Author: froberholzer

A thrilling clash between Hoërskool Nelspruit’s brute forward power and the pace and agility of the Welkom Gimnasium backs delivered a gripping see-saw contest, which ultimately ended in a dramatic victory for the Rhinos on Thursday at the Standard Bank St John’s College Easter Festival.

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

A penalty by scrumhalf, Liam Pringle, two minutes into stoppage time, sealed a tense 34–31 win for the Mbombela-based side after a pulsating encounter.

The battle between Nelspruit’s dominant forward pack and Welkom Gim’s slick backline made for 60 minutes of must-watch rugby.

The intensity noticeably escalated under the floodlights and set a high bar for the day’s two remaining fixtures.

Welkom Gimnasium’s outside centre, Nathan Muller, continued his fine form, crossing for a brace of tries, which further underlined why he has been a standout performer throughout the season.

His midfield partner, Byron Klaasin, alleviated pressure with excellent distribution and provided Muller with the front-foot ball he needed to torment the Nelspruit defence.

For the Rhinos, powerful number eight Vaughn van Zyl led the charge. As expected, he shouldered the bulk of the ball-carrying duties, leaving a trail of sore bodies in the Free Staters’ camp. Werno Heyns impressed with his relentless work rate.

At fly-half, John Duncan delivered another composed performance. His crisp distribution was instrumental in creating opportunities for the backline and played a crucial role in Nelspruit’s memorable win.

Earlier in the day, St David’s Marist Inanda made SACS work far harder for their win than anticipated. The Johannesburg school mounted a defensive effort of real grit, particularly in the second half, as the Capetonians laid siege to their 22. Despite the stiff resistance, SACS broke through on four occasions to secure a 28–3 victory.

True to the coaching manual, the Cape Town side’s forwards laid the platform for their attacking opportunities. However, they also produced several surges of their own, with Cameron Hirst capping off one of those movements by diving over for the opening try.

Inside centre Mike Skeeles demonstrated impeccable accuracy from the tee, converting all four of his side’s tries with ease.

SCORERS 

Hoërskool Nelspruit 34 (12) – Tries: Werno Heyns, Tye Habib, Vaughn van Zyl, Ruben Greef, Tinyiko Silubane. Conversions: John Duncan (3). Penalty: Liam Pringle. Welkom Gimnasium 31 (10) – Tries: Nathan Muller (2), Rewaldo Farmer, Byron Klaasin. Conversions: Leano Williams (4). Penalty: Williams.

SACS 28 (21) – Tries: Cameron Hirst, Sipho Dyantji, Siphe Mbungendlu, Langa Moyo. Conversions: Mike Skeeles (4). St David’s Marist Inanda 3 (3) – Penalty: Luca Cabion.

A dominant second-half surge from Kingswood College saw them cruise to a 41–21 victory over Hoërskool Randburg in the opening fixture of the 28th Standard Bank St John’s College Easter Festival, in Johannesburg, on Thursday.

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

The side from Makhanda found their rhythm following a series of substitutions in the second half, which led to them scoring 34 points after the break.

Left-wing, James Mackenzie – the twin brother of Kingswood’s dynamic number eight, Josh Mackenzie – made an immediate impact, scoring moments after entering the field.

He crossed the line again later in the match, becoming the first of three players to score a brace in Kingswood’s emphatic win. Outside centre, Likhona Kepe, who was outstanding in the midfield, was rewarded with two tries of his own, while the other wing, Kungawo Badli, showcased his blistering pace out wide and contributed a third two-try haul for the Eastern Cape outfit.

Despite the loss, Randburg impressed in their maiden appearance at the prestigious festival. Flyhalf, Jayden Todd, was a standout performer in the 10 jersey. His attacking flair and sharp decision-making helped Randburg claim a 14–7 lead at half-time.

A powerful display from number eight, Curwin Hill, proved equally influential. His relentless work rate and physical presence kept the Kingswood defence under pressure for much of the match.

The clash between Graeme College and Hoërskool Voortrekker, of Bethlehem, was defined by resolute defence from both teams, with neither side able to score in the second half. Openside flanker, Wian Muller, and his captain, blindside flanker, Jayden de Jesus, set the defensive tone and led from the front for Voortrekker.

However, Graeme College’s ability to capitalise in key moments gave them the edge. Outside centre, Karabo Ralethohlane, led the way as he and the rest of the backline made effective use of the territory earned by their forwards. The number 13, along with full-back Lucritia Magau, kept the Voortrekker defence on its toes with their incisive attacking runs.

Maritzburg College’s full-back, Caleb Scheepers, crossed for two tries as the Pietermaritzburg school cruised to a 43–0 victory over the Golden Lions XV. As is the tradition, the invitational side comprised standout players from smaller schools across the union.

