Author: froberholzer

Hoërskool Wesvalia hosted a taste of provincial schools clashes as the northern unions locked horns at the annual Noordvaal Bondedag in Klerksdorp on Saturday in preparation for the coming Craven and Academy Weeks.

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

The Blue Bulls Academy’s powerful forward pack laid the groundwork for a commanding 47–27 victory over hosts, the Leopards, in the main Academy fixture. The team from Pretoria asserted their authority early, combining forceful carries with resolute defence from the outset.

Fullback Ronan Bastiaanse opened the scoring within minutes, crossing the line for the first try. He went on to add five conversions, contributing 15 points in total. Loose forwards Queenton Mcube and Marko Kok spearheaded the physical onslaught, regularly breaching the advantage line and providing momentum.

This dominance enabled flyhalf Tilon Baron to orchestrate proceedings from the standoff slot and bring Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool centre Petrus Rautenbach into play with front-foot ball in the midfield.

Despite the early onslaught, the Leopards refused to capitulate. The North West outfit showed glimpses of their potential, hinting that they could be a formidable force at the upcoming tournament in Middelburg this July.

Though their attack lacked early bite, their persistence paid off in the closing stages with three unanswered tries. Eighthman Letlotlo Tobosi crossed twice for a deserved brace, while scrumhalf Juan Geldenhuys impressed with a composed showing behind a retreating pack.

In another tightly contested match, the Sharks Academy produced a late surge to defeat the Valke 29–16. The Valke stayed within reach for most of the match thanks to the accurate boot of flyhalf Luka Pretorius, who slotted three penalties and a conversion.

However, the Sharks’ back three proved decisive. Wingers Rourke O’Sullivan and Liyema Nela sliced through the Valke defence in the final 10 minutes to put the result beyond doubt.

Blindside flanker Wasi Vyambera was a standout performer up front. His tireless work rate and powerful carries were rewarded with a long-range, runaway try that helped establish a lead the Sharks never relinquished.

In the opening fixture of the day, Leopards u17 delivered a scintillating display to overcome the Limpopo Blue Bulls Academy 35–19. Leading the charge was Potchefstroom Gimnasium’s De Wet Grobler. The flanker was everywhere—on attack, in defence and on the scoreboard, notching two tries through his relentless ball carrying.

Tighthead prop JW Coetzee provided valuable support with his powerful drives that repeatedly breached the gain line.

Scorers: 

Blue Bulls Academy 47 (21) – Tries: Ronan Bastiaanse, Charl Els, Queenton Mcube, Baele Mashaba, Petrus Rautenbach, Estiaan Marx, Nico Klein. Conversions: Bastiaanse (4), Tilon Baron. Leopards Academy 27 (3) – Tries: Letlotlo Tobosi (2), Louis Fourie, Gitso Mabitso. Conversions: Juhan Geldenhuys (2). Penalty: Geldenhuys.

Sharks Academy 29 (14) – Tries: Theo Boshoff, Wasi Vyambera, Rourke O’Sullivan, Liyema Nela. Conversions: Jade-Will Koopman (2), Nathan Aneke. Penalty: Aneke. Valke Academy 16 (10) – Try: Dylan Jordaan. Conversion: Luka Pretorius. Penalties: Pretorius (3).

Leopards u17 35 (18) – Tries: De Wet Grobler (2), Anro Nel, JW Coetzee, Ricardo Enos. Conversions: Nel, Enos. Penalties: Nel (2). Limpopo Blue Bulls Academy 19 (12) – Tries: Khathu Sikhethu, Itu Magaba, Keanu Visser. Conversions: Juan Randall (2).

Since its inception in 2003, the u16 Grant Khomo Week has served as a launchpad for numerous talented young schoolboy rugby players, offering them their first taste of national exposure.

Follow all the Grant Khomo action live on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Named after South Africa’s first Ubuntu Springbok captain, Grant Austin Khomo, the inaugural tournament took place 22 years ago on the fields of the University of Johannesburg. Since then, the event has gone from strength to strength, consistently unearthing the future stars of South African rugby.

This year the Grant Khomo Week returns to one of the country’s—if not the most—successful rugby unions, the Blue Bulls, where St Alban’s College will host three days of thrilling rugby action over five days, from 30 June to 4 July, for eager fans and passionate supporters alike.

Over the years, many players who went on to become household names have graced the tournament. The 2007 edition was especially notable, featuring the now two-time Rugby World Cup-winning captain, Siya Kolisi, representing the Eastern Province. That same year, Springbok prop Trevor Nyakane made his second consecutive appearance, having already played for the Limpopo Blue Bulls the previous year.

The 2009 and 2010 editions were equally fruitful. In 2009, the tournament featured Springbok speedster Cheslin Kolbe, while flyhalf Handré Pollard appeared in 2010. Alongside these marquee names, many other current and former Springboks have cut their teeth at this elite level of u16 rugby, highlighting the tournament’s pivotal role in shaping a sustainable national rugby structure.

Last year, on the Kolisi Field at Grey High School, Western Province emerged as unofficial champions after completing an unbeaten run. They defeated Eastern Province 38–24, edged past the Sharks 19–13, and capped off their campaign with a 31–22 win over the Blue Bulls. As always, the Cape-based side will enter the tournament as strong favourites to retain their title. They launch their 2025 campaign against fellow contenders Free State in the main fixture on day one.

The hosts, bolstered by a strong contingent from Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool (Affies), are perennial contenders and will open their campaign against a dangerous Boland outfit. In the preceding fixture, fans can expect a bruising, high-intensity clash between the Sharks and the Golden Lions—traditionally one of the tournament’s most physical match-ups.

A new addition to this year’s lineup is the Iqhwe XV, selected from standout players at the 2024 Hollywood Foundation Iqhawe Week, hosted by SA Rugby Legends at Queens High School in Johannesburg. They will feature in the main B-field match, facing off against Griquas.

The action kicks off at 09:30 on the Moshate Field (A-field) with Border taking on the Leopards, while games on the Baloyi Field (B-field) get underway at 09:00 when Zimbabwe lock horns with Border Country Districts.

The fixtures for Day One (Monday, 30 June): 

A-Field

09:30 – Border vs Leopards
10:50 – South Western Districts vs Eastern Province
12:10 – Sharks vs Golden Lions
13:30 – Bulls vs Boland
14:45 – Opening Ceremony
15:15 – Western Province vs Free State

B-Field 

09:00 – Zimbabwe vs Border Country Districts
10:20 – Valke vs Limpopo Blue Bulls
11:40 – Griffons vs Namibia
13:00 – Western Province XV vs Pumas
14:45 – Opening Ceremony
15:15: Iqhawe XV vs Griquas

In a fresh change to the last two years, the annual and highly anticipated Academy Week has this year found a new home in Middelburg.

