Author: mbloem

The Wynberg Boys’ High 1st XV has proven to be a formidable force in recent years.

In 2025, they suffered two narrow losses against prominent rugby schools. Playing at home in both matches, they lost 26-32 to Paarl Boys’ High and 17-21 to Paul Roos Gimnasium.

Wynberg Head Coach, Justin van Winkel, told SuperSport Schools Plus that every side they face needs to be treated with respect.

“Every opponent poses new challenges and always receives our full focus. We don’t have the privilege of only fixating on certain matches in the competitive Western Province (WP) league.

“Every team we face is a challenge, and we strive to reciprocate the favour.”

Casting an eye over his team, Van Winkel said many players who turned out for the 1st XV last year are back.

“We have the following players from last year available for selection: Naeem Mohammed, James Orwin, CJ Kotze, Alvin Machinja, Alex Barret, Esa van der Schyff, Achmat Behardien (Western Province Craven Week flyhalf in 2025), Chad Campbell, Luke Gertze, Ithandile Nkohla, Zachary De Kock, and Laeeq Davids.”

The same coaching team that steered Wynberg to an impressive season holds the reins again. “Our same coaching and management team, mainly consisting of school masters, returns for the 2026 season, led by our Director of Rugby, Nic Groom. Other members of the team include Mr. Van Winkel, Mr. Posthumus, Mr. Bassett, Mr. Potgieter, Mr. Frylinck, Mr. Wells, and Mr. Baker,” Van Winkel shared.

Turning his attention to how he wants his team to play the game, he said: “We want our boys to reach their full individual potential while consistently making our team a priority. If we get this right, the results will come.”

With a large number of talented players returning, and with the same coaching staff in place, Wynberg is nicely positioned to put together a cohesive and strong 1st XV. That makes it likely that they’ll exhibit many of the qualities that made the 2025 season a success.

Some of the key characteristics of their philosophy include a desire to play the game at speed; a quick tap is always on when they are awarded a penalty.

Wynberg also believes in their backline’s attacking prowess. They’ll often opt for scrums near midfield rather than kicking for touch when given the option. They want to create space for their backs to attack.

Expect a ball-in-hand approach from Wynberg and a focus on keeping the ball in play. They’re especially dangerous on the counterattack.

Having come so close to upsetting some of 2025’s best sides, could Wynberg slay some giants in 2026? They’ll head into the season optimistic that they have the firepower to do that.

Wynberg Boys’ High Fixtures 2026

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“You’ll never know how good you could have been, unless you try” – IFBB Hall of Fame bodybuilder, Mike Mentzer.

Ethan van Biljon has come a long way since he first gravitated towards a rugby ball in preschool. The SA Schools A and SA u18A flyhalf will again be serving as the playmaker for Stellenberg High in 2026.

The Jade Brigade’s General told SuperSport Schools Plus about his desire to reach the professional stage: “Over the next five years, I have clear goals for myself, both in rugby and in my personal life.

“From a rugby point of view, I want to make my debut at URC level, and to be selected for the SA u20 squad. Playing at that level would be a huge achievement and privilege for me.

“Being part of the system would give me the chance to test myself against top players my age, and to grow in a high-performance environment.

“On a personal level, I would like to complete my studies in Business Accounting, with a diploma or a full degree. Education is important, and I want to be prepared for life beyond the game. Balancing academics with high-level sport helps one grow in discipline, responsibility and, very importantly, time management.

“Overall, my goal is to keep improving step by step – working hard every day, taking opportunities as they come, and building a strong foundation for my future, both on and off the field.”

Van Biljon’s agent and Stellenberg Head Cricket Coach Michael Thomas, spoke highly of the Western Province flyhalf’s temperament: “Ethan is a great example of a player that works very hard. He leads by example and is not a guy who gets involved in [negative] off-field stuff. He is a calm character and a great leader both on and off the field.”

Thomas also shared his insights from observing Van Biljon playing and training over the years: “I first saw Ethan as a player at u14 level. What stood out was his time on the ball, as well as his ability to identify space. His quick feet were amazing as well.”

Van Biljon is very capable as a running flyhalf. He is athletically gifted, rumoured to run a sub-11-second 100 metre sprint. However, Thomas said another aspect of the playmaker’s game has evolved the most over the years: “His kicking has improved a lot. His ability to adapt his game when nothing is on, and to put sides under pressure with his boot has improved a lot.”

