Author: froberholzer

The spotlight on the first day of the 2025 CSA u16 Boys National Week in Paarl rested on the Eastern Cape Iinyathi and, more specifically, on Selborne College‘s Josh Wilkie.

He treated the crowd at the Dal Josaphat B-Oval to a spectacular, history-making knock, blasting his way to a mind-boggling 334 runs in his side’s mammoth victory of 436 runs over Kei.

It was the highest individual score yet at a national cricket week.

Wilkie smashed the ball to all parts of the ground during his 174-ball innings, which included a whopping 35 fours and an astonishing 18 sixes.

Those 53 boundaries contributed 248 runs to his spectacular 334-run total.

Amyoli Oliphant rubbed further salt into the Kei wounds by chipping in with a half-century before he was run out for 59.

After 50 overs, the Iinyathi had tallied a humungous 518/7.

Jack Bosazza, on as the first-change bowler, then destroyed the Kei batting, capturing 5/21 in just 6.4 overs.

Kei’s reply lasted only 21.4 overs before they were bowled out for 82.

At the Paul Roos Oval, Relebogile Motsepa delivered a key all-round performance as the Tuskers comfortably handled Western Province‘s challenge, winning by a healthy 83 runs.

Motsepa contributed a useful 26 runs to the Tuskers’ 227/9, but he truly stood out with the ball, knocking over 4/20 to lead the Tuskers’ attack and restrict the Capetonians to only 144 all out.

Ryan Clarke was the top batsman for the Tuskers. Batting eighth, he played a gem of an innings that brought him 57 not out from only 45 deliveries. He and Motsepa also shared a vital 67-run stand for the eighth wicket.

Neighbouring Unions, The Lions and The Titans both defended low totals to open their accounts at the week with victories.

Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool‘s (Affies) Zian Labuschagne made his way to the crease with his side struggling on 56/5 in the 28th over of their innings against The Dolphins. He, then, took charge, striking a four and three sixes in his 50 from 61 balls, which helped the Titans to 135/9 on a difficult Parys Oval pitch.

His Affies’ teammate, Nico Loggenberg, then did what he does best, take wickets. He knocked over 4/13 and was well supported by Omphile Maredi, who snared 3/18, as The Dolphins were limited to only 102 all out, 34 runs short of the victory target.

At the Pen Basson Cricket Field, The Lions’s bowlers rolled through the Eastern Province batsmen, sending them packing for a mere 87 runs after posting a modest 130 all out.

St Stithians College‘s Zaakir Hanslo and Zizi Mkhize finished with identical returns of 4/21. Hanslo, however, bowled his full quota of 10 overs, while Mkhize sent down seven. Their efforts led to the Eastern Cape side losing their last eight wickets for only 37 runs from 12.3 overs.

Luan Swart‘s 80 in Mpumalanga‘s total of 212/7 was topped by 81 by North West‘s Ulrich Botha as the Dragons cruised to a six-wicket victory with 10.4 overs to spare at Swartland High School‘s Oval.

Botha, from Potchefstroom Gimnasium, has been in immaculate form throughout 2025, and his innings on Wednesday was an extension of his excellent showings this year. He received useful assistance from his opening partner, Sihle Duma, who made a patient 61 in the pair’s match-winning partnership of 158 for the first wicket.

The Limpopo Impalas bowlers suffered at the hands of the SWD Garden Route Badgers‘ opening batsman, Idan Balzun, on the field next to Dal Josaphat A-Field, where Josh Wilkie was authoring his batting extravaganza.

Balzun stayed focused throughout his innings and faced 140 balls. He narrowly missed out on a century, going out for 98, which played a big role in the Badgers totalling 279/4.

The Impalas mustered 184 all out in response. Opening Sontag Ramatsoma defied the SWD bowlers for 120 balls, top scoring with 65.

Thanks to 75 from Duan Maree and 57 from Xavier van Biljon, lower down the order, Easterns posted a strong 262/8 against Northern Cape at the Welbedacht Cricket Ground. That proved to be more than enough.

Northern Cape’s reply lasted only 28.3 overs, and it ended with them all out for 80. Christiano Moffat had a lot to do with that, nabbing a remarkable 5/22 from 6.3 overs, as Easterns charged to a big 182-run victory in Paarl.

At Boland Landbou, the home side, Boland, raced to an emphatic 10-wicket win over Free State. De Waal Vivier captured 4/23 and Ra-eez Isaacs 3/19 as the Free Staters folded for only 85.

It took Boland only 13 overs to overhaul that sub-standard total, with Abriam Jacobs finishing unbeaten on 53, and Neil Louw ending on 28 not out.

Summarised scorecards

Eastern Cape Iinyathi 518/7 (Josh Wilkie 334, Amyyoli Oliphant 59, Josh Edwards 49*, Extras 32, Mitchell Myerscough 20; Sibahle Bango 2/59, Somila Sgagayi 2/81); Border Kei 82/10 (Extras 24, Sibahle Bango 23; Jack Bosazza 5/21, Aventhanda Manyongo 3/6, Mitchell Myerscough 2/8). Eastern Cape Iinyathi won by 436 runs. 