College played with flair and fluidity and delivered what was arguably, until that point, the most entertaining attacking rugby of the tournament’s opening day.

SCORERS

Kingswood College 41 (7) – Tries: James Mackenzie (2), Likhona Kepe (2), Kungawo Badli (2), Imbusiwe Matshoba. Conversions Praise Matsila (2), Hames McHamon. Hoërskool Randburg 21 (14) – Tries: Jayden Oosthuizen, Jayden Todd, Curwin Hill. Conversions: Jaydon Todd (3).

Graeme College 21 (21) – Tries: Lucritia Magau, Karabo Ralethohlane, Inathi Planga. Conversions: Alden Walters (3). Voortrekker 10 (10) – Try: Atitila Ozturk. Conversion: Nolen du Plooy. Penalty: Du Plooy.

Maritzburg College 43 (31) – Tries: Caleb Scheepers (2), Wasi Vyambwera, Alande Ngubane, Adam Cahill, David Colenbrander, Theo Boshoff. Conversions: Dom du Toit (4), Chahill. Golden Lions XV 0.

Scorers: 

Hilton College 29 (15) – Tries: Liyema Nela, Ricky Adonis, Zander Vorster, Khazimla Makali. Conversions: Nela (2), Tristan Uys. Penalty: Uys. St John’s College 5 (0) – Try: Gerald van Wyk.

Pretoria Boys High School 43 (5) – Tries: Neo Matlaletsa (3), Michael Fourie, Blake Mager, Pieter Lindeboom, Reece Holman. Conversions: Blake Mager (3). Diamantveld 29 (5) – Tries: Dian Ellis, Jonathan Harding, Zuan Rautenbach, Penalty Try, CJ Meiring. Conversion: JG van Heerden.

Hoërskool Nelspruit 34 (12) – Tries: Werno Heyns, Tye Habib, Vaughn van Zyl, Ruben Greef, Tinyiko Silubane. Conversions: John Duncan (3). Penalty: Liam Pringle. Welkom Gimnasium 31 (10) – Tries: Nathan Muller (2), Rewaldo Farmer, Byron Klaasin.

SACS 28 (21) – Tries: Cameron Hirst, Sipho Dyantji, Siphe Mbungendlu, Langa Moyo. Conversions: Mike Skeeles (4). St David’s Marist Inanda 3 (3) – Penalty: Luca Cabion.

Maritzburg College 43 (31) – Tries: Caleb Scheepers (2), Wasi Vyambwera, Alande Ngubane, Adam Cahill, Dacid Colenbrander, Theo Boshoff. Conversions: Dom du Toit (3), Cahill. Golden Lions XV 0.

Graeme College 21 (21) – Tries: Lucritia Magau, Karabo Ralethohlane, Inathi Planga. Conversions: Alden Walters (3). Voortrekker 10 (10) – Try: Atitila Ozturk. Conversion: Nolen du Plooy. Penalty: Du Plooy.

Kingswood College 41 (7) – Tries: James Mackenzie (2), Likhona Kepe (2), Kungawo Badli (2), Imbusiwe Matshoba. Conversions Praise Matsila (2), Hames McHamon. Hoërskool Randburg 21 (14) – Tries: Jayden Oosthuizen, Jayden Todd, Curwin Hill. Conversions: Jaydon Todd (3).

 

The Teams: 

St John’s College: 15 Nic Searle, 14 Lwandile Khupe, 13 Kael De Goede, 12 Alec Psillos, 11 David Ireland, 10 Gerald van Wyk, 9 Nicholas Morrell, 8 Mako Mandizha, 7 Cameron Coetzer, 6 Tumelo Bopape, 5 Andrew Russell, 4 Allan Njanfang Patu, 3 Stephanus Kritzinger, 2 Dimitri Campbell, 1 Joshua Shannon. Replacements: 16 Luke Scott, 17 Matthew Kaplan, 18 Simon Musset, 19 Menzi Bongwe, 20 Lwazi Khupe, 21 Oliver Kirk, 22 Adam Haselau, 23 Lehlohonolo Molwantoa.

Voortrekker (Bethlehem): 15 Siya Mdubo, 14 Sizwe Qwabe, 13 Karabo Ralentloane, 12 Nolen du Plooy, 11 Renier van Niekerk, 10 Adriaan Bonthuys, 9 Edré Wille, 8 Attila Ozturk, 7 Jayden de Jesus, 6 Wian Muller, 5 Berto van Niekerk, 4 Theo van Wyk, 3 Maropa Lepondo, 2 Wessel Hattingh, 1 AJ Myburgh. Replacements: 16 Francois Cornelius, 18 Thys Parsons, 19 Francois Grove, 20 Lourens Roux, 21 Vlag Janse van Rensburg, 22 JC Pretorius, 23 Christiaan van der Sandt.