Van Biljon does not shy away from self-analysis, and he addressed the area of his game that he’d like to improve the most: “One aspect of my game that I’m always working to improve is consistency. Even when things are going well, I know there’s still room for growth – whether that’s improving decision-making, sharpening fundamentals, or becoming more effective in high-pressure moments.

“I also focus a lot on communication and leadership within a team setting. Being part of a team means understanding different personalities, building trust, and constantly improving how you contribute to the group’s success. That’s something you can always get better at.

“To me, the work never ends. There’s always something to improve physically, mentally, or as a teammate. That mindset keeps me motivated, and helps me to grow both individually and as part of a team.”

With Ethan van Biljon pulling the strings at flyhalf, Stellenberg High is a team to watch in 2026. They’re a tough unit, a dark horse which could ruffle the traditional established order.

Playing in a 65-over, single-innings fixture on Saturday, Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG) won the toss at home and opted to bat first against Bishops.

Batting at three, Janko Webb, the home side’s talisman, was up to the challenge as usual. He cracked nine fours and four sixes in a 105-ball innings, which brought him 95 runs.

Apart from Webb’s innings, though, it was a tough day for the Paul Roos batsmen, who had few answers for new ball bowler Waco Bassick. In only 10 overs, he captured 7/21 to inflict huge damage on the hosts’ batting effort.

Thaafier Japhta, the only other bowler to bowl the full 10-over quota, chipped in with 2/42 as PRG tallied 162 all out in 40.1 overs.

Japhta then made his way to the crease after the fall of the first wicket in Bishops’ reply. He made an impact, striking two fours and two sixes in an innings of 54 from 66 balls.

Imraan Leith, batting at seven, entertained with three fours in his 29, and the pair added 65 runs for the sixth wicket to lift Bishops from a fragile 38/5 to 103/6.

Morné Pauw was the reason that the visitors were on the back foot. He claimed 5/33, while Dion Slabber picked up 2/60 in 13.4 overs, and Keeno Loggenberg took 2/33 in eight.

Bishops, though, found the man for the moment, with Robbie Vintcent keeping Paul Roos at bay while hitting four fours in a crucial and match-winning 38 not out.

That proved to be just enough as the visitors from Cape Town tallied 163/9 after 42.4 overs to claim victory by a single wicket.

Boland Landbou vs Rondebosch Boys’ High

At their Stiaan van Zyl Oval on Saturday, Boland Landbou chose to field first against Rondebosch Boys’ High in a limited-overs clash.

Their opening pair, Gunther Schmidt and captain Francois Prins, ensured that decision paid off, reducing ‘Bosch to 35/4 in the early going. Schmidt went on to take 3/41 in 9.1 overs, while Prins returned 3/40 from seven overs. Kobus Conradie chipped in with 2/36 from seven overs.

Rondebosch’s number five batsman, Schalk Fourie, hit three fours in his innings of 40 runs, while Timothy Short, batting at seven,  top-scored with 42 off 68 balls, which helped the visitors gradually claw their way back into the game.

After 48.1 overs, they were all out for 211.

Boland Landbou’s reply began superbly, with Kobus Conradie and Johannes Goosen combining for a 98-run first-wicket stand. Conradie contributed 41 off 75 deliveries, punching four deliveries for four, while Goosen was more aggressive, blasting six fours and three sixes in his 67 off 59.

Unfortunately for the Farmers, after that outstanding start, their reply fell apart.

From there, only the skipper, Francois Prins, made it to 20, with the rest of the home side’s batsmen perishing cheaply as Boland Landbou was dismissed for 176 after 41.3 overs, resulting in a 35-run win for Rondebosch.

Arin Spiller led the ‘Bosch bowling attack, snapping up 4/35 in 9.3 overs, while Eli Aufrichtig snatched 2/9 in five overs and Timothy Short captured 2/25 in 10.

Worcester Gimnasium batted first after winning the toss in their 50-over fixture at Hoërskool Strand.

Noah Goliath, at four, and Alijandrew Heneke, at six, got the runs flowing for the visitors, advancing the total by 70 runs in their fifth-wicket partnership. Goliath struck four fours and a maximum in his 31 off 58, while Heneke clobbered eight fours in his 53 off 66.

