Author: wilouw

Paul Roos Gimasium‘s rising star, Riley Norton, cemented his place in South African sporting history when, in 2023, he joined an elite list containing only 14 other sportsmen who have obtained SA Schools colours for both rugby and cricket.

We spoke to him last year ahead of the ICC u19 Cricket World Cup, which was set to take place in Sri Lanka but was subsequently moved to home soil. Norton shone at that tournament, helping to power South Africa to the semi-finals.

Speaking to him again recently, Norton looked back on what has already been an action-packed year, filled with highlights.

“It has been busy, yes, but it’s been great! It keeps everything interesting and exciting. I definitely think the two sports have taught me a lot that I can use between them.

“Technically, things such as your hand-eye coordination definitely improves on the rugby field, but the biggest help that cricket has brought to the rugby field, for me, is mental. It teaches patience and perseverance. For me, both sports have helped me greatly,” he reflected.

He has, unquestionably, carried over those attributes to the rugby field, captaining the PRG first team and helping them go undefeated through the second term. He has subsequently been selected to represent the Western Province at the Craven Week again, where he will be one of the favourites to earn a spot in the SA Schools team for a second year in succession.

“I’m extremely excited about Craven Week. The tournament is great fun and a place where you grow tremendously.

“It’s always proper competition and the teams you play are strong, which brings the best out in you. It’s also special to play with a new team and learn from the people around you.”

Despite having already proven himself at the top level, Norton remains stoic about what needs to be done to keep moving forward.

“There are no expectations going into it. It’s a fresh start and we must just focus on the next task,” he explained.

This year, the Maroon Machine is yet to meet its match and Norton has been at the heart of their efforts, seamlessly switching between the second row and loose trio as needed, and always finding a way to make an impact.

“The season has been incredible so far. Some of the highlights are definitely beating Affies at Noord Suid, beating Paarl Boys at home and then narrowly getting a win against Paarl Gim away.

“These were some great games and memories that will last a lifetime. The goal for us in the third term is to just continue to get better and take it game by game. Schoolboy rugby is very competitive, and we can’t take any of our opponents for granted.”

PRG’s unbeaten run started even earlier when the proud Stellenbosch outfit put together an unbeaten tour of Ireland in December 2023, and Norton credits much of their success this season to the bonds they built there.

“⁠The tours have definitely been a big part of our success. Being with each other the whole time and learning from one another has been special. We love being in each other’s company and doing activities together. The fun times off the field together allow us to trust and be there for each other on the field.

“I think what’s been working for us is just realising the way in which we play and sticking to our strengths. We make sure to not complicate things and do what we are good at.

“The team has been incredible in the way we have pulled together and how we are playing for something bigger than ourselves. We are willing to sacrifice for each other and give 100 percent,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“⁠Paul Roos has been incredible throughout the five years. I couldn’t have asked for a better school to be a part of and represent.

“The rugby coaches, Corne Uys and Erhardt Muth, have supported me no matter what. The cricket coaches, Deon Botes and Brad Haller, have guided me and been there for me through thick and thin.

“The institution has helped me tremendously with academics and always checks up on me. I’m excited to give everything for the final few months and not take anything for granted. It’s been an incredible time and I’ve developed memories to last a lifetime.”

Bernardo Diedericks has been setting the Boland alight with his incredible speed and power this season as part of the Hoërskool Robertson first team.

“It’s astonishing to see how much he achieves despite being man-marked every Saturday,” commented coach Heino Warnich about his star centre and captain.

“When I think about Bernardo, the first thing that comes to mind is BMT.

“He’s earned the nickname ‘the Panther’ at school for his deadly but quiet nature on the field. He’s a captain who leads by actions rather than words and a player who always rises to the occasion and excels on the big stage.”

He had the opportunity to do just that when he represented the country at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago as part of the SA u18 Sevens team last year.

“I remember when he was invited to the SA u18 trials, his rehab for his shoulder had just finished the day before and we were worried if he’d be up for the challenge since he had not taken any contact all season. He just said ‘Sir, just make sure I get to the trials and I’ll do the rest. I am ready, sir’”, Warnich recalled.

“It was a fantastic experience getting to see an interesting and beautiful new place playing rugby, but I think getting to work with coach Marius Schoeman was the biggest privilege,” Diedericks reflected. “We learned so much from him and I think I carried a lot of those lessons over to my 15-man game.

“I’ll consider playing sevens after school, but my heart is in the 15-man game”, he added. “I have signed with an agent, Lean Schwartz, who is helping me push towards realising my dreams of playing professionally and travelling the world one day, playing in places like France.”

A natural athlete, Diedericks has also represented South Africa at two baseball World Cups and has excelled at both regional and national levels in javelin and the 100m sprint.

As part of the proud Hoërskool Robertson first team, Bernardo has already led his side to a number of memorable results, and they have their eyes set on their big interschools clash against Charlie Hofmeyr at the end of the season.