Tuskers 227/9 (Ryan Clarke 57*, Ben Wilson 42, Extras 41, Obakeng Motsepa 29, Relebogile Mokoena 26; Esihle Mazinyane 2/26, Ethan De Heer Kloots 2/42, Raa’id Davids 2/55); Western Province 144/10 (Ibrahim Taliep 40, Janko Webb, Extras 28; Relebogile Mokoena 4/20, Aphile Nzama 2/12, Keegan Vermaak 2/28). Tuskers won by 83 runs. 

Easterns 262/8 (Duan Maree 75, Xavier van Biljon 57, Extras 32, Ashley Khumalo 23, Treasure Dube 21; Rulo van der Merwe 4/50, Lefika Matloko 2/60); Northern Cape 80/10 (Extras 20, Vaylen Lombaard 19; Christiano Moffat 5/22, Jake Bevolo 2/4). Easterns won by 182 runs. 

Titans 135/9 (Zian Labuschagne 50, Dylan Stander 34; Esihle Gasa 3/32, Josh Mills 2/19, Muhammed Malek 2/24, Rivan Moodley 2/26); Dolphins 102/10 (Aaron Blackburn 30; Nico Loggenberg 4/13, Omphile Maredi 3/18). Titans won by 33 runs. 

Lions 130/10 (Urav Mukhija 40, Extras 24, Sohail Seonath 22; Oliver Whittaker 5/24, Kitts McConnachie 2/17); Eastern Province 87/10 (Cale Price 28, Aiden Mitchell 22; Zaakir Hanslo 4/21, Zizi Mkhize 4/21). Lions won by 43 runs. 

Mpumalanga 212/7 (Luan Swart 80, Extras 35, Nijan Swart 23, Luan Siebrits 22, Themba Mgidi 22, Benjamin Kazandjis 21*; Ruhann Steenkamp 2/25); North West 213/4 (Ulrich Botha 81, Sihle Duma 61, Extras 50; Kesha Moore 2/44). North West won by six wickets. 

Free State 85/10 (Schalk van Rensburg 29; De Waal Vivier 4/23, Ra-eez Isaacs 3/19); Boland 88/0 (Abriam Jacobs 53*, Neil Louw 28*; Michael Sacks 0/6). Boland won by ten wickets. 

SWD Garden Route Badgers 279/4 (Idan Balzun 98, Extras 42, Keaton Lambaatjeen 39, Hanno Swart 39, Sange Mayekiso 38; Talent Ndlovu 1/21); Limpopo Impalas 184/10 (Sontag Ramatsoma 65, Extras 39, Masilo Morema 24; Keaton Lambaatjeen 2/33, Johalin Oosthuizen 2/38). SWD Garden Route Badgers won by 95 runs.

The CSA u16 Girls National Week kicked off on Tuesday in the Windy City of Gqeberha, in the Eastern Cape. The clash between Western Province (WP) and the North West Dragons highlighted a first day that tilted in favour of the bowlers.

Chasing a modest target of 130 runs to win at Woodridge College, WP eventually won the clash by a solitary wicket.

The experienced Miya Lalor, who is already in the mix for the union’s senior ladies’ side, led the chase with a mature 40 runs, while 34 extras gave the Province run pursuit a boost, too.

Earlier, Sofia Raquel Beires, with 3/15, and Morgan Simpson, with 2/27, helped to restrict North West to 129 all out. Gogantle Padi was exceptional for the Dragons, capturing 4/16, which was one of numerous four-fors across the eight matches played on the first day.

Xanalise van Dyk, of the Tuskers, notched the only half-century of the day at Westering, contributing 62 not out to her side’s total of 180 all out against Limpopo. Rayne Kitching added a useful 39, while Pontsho Mopayi led the Impalas’ attack, claiming 4/28.

Limpopo mustered 145 all out in reply, which included 20 from their bowling hero, Mopayi. Carli Hughes, with 4/22, Lesego Motsepa, with 3/18, and Siphokazi Xaba, with 3/23, kept their batters in check, leading to a 35-run win for the Tuskers.

Anelisa Mhlongo, of the Dolphins, and Brianna Arthur, of Northern Cape, dominated with the ball.

Arthur was the mainstay of the Northern Capers’ comfortable seven-wicket victory over the Mpumalanga Rhinos at Daniel Pienaar, knocking over 5/30 in just 6.1 overs, which comprehensively countered a quickfire 46 from just 34 deliveries by Mpumalanga’s Zelné Hattingh.

The spotlight, however, belonged to Mhlongo, who rocked The Titans with the spell of the day on Woodridge College’s Monahan Field. She laid waste to their innings, bagging 5/16 in six overs. With support from Noxolo Biyela, who snapped up 2/19, they rolled the side from Pretoria for a disappointing 60 runs.

Kendra Kreinecke, then, handled the chase with a patient and unbeaten 25, seeing her to victory by nine wickets in the 14th over.