Strand‘s Cloete de Jager and Keaton Gertze also formed an impressive duo. De Jager sent five batsmen packing for only 14 runs from five overs, while Gertze collected 3/30 from 9.3 overs as the visitors totalled 158 all out after 34.3 overs.

When Strand replied, only Caden Jenkins, with 1/21, and Tayne Smith, with 1/23, were able to remove batsmen. That’s because the De Jager and Gertze double-act was again at play.

They directed Strand to victory with an unbroken 105-run fourth-wicket stand. De Jager finished with 50 not out, and Gertze was 52 not out, when a seven-wicket win was achieved in the 41st over.

Summarised Scorecards:

Paul Roos Gimnasium 162/10 (Janko Webb 95; Waco Bassick 7/21, Thaafier Japhta 2/42); Diocesan College 163/9 (Thaafier Japhta 54, Robbie Vincent 38*, Imraan Leith 29; Morné Pauw 5/33, Keeno Loggenberg 2/33, Dion Slabber 2/60). Diocesan College won by one wicket.

Rondebosch Boys’ High 211/10 (Timothy Short 42, Schalk Fourie 40, Matthew Brooks 39, Ethan De Heer Kloots 21; Francois Prins 3/40, Gunther Schmidt 3/41, Kobus Conradie 2/36); Boland Landbou 176/10 (Johannes Goosen 67, Kobus Conradie 41, Extras 22, Francois Prins 20; Arin Spiller 4/35, Eli Aufrichtig 2/9, Timothy Short 2/25). Rondebosch Boys’ High won by 35 runs.

Worcester Gimnasium 158/10 (Alijandrew Heneke 53, Noah Goliath 31, Extras 30; Cloete de Jager 4/28, Keaton Gertze 3/30); Hoërskool Strand 161/3 (Keaton Gertze 52*, Cloete de Jager 50*, Zylin Rule 28). Strand won by seven wickets.

Paarl Boys’ High vs Paarl Gimnasium

On Saturday, it was tough going for batsmen in the 50-over contest between Paarl Boys’ High and Paarl Gimnasium.

After winning the toss and opting to bat first at home, Boishaai made a slow start to their innings. Ruan Heyns, who arrived after the fall of the first wicket, top-scored with a cautious 36 runs off 92 balls.

Reese Petersen, batting at five, was the next best contributor to the host’s tally, adding a patient 25 off 62 as Boys’ High’s innings lasted 40.3 overs and finished with the home side all out for 113.

Jean le Roux was the primary reason for Boishaai’s struggles. He kept them on the hop, capturing 4/27 in 10 overs, while Wian Munnik snapped up 2/4 and Derrick Groenewald collected 2/20.

Defending a low total, the hosts’ new ball pair of Ra-eez Isaacs and Ed-Lee Koopman forced Gim onto the back foot and had the visitors in trouble on 28/4.

Isaacs went on to claim 2/23 in six overs, while Koopman also bagged 2/23 in two more overs.

Chasing a modest score, Paarl Gim needed one of their batsmen to stand up and take charge. Number five batsman, Matt Dippenaar, answered the call. He held down his end, facing 103 deliveries while scoring an unbeaten 55 to see the visitors across the line.

Waldus de Jager was with Dippenaar at the end, with the pair partnering for an unbroken seventh-wicket partnership of 51 to see Gimmies to a three-wicket win after 38 overs, when they reached 117/7. It was a welcome redemption for Gim, who had suffered a couple of big Switch Schools SA20 losses to Boys’ High earlier in the season.

Stellenberg High vs Hoërskool Durbanville

In a Bellville derby on Saturday, Stellenberg High won the toss and decided to bat first in their limited-overs clash with Hoërskool Durbanville.

Opener Roux Wasserman performed his job well, hitting a four and three sixes in his side’s top score of 41 from 53 deliveries. His teammates, though, had a difficult time at the crease, labouring their way to 123 all out from 45 overs.

Their difficulties stemmed from Jan-Oscar van Tonder, who knocked over 4/22 in 10 overs, while Antoine Smit played his part by snapping up 3/22.

Defending only an adequate total, Stellenberg went about their task with intensity. Captain JJ Rothman led the way, wreaking havoc on the Durbies‘ reply by capturing 4/27 from 10 overs. Jan-Jak Alberts, much like Antoine Smit did for Durbanville, performed well in the middle overs to nab 3/26.