Follow all the Academy Week action live on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Jeppe Boys High School, in Johannesburg, has played host to the annual tournament for the past two years, but this year the prestigious week is staged at Hoërskool Middelburg in Mpumalanga.

The week is, as always, aligned with the Craven Week, also at the Middies, starting on Monday, 7 July, and running through to Friday, 11 July. As in the past, the week will consist of three playing days, with two rest days in between to keep the players in tip-top shape for a week that is expected to produce some scintillating rugby.

The action on day one kicks off at 09:00 on both the B and C fields of the Middies. On the B-field, also the main field for the three-day action, Boland and Border will get proceedings underway, while on the C-field, Border’s “little brother”, Border Country District, will lock horns with the LSEN XV. The LSEN side consists of the best talent spotted at the annual LSEN week, played just a week before.

This match will be followed by the hosts, the Pumas, taking on the Limpopo Blue Bulls in what normally shapes up as a cracker between these traditional rivals. The main match on the first day sees the unofficial champions of the past two years, the Golden Lions, launch their title defence against the “Purple People Eaters”, more commonly known as the Griffons. A strong Western Province contingent will have their work cut out as they face the Free State in the second match on the main field, kicking off at 10:15.

The Leopards from North West face South Western Districts at 14:30 in the main match on the C-field.

Fixtures – Day 1 – Monday, 07 June: 

B-Field:

09:00 – Boland vs Border
10:15 – Western Province vs Free State
11:30 – Bulls vs Lions XV
12:45 – Eastern Province vs Sharks
14:00 – Opening Ceremony
14:30 – Golden Lions vs Griffons

C-Field: 

09:00 – Border Country Districts vs LSEN XV
10:15 – Pumas vs Limpopo Blue Bulls
11:30 – Griquas vs Zimbabwe
12:45 – Valke vs Namibia
14:00 – Opening Ceremony
14:30 – Leopards vs South Western Districts

The Blue Bulls Rugby Union, the host of the 2025 Grant Khomo Week, has announced the fixtures for the first day of the inter-provincial tournament, which commences on 30 June in the heart of Pretoria, where St Alban’s College will lay on three days of scintillating action from the young guns.

Follow all the Grant Khomo action live on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

The fixtures for the second day will be released after the first day’s action, and those for the third day will follow after the matches on day two.

The action on the Moshate Field, the main field at St Alban’s, will commence at 09:30 on Monday morning with Border taking on the Leopards.

The action on the Baloyi Field (B-Field) will kick off a half-hour earlier, at 09:00, with Zimbabwe crossing swords with Border Country Districts.

All eyes will, however, be fixed on the main clash of the first day when Western Province begins their unofficial title defence against a strong outfit from the Free State.

At the 2024 tournament, in Gqeberha, Western Province beat Eastern Province 38-24, the Sharks 19-13, and the Blue Bulls 31-22.

The main match on Baloyi Field will see the Iqhawe XV locking horns with Griquas.

The Iqhawe side is a new addition to the week and consists of the best talent identified at the 2024 Hollywood Foundation Iqhawe Week, hosted by SA Rugby Legends, at Queens High School in Johannesburg.

Western Province also won that title to add another trophy to the rugby powerhouse’s cabinet.

Fixtures

Monday, 30 June 

A-Field

09:30 – Border vs Leopards
10:50 – South Western Districts vs Eastern Province
12:10 – Sharks vs Golden Lions
13:30 – Bulls vs Boland
14:45 – Opening Ceremony
15:15 – Western Province vs Free State

B-Field 

09:00 – Zimbabwe vs Border Country Districts
10:20 – Valke vs Limpopo Blue Bulls
11:40 – Griffons vs Namibia
13:00 – Western Province XV vs Pumas
14:45 – Opening Ceremony
15:15: Iqhawe XV vs Griquas

The Blue Bulls will host the annual FNB Grant Khomo Week (for u16 players) at St Alban’s College in Pretoria from 29 June until 4 July.

The teams:

Blue Bulls: 15 Kyle van Staden (Affies), 14 Ntando Malobola (Garsfontein), 13 Dandré Brink (Affies), 12 Rico du Plessis (Affies), 11 Ronald Phiri (Pretoria Boys High), 10 Reuben Smith (Affies), 9 Ethan Williams (Affies), 8 Caleb Pretorius (Affies), 7 Luhan Hattingh (Menlopark), 6 Kwetsima Dlamini (Pretoria Boys High), 5 Alexander Muller (Affies), 4 Mbala Dima (Pretoria Boys High), 3 Liam de Jager (Affies), 2 Shawn Moabelo (Montana), 1 Ziaan Slabbert (Affies). Replacements: 16 Hendré Ehlers (Affies), 17 Emmanuel Honono (Pretoria Boys High), 18 Bakang Ramoshaba (Pretoria Boys High), 19 Keegan Fourie (Affies), 20 Duran Pieterse (Menlopark), 21 Ruan Fluks (Garsfontein), 22 Michael Bhuda (Oos-Moot), 23 Farrith Warie (Zwartkop).

11 Affies | 5 Pretoria Boys High | 2 Menlopark | 2 Garsfontein | 1 Montana | 1 Oos-Moot | 1 Zwartkop 

Boland: 15 Matthew Fortuin (Worcester Gimnasium), 14 Jordan O’Driscoll Timm (HTS Drostdy), 13 Brent-Leigh Exstraal (HTS Drostdy), 12 Randall Muller (Charlie Hofmeyer), 11 Tristan Syster (HTS Drostdy), 10 Ruan Nortjé (HTS Drostdy), 9 Wernard de Villiers (HTS Drostdy), 8 Albertus Hamman (HTS Drostdy), 7 Kyle Olivier (HTS Drostdy), 6 Simamkele Lahlekile (HTS Drostdy), 5 Ignatius Botha (HTS Drostdy), 4 Juan Lotriet (HTS Drostdy), 3 Richard van Eeden (HTS Drostdy), 2 Mattias Nell (HTS Drostdy), 1 Ewan Albertus (HTS Drostdy). Replacements: 16 Teboho Tomeng (Hopefield), 17 Chrisjan de Bod (HTS Drostdy), 18 Tyrone Modipa (Overberg), 19 Anyayo Egbujor (HTS Drostdy), 20 Brendon Smith (Robertson), 21 Dewald Scholtz (Charlie Hofmeyer), 22 Jayden Booysen (Lutzville High), 23 Chris-Will du Toit (Charlie Hofmeyer).