Despite the extras columns producing some headaches for most of the side’s bowling coaches, the first day, nonetheless, delivered two five-wicket hauls and a further four returns of four wickets. Those figures suggest the batters are in for a challenging time.

Summarised scorecards

North West 129 (Extras 39, Reabetswe Dithipe 29, Luané van Wyk 26*; Sofia Raquel Beires 3/15, Morgan Simpson 2/27); Western Province 130/9 (Miya Lalor 40, Extras 34; Gogantle Padi 4/16, Biopelo Phakedi 3/36, Anita Ackerman 2/22). Western Province won by one wicket. 

Tuskers 180 (Xanalise van Dyk 62*, Rayne Kitching 39, Extras 36; Pontsho Mopayi 4/28, Nokuthula Nkosi 2/18, Motlalepule Sebele 2/18); Limpopo Impalas 145 (Extras 40, Palesa Mathebula 22, Beyonce Mathebula 21, Pontsho Mopayi 20; Carli Hughes 4/22, Lesego Motsepa 3/18, Siphokazi Xaba 3/23). Tuskers won by 35 runs. 

Lions 183 (Extras 61, Elysia Fourie 39, Mpho Bidli 25; Casey Pretorius 3/30, Leila-Jade van Niekerk 2/20, Thandeka Mngomezulu 2/27); Easterns 157 (Thandeka Mngomezulu 37, Extras 35, Keira Ferreira 21; Bonolo Phalane 4/27, Puledi Sebone 3/28). Lions won by 26 runs.

Boland 158/9 (Extras 57, Amyoli Senti 28, Lize De Waal 20; Annabel Roos 3/16, Josimina Minnie 2/27, Mbali Maxele 2/35, Azomila Silera 2/35); Eastern Cape Iinyathi 34 (Alitha Fotay 8*; Chemeka Williams 3/7, Zozibini Mbira 2/7, Abigail Schuur 2/10). Boland won by 124 runs. 

Mpumalanga 145 (Zelné Hattingh 46, Extras 44, Julienne Uys 30; Brianna Arthur 5/30, Tlotang Monnapula 3/41); Northern Cape 149/3 (Extras 51, Simoné Steyn 33, Brianna Arthur 27; Khabonina Mhlanga 1/23). Northern Cape won by seven wickets. 

Eastern Province 126 (Aerin Labuschagne 39, Extras 28, Tana Sinclair 20*; Amohelang Ngueanha 3/19, Thando Nelane 2/21, Reneesha Wales 2/23); Free State 127/6 (Extras 48, Mia Daacke 28, Kekeletso Mohapi 21; Tana Sinclair 2/18, Caitlyn Louis 2/34). Free State won by four wickets. 

Titans 60 (Jessica Fourie 17, Megan Welgemoed 15; Anelisa Mhlongo 5/16, Noxolo Biyela 2/19); Dolphins 61/1 (Kendra Kreinacke 25*; Carmen Hugo 1/9). Dolphins won by nine wickets. 

SWD Garden Route Badgers 62 (Extras 29, Jeze Campher 15; Kwanele Kratshi 3/6, Yolanda Mduma 3/11); Kei 63/5 (Extras 28, Siphosethu Gogozayo 13; Kim Plaaitjies 2/11, Jeze Campher 2/16). Kei won by five wickets. 

The first Fairtree Sportfees powered by STADIO, will be hosted from 24–27 April 2026 at Die Hoërskool Menlopark in Pretoria – a sports tournament aimed at raising the standard of South African school sports and creating a highly respected national tournament for rugby, netball, and hockey.

The vision for the festival is clear: “to push boundaries in order to offer a highly respected tournament to a broad school market.”

With teams in the under-15 and under-18 age groups (rugby and netball), as well as under-18 boys and girls (hockey), the festival offers schools a unique opportunity to compete on a national platform, grow, and further develop their sporting standards.

A strategic partnership to develop champions

The festival is presented in partnership with Fairtree, STADIO, and Duitser Bosman Sport (DB Sport) – an organisation with many years of experience in the school sports market.

Die Hoërskool Menlopark’s world-class facilities provide the ideal home for a festival focused on developing top-level sport.

According to Barry van Blerk, marketing manager at Fairtree, this partnership is an investment in the future of young sporting talent.

“Fairtree wants to add value by giving more children the opportunity to play on a respected platform and be noticed,” says Van Blerk. “Menlopark is a school with a proud name and history, and excellent facilities, making it a privilege to be associated with them.”

Die Hoërskool Menlopark’s principal, Kobus Hartman, says the school looks forward to helping shape a new era in school sports.

“For Menlo, it is a privilege to welcome several strong schools to our grounds, and we would like to optimise our top facilities with this tournament,” Hartman confirmed. “Menlo hopes we can build a tournament that will add value to SA School Sports for many years.”

A tournament that promotes preparation and performance

Tournament organiser Duitser Bosman of DB Sport believes the festival will change the way schools approach their season.