Graeme College: 15 Lucritia Magau, 14 Asakhe Ranuga, 13 Erin Nelson, 12 Inathi Planga, 11 Elgin Fanton, 10 Alden Walters, 9 Luke Doyle, 8 Ayamila Bill, 7 Ayola Mali, 6 Lwandle Dlamini, 5 Mikhulu Yolani, 4 Akho Tonjeni, 3 Athi Bonga, 2 Lebo Mahasele, 1 Bagcine Njengele. Replacements: 16 Lilo Booi, 17 Athi Manyati, 18 Stafford Avis, 19 Andrew Müir, 20 Iviwe Mshubheki, 21 Ethan Bokbaard, 22 Torres Fourie, 23 Masi Maboza.

Steiner Pest Golden Lions Invitational XV: 15 Luca Montana, 14 Nthando Lamola, 13 Busa Tom, 12 Tyler Pharo, 11 Musawenkosi Ntshangase, 10 Jacob Primstein, 9 Jovan Plaaitjies, 8 Keith Ncube, 7 Daniel Kruger, 6 Logan Adam, 5 Mathew Hlongwane, 4 Adida Ngey, 3 Relonhle Mamakoko, 2 Keanen Windle, 1 Khaye Mukhanda. Replacements: 16 Obakeng Rametsi, 17 Phatuxolo Gqoloda, 18 Thembani Ndlovu, 19 Moise Folo, 20 Jonathan Mutambayi, 21 Jason van der Merwe, 22 Gavi Graff, 23 Chinonso Nwasavooma.

Hilton College: 15 James Peattie, 14 Khazimla Makali, 13 Guy Fender, 12 Tristan Uys, 11 Requilme Adonis, 10 Liyema Nela, 9 Zander Vorster, 8 Zander Muller, 7 Stewart Falconer, 6 Emmanual Dankwah, 5 Andrew Schnell, 4 André Boshoff, 3 Simon Steyn, 2 Josh Grant, 1 Khanya Jekwa. Replacements: 16 Garrick Phillips, 17 Kyle-Reese Clements, 18 Mholi Khuzwavo, 19 Trent Chubb, 20 Callan Kenmui, 21 Benoit Rey, 22 John Grubb, 23 James Ogilby.

Hoërskool Diamantveld: 15 Clinton Britz, 14 VJ Davids, 13 Jaco Beukes, 12 Jonathan Harding, 11 Driaan Jacobs, 10 Ezlin Swartz, 9 Ruben van der Linde, 8 Enrique Boshoff, 7 Waydon Schwemmer, 6 Louis Fourie, 5 Zuan Rautenbach, 4 MG van Greuning, 3 Dian Ellis, 2 Jaydrian Jacobs, 1 Bernard Daniels. Replacements: 16 Jayden de Klerk, 17 CJ Meiring, 18 Chris Retief, 19 Janco Engelbrecht, 20 Victor Greeff, 21 JG van Heerden, 22 John-Leighton Fortuin, 23 Danie van der Merwe.

Hoërskool Randburg: 15 Francois Groenewald, 14 Bradley Butcher, 13 Eduan Bakkes, 12 Zander Drake, 11 Jayden Oosthuizen, 10 Jayden Todd, 9 Rico Vosloo, 8 Curwin Hill, 7 Zander van Tonder, 6 Victor van Blerk, 5 Malan van Heerden, 4 Phillip Rykaart, 3 Kian Kritzinger, 2 Eduard Heine, 1 Tristan Vorster. Replacements: 16 Diedlof Fourie, 17 Divan vander Westhuizen, 18 Jayden Brown, 19 Brandon Pietersen, 20 Chrisjan van Niekerk, 21 Jaycey van Tonder, 22 Vino Price, 23 Josh Wigget.

Hoërskool Nelspruit: 15 Jean Erasmus, 14 Jordan Pretorius, 13 Ruben Greeff, 12 Rian Botha, 11 Tinyiko Silubane, 10 John Duncan, 9 Liam Pringle, 8 Vaughn van Zyl, 7 Vian Louw, 6 Prosper Chilloane, 5 André Smit, 4 Ethan Esterhuizen, 3 Gert Cloete, 2 D’Angelo Roberts, 1 Lindani Ndlela. Replacements: 16 Dhandré van Wyk, 17 Christiaan Viljoen, 18 Hanco Fuhri, 19 Werno Heyns, 20 Jason Coghill, 21 Kamo Monkwe, 22 Ewan van der Merwe, 23 Gideon Gilliland.