15 HTS Drostdy | 3 Charlie Hofmeyer | 1 Worcester Gimnasium | 1 Robertson | 1 Lutzville High | 1 Hopefield | 1 Overberg 

Border: 15 Caleb Smith (Dale College), 14 Edward Malinzi (Selborne College), 13 Tyler Von Cullwits (Queens College), 12 Riley Hansel (Selborne College), 11 Cwenga Bityo (Hudson Park), 10 Kaleb Chipps (Stirling), 9 Josh Wilkie (Selborne College), 8 Rosh Els (Selborne College), 7 Taana Gope (Hudson Park), 6 Kamva Matebetse (George Randall High), 5 Carlo Davids (Queens College), 4 Daniel Rushmere (Selborne College), 3 Adam Jakobi (Selborne College), 2 Reese Rasmussen (Selborne College), 1 Lutho Tabata (Queens College). Replacements: 16 Zimi Deleki (Queens College), 17 Qapela Ngxazisa (Selborne College), 18 Solam Gegana (Cambridge), 19 Nande Thiwani (Queens College), 20 Phethuxolo Sebe (Port Rex), 21 Zizibele Mtongwana (Hudson Park), 22 Zinzolwethu Lali (Queens College), 23 Mthokozisi Mbambo (Queens College).

8 Selborne College | 7 Queens College | 3 Hudson Park | 1 Dale College | 1 Port Rex | 1 Cambridge | 1 Stirling | 1 George Randall High

Border Country Districts: 15 Luke Groepe (Breidbach), 14 Mthiomhle Mpandeni (Khanyisa), 13 Kwantu Tyoda (Cambridge), 12 Othandwayo Magadla (Selborne College), 11 Kungawo Gabula (Mthatha), 10 Busani Simka Buchule), 9 Chulumanco (Ngangelizwe), 8 Ivile Mkhohlakali (Hudson Park), 7 Likho Ntleki (Khanyisa), 6 Imange Maliwa (Khnyisa), 5 Aryah Quao (Mtatha), 4 Jordan du Preez (Beaconhurst), 3 Pawu Ntintili (Port Rex), 2 Musa Siyangaphi (Umtata High), 1 Luvo Nohe (Hangklip). Replacements: 16 Kungawo Mama (Eric Mntonga High), 17 Athenkosi Godongwana (Khanyisa), 18 Ayabonga Nguza (Hudson Park), 19 Kwakhanya Lamani (Silimela), 20 Lithemba Ciko (Hudson Park), 21 Ovayo Mkumatela (Maclear), 22 Sihle Mgolombane (St John’s), 23 Cwenga Veletshona (Baysville).

4 Khanyisa | 3 Hudson Park | 2 Mtatha | 1 Port Rex | 1 Beaconhurst | 1 Selborne College | 1 Silimela High | 1 St John’s | 1 Baysville | 1 Maclear | 1 Eric Mntonga High | 1 Cambridge | 1 Breidbach | 1 Buchule | 1 Umtata High | 1 Ngangelizwe | 1 Hangklip 

Eastern Province: 15 Egan George (Brandwag), 14 Selunathi Mfundisi (Graeme College), 13 Sibulele Ngebulana (Grey High School), 12 Anfred Jansen (Grey High School), 11 Uchenna Oguekwe (Victoria Park High), 10 Alexander Stewart (St Andrew’s College), 9 Jamiel Swarts (Framesby), 8 Cole Bennett (Grey High School), 7 Duncan Hudek (Grey High School), 6 Christopher Volsoo (Grey High School), 5 Noah Stowe (St Andrew’s College), 4 Jarno Nel (Hoërskool DF Malherbe), 3 Entle Ngcaba (St Andrew’s College), 2 Lelethu Nono (Grey High School), 1 Juan Potgieter (Grey High School). Replacements: 16 Monré Landman (HTS Daniel Pienaar), 17 Unako Ntanjana (Westering), 18 AJ Raubenheimer (Marlow), 19 Zola Yeye (Grey High School), 20 Henrico Bodenstein (Pearson), 21 Richaard Kriel (HTS Daniel Pienaar), 22 Ibenathi Kondile (Graeme College), 23 Keanu Lich (Grey High School).

9 Grey High School | 3 St Andrew’s College | 2 Graeme College | 2 HTS Daniel Pienaar | 1 Framesby | 1 Pearson | 1 Brandwag (Uitenhage) | 1 Westering | 1 Marlow Landbou | 1 Hoërskool DF Malherbe | 1 Victoria Park High School 

Free State: 15 Readon Williams (Grey College), 14 Lino Mtwebana (Grey College), 13 JG Horn (Grey College), 12 Jaco Oosthuizen (Grey College), 11 Kingsley Pule (Grey College), 10 Zachary Walburgh (Grey College), 9 CJ Erasmus (Grey College), 8 Niel Du Randt (Grey College), 7 Louis de Wet (Grey College), 6 Dylan Stassen (Grey College), 5 Siyabonga Bulwane (Grey College), 4 Neill Verster (Grey College), 3 Rossouw de Waal (Grey College), 2 Dippies Dippenaar (Grey College), 1 Frans Troskie (Grey College). Replacements: 16 Rayhaan Usman (Fichardtpark), 17 Shuan Rhule (Grey College), 18 Nicus de Jager (Grey College), 19 Abrie von Willing (Fichardtpark), 20 Litha Ntlati (Jim Fouché), 21 Andrew Wessels (Grey College), 22 Guiteau Petrus (Fichardtpark), 23 Hloni Mathafeng (Grey College).

19 Grey College | 3 Fichardtpark | 1 Jim Fouché 

Golden Lions: 15 Ray-Nathin van Kolver (Noordheuwel), 14 Russel Mgiba (King Edward VII), 13 Asa Mgwatyu (King Edward VII), 12 Blessing Manoreng (Monument), 11 Prosper Mbandlwa (Jeppe), 10 Ndzalama Mbhalathi (Jeppe), 9 Pierre Crofton (King Edward VII), 8 Aiden Harty (Noordheuwel, 7 Diederick Kleyn (King Edward VII), 6 Keegan McCarthy (Monument), 5 Hanco van Geelen (Monument), 4 Roche Botha (Monument), 3 Mervedi Ndomba (Jeppe), 2 Iglesias Bruienrs (Noordheuwel), 1 Luan Coetzee (Monument). Replacements: 16 Andries van der Merwe (King Edward VII), 17 Jordan Venter (Northcliff), 18 Frederick van der Berg (Noordheuwel), 19 Naledi Phiri (King Edward VII), 20 Dewald du Preez (Helpmekaar), 21 Lethabo Malahlela (Parktown), 22 Chrisandro Flemmer (Noordheuwel), 23 Sihle Mbambo (Parktown).

