Davids, 14 Matthew Farah, 13 Ithandile Nkohla, 12 Cayleb Buys, 11 Zachary De Kock, 10 Luke Gertze, 9 Rauf Ahmed, 8 Esa Van der Schyff, 7 Alex Barrett, 6 Alvin Machinja, 5 CJ Kotze, 4 James Orwin, 3 Solam Gegana, 2 Naeem Mohammed, 1 Boitumelo Mabohlo.

Rondebosch: 15 Joshua Kirby, 14 Jayden Wyngaard, 13 Kelebogile Nkwana, 12 Kean Van Zyl, 11 Caleb Bell, 10 Eathon Williams, 9 Ateeb Julius, 8 Kirwan November, 7 Ben Gray, 6 Linakho Mehlomakulu, 5 Bertus Versfeld, 4 Bjorn Morkel, 3 Matthew Pelser, 2 Kwaza Gobingca, 1 Finn Watermeyer.

Milnerton vs Parel Vallei at 12:30 this Saturday. 

Milnerton: 15 Chadlin Sellidon, 14 Akho Mkaya, 13 Josh Marran, 12 Connor Petrie, 11 Nurudeen Wanza, 10 James Ferreira, 9 Callan Lackay, 8 Likhona Anda, 7 Sibabalo Siwisa, 6 Joshua White, 5 Nico Lourens, 4 Gregory Tshibangu, 3 Kyle Janse van Rensburg, 2 Liam Plaaitjies, 1 Troy Jackson.

Parel Vallei: 15 Shudley Rhoda, 14 Aydin February, 13 Owen Cockroft, 12 Brad Brown, 11 Rafael von Loeper, 10 Stephan Niemann, 9 Michael Kent, 8 Taariq Railon, 7 Ethan Ramos, 6 Marce Else, 5 Keaton Baird, 4 Herman Kriel, 3 Cayden Rautenbauch, 2 Jacques Swart, 1 Joshua Buchweltz.

Hoërskool Durbanville vs SACS at 12:30 this Saturday. 

Hoërskool Durbanville: 15 Wihan Roux, 14 Kyle Doyle, 13 Louwrens Rademeyer, 12 Callum Koekemoer, 11 Jean de Vries, 10 Hadley Erasmus, 9 Lorenzo Brogneri, 8 Muller Janse van Vuuren, 7 Zay-Winn Januarie, 6 Jono Hearn, 5 Eben de Jongh, 4 Eugene Theron, 3 Hanno Rhode, 2 Tristen Muller, 1 Janu Sadie.

SACS: 15 Nahum Koen, 14 Luca Simone, 13 James Sale, 12 Rob Boyes, 11 Josh Gorgens, 10 Jake Dave, 9 Jordan Forbes, 8 Stephan Kruger, 7 Dom Raisbeck, 6 Kwakhanya Gobe, 5 Cameron Hirst, 4 RJ Cunningham, 3 Deen Fortuin, 2 Zac Dall, 1 Qiraan Hermans.

Stellenberg High vs Paul Roos Gimnasium

Bellville’s Stellenberg High has ripped off its underdog collar, with SA u18 A players, lock Juvan Burden and flyhalf Ethan van Biljon, at the heart of the school’s rugby evolution.

This season, the Jade Brigade has already upset Paarl Gimnasium 20-19 and Grey College 26-21. At 13:15 on Saturday, the visiting Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG) will be the next target on their hit list.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

The Maroon Machine has started strongly in 2026, with their unbeaten record including a 45-28 win over Affies and a 21-17 defeat of Hoërskool Monument.

Saturday’s showdown will include flyhalves rated among the best in the country pulling the strings for their respective sides, with Travis Pheiffer running out opposite Ethan van Biljon.

Last year, in Stellenbosch, Paul Roos scored a dominant 34-5 win. With Stellies pushing PRG hard, an interception try by inside centre Tiaan Basson was the pivotal moment in the match. From there, it was one-way traffic. It’s likely to be a far tighter contest on Saturday.