Durbanville’s innings spluttered along until Jeandré Janse van Rensburg and Farrel-Leigh Dido, batting at eight and nine, brought some excitement to the run chase. Janse van Rensburg hit two fours and a six in his 18 off 18 balls, while Dido weighed in with an unbeaten 19 off 25, which included three fours.

In the end, though, Durbanville came up only three runs short of the Stellenberg total, bowled out for 120 after 39.5 overs.

Summarised Scorecard

Paarl Boys’ High 113/10 (Ruan Heyns 36, Reese Petersen 25; Jean le Roux 4/28, Wian Munnik 2/4, Derrick Groenewald 2/20); Paarl Gimnasium 117/7 (Matt Dippenaar 55*, Extras 20; Neil Louw 2/15, Ed-Lee Koopman 2/23, Ra-eez Isaacs 2/23). Paarl Gimnasium won by three wickets.

Stellenberg High 123/10 (Roux Wasserman 41; Jan-Oscar van Tonder 4/22, Antoine Smit 3/22); Hoërskool Durbanville 120/3 (JJ Rothman 4/27, Jan-Jak Alberts 3/26). Stellenberg won by three runs.

Wynberg Boys’ High vs SACS

In a 50-over battle between southern suburbs rivals on Saturday, SACS won the toss and decided to bat first against Wynberg Boys’ High.

Opening batsman Aqeel Waggie settled in for a prolonged stay, striking four fours in his 55 off 132 balls on the Jacques Kallis Oval.

Abhay Kalan scored a laboured 20 off 61, batting at four, while Max Fourie, who arrived after the fall of the sixth wicket, was the only other visiting batsman to exit the teens, and he just made it, smashing two fours and a six in his 20 off 22 as SACS posted 147 all out in 48.1 overs.

Josh Nicholson was in good form with the ball, capturing 3/13 from 6.1 overs, while Niyaaz Allie contributed a valuable 2/9 in a three-over spell.

In 10 overs each, Fawaaz Hendricks and Nicholas Stafford made inroads into the SACS middle order, recording 2/27 and 2/28 respectively.

Matthew Saunders fronted the Wynberg reply and contributed 30 off 51 deliveries at the top of the order, stroking four fours and adding a six.

Captain Michail Tarentaal, batting at four, and Niyaaz Allie, the number five batsman, later accumulated an unbroken 72-run partnership for the fifth wicket.

Tarentaal was aggressive and took it to the SACS bowlers, bashing seven fours and three sixes in his 60 off only 51 balls, while Allie sent five deliveries to the boundary in his 25 not out off 34 as the pair guided Wynberg to a six-wicket victory after 32.5 overs.

Benjamin Blackburn was outstanding for SACS, knocking over 3/16 in 10 overs, but he needed more support from his fellow bowlers.

Hoërskool Parel Vallei vs Somerset College

First Innings

In a Somerset West derby, played on Friday and Saturday, Somerset College visited Parel Vallei High for The Ashes. When the toss favoured the visitors, they chose to field first in the two-day, two-innings fixture.

Both sides struggled at the crease on the opening day. Parel Vallei barely made it to triple figures, with Paul Kruger‘s stubborn 26 runs off 75 balls and 21 off 42 from Ruben du Plessis helping them to a slow 103 all out after 46.1 overs.

Somerset College opening bowlers, Mila Silamsi and Johann Rauch, claimed 2/17 and 2/14, respectively. They found good support from Daniel Kaplan, who picked up 2/18 in five overs, which included a couple of maidens, and Troy Varie wrapped up the innings with a miserly 2/10 from 6.1 overs.

Somerset College’s reply came up well short of three figures. Only Owethu Moyi, with 34 off 47, which featured four fours, made more than 15 as the visitors hobbled their way to 74 all out in 29 overs.

Dirk van Zyl bowled more than half of Parel Vallei’s overs. Operating unchanged, he was on fire, capturing a brilliant 7/24. Imtiaz Oliver supported him well, snapping up 3/17 in nine overs.

Second Innings

The hosts delivered a much-improved second innings’ effort, led by opener Sean Grant, who hit seven fours in a 121-ball stay that brought him the match’s top score of 70.