6 King Edward VII School | 5 Noorheuwel | 5 Monument | 3 Jeppe High School for Boys | 2 Parktown Boys’ High | 1 Helpmekaar Kollege | 1 Northcliff

Griffons: 15 Jayden Bienas (Trio), 14 Thoriso Seloane (Trio), 13 Brinzley Bastiaan (Trio), 12 Robbie van der Vyver (Trio), 11 Lukhanyo Dauwa (Trio), 10 Henno Kruger (Trio), 9 Theuns van Rensburg (Trio), 8 Rico Aucamp (Trio), 7 Zack Steyn (Voortrekker), 6 Osego Mnyungula (Trio), 5 Adriaan Nel (Trio), 4 Colin Smith (Trio), 3 Wildré Hamilton (Trio), 2 Tseghofatso Mthembu (Voortrekker), 1 Tawanda Mthetwa (Trio). Replacements: 16 Damian Hartman (Trio), 17 Karabo Ntseare (Welkom Gimnasium), 18 Christiaan Venter (Witteberg), 19 Lesedi Tsibulane (Welkom Gimnasium), 20 Mpgo Manyeli (Welkom Gimnasium), 21 Heinrich Ras (Voortrekker), 22 Chriswin Delport (Witteberg), 23 Kathleho Pule (Voortrekker).

14 Trio | 4 Voortrekker | 3 Welkom Ginasium | 2 Witteberg

Griquas: 15 Jay-Dee Isaacs (Diamantveld), 14 Breyton Mangamane (Diamantveld), 13 Keanu Miles (Diamantveld), 12 Leonard Buys (Diamantveld), 11 Levaan Badenhorst (Curro Kathu), 10 Thurswill Vers (Diamantveld), 9 Ruben Viljoen (Diamantveld), 8 Johannes Jacobus Klopper (Diamantveld), 7 Marius Coetzer (Duineveld), 6 Schalk van Dyk (Diamantveld), 5 Franklin Stevens (Diamantveld), 4 Henry Langeveld (Diamantveld), 3 Estiaan van Rensburg (Duineveld), 2 Janco Marx (Diamantveld), 1 De La Rey Steyn (Duineveld). Repalacements: 16 Jameel Brandt (Duineveld), 17 London Kopa (Hoërskool Noord-Kaap), 18 Handré Burger (Diamantveld), 19 Stephan Fourie (Upington), 20 Meyer Prinsloo (Diamantveld), 21 Deon Koopman (Diamantveld), 22 Eavan Peterson (Duineveld), 23 Leighton Cronje (Diamantveld).

15 Diamantveld | 5 Duineveld | 1 Curro Kathu | 1 Hoërskool Noord-Kaap | 1 Upington High 

Leopards: 15 Sherrayden Pye (Wolmaransstad), 14 Karabelo Kgaganyane (Lichtenburg), 13 Othandwayo Ntsange (Bergsig Akademie), 12 Lemarc Henry (Rustenburg), 11 Lerato Matlaisane (Rustenburg), 10 Dian Huisamen (Rustenburg), 9 Brandt Muller (Wesvalia), 8 Gerrit Koen (Klerksdorp), 7 Thabang Mokoena (Rustenburg), 6 Ruben van Heerden (Rustenburg), 5 Daniel Schoeman (Klerksdorp), 4 Chris Nunu (HTS Klerksdorp), 3 Rico le Roux (Klerksdorp), 2 Ethan McDonald (Rustenburg), 1 Ryan Beeslaar (Potch Volkskool). Replacements: 16 Junior Magosi (Bergsig Akademie), 17 Chadwin Garnett (Rustenburg), 18 Lihle Tsabalala (Hartebeespoort), 19 Tebogo Msiza (Wolmaransstad), 20 Logan Botes (Potch Gimnasium), 21 Simphiwe Nero (Klerksdorp), 22 Durand du Plooy (Potch Gimnasium), 23 Johann van Molkte (Klerksdorp).

7 Hoërskool Klerksdorp | 6 Hoërskool Rustenburg | 2 Hoërskool Wolmaransstad | 2 Potchefstroom Gimnasium | 2 Bergsig Akademie | 1 HTS Potchefstroom | 1 Wesvalia | 1 Hoërskool Hartbeespoort | 1 Potchefstroom Volskool 

Limpopo Blue Bulls: 15 Tshepo Makgai (Ellisras), 14 Mokwape Lebea (Merensky), 13 Ndzalo Makhubela (Ben Vorster), 12 Eddie Matola (Ben Vorster), 11 Cohen Koopman (Ben Vorster), 10 Johan van Biljon (Hans Strijdom), 9 Xander Deysel (Pietersburg), 8 Milan le Roux (Merensky), 7 Ruhardt van Staden (Ellisras), 6 Johan du Bruyn (Pietersburg), 5 Ruan Beyers (Ben Vorster), 4 Dejuan de Plessis (Ben Vorster), 3 SH van Zyl (Ellisras), 2 Tino Robberts (Ellisras), 1 Bradley Molewa (Merensky). Replacements: 16 Regardt Els (Pietersburg), 17 Justin Relling (Ben Vorster), 18 Musa Shingange (Ben Vorster), 19 Marnu Hancke (Ben Viljoen), 20 Phomolo Shubane (Ben Vorster), 21 Lehlogonolo Mojapelo (Merensky), 22 Lolos Letlabola (Ben Vorster), 23 Junaid Stevens (Ben Viljoen).

8 Ben Vorster | 4 Merensky Landbou Akademie | 4 Hoërskool Ellisras | 3 Hoërskool Pietersburg | 3 Ben Viljoen | 1 Hans Strijdom 

Namibia: 15 Maldanado De Wee (Curro Windhoek Gymnasium), 14 Drikus Maartens (Edugate Academy), 13 Cayleb Buys (Hoërskool Windhoek), 12 Lian Kittler (Wavisbay Private School), 11 Mias Niewoudt (Pro-Ed Academy), 10 Matthew Raubenheimer (Curro Windhoek Gymnasium), 9 Rhys Duvenhage (Walvisbay Private School), 8 Armand Esterhuizen (Moria Private School), 7 Operi Katjitundu (Roost Gymnasium), 6 Zasha Steenkamp (Roots Gymnasium), 5 Janro Greeff (Curro Windhoek Gymnasium), 4 Adriaan Opperman (Curro Windhoek Gymnasium), 3 Urimentundu Muhenje (Otjiwarongo Secondary), 2 Deaclan Foelscher (Curro Windhoek Gymnasium), 1 Dirk Badenhorst (Curro Windhoek Gymnasium). Replacements: 16 Ndando Thivikua (Hoërskool Windhoek), 17 Pascal Munikonzo (Hoërskool Windhoek), 18 David Louw (Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool), 19 Leonardo Hailombe (Walvisbay Private School), 20 Jandré Burger (Curro Windhoek Gymnasium, 21 Janco Esterhuyzen (Elnatan), 22 Joshua Platt (Roots Gymansium), 23 Oliver Seager (Curro Windhoek Gymnasium).