Kingswood College: 15 Matthew McCarthy, 14 James Mackenzie, 13 Likhona Kepe, 12 Matthew Paxton, 11 Kungawo Badli, 10 Praise Matsila, 8 James McMahon, 7 Liyema Katikati, 6 Sandi Peter, 5 Ross Thompson, 4 Mbono Qqoboka, 3 Robert Miles, 2 Sithenkosi Qabaka, 1 Ikechukwu Ukekwe. Replacements: 16 Imbusisie Matshoba, 17 Junior Ndlazi, 18 Abu Mbanga, 19 Olunje Jama, 20 Rozario Fourie, 21 Christiano van Heerden, 22 Kevin Barnes.

Maritzburg College: 15 Lungelo Hadebe, 14 Caleb Scheepers, 13 Amahle Hadebe, 12 Olwethu Kosani, 11 Adam Cahill, 10 Liyema Tsoko, 9 Dominic du Toit, 8 Mumbere Vyambwera, 7 Cyryl Cherayi, 6 Colenbrander David, 5 Rory Stanton, 4 Connor Mountford, 3 Alande Ngubane, 2 Theodorus Boshoff, 1 Indiphile Mlotshwa. Replacements: 16 Lina Mabanga, 17 Mwzamandla Manana, 18 Nqubeko Tsabalala, 19 Jayden Smit, 20 Elethu Mabanga, 21 Jordan Thackwray, 22 JP Jordaan, 23 Matthew Harris.

Pretoria Boys High School: 15 Kwanda Mabuza, 14 Blake Mager, 13 Callum Nel, 12 Tyler Mason, 11 Neo Matlaletsa, 10 Reinier Kruger, 9 Michael Fourie, 8 Akin Akingbula, 7 Banele Mashaba, 6 Tristan Heinz, 5 Nils Pabst, 4 FC Furstenburg, 3 Queenton Mncube, 2 Marnus Wessels, 1 Jeffrey Singo. Replacements: 16 Shiloh Beaton, 17 Mufunwa Masibigiri, 18 Pieter Lindeboom, 19 Aldo Serfontein, 20 Rheece Holman, 21 Ruan Leonard, 22 Ofentse Matlebjane.

SACS: 15 Quewinn Lackay, 14 Imtiaz Abrahams, 13 Michael Skeeles, 12 Matthew Carrick, 11 Luke McKenzie, 10 Nathan Potgieter, 9 Matt Forbes, 8 Tandolwethu Sitole, 7 Daniel Grant, 6 Siphesihle Mbungendlu, 5 Harrison Bell, 4 Stephan Kruger, 3 Qiraan Hermans, 2 Sango Zangqa, 1 Qawe Sawuka. Replacements: 16 Rael Cunningham, 17 Adam Franklin, 18 Siphukhanyo Dyantyi, 19 Langa Moyo, 20 Max Bester, 21 Shuaib Dove, 22 Cameron Hirst, 23 Dayyaan Conrad.

St David’s Marist Inanda: 15 Nick de Zwart, 14 Tadiwanashe Javangwe, 13 Tristan Lambe, 12 Dominic Taylor, 11 Nathan Hwingdingwi, 10 Luca Cabion, 9 Valentino Yiallouris, 8 Matthew Scot, 7 Ronan Hallowes, 6 James Askew, 5 Julian Steven-Jennings, 4 Chris Theodoris, 3 Marco Bitter, 2 Ben Archer, 1 Dev Vallabhjee. Replacements: 16 Roberto Mariano, 17 Raditshego Ditshego, 18 Remo Ferrari, 19 Connor McJannet, 20 Brett Bulger, 21 Danilo Giurichich, 22 Cameron Wade, 23 David Latilla-Campbell.

Welkom Gimnasium: 15 Jadewin Solomon, 14 Vusi Ndayi, 13 Nathan Muller, 12 Dylan Titus, 11 Ruan Theron, 10 Leano Williams, 9 Revaldo Farmer, 8 Emile Mahlelebe, 7 Reagen Jantjies, 6 Relebohile Sello, 5 Jacques Barendse, 4 Dickie Beuken, 3 Abel Makhanda, 2 Kananelo Tutubala, 1 Ewald Booysens. Replacements: 16 Juhoun Juries, 17 Monroe Heiberg, 18 Tumelo Hlakoane, 19 Hlombe Mamani, 20 Lyle Afrikaner, 21 Ruschen Daniels, 22 Byron Claassen, 23 Ashwell Makepann.

With the 28th edition of the St John’s College Easter Festival about to get underway on 17 April, we are profiling five players from the 14 First XV sides in action at the tournament who may deliver standout performances over the weekend.

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

Easter Festivals traditionally showcase some of the best-hidden talents scattered across schoolboy rugby in South Africa and for many it has provided a unique platform to demonstrate their abilities on one of the biggest stages at this level.