Number three batsman, Daniel Adonis, contributed 39 runs as he and Grant added 81 runs for the second wicket.

Lower down the order, Divan Stander and Benjamin Traut shared a seventh-wicket stand of 71 runs, with Stander scoring 40 and Traut 30. After 94.4 overs, Parel Vallei declared on 292/9.

Owethu Moyi was the most successful of the Somerset College bowlers, keeping PV quiet with 25.4 overs and a return of 3/65. Daniel Kaplan played second fiddle to Moyi, securing 2/45 in 11 overs.

Moyi then returned to the crease to again top score for his team. He hit four fours and two sixes in his 58 from 121 balls. Unfortunately, for Moyi, support from his fellow batsmen was in short supply, with no one else making it to 15 as Somerset College was bowled out for 118.

Christopher Hughes hurt Somerset College with 4/23 in 18.1 overs, while Imtiaz Oliver bagged three wickets for the second time in the contest, picking up 3/46 in 18 overs. Dirk van Zyl, PV’s first-innings’ star, chipped in with 2/37 from 19 as Parel Vallei claimed The Ashes with a handsome 203-run margin.

Summarised Scorecards

SACS 147/10 (Aqeel Waggie 55, Extras 22, Max Fourie 20, Abhay Kalan 20; Josh Nicholson 3/13, Niyaaz Allie 2/9, Fawaaz Hendricks 2/27, Nicholas Stafford 2/28); Wynberg Boys’ High 151/4 (Michail Tarentaal 60*, Matthew Saunders 30, Niyaaz Allie 25; Benjamin Blackburn 3/16). Wynberg Boys’ High won by six wickets.

First Innings

Hoërskool Parel Vallei 103/10 (Paul Kruger 26, Ruben du Plessis 21; Troy Varie 2/10, Johann Rauch 2/14, Mila Silamsi 2/17, Daniel Kaplan 2/18); Somerset College 74/10 (Owethu Moyi 34; Dirk van Zyl 7/24, Imtiaz Oliver 3/17).

Second Innings

Hoërskool Parel Vallei 292/9 dec. (Sean Grant 70, Paul Kruger 44, Divan Stander 40, Daniel Adonis 39, Benjamin Traut 30, Ruben du Plessis 24*; Owethu Moyi 3/64, Daniel Kaplan 2/45, Troy Varie 2/61); Somerset College 118/10 (Owethu Moyi 58; Christopher Hughes 4/23, Imitiaz Oliver 3/46, Dirk van Zyl 2/37). Parel Vallei won by 203 runs. 

Last year, Bishops won all three phases of the Switch Schools SA20 competition, thus becoming the first winners of the prestigious national event.

After a successful showing in Phase One of the second edition of the competition, the southern suburbs outfit appeared primed to win Phase Two and, with that, cement a place at The Final Showdown, where they could defend the national title.

Their title defence came up short, however, when Paarl Boys’ High comfortably beat Bishops by five wickets in the semi-finals of the Western Cape’s regional final.

Bishops were the Western Province winners, while Boishaai won the Boland title. When they met, though, the Bolanders came through with the win.

This season, Boys’ High hit their straps in the T20 format, crushing their local rival, Paarl Gimnasium, by 10 wickets in the Boland final, in which AB Jacobs smashed 89 runs off 41 balls.

In the Western Cape final, they faced Paarl Gim again. With a place at The Final Showdown on the line, Boys’ High posted a healthy 170/8 and then hit Gimmies hard with an inspired fielding performance. It brought them an eye-opening five run outs, and Paarl Gim was skittled for only 43, leaving Boishaai with a handsome 127-run victory.

In recent seasons, Paarl Boys’ High has been a fruitful supplier of provincial cricketers to Boland sides. At the Khaya Majola Week in December, they had four representatives in the 16-player squad, which was more than any other school in the region.

Captain Aden Batt and wicket-keeping all-rounder AB Jacobs, who were members of that squad, are still in the Boys’ High 1st XI.  Their passion and performances have rubbed off on their peers, with Boishaai playing their best cricket in the first and second phases of the Switch Schools SA20 Volume Two.

In the Final Showdown at the University of Pretoria, which starts on Wednesday, 4 March, the intense and cohesive Paarl Boys’ High unit will be a difficult side to overcome.