8 Curro Windhoek Gymnasium | 3 Hoërskool Windhoek | 3 Roots Gymnasium | 3 Walvisbay Private School | 1 Elnatan | 1 Windhoek Afrikaanse Privaatskool | 1 Edgate Academy | 1 Moria Private School | 1 Otjiwarongo Secondary School | 1 Pro-Ed Academy

Pumas: 15 Kgontse Masilela (Hoërskool Middelburg), 14 Kgotso Peta (Hoërskool Middelburg), 13 Rhandzu Mkhabela (Hoërskool Nelspruit), 12 Blake Faber (Hoërskool Middelburg), 11 Fisokuhle Shabalala (Hoërskool Piet Retief), 10 Cornelius Erasmus (Hoërskool Secunda), 9 Dylan Duvenhage (Hoërskool Nelspruit), 8 Menzi Siyanda (Hoërskool Middelburg), 7 Siphesihle Marule (Uplands College), 6 Aldo van Jaarsveld (Hoërskool Nelspruit), 5 Lihan de Vaal (Hoërskool Middelburg), 4 Nkazimulo Masondo (Hoërskool Piet Retief), 3 Marcel Lindeque (Hoërskool Nelspruit), 2 Ryan Blake (Hoërskool Middelburg), 1 Tumiso Makoena (Hoërskool Piet Retief). Replacements: 16 Ulrich Kinghorn (Hoërskool Piet Retief), 17 CJ Serfontein (Hoërskool Middelburg), 18 Ziyanda Xaba (Hoërskool Middelburg), 19 Johan Raulstone (Hoërskool Middelburg), 20 Thumbelihle Marule (Uplands College), 21 Franco De La Rosa (Hoërskool Piet Retief), 22 Lihle Nkadimeng (Hoërskool Middelbrug), 23 Kamegelo Mohlata (Hoërskool Piet Retief).

9 Hoërkool Middelburg | 6 Hoërskool Piet Retief | 4 Hoërskool Nelspruit | 2 Uplands College | 1 Hoërskool Secunda 

Sharks: 15 Rosco Williams (Glenwood), 14 Mojafela Mogale (Maritzburg College), 13 Sterlin Padi (Durban High School), 12 Elgenio Oersen (Glenwood High School), 11 Lisa Sijadu (Westville), 10 Daniel Miskey (Kearsney College), 9 Ben Hughes (Michaelhouse), 8 Ezra Karolisin (Westville), 7 Aobakwe Moeng (Durban High School), 6 Kevin van Vollenstee (Northwood), 5 Lwango Ntantala (Hilton College), 4 Bulelani Cebani (Durban High School), 3 Tunga Griffiths (Kearsney College), 2 Aidan du Plooy (Hilton College), 1 Clement Makelele (Kearsney College). Replacements: 16 Matthew Wilson (Kearsney College), 17 Nyakallo Masiloane (Durban High School), 18 Jedidha Mbanzaswi (Maritzburg College), 19 Nala Shabangu (Northwood), 20 Jaydon Jubber (Michaelhouse), 21 Karl Lubbe (Maritzburg College), 22 Fabiano Feirro (Michaelhouse), 23 Lwanzo Vyambwera (Maritzburg College).

4 Kearnsey College | 4 Maritzburg College | 4 Durban High School | 3 Michaelhouse | 2 Westville | 2 Hilton College | 2 Glenwood | 2 Northwood 

Valke: 15 Jerado Tafel (Heidelberg Volkskool), 14 Valentino Fiekkies (Heidelberg Volkskool), 13 Conor Louw (EG Jansen),12 Shane Geldenhuys (EG Jansen), 11 Reverence Ihenacho (EG Jansen), 10 MJ Pieters (Transvalia), 9 Amrand Otto (Transvalia), 8 Matthew van Niekerk (Transvalia), 7 Christiaan Nixon (Hoërskool Kempton Park), 6 Thristan Wepener (Transvalia), 5 Owami Matosa (Hoërskool Delmas), 4 Juhan Basson (Transvalia), 3 Lebogang Mosetlha (Jeugland), 2 Aldo Fourie (Transvalia), 1 Motlhalefi Nkaiseng (Sasoburg High). Replacements: 16 Hohan Smit (Oosterlig), 17 Wimpie Maritz (Transvalia), 18 Jayden Smit (Hoërskool Kempton Park), 19 Daniel Lumbala (Elspark High), 20 Alulutho Nciza (Benoni High), 21 Bokang Mabina (Transvalia), 22 Rethabile Mtembu (Hoërskool Carel de Wet), 23 Junior Somngesi (Overvaal).

8 Transvalia | 3 EG Jansen | 2 Hoërskool Kempton Park | 2 Heidelberg Volkskool | 1 Benoni High | 1 Oosterlig | 1 Elspark High School | 1 Hoërskool Carel de Wet | 1 Overvaal | 1 Hoërskool Delmas | 1 Jeugland | 1 Sasolburg High 

Western Province: 15 Nahum Koen (SACS), 14 Joshua Kerby (Rondebosch), 13 Joshua Swart (Stellenberg), 12 James Sale (SACS), 11 Cadynn Samuels (Paul Roos Gimnasium), 10 Caleb Clark (Diocesan College), 9 Jordan Forbes (SACS), 8 Luniko Marivate (Paarl Boys’ High), 7 Henré Velanetyn (Paarl Boys’ High), 6 Kirwan November (Rondebosch), 5 James Swart (Paul Roos), 4 Rocco Buchanan (Stellenberg), 3 Gideon Boonzaaier (Paarl Boys’ High), 2 Ridah Johnson (Wunberg), 1 Luca Liebenberg (SACS). Replacements: 16 Luka van der Westhuizen (Paarl Gim), 17 Thomas Meyer (Paul Roos), 18 Ziyaad Jappie (Paul Roos), 19 Corné Ferreira (Paarl Gim), 20 Peter Krige (Paarl Boys’ High), 21 Devon Booysen (Tygerberg), 22 Luca Orgill (SACS), 23 Jake Dave (SACS).

6 SACS | 4 Paarl Boys’ High | 4 Paul Roos Gymnasium | 2 Paarl Gimnasium | 2 Stellenberg | 1 Wynberg Boys’ High | 2 Rondebosch Boys’ High | 1 Diocesan College | 1 Tygerberg 

Western Province XV: 15 Dante Davids (Paarl Boys’ High), 14 Daniel Meder (Paarl Boys’ High), 13 Preston Tobias (Strand), 12 Divan Meyer (Boland Landbou), 11 Liam Philander (Paarl Boys’ High), 10 Hadley Erasmus (Durbanville), 9 Oloff Bergh (Boland Landbou), 8 Joshua Philander (SACS), 7 Janu Pretorius (Rondebosch), 6 Ethan Palvi (Elsiesrivier High), 5 Werner de Bruin (Paul Roos), 4 Derrick Groenewald (Paarl Gim), 3 Deen Fortuin (SACS), 2 Stephan Grundling (Paarl Boys’ High), 1 Nico de Beer (Boland Landbou). Replacements: 16 Jean Olivier (Paarl Boys’ High), 17 JG van den Berg (Paarl Gim), 18 Uzair Blackenberg (Stellenberg), 19 Francois van den Berg (Paarl Gim), 20 James Gerber (Paul Roos), 21 Rauf Ahmed (Wynberg), 22 Raydon Williams (Durbanville), 23 Matthew Anthony (Wynberg).