HTS Drostdy vs Hoërskool Hermanus

Hoërskool Hermanus heads to Worcester as the underdog against HTS Drostdy, but that doesn’t mean the Donkies shouldn’t fear their bite. Kickoff on Saturday is at 13:20.

As has often been the case, Drostdy appears to be just off the pace of the Western Cape powerhouses, but a sound outfit, nonetheless. They opened their 2026 campaign with a 7-24 loss to Paul Roos, but they overwhelmed Wynberg Boys’ High 35-14.

Rather than the Donkies, perhaps a more fitting nickname would be the Dark Horses, which they perpetually seem to be.

In April 2025, the Worcester locals, playing at home, beat Hermanus 51-22.

The stats suggest a similar dominance awaits on Saturday, but 2026 has been the year of the upset, already a season in which the unpredictable has become somewhat predictable, making it the most exciting start to a season in years.

Hoërskool Bellville vs Hoërskool Brackenfell

Last year, in March, the visiting Hoërskool Bellville and Hoërskool Brackenfell drew 15-15.

On Saturday, Bellville will enjoy a home ground advantage, but Brackenfell will be intent on spoiling the hosts’ party. The match serves as the main course at Bellville’s Sports Day, with a late kickoff at 16:10.

Bellville, after five frustrating defeats, will aim to use the occasion of their Sports Day to pick up their first victory of the season. Brakkies were in a similar boat, with three consecutive losses, but they edged out Potchefstroom Gimnasium 13-10 at the Oakdale Festival earlier this month.

Now, with the early-season matches and festivals behind them, both schools should be settled and dialled in to take on their local opposition with renewed energy. Bellville vs Brackenfell is expected to be one of the weekend’s most evenly matched battles.

TEAMS

Stellenberg vs Paul Roos Gim at 12:30 on Saturday.

Stellenberg: 15 Liam Jacobs, 14 Ralton Rhode, 13 JC Swart, 12 Daniel Mongie, 11 Emile Cilliers, 10 Ethan Van Biljon, 9 Daniel Steffen, 8 Yanos Molnar, 7 Carlo Brink, 6 Seth Coetze, 5 Juvan Burden, 4 Jayden Young, 3 Janu Van Deventer, 2 Liam Joubert, 1 Waldo Schloms.

Paul Roos Gim: 15 Kyle Snyers, 14 Jean Hamman, 13 Tiaan Basson (captain), 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 Cilliers, 4 Stef de Villiers, 3 Zak Steyn, 2 Lehan Barnard, 1 Thomas Meyer.

HTS Drostdy vs Hermanus at 13:20 on Saturday. 

HTS Drostdy: 15 Anwill Jacobs, 14 Willvino Paultin, 13 Brent-Leigh Exstraal, 12 Jano Van Deventer, 11 Darren Makeza, 10 Ruan Nortje, 9 Wernard De Villiers, 8 Simamkele Lahlekile, 7 Joniel Claasen, 6 Werno Ramsauer, 5 Jean-Louis Matthee, 4 Eugene Walker, 3 Jurick Van Der Berg, 2 JP Lotriet, 1 Juann Jansen van Vuuren.

Hermanus: N/A.

Hoërskool Bellville vs Brackenfell at 16:10 on Saturday. 

Hoërskool Bellville: 15 Alvino Loggenberg, 14 Marlon Claasen, 13 Rian Kuyk, 12 Xandru Büter, 11 Liam Kuyk, 10 Marno Botes, 9 Juvan Rousseau, 8 Cade Mong, 7 Liam Genis, 6 Zandro Stramrood, 5 Corne Smit, 4 Steven Steyl, 3 Zander van Zyl, 2 Ryno Higgs, 1 Alex Cronje.

Brackenfell: N/A.

The tables were turned on Monday, the final day of the 2026 Saints Easter Rugby Festival, when St John’s College (Harare), who had gone unbeaten in their previous two games against Clifton College and St Stithians College, went down to Hoërskool Pietersburg.