Over the years we’ve witnessed future Springboks – particularly at the prestigious St John’s Festival – delighting spectators in Johannesburg with their prodigious skills, with names like Damian Willemse, World Cup-winning Springbok fullback, and the 66th captain of the Springboks, Salmaan Moerat, springing to mind. Both played in this festival in 2016, representing Paul Roos Gimnasium and Paarl Boys’ High respectively.

This year once again brings to the fore a new generation of players, and SuperSport Schools Plus decided to take a closer look at the following five promising ones to watch over the two days of action:

Jonathan Harding – Hoërskool Diamantveld:
At the centre of attention will be Hoërskool Diamantveld’s Harding. Donning the No. 12 jersey for the Diamonds, Harding made a name for himself as early as the second game of the season with a stellar performance against Affies on home turf in Kimberley. His attacking capabilities make him a major threat with the ball in hand, evoking shades of a young Jan Serfontein – a fitting comparison, as Harding often creates something from nothing.

Vian Louw – Hoërskool Nelspruit:
The physical and imposing figure of Louw will have the likes of Welkom Gimnasium and Maritzburg College sharpening their defences. The blindside flanker from Hoërskool Nelspruit has been in formidable form of late, quickly establishing himself as one of his side’s key players in the pack. His ball carries and crunching tackles, alongside another big name in Vaughn van Zyl (No. 8) and flank mate, Prosper Chilloane, will be crucial for the Rhinos as they aim to make it two from two over the weekend.

Lungelo Hadebe – Maritzburg College:
In response to the Nellies’ loose trio, Lungelo Hadebe will be a major asset for Maritzburg College from the rear. Hadebe is the first of two full-backs to be highlighted this weekend – and deservedly so. Not only does he patrol the backfield like a seasoned professional, but he also ignites the College backline from the back, getting the side from Pietermaritzburg on the front foot.

Aking Akingbula – Pretoria Boys High School:
Leading the pack for the Candies with his bullocking runs, Akingbula will be one to watch in the trenches as the battle intensifies among the forwards. Akingbula plays a traditional No. 8 role, acting as one of his side’s primary ball carriers and playing a key part in the Candies’ defensive structure.

Quewinn Lackay – SACS:
Lackay is the second fullback to feature in our list. A scrum cap, quick feet and the ability to spot the smallest of gaps from a mile away bring to mind a player who has been making waves since transitioning from sevens to the 15-man game. Wearing the No. 15 jersey provides Lackay with the time and space he needs to plot his counter-attacks – few teams have managed to stop him once he is in motion.

Like any other prestigious rugby tournament in South Africa, the 21st King Edward VII Easter Festival will see a wealth of talent descend upon the “Home of the Reds”.

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

Having a host of top schools in attendance makes it a challenge to select only five players to watch over the two days.

Nevertheless, SuperSport Schools Plus has identified five potential standouts at this year’s KES Easter Festival, featuring two forwards and three backs.

The five to watch are:

Josh Neill – Rondebosch Boys’ High School:

Arguably leading the pack of packs, Neill will play a crucial role in the Bosch boys’ two fixtures – against King Edward VII in the main match on day one, and Queen’s College the following day. The blindside flanker firmly established himself as one of the premier loose forwards in South African schoolboy rugby last year.

In 2024, he was selected for the SA Schools side following a stellar season. This year is no different. His attacking prowess and ability to read the game two phases ahead make him stand out once again, as he regularly tears through defences with powerful surges. Moreover, his lineout work has been instrumental in providing Bosch with a solid attacking platform.

Lohan Potgieter – Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool:

Potgieter is another player poised to light up the “Home of the Reds”. Operating at openside flanker, Potgieter has been a menace to opposing teams throughout the 2025 season. His relentless energy on both attack and defence ignites the rest of his forward pack – as was evident in the Wit Bulle’s recent encounters with Paarl Boys’ High and Paarl Gimnasium.

On attack, he consistently beats the first defender and, although he may be smaller in stature than some of his peers, his tenacity in contact is reminiscent of Kwagga Smith and Jaco Kriel.

Jeandré Uithaler – Hoërskool Noordheuwel:

Uithaler has certainly been outstanding for the Light Blues throughout 2024 and into 2025. However, he truly announced himself with a commanding performance in Noordheuwel’s narrow defeat to Grey College at the recent North/South tournament in Stellenbosch.

His shift from fullback to flyhalf has elevated his game immensely. Uithaler’s pace and shrewd decision-making play a pivotal role in getting the Krugersdorp side’s backline moving forward. In addition, his nifty footwork enables him to exploit the tightest of spaces.