5 Paarl Boys’ High | 3 Paarl Gimnasium | 3 Boland Landbou | 2 Paul Roos Gymnasium | 2 Wynberg Boys’ High | 2 Hoërskool Durbanville |  2 SACS | 1 Rondebosch Boys High | 1 Stellenberg | 1 Hoërskool Strand | 1 Elsiesrivier High 

Zimbabwe: 15 Ethan Zhou, 14 Liam Britten, 13 Mudiwa Jenje, 12 Dumisani Msipa, 11 Tristan van der Merwe, 10 Miguel Mavera, 9 Gray van der Merwe, 8 Alexander Mubata, 7 Jude Rudland, 6 Bryce Honiball, 5 Matthew Zinyemba, 4 Luke Coventry, 3 Nicholas Mangwiro, 2 Eminisha Musarira, 1 Tamuka Mashatise. Replacements: 16 Calvin Sewera, 17 Cole Iamangani, 18 Twana Muhita, 19 Spencer Bean, 20 Simbarashe Zvandasara, 21 Mukudzei Chisi, 22 Victor Watama, 23 Tafara Gara.

After a game of two halves, St Stithians College managed to hold onto their first-half lead to enjoy only their third Pink Derby Day victory over St John’s College since its inception in 2016.

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

A penalty by flyhalf, Oliver Wilson, sealed the deal for Saints as they came away with a 25-21 win in a scintillating King Price Derby Series clash against their old foes.

The St Stithians’ triumph continued the trend of the past three years of the home side claiming bragging rights. The win also meant Saints was victorious in the inaugural King Price Derby Series showdown between the Johannesburg rivals.

Apart from the penalty that ensured victory, Wilson slotted another and added two conversions for a personal contribution of 10 points, which was one of the deciding factors in the match.

Another was a brace of tries from fullback, Sicelo Sakawuli, who has been selected for the Golden Lions Academy Week side at centre.

He shone in the first half. Feeding off the early dominance of the Saints’ pack, who put the visitors to the sword, and profiting from some silky handling, Sakawuli trotted over twice in the first 35 minutes to help Saints to a comfortable 22-0 lead by the break.

Up front, lock Luke Thorrald and the loose trio, especially openside flank Sipho Cele, provided the fire.

Thorrold was named the King Price King of the Match for his tireless performance in the second row. Cele, also a thorn in the side of the Blues, kept the visitors busy with his relentless work rate at ruck time, along with some big carries in broken play.

Flank Ross Turner also showed up, mostly during the first half, with commanding ball carries, which, in turn, gave the backs ample opportunity to launch wave after wave of attacks.

However, one must wonder what was said in the St John’s shed during the break.

Captain Joshua Shannon led by example. Knowing that his side dearly needed a score, the Blues’ hooker dived over within the first moments of the second half, which helped swing the momentum in favour of the visitors. He found valiant support from tighthead prop Stephanus Kritzinger, who threw his body around all over the park.

At flyhalf, Gerald van Wyk delivered another standout performance in his last Pink Day Derby. On more than one occasion, he showcased nifty footwork to beat the first defender, which created space and opportunities for St John’s to go on the offensive.

Van Wyk’s sharp reading of the game led to right wing, Tumelo Bopape, dotting down after he chased a well-placed chip kick from the flyhalf shortly after Shannon’s visit behind the whitewash.

His colleague on the other side of the field, left wing, Lwandle Khupe, also burst through the defences, with an intercept try, which was fair reward for some stellar defence from the visitors.

For 30 minutes of the second stanza, Saints were kept quiet, but Wilson’s second penalty then sealed the victory shortly before the final whistle.

St Benedict’s College was made to battle for a one-point victory over Christian Brothers’ College after the side from Boksburg led 16-10 at halftime in Bedfordview.

Bennies‘ centres, Samuel Sendwe (outside centre) and Wade Ramsay (inside centre), both crashed over in short succession late in the match and Sendwe nailed both conversions to lift the home team to a nail-biting 24-23 win.

His nine-point contribution backed up an exciting attacking performance in broken play as he and Ramsay kept the Boksburg boys busy throughout the 70 minutes.

Up front, lock Leandro Varonou laid a solid platform for the pair. He led the fightback with his intimidating runs, getting over the advantage line every time he touched the ball.

Scorers

St Stithians College 25 (22) – Tries: Sicelo Sakawuli (2), Cade Elsey. Conversions: Oliver Wilson (2). Penalties: Wilson (2). St John’s College 21 (0) – Tries: Joshua Shannon, Tumelo Bopape, Lwandle Khupe. Conversions: Gerald van Wyk (3).

St Benedict’s College 24 (10) – Tries: Samuel Sendwe, Leandro Varonou, Thabiso Maposa, Wade Ramsay. Conversions: Sendwe (2). CBC Boksburg 23 (16). 

Other teams 

u16: St Stithians College 24, St John’s 17; St Benedict’s College 33, CBC Boksburg 19.
u15: St Stithians College 40, St John’s College 12; St Benedict’s College 77, CBC Boksburg 0.
u14: St Stithians 29, St John’s College 24; St Benedict’s College 66, CBC Boksburg 0.

The annual Pink Derby Day between two of Johannesburg’s most esteemed schools, St Stithians College and St John’s College, will take on a fiery new edge on Saturday with the addition of King Price red to the mix.

Follow all the Pink Day Derby action live on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) or Channel 216. 

Now in its eighth edition since its inception in 2016, the Pink Derby Day has become part of the inaugural King Price Derby Series.

Saturday’s showdown will also be Saints‘ second consecutive appearance in the series after last weekend’s heartbreaking last-minute 25-26 defeat at Kearsney College.

The rivalry between Saints and the Blues stretches back far beyond the Pink Day Derby, however. They first met in 1954, a year after the founding of St Stithians, with the u13 and u15 teams clashing. Two years later, the 1st XVs faced off for the first time.

It took 15 years before Saints registered their maiden victory, a dramatic 11–8 comeback win in 1971. In 1984, during the inaugural St Stithians Easter Festival, they recorded a crushing 39–0 win over the Blues, at a time when tries were worth only four points – one of the larger margins in the derby’s history.

In recent times, Pink Day fixtures have been tightly contested. In the inaugural Pink Day Derby, in 2016, St John’s edged out St Stithians 29–26, which came after a tight 27-22 victory the year before.

The honours have been shared over the past two years. Saints claimed victory in 2023, winning 31–19 at home. Last year, St John’s struck back, claiming a thrilling 24–20 win, which was sparked by a brilliant late counterattack from flyhalf Gerald van Wyk.