The Zimbabweans fell behind 0-7 early but trailed only 13-14 at the half-time break, but Pieties hit a higher gear in the second stanza and powered clear to record a 38-18 win.

Their forward power made all the difference, with the Polokwane school twice getting over the try line from driving mauls, while also setting up a third with a crash ball from five metres out.

Hoërskool Kempton Park made their intentions clear early in their 38-17 victory over the Hoërskool Garsfontein Invitational XV.

Kempies were eager to end the festival on a winning note, and they made a sound start, with their eighthman Christian Nixon picking up and powering over with a route one ball in the third minute.

After making a dream start, Kempton Park continued to play at speed, forcing Garsies into a heavy dose of tackles.

Outside centre Guillaume Botha, who had consistently broken through opposing defences over the three days of play, continued to break tackles and was rewarded with two tries.

Garsies replied with consolation tries through hooker Erlo van Aswagen and scrumhalf Ethan Wepener.

Flyhalf Katlego Labelo was accurate off the kicking tee throughout the festival and converted both. He also added a tidy 45-metre penalty with his trusty boot.

Scorers:

Hoërskool Kempton Park 38 (21) – Tries: Guillaume Botha (2), Christian Nixon, Bjorn Hardy, Luca du Plooy, Reece van Loggenberg. Conversions: Heinrich Burger (4). Hoërskool Garsfontein Invitational XV 17 (11) – Tries: Erlo van Aswegan, Ethan Wepener. Conversions: Katlego Lebelo (2). Penalty: Lebelo.

Hoërskool Pietersburg 38 (14) – Tries: N/A. Conversions: Juan Randall (5). Penalty: Randall. St John’s College (Harare) 18 (13) – Tries: J. Rudland, Riley Ettlin. Conversion: T Chimuera. Penalties: Chimuera (2).

Two international visitors, Namibia’s Windhoek High and the UK’s Hartpury College, claimed victories on Easter Monday, the third and final day of the Saints Easter Rugby Festival in Johannesburg.

In a high-scoring clash, counterattacks down the blindside were a key tactic in Windhoek High’s 47-35 victory over the Mzwandile Mali XV.

Lock Keanan Louw was influential for the Namibians, crossing for two tries while also providing good ball from the lineouts.

As they had done all festival long, the Mali XV showed admirable fighting spirit throughout the match. Windhoek was never allowed to feel comfortable, not even when they held a two-score lead.

Mali XV flyhalf Sibabalwe Gwinsta delivered yet another eye-catching performance, using his fast feet and quick thinking to create space line-breaking opportunities for his teammates, which led to a number of tries. The playmaker even bagged himself another try.

Mzwandile Mali XV eighthman Bongolethu Mxoli was again on the score sheet, going over for his fourth try of the festival, thus joining a small group of players who scored in every match they played at the festival.

While Windhoek High claimed the spotlight with their win, the festival also made the Mzwandile Mali XV winners, serving as a big stage upon which the Eastern Cape side could exhibit the talent to be found in the province.

After a loss to Hoërskool Middelburg on the opening day of the festival, Gloucestershire’s Hartpury College stepped up to the plate and won their next two matches, ending their festival with an emphatic 54-20 victory over Northcliff High.

Arguably, the try of the festival occurred after the hooter had blown in their last outing on Monday. It started with a tap-and-go on the Hartpury’s five-metre line, then turned into a line break for fullback Luca Stickings after the ball was moved swiftly down the backline.

Stickings produced a magnificent run, weaving and outpacing five defenders with an 80-metre sprint before popping the ball up in the air while being tackled on Northcliff’s five-metre line.

Scrumhalf Theo Rogers‘ effort in running 90 metres in support was rewarded when he caught the offload and finished a spectacular attack.

Rogers was one of Hartpury’s standouts, providing his side with quick ball from the base of rucks, which allowed them to play with good tempo, resulting in the tourists’ wings scoring some highlight reel tries.