Bongani Khumalo – Northwood:

Wearing the No. 13 jersey for Northwood, Khumalo poses a serious threat in the famous block jersey. The outside centre adds firepower to an already explosive Northwood back division. His aggressive running and astute lines make him a nightmare for opposition defences.

In addition to his attacking ability, Khumalo is rock-solid on defence, offering vital cover against the likes of KES’s dynamic backline and the pace of Pearson’s outside backs.

Lindelani Khambule – Jeppe High School for Boys:

Despite his team’s heavy defeats of late, Khambule has been a standout performer and is another No. 13 to watch closely. He embodies Jeppe’s renowned never-say-die spirit, as shown in their fixtures against Grey College in Stellenbosch and Hoërskool Monument on the Collard Field.

Like Khumalo, Khambule is a deadly weapon on the attack. His explosive pace from a standing start frequently catches defenders off guard. His attacking arsenal includes a lethal hand-off, which enables him to break the line and often finish with a try for the men in black and white stripes.

Do keep an eye out for the above-mentioned five players, although they are far from the only ones worth watching. As previously mentioned, when top schools come together, so too does the very best in schoolboy rugby talent.

The home of the Reds, King Edward VII School, and the greater Johannesburg area will be abuzz on the eve of the 21st annual King Edward VII Easter Rugby Festival.

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

The Festival was first staged in 2002 as part of the centenary celebrations of King Edward VII School. Owing to its overwhelming success, it soon became an annual fixture on the school rugby calendar.

This year’s event kicks off on 17 April with primary schools taking to the field, ready to entertain the large crowds that the Festival consistently attracts. On Saturday, 19 April, 12 high school teams will compete across two days of exhilarating rugby action.

The hosts, King Edward VII School, will be eager to return to winning form. The Reds have suffered four consecutive defeats but will be eyeing redemption in the main fixture of the First XV matches, when they face Rondebosch Boys’ High School.

The opening day may well be headlined by a highly anticipated clash between two newcomers to the Festival: Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies) and Hoërskool Noordheuwel from Krugersdorp. These two teams replace Paarl Boys’ High School and Hoërskool Ben Vorster.

Rugby enthusiasts will no doubt be watching closely, particularly after Noordheuwel’s impressive performance at the recent North/South Tournament in Stellenbosch. Affies, however, will also arrive full of confidence following their outstanding performance against Paarl Gimnasium in Paarl, which concluded in a thrilling 16–16 draw.

That Affies-Nories fixture, kicking off at 12:45 on Saturday, will be a highlight, while, in the curtain-raiser, Jeppe High School for Boys faces a formidable Selborne College side. It will be a strong test ahead of Jeppe’s clash with Noordheuwel, which also promises fireworks on the second day.

Another top-class outfit, Northwood, returns to the Festival once more. The KwaZulu-Natal side has been in superb form during the early stages of the season and will open the day’s proceedings at 09:00 on Saturday, facing off against Pearson. Northwood will also look forward to Monday, when they become the second team to challenge the Reds in the main fixture of the day.

Fixtures: 

Saturday – 19 April:

09:00 – Pearson vs Northwood
10:15 – Hudson Park vs Eldoraigne
11:30 – Queen’s College vs Parktown Boys’ High School
12:45 – Noordheuwel vs Affies
14:00 – Jeppe High School for Boys vs Selborne College
15:15 – King Edward VII School vs Rondebosch Boys’ High School.

Monday – 21 April:

09:00 – Pearson vs Eldorainge
10:15 – Queen’s College vs Rondebosch Boys’ High School
11:30 – Affies vs Selborne College
12:45 – Parktown Boys’ High School vs Hudson Park
14:00 – Noordheuwel vs Jeppe High School for Boys
15:15 – King Edward VII School vs Northwood.

Now in its 28th year, the St John’s College Easter Festival is poised to deliver another exhilarating showcase of schoolboy rugby talent over the Easter weekend.

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

The Festival kicks off on Thursday, 17 April, with First XV action featuring 14 teams. On Monday, 21 April, the spotlight will shift to the rising stars from invited primary schools, who will entertain the enthusiastic crowds expected to descend on St John’s College.

This year, a couple of new faces will make their way to Johannesburg, including Welkom Gimnasium, while Hoërskool Diamantveld travels from Kimberley to take part in the prestigious event, replacing Boland Landbou.

Diamantveld, known as the Diamonds, will feature in the curtain-raiser on the opening day, facing a confident Pretoria Boys High School side. The Candies, fresh from a victory over King Edward VII a week ago, will be brimming with confidence ahead of this encounter.

The day’s action will culminate in a highly anticipated main fixture between hosts St John’s College and Hilton College, promising a display of fast, expansive rugby. This clash will serve as valuable preparation for St John’s ahead of their date on Saturday with Hoërskool Randburg.