Now in his matric year, Van Wyk returns as a pivotal figure once again. Renowned for his accurate place- and tactical kicking and his attacking flair, he will be instrumental in shaping the outcome of the contest.

His opposite number, Saints’ flyhalf Oliver Wilson, heads into the derby in fine form. He delivered a composed performance against Kearsney College, where he expertly marshalled his side and scored a cracking try in the narrow defeat.

Their showdown will be central to the day’s drama, but, as always, the battle will be most likely be won or lost up front.

Towering lock Luke Thorrold, fresh off a standout performance in KwaZulu-Natal, will anchor the Saints’ pack.

On the other side, Blues’ eighthman, Mako Mandizha, who will run out for the Lions at the Academy Week, will bring serious heft to the attacking structures of the visitors.

He’ll also give the Blues some oomph in the scrums because, interestingly, he will represent the Lions at loosehead prop. St John’s captain Joshua Shannon wears the number one jersey for the Blues.

In the midfield, Allan Patu, usually a blindside flank, steps into the breach due to injuries. Despite playing out of position, he will pose a significant challenge to Sicelo Sakawuli, the Lions’ ‘ Academy Week centre, who will instead serve as the final line of defence in the St Stithians’ fullback’s jersey on Saturday.

TEAMS

St Stithians College vs St John’s College at 12:30 in Johannesburg

St Stithians College: 15 Sicelo Sakawuli, 14 Calvin Wagner, 13 Reece Hubner, 12 Tyler Maclennan, 11 Cade Elsey, 10 Oliver Wilson, 9 Rory Bezuidenhout, 8 Jonathan Caveney, 7 Ross Turner, 6 Siphosamandosi Cele, 5 Kulani Tlakula, 4 Luke Thorrold, 3 Ethan Coetzee, 2 Oliver Groves, 1 Jean-Anthony Eblen.

St John’s College: 15 Tim Hewat, 14 Lwandile Khupe, 13 Menzi Bongwe, 12 Allan Patu, 11 Tumelo Bopape, 10 Gerald van Wyk, 9 Adam Haselau, 8 Mako Mandihza, 7 Andrew Russe, 6 Cameron Shafer, 5 Cameron Coetzer, 4 Simon Mussett, 3 Stephanus Kritzinger, 2 Dimitri Campbell, 1 Joshua Shannon.

Other games:

12:30 – St Benedict’s College vs CBC Boksburg.

Hoërskool Ermelo se oopkantflank, Duan Burger, het met slegs 90 sekondes oor op die horlosie deurgebreek om agter die doellyn van Hoërskool Eldoraigne te gaan kuier en ‘n naelbytsege van 32-29 te beklink.

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Dit was ‘n welverdiende oorwinning vir die Erries, wat oor die laaste paar rondes van die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Bowl-afdeling hard aan die deur geklop het. Burger se uitklophou het aan hulle hul eerste sege as nuweling in die Bowl besorg.

Dit was van meet af aan duidelik dat die die skare in Ermelo vir die volle duur van die kragmeting op die punte van hul stoele vasgenael sou bly. Hoewel die tuisspan teen rustyd met 15-12 voorgeloop het, was dit nog nie naastenby ‘n uitgemaakte saak wie sou wen nie.

Om die waarheid te sê, die tweede 35 minute het ‘n allemintige wipplankstryd afgegee met die spanne wat soos wafferse boksers houe uitgedeel het. Die Erries het gedoen wat hulle die beste doen deur die bal soveel as moontlik lug te gee, en dit het by twee geleenthede die Eldos se verdediging onkant betrap vir heelagter, WJ Pretorius, en linkervleuel, Thabo Mokwena, om elk ‘n drie te druk.

Die Drake het in die tweede skof ook hul spelpatroon aangepas en, nes die Erries, die bal begin rondgooi. Dit het bykans onmiddelik vrugte afgewerp met slot, Esdee Kotze, wat vanaf ‘n goed uitgewerkte lynstaanbeweging deurgebars het vir ‘n drie. Losskakel en kaptein, Darren Bruwer, se balverspreiding was ook uit die boonste rakke.

Dit kon die Erries, met die tuisskare agter hulle, egter nie stuit nie. In die aanloop tot Burger se wendrie, was die tuisspan genadeloos op die aanval en die volgehoue druk het uiteindelik op ekstase vir Erries en hul ondersteunders uitgeloop.

Puntemakers:

Hoërskool Ermelo 32 (15) – Drieë: Duan Burger, Francois Homan, WJ Pretorius, Thabo Mokwena, Noaha Goslin. Doelskoppe: WJ Pretorius (2). Strafdoel: Pretorius. Eldoraigne 29 (12) – Drieë: Hugo Theron, Kyle de Bruin, Esdee Kotze, Kevin Earle, Hanno Jacobs. Doelskoppe: Darren Bruwer (2).

Ander spanne: 

o.16: Eldoraigne 49, Ermelo 12.

o.15: Ermelo 20, Eldoraigne 0.

o.14: Ermelo 39, Eldoraigne 12.

Hoërskool Die Anker se reuse dieselenjin het Saterdagmiddag op sy tuisveld in Brakpan verwoed voortgestoom om ‘n belangrike sege van 55-36 oor Heidelberg Volkskool te verseker.

Herleef al die Skild-aksie op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Die span van Brakpan se welbekende agttal het onderstreep hóé gevaarlik hy is wanneer hy op alle silinders vuur en die grondslag gelê vir 33 punte in die tweede helfte.

Die Volkies het tot en met rustyd nog moedig verdedig om binne trefafstand te bly en met die omdraaislag slegs ‘n skrale agterstand van 19-22 in die gesig gestaar.

Die Anker se ramkat-agsteman en kaptein, Ruben Herbst, het egter ander planne gehad en Volkies na halftyd gekasty met genadelose stormlopies wat aan hom nogmaals ‘n driekuns aan drieë besorg het. Dit het die vuur onder die res van die pak aangesteek, met Brendan van Lutterveld (2) en Branden Sauerman wat ook gedruk het. Buitesenter, Arno Krugel, met ‘n tweekuns van sy eie, was die tuisspan se enigste agterspeler wat agter die doellyn gaan draai het.

JV Badella, wat met sy veelsydigheid beïndruk sedert sy insluiting in die Heidelbergers se beginspan, het hierdie slag vir Volkies uitgetroon op heelagter nadat hy vroeër in die seisoen ook op senter en vleuel uitgedraf het.

In Springs, het Hoërskool Lichtenburg, se agttal, nes Die Anker s’n, die septer geswaai met vier van die Liggies se vyf drieë wat deur voorspelers gedruk is om vir Hoërskool Hugenote met 31-17 die loef af te steek. Haker, David Passetti, en vaskopstut, Juan van Rhyn, het verál die lewe vir die Hugies moeilik  gemaak, terwyl oopkantflank, MC Shanahan, ‘n doring in die los was.