Bosman emphasises the value of the main sponsors:

“In Fairtree and STADIO, we have two founding sponsors who are currently very dynamically involved in South African sport. We are privileged that they are starting this journey with us – one we believe will continue for many years – and that they will provide many schools with a sought-after platform on which to compete.”

“Schools’ preparation for a season improves when they know a tough tournament lies ahead,” Bosman said. “We believe many schools that take their sport seriously will use the opportunity to showcase how their standard of sport has progressed. We want to build the profile of this high-performance tournament so that schools will want to participate, and we want the experience to be truly unique for the young athletes and coaches.”

“Our hockey division is already full, and there are only a few spaces left in rugby and netball for schools that are serious about their sport. Visit our website (www.fairtreesportfees.co.za) to apply for participation or to find out more about the sports festival.”

Festival features and offerings

• A top-quality tournament for schools with exceptional sporting ambitions.

• Rugby: 2 matches per team against opponents outside their province.

• Netball and Hockey: Competition model that determines a champion.

• Fixtures for all three sports will be announced on 20 January 2026.

• Full match durations according to national standards.

• No entry fees for participating schools.

• Learners in school uniform: free entry.

The festival is supported by a comprehensive media strategy, including live broadcasts, a national media partner, and local radio activations

Cricket South Africa has announced their Invitational XI for the 2025 Khaya Majola Week, which takes place in Bloemfontein from 16-21 December.

The squad features the best players from around the country who weren’t selected for their unions’ sides.

Hoërskool Waterkloof star Riley Miller gets his chance to attend the week after all and will also captain the side, which will compete in Division Two alongside the smaller unions.

Miller put together an exceptional year for Klofies, scoring 1 695 runs, which included four centuries and six half-centuries.

Eight of the 13 players are from either the Central Gauteng Lions‘ or Titans‘ regions, with each region contributing four players each.

Two players from Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool (Affies) have been included, with JP Botha, a noteworthy talent at the top of the order, and fast bowler Armin Snyman, a graduate from last year’s u16 National Week in Pretoria, cracking the nod.

Jalen Mannikam completes the Titans’ quartet and flies the flag for Sutherland High School in the City of Roses.

The four Central Gauteng Lions’ players are Munib Ayob, from Jeppe High School for Boys; Gomolemo Sibi, from Hoërskool Noordheuwel; Nkosana Sibiya, of St John’s College, and Bulumko Magatya, from the Dobsonville Hub.

Western Province and Eastern Province provide two players each. Wynberg Boys’ High‘s Michail Tarentaal and Noah Heath, of Rondebosch, represent the Western Cape, while the Eastern Cape’s duo is from Graeme College, Enrique Strydom and Corbin Tidbury.

The squad is completed by Northwood‘s Ryan van Zyl.

CSA Invitational XI Squad

Munib Ayod (Jeppe High School for Boys), JP Botha (Affies), Bulumko Magatya (Dobsonville), Noah Heath (Rondebosch Boys’ High), Jalen Mannikam (Sutherland High School), Riley Miller (Waterkloof), Gomolemo Sibi (Noordheuwel), Nkosana Sibiya (St John’s College), Armin Snyman (Affies), Enrique Strydom (Graeme College), Michail Tarentaal (Wynberg Boys’ High), Corbin Tidbury (Graeme College), Ryan van Zyl (Northwood)

Management 

Head Coach – Mornantau Hayward
Assistant Coach – Odwa Xonxa
Manager – Colin Gxowa

Remarkable, memorable, and utterly destructive are some of the descriptions one could use about Xavier van Biljon’s match-winning innings in the Easterns’ final of the Switch Schools SA20 – Volume Two competition.

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

With defending champions Hoërskool Kempton Park already eliminated, a new champion waited to be crowned when Hoërskool Hans Moore took on the unpredictable Hoërskool Marais Viljoen at St Benedict’s College on Friday afternoon.

Thanks to Van Biljon’s batting heroics, it was the Moories who lifted the trophy after an emphatic 10-wicket victory.

They took to the field first and their spin-heavy bowling attack restricted Marais Viljoen to just 123 all out. Seamer Isaac Aube led the way, though, snaring 2/15. He was well supported by Jack Bevolo, who returned 2/22, and Kearan Weyers, who picked up 2/28.

Jared Mentz was the top scorer for Marais Viljoen, with 29, while Rieshaeel Hashim chipped in with 25 and Hendré Cilliers tallied 21, which helped the Alberton side to a moderate total, but one that they might have felt was enough to defend. It wasn’t.

Van Biljon was in a destructive mood. In just 29 balls, he blasted an astonishing 10 sixes and four fours, rocketing to an unbeaten 83, with 76 of his runs coming from boundaries.

His opening partner, Kearan Weyers, followed up his good bowling performance with a solid batting effort. He wasn’t as explosive as Van Biljon – he didn’t need to be – but he was, nonetheless, dominant, bounding along to 35 from 23 balls as the Marais Viljoen bowlers were put to the sword.

With clean ball-striking and power-hitting, the Hans Moore openers flew along at almost 15 runs per over, securing victory when they reached 125 without loss after only 8.3 overs.