However, the spotlight on the second day may well be the clash between Hoërskool Nelspruit and Maritzburg College, who meet in the main match following what is expected to be a fiercely contested battle between Kingswood College and Hilton College. Kingswood, from Makhanda, have become a mainstay of the Festival in recent years.

Earlier on Saturday, spectators can look forward to a tantalising showdown between Hoërskool Voortrekker of Bethlehem and SACS at 10:40. Both sides had the opportunity to analyse each other’s tactics during the recent North/South tournament in Stellenbosch earlier this month.

Before that fixture, SACS will face a stern challenge from St David’s Marist Inanda, while Voortrekker must first overcome a well-drilled Graeme College in their respective opening matches of the weekend.

Fixtures:

Thursday – 17 April:

12:30 – Kingswood College vs Hoërskool Randburg
13:40 – Voortrekker vs Graeme College
14:50 – Maritzburg College vs Golden Lions XV
16:00 – St David’s Marist Inanda vs SACS
17:10 – Hoërskool Nelspruit vs Welkom Gimnasium
19:10 – Pretoria Boys High School vs Diamantveld
20:20 – St John’s College vs Hilton College

Saturday – 19 April:

08:20 – St David’s Marist Inanda vs Golden Lions XV
09:30 – Welkom Gimnasium vs Diamantveld
10:40 – Voortrekker vs SACS
11:50 – Pretoria Boys High School vs Graeme College
14:10 – St John’s College vs Hoërskool Randburg
15:20 – Hilton College vs Kingswood College
16:30 – Maritzburg College vs Hoërskool Nelspruit

Dit het soos verwag ’n titaniese stryd afgegee in die herontmoeting tussen Hoërskool Middelburg en Hoërskool Nelspruit.

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

Uiteindelik het Middelburg met ‘n enkele punt die bordjies verhang teen die span van Mbombela, deur Saterdag se naelbytstryd in die NWU Sportreeks met 27–26 te wen.

Die Middies het reeds teen rustyd ’n voorsprong van 10 punte geniet, maar dit het  eenvoudig vir die Rhinos aangespoor om met ‘n verbete terugvegpoging te kom na die omdraaislag.

Die Nellies se afrigtingspan het besluit om sommige van hul eerstekeuse-spelers te rus weens ’n strawwe wedstrydprogram wat oor die volgende twee weke wag. Dit neem egter niks weg van die Middies se oorwinning nie.

Die skote het geklap onder die voorspelers, met Nellies se Werno Heyns wat die pas vir sy agttal aangegee het. Die veelsydige voorspeler was regoor die veld teenwoordig en is vir sy puik spel met twee pragdrieë beloon.

Die Middies-pak het self met oorgawe ingeklim om bruikbare voorvoet-besit te bewerkstellig. Die agttal, onder leiding van die staatmaker-haker, Roux Grobler, was verantwoordelik vir ál vier die Middies se drieë.

Die momentum het egter begin swaai toe die Rhinos se agterlyn aan die gang gekom het in die tweede skof. Linkervleuel, Tinyiko Silubane, het ’n merkbare verskil gemaak en sy drie het die vonk verskaf vir die terugvegpoging.

Hoërskool Eldoraigne het ‘n allemintige 35 punte in die tweede helfte aangeteken, maar dit was nie genoeg om ‘n nederlaag van 35-42 teen Hoërskool Oos-Moot af te weer nie.

Die Oosies het teen rustyd ’n skynbaar onaantasbare voorsprong van 21 punte geniet, met hul gevaarlike pak wat die dryfveer was agter ’n aanslag wat die Drake deurlopend onder druk geplaas het. Loskakel, Dewron Aford, wat bekend is vir sy aanvallende benadering tot die spel, het die geleentheid aangegryp om sy agterlyn op dreef te kry en het self ook agter die Eldos se doellyn gaan kuier.

Die Drake se buitesenter, Hanno Jacobs, is vinnig besig om vanjaar in ‘n driedrukmasjien vir sy span te ontpop en het Saterdag nóg twee keer oor die doellyn geglip om sy totaal in die Sportreeks tot sewe drieë op te stoot.

Hoërskool Ben Vorster het met 31–19 geseëvier in die eerste van minstens twee kragmetings vanjaar met Hoërskool Piet Retief.

Binnesenter, Gihan Hendricks, wat as Speler van die Week aangewys is tydens die onlangse Ben Vorster Rugbyweek, het weer sy merk gemaak vir die Buffels met dodelike aanvalslyne. Hy het hierdeur vir linkervleuel, Lethabo Sejake, die Buffels se dubbele driedrukker, goed bygestaan. Sejake was byna onkeerbaar op die aanval en het die lewe vir die Piet Retief-verdedigers uiters moeilik gemaak.