They will enjoy the first use of the Tuks Oval on Wednesday morning, when they take on the KZN champs, Hilton College. In the afternoon, they face the CSA Hub XI.

Then, on Thursday, they complete their group games against St Andrew’s School, who will be contesting the national final for a second successive year.

The playoffs take place on Friday, with the final being played on Saturday, 7 March, on the Tuks Oval, where the Paarl Boys’ High 1st XI begins its challenge. They would be thrilled to earn a return to the same ground.

FIXTURES

Wednesday, 4 March
Paarl Boys’ High vs Hilton College, Tuks Oval, 09:30
Paarl Boys’ High vs CSA Hub XI, Tuks B, 14:00

Thursday, 5 March
Paarl Boys’ High vs St Andrew’s School, Tuks B, 09:30

Paarl Boys’ High squad: Abriam “AB” Jacobs, Neil Louw, Roan Heyns, Daniel Francke, Aden Batt, Charl du Toit, Ra-eez Isaacs, JP Immelman, Tom Krige, Ra’ed Fredericks, Ed-Lee Koopman, Ullrich Drotschie, Reese Petersen.

Abriam, or “AB” Jacobs, as he is known, was the top scorer in the final of the Western Cape’s second volume of the Switch Schools SA20, helping to power Paarl Boys’ High to the regional title.

He struck six boundaries, five of them sixes, in an exciting 46 runs off 36 balls against Boishaai‘s arch-rivals, Paarl Gimnasium.

Jacobs was even more impressive in the semi-final, where Boys’ High vanquished the 2025 national winners, Bishops. In that match, he delivered a match-winning knock, hammering eight sixes and four fours in a brilliant 79 runs off only 29 deliveries.

Like many of the star athletes profiled by SuperSport Schools Plus, Jacobs credited an older sibling with his introduction to the game: “I first remember playing with my brother in the backyard. I was trying to bat better than him, and if I got out, I started crying because I wanted to bat the whole time, just to show him that I was better than him.”

Boishaai Head Coach Johann Louw said Jacobs is now playing the role of an older brother to his peers: “He is a fun-loving guy, and adds a bit of humour to any situation. Shy at first, but when comfortable, he can certainly lighten up the mood. He is developing into a solid young man who is not shy to share and add value to the younger players.”

Those backyard sessions provided the hard-hitting AJ Jacobs with an advantage during his primary school and early high school days. Louw recalled: “I first saw AB play at u14 level, and it was a remarkable performance. Wynberg was on 90/1, and AB was given the ball and ended up taking 7/15 to dismiss Wynberg for 115.

He then opened the batting, and the first three balls of the innings went for six. He got 50-odd, and they [Paarl Boys’ High] won the game in 14 overs. That was the start of knowing his antics.

“As a junior, he also scored a couple of double hundreds, and he boasts a top-score of 356 not out in an u13 50-over game; a feat which seemed like a fluke at the time.”

Louw then cast his educated eye to AB  Jacobs’ current game: “AB is a very natural player, being able to bat, bowl and wicket-keep,” he said. “He’s arguably the best u19 ‘keeper in the country, who also can bowl seam at 120km per hour, and on top of all that, the ability to bat at tempos seldom matched by the opposition.

“It makes it hard to decide when and where to use him.

“What I have seen developing the most is his ability to identify game-changing moments, and then to win those moments more often than not,” Louw revealed.

Jacobs admitted that he sometimes tries to play too aggressively at the start of his innings: “I want to improve my patience when entering the crease. I need to remember to play the ball on the ground until I’m settled in. Only then can I play my big shots.”

The wicket-keeping all-rounder also expressed his desire to play cricket full-time: “I want to achieve the highest possible level in the sport: to play professional cricket.

“I want to start playing among senior pros who already know what the game’s like at that level, so I can learn from their experience to fast-track my learning in the period between ending school and playing professionally.”

Given his exploits in the Western Cape regional final, Paarl Boys’ High heads to the Switch Schools SA20 Final Showdown with a not-so-secret weapon in their ranks. Boishaai’s opposition knows AB Jacobs. The question, though, is, can they stop him?

After a nine-wicket loss in last year’s Western Cape Final of the Switch Schools SA20 against Victoria Hub Girls, HTS Drostdy made sure they were primed to give their best in Volume Two of the competition.