Luan Pretorius, die tuisspan se haker, het self ‘n uithalervertoning gelewer en sy tweestryd met Passetti was beslis een van die hoogtepunte, terwyl kantmant, Migael Swart, regoor die veld te sien was.

Hoërskool Pietersburg het op Hoërskool Piet Retief se Jack Botes-stadion met 22-13 baasgespeel in Saterdag se “Pieties-stryd”. Dié oorwinning met nege punte was grotendeels toe te skryf aan ‘n uitstaande vertoning op verdediging in die tweede helfte, met oopkantflank, Andru de Beer, en kaptein, Juan Jansen van Vuuren, wat selde deurkomkans vir die tuisspan gebied het. De Beer het ook gewoeker by die afbreekpunte, om Piet Retief se momentum verder aan bande te lê.

Puntemakers: 

Die Anker 55 (22) – Drieë: Ruben Herbst (3), Brendan van Lutterveld (2), Arno Krugel (2), Branden Sauerman. Doelskoppe: Edrick Pienaar (6). Strafdoel: Pienaar. Heidelberg Volkskool 36 (19) – Drieë: JV Badella (2), Henru Coetzer, Kyle Hutchinson, Armin Stimie, Strafdrie. Doelskoppe: Hein Oelofse (2).

Hoërskool Lichtenburg 31 (19) – Drieë: MC Shanahan, David Passetti, George Bingudzu, Juan van Rhyn, Tehan Potgieter. Doelskoppe: Luan Snyman (2), Xander Blom. Hugenote (Springs) 17 (5) – Drieë: Migael Swart, Christiaan Basson, Luan Pretorius. Doelskop: George Loucas.

Hoërskool Pietersburg 22 (6) – Drieë: Dewan Windell, Armand Venter, Ryno Mienie. Doelskoppe: Mienie (2). Strafdoel: Mienie. Hoërskool Piet Retief 13 (3) – Drie: Fiso Methula. Doelskop: Owethu Shabalala. Strafdoele: Shabalala (2).

Ander spanne: (nóg uitslae volg kortliks):

o.16: Piet Retief 12, Pietersburg 8.

o.15: Pietersburg 10, Piet Retief 5.

o.14: Piet Retief 10, Pietersburg 5.

“Die Dokter van Boksburg” het duidelik vir heelagter, Deshean Pietersen, ‘n stewige dosis driedruk-stroop voorgskryf.

Herleef al die Beker-aksie op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Die heelagter van Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen was in een van sy vernietigende buie en het drie keer deurgewals vir drieë in die Jansies se sege van 34-22 oor Die Hoërskool Menlopark in die Beker-afdeling van die Noordvaal Cup.

Pietersen het na ‘n strawwe eerste 18 minute van die wedstryd vir die eerste keer sy venynige voetwerk tentoongestel, waarna, hy nie té lank gewag het om die Parkies weer met ‘n stukkie puik individuele spel te looi vir sy tweede drie nie.

Die Pretorianers het egter geweier om bes te gee  en kort voor die rustydfluitjie teruggekap. Die dryfmaalbeweging was vir die soveelste keer vanjaar hul grootste wapen en het vir agsteman, Ruan Strydom, in staat gestel om die Jansies met twee drieë van sy eie te kasty.

Agterlangs het die stryd behoorlik vlamgevat. Benewens Pietersen se uitstaande vertoning op die aanval, het die Jansies se binnesenter, Nathan Delport en regtervleuel, Otlatleng Zulu, ook telkens die Parkies na lug laat gryp. Zulu het, vanaf die afskop ná Delport se kuier agter die doellyn, gaan afrond vir die drie van die dag.

Die Parkies se binnesenter, Dylan Stumke, was self ‘n uitblinker in die middeveld en het onder druk dikwels die besoekers op die voorvoet probeer plaas met sy kranige lopies. Oopkantflank, Nathen du Plessis, verdien ook ‘n klop op die skouer en was oudergewoonte ‘n doring in die los.

Pietersen se derde drie, kort voor die eindfluitjie, het egter die uitklophou toegedien en ‘n derde sege vir die Jansies in vanjaar se reeks verseker.

In Johannesburg het Helpmekaar Kollege se onbesonge held, steelkantflank, Zaiden Krige, die span in bruin se aanslag gelei. Krige het twee keer agter die doellyn van Hoërskool Waterkloof gaan draai in sy span se sege van 52-43.

Albei spanne het die skare wat na die Helpies se tuisveld opgeruk het, met aanskoulike hardlooprugby beloon.

Die tweede helfte het ‘n gesamentlike totaal van 59 punte opgelewer, nadat die Helpies met slegs ‘n twee-punt buffer (19-17) rustyd binnegegaan het. Francois Tonkin, terug op linkervleuel, het die spasie aan die buitekant terdeë geniet en, nes Krige, ook twee keer gedruk, terwyl binnesenter, Ethan Lourens, weer gewys het hoekom hy een van die Helpies is wat die Johannesburgers se fakkel by die Cravenweek in Middelburg gaan dra.

Vir die Klofies het vuurvreter-agsteman, Marko Kok, weer uitgetroon. Kok, ‘n bekende baldraer in die Noordvaal-kompetisie, het telkens die eerste verdediger met brute krag geklop. Oopkanflank, Divan Botha, het ook moedig probeer om die Klofies in die wedloop te hou, terwyl losskakel en kaptein, Ronan Bastiaanse, persoonlik 18 punte bygedra het.

Dit was egter nie genoeg om die Helpies se kliniese afronding en vermoë om die Klofies se foute in punte te omskep, af te weer nie.

Puntemakers: 

EG Jansen 34 (12) – Drieë: Deshean Pietersen (3), Nathan Delport, Zulu Otlatleng. Doelskoppe: Dian Botha (3). Strafdoel: Botha. Menlopark 22 (17) – Drieë: Ruan Strydom (2), Tiaan Boshoff, Ruvan van Aardt. Doelskop: Dylan Stumke.

Helpmekaar Kollege 52 (19) – Drieë: Zaiden Krige (2), Francois Tonkin (2), Xander van Niekerk, Liam Devenier, Ethan Lourens, Kean Butler. Doelskoppe: Wian Storm (6). Waterkloof 43 (17) – Drieë: Ruan Jacobs (2), Ross Adams, Divan Botha, Marko Kok, Ronan Bastiaanse. Doelskoppe: Bastiaanse (5). Strafdoel: Bastiaanse.

Ander spanne: 

o.16: Menlopark 50, EG Jansen 19; Helpmekaar 40, Waterkloof 27.

o.15: EG Jansen 27, Menlopark 22; Helpmekaar 28, Waterkloof 11.

o.14: EG Jansen 34, Menlopark 7; Helpmekaar 40, Waterkloof 7.