Piet Retief se vleuel, Vuyani Tshabalala, het self imponeer met ’n paar skitterlopies van sy eie en ‘n tweekuns aan drieë behaal om sy span in die wedloop te probeer hou.

Puntemakers:

Hoërskool Middelburg 27 (17) – Drieë: Jabu Mathebula, CW Hanekom, Dewald du Toit, Roux Grobler. Doelskoppe: Matthew Abbey (2). Strafdoel: Buhle Mphalaza. Hoërskool Nelspruit 26 (7) – Drieë: Werno Heyns (2), Liam Pringle, Tinyiko Silubane. Doelskoppe: Pringle (3).

Oos- Moot 42 (21) – Drieë: Jeandré Venter, Stian de Vente, Riyaan Wilson, Jandré de Beer, Dewran Aford, Drew Williams. Doelskoppe: Venter (6). Eldoraigne 35 (0) – Drieë: Hanno Jacobs (2), Tristan Lee, Wian White, Esdee Kotze. Doelskoppe: Damian Elferink (5)

Ben Vorster 31 (24) – Drieë: Lethabo Sejake (2), Joshua van der Mescht, Miguel Makhubupetsi. Doelskoppe: Shelton-Ray Primo (4). Strafdoel: Primo. Hoërskool Piet Retief 19 (7) – Drieë: Vuyani Tshabalala (2), Fiso Methula. Doelskop: Owethu Shabalala.

Ander spanne:

o.16: Hoërskool Middelburg 27, Ben Vorster 12; EG Jansen 33, Piet Retief 33; Menlopark 29, Waterkloof 24; Transvali 41, HTS Middelburg 19; Kempton Park 34, Nelspruit 20; Oos-Moot 38, Eldoraigne 6.

o.15: Waterkloof 17, Menlopark 10, Transvalia 18, Nelspruit 12; Oos-Moot 45, Eldoraigne 7; EG Jansen 38, Hoërskool Middelburg 5; Ben Vorster 39, Piet Retief 21; Kempton Park 25, HTS Middelburg 18.

o.14: Hoërskool Middelburg 24, Waterkloof 17; EG Jansen 18, Menlopark 15; Kempton Park 32, HTS Middelburg 0; Ben Vorster 26, Piet Retief 5; Nelspruit 31, Transvalia 14; Oos-Moot 22, Eldoraigne 0.

Hoërskool Garsfontein het die verdediging van sy Beker-titel in die SDC Noordvaal Cup met ‘n spogvertoning in Johannesburg afgeskop.

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

Die Bere het vyf keer agter die doellyn van Helpmekaar Kollege gaan draai om hul veldtog op ‘n drafstap te open met ‘n telling van 47-29 .

Die span van Pretoria het boonop aangedui dat hy nie slegs oor ‘n formidabele agttal beskik nie, maar agterlangs ook aanskoulike hardlooprugby kan opdis.

Skrumskakel, Derrick Kuhn, het sy indrukwekkende seisoen voortgesit om nie alleen self twee keer die doellyn oor te steek nie, maar ook puik diens te lewer vir losskakel, Junaid Passensie, waarmee hy die gevaarmanne aan sy buitekant, Junaide Stuart (regtervleuel) en Drewyn Baron (heelagter), los kon laat.

Vir die Helpies het binnesenter, Ethan Lourens, uitgeblink met bal in hand en ook op die verdediging ‘n massiewe bydrae gelewer.

Die grondslag vir die besoekers se sege was oudergewoonte voorlangs gelê, met vaskopstut, Luan “Propie” van den Berg, wat aanhou beïndruk met sy uitgebreide vaardigheidstel vir ‘n voorryman. Van den Berg beskik oor uiters betroubare hande en is vanjaar dikwels betrokke in sy span se aanvalsbewegings.

Helpies se haker, Gustav Grotius, het ook gewoel in die los en nie teruggedeins vir die fisieke stryd voorlangs nie.

Puntemakers:

Garsfontein 47 (22) – Drieë: Derrick Kuhn (2), Junaide Stuart, Drewyn Baron, Luan van den Berg. Doelskoppe: Kuhn (2). Strafdoele: Kuhn (3). Helpmekaar Kollege 29 (15) – Drieë: Ethan Lourens, Llewelyn Vermaak, Jandré Botha, Keanan Combrink. Doelskoppe: Wian Strom (3). Strafdoel: Storm.

Ander spanne:

o.16: Garsfontein 41, Helpmekaar 12.

o.15: Garsfontein 28, Helpmekaar 15.

o.14: Garsfontein 23, Helpmekaar 21.