He finished with two tries in Hartpury’s last match, which was a fair reflection of the positive influence he exerted.

Northcliff was unfortunate to draw the short straw in their final game. The Randburg locals earned respect with their performances across the three days. They were formidable in an opening win over St Charles College on Thursday, and contributed greatly to one of the festival’s most memorable games, a 40-35 victory over Windhoek High.

Scorers:

Windhoek High 47 (19) – Tries: Keanan Louw (2), Xavier Bampton, Carlos Florian, Damian Klein, Luthando van Wyk, Kalipa Mbuenda. Conversions: MC-Rein van Wyk (6). Mzwandile Mali XV 35 (14) – Tries: Sibabalwe Gwinsta, Clayton Ludick, Ilita Mkapa, Bongolethu Mxoli, Likhona Mxoli. Conversions: Sibabalwe Gwinsta (5).

Hartpury College 54 (21) – Tries: Theo Rogers (2), Callum Lettie (2), James Siberry (2), Beau Wareham, Alex Orehawa. Conversions: James Siberry (7). Northcliff High 20 (6) – Tries: Luke Bloomberg, Dayne Van Wyk. Conversions: Jonothan Haw (2). Penalties: Haw (2).

Scorers:

Windhoek High 47 (19) – Tries: Keanan Louw (2), Xavier Bampton, Carlos Florian, Damian Klein, Luthando van Wyk, Kalipa Mbuenda. Conversions: MC-Rein van Wyk (6). Mzwandile Mali XV 35 (14) – Tries: Sibabalwe Gwinsta, Clayton Ludick, Ilita Mkapa, Bongolethu Mxoli, Likhona Mxoli. Conversions: Sibabalwe Gwinsta (5).

Hartpury College 54 (21) – Tries: Theo Rogers (2), Callum Lettie (2), James Siberry (2), Beau Wareham, Alex Orehawa. Conversions: James Siberry (7). Northcliff High 20 (6) – Tries: Luke Bloomberg, Dayne Van Wyk. Conversions: Jonothan Haw (2). Penalties: Haw (2).

Hoërskool Kempton Park 38 (21) – Tries: Guillame Botha (2), Christian Nixon, Bjorn Hardy, Luca du Plooy, Reece van Loggenberg. Conversions: Heinrich Burger (4). Hoërskool Garsfontein Invitational XV 17 (11) – Tries: Erlo van Aswegan, Ethan Wepener. Conversions: Katlego Lebelo (2). Penalty: Lebelo.

Hoërskool Pietersburg 38 (14) – Tries: N/A. Conversions: Juan Randall (5). Penalty: Randall. St John’s College (Harare) 18 (13) – Tries: J. Rudland, Riley Ettlin. Conversion: T Chimuera. Penalties: Chimuera (2).

With just about five minutes to go, it looked like Windhoek High were about to end their battle with Northcliff High as the winners, but there was a final twist in the tale, and Northcliff snatched a last-gasp 40-35 victory at the Saints Sports Festival in Johannesburg on Saturday.

With 10 minutes to play, Windhoek High, trailing Northcliff 30-32, stole the ball from kick-off. They quickly whipped the ball out wide, where eighthman Isaiah Kazandovi crashed through the defensive line and made 20 metres before being brought down five metres shy of the try line.

As he went to ground, he popped the ball up for flyhalf MC-Rein van Wyk, who dived over for a try to add to his highlight plays, which included a drop-goal in Thursday’s win over the Hartpury College XV.

Only a few minutes later, Northcliff’s loosehead prop Jordan Venter turned the tables from the base of the ruck. Spotting space around the fringes of the breakdown, he sniped with the flair of a scrumhalf to seal the deal.

After Thursday’s intense loss against Windhoek High, the Hartpury College XV, from Gloucestershire, made the most of their opportunities to cruise to a comfortable 47-18 victory over a Hoërskool Garsfontein Invitational XV.

Christian Gordon-Astbury, on the left wing, scored a special try that required some finishing. It’s no surprise he’s enjoyed time with the Leicester Tigers youth academy.