They worked on their game plans and stuck to them, tearing through their opposition in Phase One, which culminated in them bowling out the Paarl Hub for only 22. They chased down the victory target in only 3.5 overs to be crowned the Boland winners.

They made it clear in Phase Two that they intended to go all the way to the national final. In the opening round, they dismantled Stellenberg High, with captain Daneli Boshoff leading the bowling attack by capturing 2/6.

Then, they took only 7.2 overs to race to a nine-wicket win. Under the guidance of Head Coach Helena du Toit, they were every bit as dominant in the remainder of the second phase.

Linique Luck and Lizé de Waal provide Drostdy with a strong one-two punch, and both claimed four-wicket hauls in the Western Cape final against the Bridgton Hub.

Mi-Jeanne Botha has been a consistent contributor with the bat and top-scored twice in the three Phase Two games. Of course, the skipper, Daneli Boshoff, who has already earned her SA u19 colours, will be a key batting performer for Drostdy, too.

The Donkies are certainly stubborn in their conquest for glory. It will need something special from the opposition to steer them off the path to the Switch Schools SA20 national title.

They play their first match on the second day of the tournament, Thursday, 5 March, when they meet Limpopo’s Nkowankowa Hub in the morning. In the afternoon, they face Queens High.

On Friday morning, Drostdy completes their group games with an outing against Nomandi. The playoffs begin later that day.

FIXTURES

Thursday, 5 March
HTS Drostdy vs Nkowankowa Hub, Tuks C, 09:30
HTS Drostdy vs Queens High, Tuks E, 14:00

Friday, 6 March
HTS Drostdy vs Nomandi, Tuks C, 09:30

HTS Drostdy Girls’ squad: Ancha Groenewald, Anke Britz, Annika Lourens, Beate Burger, Daneli Boshoff, Dhane Woodland, Linique Luck, Lizé de Waal, Lugail von Willingh, Mia-Lize van der Vyver, Mine Jordaan, Robyn Rooi, Tharina Strydom.

The American polymath Benjamin Franklin coined the term: “jack of all trades, master of one.” To elaborate, the phrase encourages one to be able to do the essentials in every field, but also take the time to become a master of a craft.

In the backline, Paul Roos Gimnasium‘s Tiaan Basson can play anywhere between 11 and 14, but he has his eyes set on the number 12 jersey in 2026. He’s an exciting prospect who loves splitting the gap between opposition defenders.

He shared some of his rugby achievements with SuperSport Schools Plus: “I have been blessed enough to be chosen to represent Western Province at Grant Khomo Week, and the Western Province XV at the Craven Week,” he said.

“I have also been on a rugby exchange that was set up with Cheltenham College in Gloucestershire, England. I spent four months there in the offseason before my rookie year at Paul Roos.

“Olly Morgan, a former Gloucester fullback who also has two caps for England, coached me at Cheltenham, and helped me with small details that I did not get taught here in South Africa. I experienced schoolboy rugby in England and brought all of that experience into my first year at u19 level.”

The utility back has continued to grow his game at home: “It is difficult for me to say what part of my game has improved most since joining Paul Roos. I have had some amazing coaches who have slowly helped me perfect my craft, step by step,” Basson shared.

“I have always been a hard and physical ball carrier, but I’ve also been working on other parts of my game, such as handling and kicking. The most important trait for me, however, is work rate.

“The part of my game I am working on most at the moment would definitely be perfecting the different variations of passes and kicks at 12 and 13, as well as the 11 and 14 positions.

“A big part of my kicking and passing practice involves looking up to see where space is, as well as noticing when defenders bite and when not,” Basson explained.

He also recalled his introduction to the game: “My earliest memory of rugby would definitely be watching my brother play at a very young age. I remember also kicking the ball with my Dad in our yard. Since then, I have not stopped playing,” he said.

The talented youth was not only influenced by his father and brother, but also by legends of the game: “In terms of role models, I have always looked at two players my whole life. They are Sonny Bill Williams and Jean de Villiers.

“SBW was insanely physical and great with offloads, which is a part of my game that I thrive on. The decision-making and leadership of Jean De Villiers is something I have always admired. Watching him taught me to always treat my teammates with the utmost respect, and to gain their loyalty so that the team can gel.”