Summarised scorecard

Marais Viljoen 123 (Jared Mentz 29, Rieshaeel Hashim 25, Hendré Cilliers 21; Issac Aube 2/15, Jake Bevolo 2/22, Kearan Weyers 2/28; Hans Moore 125/0 (Xavier van Biljon 83*, Kearan Weyers 35*; Daymian Coetzee 0/12). Hans Moore won by 10 wickets. 

Hoërskool Ben Vorster came out on top in a Tzaneen derby to dethrone Merensky Landbou Akademie as the champion of the Limpopo region in the Switch Schools SA20 – Volume Two competition on Saturday, at Stanford Lake College.

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

Heavy rain was forecast for Saturday after wet conditions on Friday, but the semi-finals were, nonetheless, able to be played on Saturday morning.

Across the three matches – semi-finals and final – batting proved to be a difficult challenge. Only in one of them was the 100-run mark topped, with both Stanford Lake College and Merensky Landbou reaching three figures in their semi-final showdown.

The hosts posted 109/7 in their 20 overs, led by Joshua Doolabh, who top-scored with 25. Topher Elphinstone starred for the Plasies, returning an economical 2/13. Vir Patel, with 2/16, and Waldo Mouton, with 2/26, also chipped in with useful spells.

In the challenging batting conditions, 110 looked a tough target. However, Muhammed Khan controlled the chase superbly, striking an unbeaten 30, to guide Merensky to an eight-wicket victory and into the final.

Ben Vorster faced the Mohodi Hub in the other semi-final. The Hub XI batted first and struggled to contain the Vossies‘ Talent Ndlovu and Sontag Ramatsona. Ndlovu captured 3/20, while Ramatsona snapped up 2/10 as Mohodi was restricted to just 77/9 in their 20 overs.

Vossies came under some pressure, chasing only 80 for victory, when Mahlodi Sekuba knocked over 3/16, but Ramatsona followed up his strong bowling performance with a match-winning 26 to see Ben Vorster to a five-wicket win.

That set up a third meeting between Ben Vorster and Merensky this season. In the previous matches between the rivals, the Plasies had dominated, securing a comfortable win in the 50-over league and a 12-run victory in the round-robin stage of the Schools SA20.

This time, however, the tables were turned. Ramatsona, full of confidence, produced a match-defining spell, grabbing a telling 3/8. Ndlovu, reliable as ever, claimed 2/11 as Merensky was limited to only 79/9 from their 20 overs.

Once again, Ben Vorster’s run chase began shakily, with an early run out upsetting their progress. Dirk Nortman, promoted from the u15 ranks, rose to the occasion, however, demonstrating impressive maturity in scoring 37 not out to see Vossies to victory by seven wickets.

At the other end of the pitch, Ruben Pohl finished with 14 not out.

Summarised scorecards

Final 

Merensky Landbou Akademie 79/9 (JP Botha 14; Sontag Ramatsona 3/8, Talent Ndlovu 2/11); Ben Vorster 82/3 (Dirk Nortman 37*; Topher Elphinstone 1/14). Ben Vorster won by seven wickets. 

Semi-Final 1 

Mohodi Hub 77 (Sello Mabitsela 12; Talent Ndlovu 3/20, Sontag Ramatsona 2/10); Ben Vorster 78/5 (Sontag Ramatsona 26; Mahlodi Sekuba 3/16). Ben Vorster won by five wickets. 

Semi Final 2

Stanford Lake College 109/7 (Joshua Doolabh 25; Topher Elphinstone 2/13, Vir Patel 2/16, Waldo Mouton 2/26); Merensky Landbou Akademie 110/2 (Muhammed Khan 30*, Logan Janse van Rensburg 25, Waldo Mouton 23; Thatego Molokomme 1/16). Merensky Landbou Akademie won by eight wickets.

Continuous rain in Pretoria over recent weeks had made life difficult for the Hoërskool Zwartkop and Cornwall Hill College girls’ 1st XIs, who had been eager to battle it out in the Switch Schools SA20 – Volume Two girls’ final for the Titans Union‘s title.

At last, on Thursday, they met, nine days after the rain-shortened semi-finals were completed on 4 November.

Incredibly, the Zwartkop girls, who went on to lift the trophy, didn’t lose a single wicket in either their semi-final win, or in their comprehensive victory over Cornwall Hill College in the title game.

In the Zwarries‘ semi-final, which was reduced to a nerve-wracking five overs – no chance for any errors – they thumped the Soshanguve Hub by 10 wickets; five overs are the minimum requirement for a result to be declared in a T20 match.

Captain Chanel Venter led the way in that game, smashing an unbeaten 20 to help her side chase down a target of 29 runs in only 2.5 overs.

Cornwall’s semi-final lasted longer, with both sides set to bat for 15 overs, although the Duckworth–Lewis–Stern (DLS) Method was needed after rain once again halted play.

Gabriella Sequeira led the way for Cornwall, weighing in with a sublime unbeaten 62 from just 39 deliveries, which proved to be a match-winning knock in a 19-run win over the Hammanskraal Hub.