He took possession of the ball on the blindside from a failed lineout maul attempt on the Garsies‘ five-metre line before stepping inside to beat his man. Then, he bounced off another defender before collecting five points.

Presented with good ball from their hard-working forwards, the English outfit’s backs impressed, demonstrating an accurate kicking and passing game.

Garsies had their moments too, scoring their first try of the festival in style. They gathered momentum through a series of phases in the opposition 22-metre area, before letting the ball loose down the line, where inside centre Gustav de Waal threw a skip pass for left wing Teagan Eckard, who dived into the left corner for five points.

The reaction of the Pretoria side, which jumped for joy, showed how much it meant to them.

Scorers:

Northcliff High 40 (17) – Tries: Ethan Leonette (2), Luke Bloomberg, Troy Kaminsky, Jonothan Haw, Jacques Fourie, Jordan Venter. Conversions: Jonothan Haw (3). Penalties: Haw (2). Windhoek High 35 (15) – Tries: Carlos Florian, MC-Rein van Wyk, Xavier Bampton, William Beukes. Conversions: MC-Rein van Wyk (3). Penalties: Van Wyk (3).

Hartpury College 47 (5) – Tries: Christian Gordon-Astbury (2), Alex Orehawa, Rakhat Clarkson, Luca Stickings, Felix Baker, Jardel Furness. Conversions: Cynyr MacRae (6). Hoërskool Garsfontein Invitational XV 18 (6) – Tries: Teagan Eckard, Tristan Wepener. Conversion: Katlego Lebelo. Penalties: Katlego Lebelo (2).

Wynberg Boys’ High brought the curtain down on the second day of action at the Saints Easter Rugby Festival with a 28-12 victory over St Stithians College, for their second win of the event.

It was no surprise to see their fullback Laeeq Davids open the scoring, and Wynberg edged further in front when their hooker Ridhau Johnson went over, too.

The Lyme Park locals pulled one back through their left wing, Omolemo Lerefolo, which left Wynberg with a narrow 14-7 advantage at the interval.

Scrumhalf Rauf Ahmed and left wing Zachary de Kock added further five-pointers to the Wynberg try tally, but Saints refused to fade away.

They kept applying pressure and eventually broke through the southern suburbs’ school’s defensive wall for another try, this time from inside centre Reece Hubner, who dotted down after ripping through Wynberg’s defences.

With another win, Wynberg teased the spectators with glimpses of the potential that is aiming to make an impact in the tough-as-teak Western Province this season.

In an upset, Limpopo’s Hoërskool Pietersburg stunned Mpumalanga’s Hoërskool Middelburg 27-14.

Just as they did on Thursday, Middies trusted prop power to bring them their first points. Tighthead Dewald du Toit was the last man to get his hands on the ball after a lineout maul that started within five metres of the opposition try line, crashing to the ground to give the boys in green the early lead.

Pietersburg responded with a brilliant team try, which started with getting the ball swiftly wide along the Middies’ 10-metre line. Left wing Keanu Potgieter then cut between two defenders to finish an excellent phase of quick and accurate passing.

That try summed up the winners’ performance as a whole. Every player in the Pieties’ line-up executed their role to a tee. Their reward was an unexpected but well-deserved victory.

Scorers:

Wynberg Boys’ High 28 (14) – Tries: Laeeq Davids, Rauf Ahmed, Ridhau Johnson, Zachary De Kock. Conversions: Luke Gertze (4). St Stithians College 12 (7) – Tries: Omolemo Lerefolo, Reece Hubner. Conversion: Caleb Sokolich.

Hoërskool Pietersburg 27 (7) – Tries: Juan Dreyer, Ludke Pienaar, Reghardt Els, Ryno Mienie. Conversions: Juan Randall (2). Penalty: Ryno Mienie. Hoërskool Middelburg 14 (7) – Tries: Dewald du Toit, Kgontse Masilela. Conversions: Masilela (2).