Basson also shared his hopes for the next five years, should everything go according to plan. “I have always told myself to take my rugby career step by step, but of course, I have some achievements I want to reach in the next five years. This includes making the SA Schools and SA u18 sides. From there, I’d like to work my way into the SA u20 setup. I would also like to get a few Currie Cup games under the belt, and hopefully play in the URC.”

In 2026, those who watch Paul Roos in action will see a lot of Tiaan Basson – except for those opposition players who fall prey to his crafty interceptions.

“The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt.” – the American poet, Sylvia Plath.

Captain Daneli Boshoff led from the front, powering HTS Drostdy throughout the second phase of the Switch Schools SA20 Volume Two competition.

She struck an explosive half-century and took 4/15 in a 37-run win over Bridgton Hub, and claimed a tidy 2/6 in a win over Stellenberg High as HTS Drostdy claimed the title of Western Cape champions.

Her leadership is a factor that numbers can’t represent. It will, however, have an impact when The Final Showdown begins in Pretoria on Wednesday, 4 March.

Boshoff has worked her way into her role as a leader and all-rounder over the course of nearly her entire life. When speaking with SuperSport Schools Plus, she reminisced about her first steps as a cricketer: “My earliest memory of cricket is playing in the backyard with my brother. Those moments made me love the sport. That passion grew even more when I started to play mini-cricket with the boys at the age of six.”

Since 2022, when she was in Grade 8, she has represented the Boland Senior Women‘s team. She’s even picked up a five-for at the senior provincial level, collecting career best figures of 5/10 versus the Eastern Province Senior Women.

HTS Drostdy Head Coach Helena du Toit spoke fondly of her experience of observing Boshoff while she, too, was playing for the Boland Senior Women’s team, and also as her coach: “I first saw Daneli play when she was still in primary school. At the time, I was also still playing, and we often practised together in the nets,” Du Toit recalled.

“Even then, she stood out to me. I was impressed not only by her natural ability but also by her understanding of the game and the confidence she showed at such a young age. It was clear early on that she had something special.”

Boshoff’s qualities have continued to blossom, Du Toit said: “During my time coaching Daneli, I have seen a lot of growth in both her cricketing skills and her leadership. Her confidence has developed the most. She has learned to trust herself and back her decisions as a captain on the field.

“She leads from the front through her performances and sets the standard for her teammates through her commitment and work ethic. Watching her grow into a calm, confident leader who takes responsibility for her team has been incredibly special to witness.”

Boshoff made the SA u19 Girls side in 2024 and has represented the Boland u19 Girls team for the past three years, but she admitted there are aspects of her game that she would like to improve: “As an all-rounder, I feel the aspect of my game that needs the most work is my consistency and confidence. I know I have the ability to contribute with both bat and ball, but I can be inconsistent at times, which affects my overall performance.

“By improving my consistency and believing more in my abilities, I want to become a stronger and more reliable player who can benefit the team in both areas of the game.”

Coach Du Toit said her captain is a leader not only on the field, but also off of it. “Off the pitch, Daneli’s greatest strength is her heart. Her kindness and genuine care for others create a strong sense of unity within the team.

“She leads by example and has become a true role model to her peers, representing the school with integrity and pride. As her coach, I am incredibly proud of the person she is becoming, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her.”

Over the next five years, Boshoff plans to develop her life in cricket, studies and faith: “I would like to be part of the Cricket South Africa youth and emerging setup,” she said. “I also want to play Division One cricket, so I can pursue cricket full-time.

“Personally, I want to achieve good matric results and study part-time online while playing cricket. I want to grow as a person by growing in faith and living as a Godly child, living life to the fullest whilst representing Him.”

With her ability to lead by example and her vast wealth of experience in cricket despite her young age, Daneli Boshoff is the calibre of captain capable of taking the Donkies all the way to the Switch Schools SA20 Volume Two national title.

While most of the teams will start their challenge for the national title on Wednesday, 4 March, the Western Cape winners will have to wait until Thursday before taking to the field. They’ll also play on Friday morning, with the playoffs following in the afternoon.

FIXTURES

Thursday, 5 March
HTS Drostdy vs Nkowankowa, Tuks C, 09:30
Queens High vs HTS Drostdy, Tuks E, 14:00

Friday, 6 March
HTS Drostdy vs Nomandi, Tuks C, 09:30