In the final, though, Cornwall Hill College had no answers to the brilliance of Thyea Gerhard, who set up Zwartkop for victory in the title decider with a magnificent spell of 4/15. Jean-Mari Engelbrecht complemented her with 3/25.

Rae Haagner provided some resistance for Cornwall, compiling an unbeaten 33, to lift her side to 96 before the final wicket fell.

Unfortunately for the home side, Chanel Venter was in a destructive mood. She took just 34 deliveries to smash an unbeaten 47, while Carmen Hugo, who had taken 2/21 in the Cornwall Hill innings, added 35 not out to complete an excellent all-round performance.

Together, they saw Zwarries across the line in the 11th over.

Summarised scorecards

Final – 13 November  

Cornwall Hill College 96 (Rae Haagner 33*; Thyea Gerhard 4/15, Jean-Mari Engelbrecht 3/25, Carmen Hugo 2/21); Zwartkop 97/0 (Chanel Venter 47*, Carmen Hugo 35*; Kailyn Beard 0/13). Zwartkop won by ten wickets. 

Semi-Final 1 – 4 November  

Shoshanguve Hub 28/3 (5) (Mohau Phasha 7; Genique Greeff 2/6); Zwartkop 34/0 (2.5) (Chanel Venter 20*; Nokubong Mpanza 0/9). Zwartkop won by ten wickets. 

Semi-Final 2 – 4 November 

Cornwall Hill College 11/2 (15) (Gabriella Sequeira 62*, Jessica Staubli 24; Batsenana Mthinuye 2/27); Hammanskraal Hub 58/3 (10.3) (Extras 20, Dimakatso Mojela 12; Kailyn Beard 1/13). Cornwall Hill College won by 19 runs (DLS).

The South African Rugby Union (SARU) has announced a 53-man u17 Elite Player Development (EPD) Squad to attend a camp from 29 November to 6 December at Boland Landbou, in the Western Cape.

“As part of SA Rugby’s ongoing commitment to developing a truly nationwide rugby talent pipeline, we are continuing our comprehensive player identification programme in partnership with our Member Unions,” SARU said in a press statement.

“This crucial initiative is meticulously designed to expand the junior talent pool and strategically strengthen the player pathway for future national selections, directly aligning with our Strategic Transformation and Development Plan.

“The dedication shown by our unions has been instrumental in the success of our programmes over the years. Their commitment to nurturing and advancing rugby talent across South Africa is highly valued and supports our collective vision for sustainable excellence.”

Unsurprisingly, Western Province (WP), leads the way with the largest representation of 16 players. Paarl Gimnasium boasts the most individual selections, with six players, including Liam de Villiers and Mickyle Booise, who headline the union’s strong contingent.

Paul Roos Gimnasium follows with three representatives, including the exciting Tiaan Basson. Juvan Burden and Ethan van Biljon give Stellenberg‘s Jade Brigade two reps at the camp, while Rondebosch Boys’ High supplies Caleb Bell and Shellvon Mabooi.

Liam de Villiers of Paarl Boys’ High, Hoërskool Durbanville’s Zay-Winn Januarie, and Achmat Behardien, of Wynberg Boys’ High, complete the Western Cape contingent.

The Sharks, with 12, boast the second-highest number of players, led by three from Kearsney College: Clement Makelele, Nhlanhla Ndlovu, and Lwazi Mbebe. Earlier this year, Makalele was part of the SARU u16 EPD squad.

The northern powerhouse, the Blue Bulls, ranks third with nine players, including three from Affies: Charl Els, Hannes Nagel, and Martin van Niekerk.

The smallers unions also provide their fair share of players. The Limpopo Blue Bulls and Pumas had one player selected each, with Stephan Jansen van Rensburg, from Hoërskool Pietersburg, flying the flag for Limpopo, while Hoërskool Nelspruit‘s Rhandzu Mkhabela does the same for the Pumas.

Queen’s College provides Zeake Mata and Ncuthu Kepe, who are the only representatives from the Border region. Fleet-footed Lamla Mgedezi, one of the most exciting players in the country in 2025, is joined by his Grey College teammate, O’Ryan Kleyn in the squad. They’re the only Free State representatives.

The Lions had four players selected, including Jaydon Viljoen, the top points’ scorer at Academy Week, and the gifted Phano Letsie, who is joined in the squad by his Jeppe High School for Boys‘ teammate, Mihle Dyakala.

South Western Districts (SWD), who contested the Craven Week final at Hoërskool Middelburg in July, also had three players from Oakdale Landbou chosen for EPD camp, including Jacobus de Villiers, who earned SA Schools and SA u18 colours in 2025, and the massive lock, Diaan Augustyn, who was selected for the SA Schools A side and SA u18A teams. Prop, Matthew Prins will be Outeniqua‘s sole representative

Eastern Province provides three players – Luke Doyle, Erin Nelson, and Lucritia Magau – who are all from Graeme College.

U17 EPD SQUAD

Border (2) 

Zeake Mata (Queen’s College)
Nchuthu Kepe (Queen’s College)

Blue Bulls (9) 

Charl Els (Affies)
Hannes Nagel (Affies)
Martin van Niekerk (Affies)
Queenton Mcube (Pretoria Boys High)
Dylan Stumke (Menlopark)
Mendriano Abrahams (Menlopark)
Thabiso Simelane (St Alban’s College)
Drewyn Baron (Garsfontein)

Free State (2) 

O’Ryan Kleyn (Grey College)
Lamla Mgedezi (Grey College)

Eastern Province (3) 

Luke Doyle (Graeme College)
Erin Nelson (Graeme College)
Lucritia Magau (Graeme College)

Limpopo Blue Bulls (1) 

Stephan Jansen van Rensburg (Hoërskool Pietersburg)

Lions (4) 

Makomborero Mandihza (St John’s College)
Mihle Dyakala (Jeppe High School for Boys)
Jaydon Viljoen (Monument)
Phano Letsie (Jeppe High School for Boys)

Pumas (1) 

Rhabdzu Mkhabela (Hoërskool Nelspruit)

Sharks (12)

Clement Makelele (Kearsney College)
Nicolas Salamousas (Michaelhouse)
Lwandile Mlaba (Westville Boys’ High)
Sambesiwe Ndamase (Glenwood)
Nhlanhla Ndlovu (Kearsney College)
Zander Muller (Hilton College)
Bulelani Cebani (Durban High School)
Jamie Wimble (Northwood)
Olwethu Kosani (Maritzburg College)
Nathan Aneke (Durban High School)
Lwazi Mbebe (Kearsney College)
Luxolo Sonkononkono (Westville Boys’ High)

South Western Districts (4) 

Matthew Prins (Outeniqua)
Adrian Smith (Okadale Landbou)
Diaan Augustyn (Oakdale Landbou)
Jacobus de Villiers (Oakdale Landbou)

Western Province (16) 

Charles Whitehead (Paarl Gimnasium)
Lehan Barnard (Paul Roos)
Juvan Burden (Stellenberg)
Jean Dreyer (Paarl Gimnasium)
Zay-Winn Januarie (Hoërskool Durbanville)
Hendrik van Zyl (Paarl Gimnasium)
Liam de Villiers (Paarl Boys’ High)
Mickyle Booise (Paarl Gimnasium)
Caleb Bell (Rondebosch Boys’ High)
Ethan van Biljon (Stellenberg)
Travis Pheiffer (Paul Roos)
Achmat Behardien (Wynberg Boys’ High)
Louis Koen (Paarl Gimnasium)
Ethan Barker (Paarl Gimnasium)
Tiaan Basson (Paul Roos)
Shellvon Mabooi (Rondebosch Boys’ High)

Hoërskool Garsfontein captain, Xander Venter, and star batsman, Reuben van Zyl, bid Garsies‘ cricket farewell in the best possible manner by leading their side to the Fain Noordvaal title on Saturday.

Venter spearheaded the bowling attack and Van Zyl the batting effort of their team in the Ysbere‘s dominant nine-wicket victory over Hoërskool Dr Malan in the final of the competition on St Alban’s College‘s TC Mitchell Oval.

The victory ended an eight-year trophy drought for Garsfontein’s 1st XI side in the competition. They had last won it in 2018 when they beat Hoërskool Waterkloof in the title game in in Potchefstroom.

Garsies succeed Hoërskool Hans Moore as the champions of the prestigious competition.

When Saturday’s toss went Venter’s way, he elected to bowl first. It soon became apparent why, with the skipper inflicting the bulk of the damage done to the Dr Malan batting effort.

He was fired up, eager to play a major part in his final match for the Garsfontein 1st XI. He was also miserly, conceding only 17 runs from his 10 overs, and he did that while capturing four wickets to place Dokkies under severe pressure.

After 13.3 overs, the Meyerton side was wobbling on 44/4. They were in a hole, and they struggled to climb out of it, with Jared Carr knocking over 2/34 to lend his skipper crucial support.

Heindrich Jansen van Rensburg, with a fighting knock of 47, lifted Dr Malan’s spirits, while Adriaan Greyling weighed in with a battling 31 not out from 56 deliveries, which helped Dokkies to 154 all out, a total which, they hoped, would be enough to defend.

Van Zyl soon dispelled those thoughts, however. He opened the Garsies’ innings and got the Pretoria school off to a flyer. Racing along, he struck 12 fours and a six in a 58-ball stay that produced a decisive 85 runs.

Eventually, he lost his wicket, but that proved to be the only success for Dr Malan. It was Van Zyl’s third consecutive half-century, following similar successes in the quarter- and semi-finals.

When he departed, the hard work had already been done, with Van Zyl and his opening partner, Wikus du Preez sharing a 119-run stand for the first wicket. Although Du Preez played second fiddle, he played it superbly, feeding Van Zyl the strike, which allowed him to go after the Dokkies’ bowlers.

When the contest finished in the 22nd over, with Garsfontein winning by nine wickets, Du Preez was on 51 not out.

Fain Noordvaal u15 Final

The future looks bright for Potchefstroom Gimnasium, who were crowned the u15 champions after comfortably winning a low-scoring final against Hoërskool Kempton Park. It was the first time in four years that a team other than Garsfontein had lifted the title.

Batting first, Gimmies mustered only 134 all out, but they limited Kempies to just 92 all out in reply, winning by 42 runs.

Their winning total owed much to Heinru and Wico Cato, whose knocks of 42 and 24 respectively, gave their side sufficient runs to defend.  Heinru’s innings was a testament to his patience. Batting was not easy on Murray Oval, at St Alban’s, but he battled away for 108 balls. Wico, meanwhile, spent 52 balls in the middle.

Zian Ferero was the pick of the Kempton Park bowlers. He enjoyed the conditions and returned a tidy 3/20. Wico le Grange, with 2/11, and Hugo Wilbers, with 2/17, backed him up well.

Unfortunately for Kempies, Dian de Bruyn also took to the conditions with relish. In just 4.3 overs, he produced a match-winning spell of 4/14.

Tristan Brits offered a defiant 29 runs, but his departure was followed by a stunning batting collapse. Pieter Scholtz took 3/28 and Juvan Botes played his part with 2/15 to help De Bruyn to dismiss Kempton Park eight runs shy of 100.

It was a spectacular fall for Kempies, who lost their last seven wickets for only nine runs.

Summarised scorecards

Dr Malan 154 (Heindrich Jansen van Rensburg 47, Adriaan Greyling 31*; Xander Venter 4/17, Jared Carr 2/34); Garsfontein 155/1 (Reuben van Zyl 85, Wikus du Preez 51*; Heindrich Jansen van Rensburg 1/37). Garsfontein won by nine wickets. 

u15 Final

Potchefstroom Gimnasium 134 (Heinru Cato 42, Wico Cato 24; Zian Ferero 3/20, Wico le Grange 2/11, Hugo Wilbers 2/17); Hoërskool Kempton Park 92 (Tristan Brits 29; Dian de Bruyn 4/14, Pieter Scholtz 3/28, Juvan Botes 2/15). Potchefstroom Gimnasium won by 42 runs. 

For a second consecutive year, the Fain Noordvaal Series will crown a new champion.

In 2024, against the odds, Hoërskool Hans Moore, of Benoni, lifted the prestigious title for the first time in the school’s history.

On Saturday, the event’s surprise package, Hoërskool Dr Malan, will have a shot at a maiden title in the competition. The match will be played at St Alban’s College, in Pretoria.

Dokkies have waited 39 years but, at last, they’re through to the final for the first time since 1986, when the competition was known as the Administrators Trophy.

The Meyerton school has, however, never won the title. They went down to Polokwane’s Capricorn High in the 1986 final.

Their opponents in Saturday’s title game, the favoured and experienced Hoërskool Garsfontein, will be aiming to bring home the title for the first time since 2018, when they beat Hoërskool Waterkloof at Senwes Park, now known as the JB Marks Oval, in Potchefstroom.

Nevertheless, Garsies have qualified for a Noordvaal final for a fourth year in succession, with the u15s winning their age group title for three years on the trot, which means that all but one player in the Ysbere squad has lifted a Noordvaal trophy at some point.

Ironically, it’s Garsfontein’s most experienced player, Xander Venter, who has never laid hands on the elusive title.

Venter and Garsies’ batsmen have been in fine form leading up to the final. At the top of the order, Reuben van Zyl has been destructive, taking apart opposition bowling attacks while laying the foundation for his side’s successes.

His powerful onslaught in the semi-finals against Potchefstroom Gimnasium set the Ysbere on course to chase down 306 for victory with over 10 overs to spare. In the end, Garsfontein won by five wickets.

With a strong contingent of grade 12 learners playing their final game for the 1st XI on Saturday, the final takes on even greater significance for the Pretoria school.

A victory at St Alban’s would also seal an outstanding double in the Noordvaal region for Garsfontein as the Garsie Bere, the school’s 1st XV rugby side, won the SDC Noordvaal title at the end of August.

For Mr Leon Bantjes, that would be the cherry on top. The passionate Garsfontein Headmaster would love to see Venter and the 1st XI make the double a reality before Bantjes retires at the end of the year.

Despite carrying the label of underdogs, Dokkies are a dangerous opponent. They proved that in their previous two wins in the competition, including in a comfortable victory over Hoërskool Kempton Park in the semifinals a week ago.

Dr Malan also features some talented and experienced players. Luka Pretorius has been a leading performer for the side for a number of seasons already. However, in recent outings, it’s been Damian du Plessis and his batting form making headlines.

In the past two matches, Du Plessis has contributed 134 runs to Dr Malan’s victories. He poses a serious danger to Garsfontein’s title aspirations at the TC Mitchell Oval.

Dokkies’ old boys, umpire Marais Erasmus and Proteas men’s bowling coach, Piet Botha, will be keeping a close eye on proceedings on Saturday, hoping the boys from Meyerton pull off an upset victory and with that make history.