Last year, Diedericks slotted a penalty kick in the dying moments to secure a 19-19 draw against their rivals from Ceres. This year, they will be hoping to take it a step further when they host the as-yet unbeaten Charlies outfit in Robertson.

“I think the Oakdale tour made a big difference for the team this season. We lost twice and won once, but it really helped us pull together and showed us all what it means to play for the first team,” Diedericks said.

“Our first team’s motto is ‘we run as one’, and that pretty much sums up how I feel about the team. We have built a very strong bond, like brothers, and we help to build each other up. Even at school, we’ll never walk by one another without greeting.

“We have our sights set on the big interschools against Charlie Hofmeyr at the end of the year. If we work hard, I am confident that we can take them down this year.”

Speaking about his love for rugby, Diedericks proudly remembered his introduction to the sport.

“My dad, Bernard Diedericks, has always inspired me, even though he was a forward. I remember joining to watch him train every Tuesday and Thursday evening. All my love for the game comes from my father and those cold evenings next to the field. Now he’s my biggest supporter and the one who believes in me the most.

“My rugby role model has always been, and still is, Cheslin Kolbe, though. Even though he’s one of the smallest players, he has the biggest heart.”

The future shines bright for Robbies’ dynamic young talent and, with a humble and hard-working attitude, Bernardo Diedericks deserves every opportunity that comes his way. Until then, fans can still catch the future star in action when Robertson starts their third term run of fixtures with a match against Hoërskool Stellenbosch on 13 July.

A huge battle looms in the southern suburbs as Wynberg Boys’ High readies to host SACS on the Hawthornden field on Saturday.

Last year, Wynberg did the double over SACS, beating them 30-17 away on the Memorial Field in June and 36-14 in front of a home crowd in August.

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SACS are bolstered by the return of their captain, Seth Bradford. The industrious scrummy has missed most of the season due to a string of injuries, but he has brought an injection of energy every time he’s featured and will be fired up to make the most of the season’s remaining fixtures.

In his absence, Nic Reynolds has been excellent as the stand-in captain, spearheading the SACS’ attack and putting in some huge hits on defence.

Wynberg shot out of the blocks at the beginning of the season, winning their first seven games, which included an historic 30-27 win away at Paarl Boys’ High and a dominant 35-8 victory over their other peninsular rivals, Bishops Diocesan College.

Six Wynberg Boys’ High players have been selected to represent Western Province at the Craven Week in Krugersdorp next month.

Yaqeen Ahmed, Torren February, Xabiso Mkiva and captain Aden da Costa have made the WP squad while Tjeripo Karuhumba and Tyron Gombe will form part of the WP XV.

Ikhona Maxegwana and Sango Zangqa of SACS provide the muscle up front in the WP XV squad.

The battle between the two big forward packs is set to be a highlight this weekend and the visitors will want to make a statement ahead of the annual youth tournaments.

Since their early successes, Wynberg has endured two tough fixtures, losing to 27-49 to Rondebosch Boys’ High and 25-50 to Paul Roos Gimnasium, and they will be eager to get back to winning ways before the term ends.

SACS lost 27-40 to an in-form Boland Landbou last weekend but showed their potential on the previous weekend when they brought Milnerton‘s winning streak in the southern suburbs to an end with a dominant 59-19 victory.

With Bradford back at the helm, SACS will be intent on avenging last year’s losses and making a statement by taking down a star-studded Wynberg on their home field. The hosts will be just as motivated to regain their early momentum with a strong showing against their old rivals.

TEAMS

Wynberg Boys’ High: 15 Morne Noble, 14 Albert Lourens, 13 Ezra Antonio, 12 Brandon Ashburner, 11 Levi Brown, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Tyrone Gombe, 8 Torren February, 7 Aden da Costa, 6 Jamie Stride, 5 Tjeripo Karuhumba, 4 Jaythen Orange, 3 Luqobo Makwedini, 2 Xabiso Mkiva, 1 Benjamin Matthews.

SACS: 15 Jack Benade, 14 Quewinn Lackay, 13 Nic Reynolds, 12 Matt Carrick, 11 Endi Sidinile, 10 Rayaan Solomons, 9 Seth Bradford, 8 Daniel Grant, 7 Tashriq Bailey, 6 Zac Wilson, 5 Pierre van Selm, 4 Callum Hirst, 3 Ikhona Maxegwana, 2 Sango Zangqa, 1 Ethan Combrink.

FIXTURES

Hawthornden: 12:30 – Wynberg Boys’ High 1st XV vs SACS 1st XV; 11:15 – Wynberg Boys’ High II vs SACS II; 10:00 – Wynberg Boys’ High III vs SACS III; 09:00 – Wynberg Boys’ High u14 B vs SACS u14 B.

Silverhurst A: 11:30 – Wynberg Boys’ High IV vs SACS IV; 10:20 – Wynberg Boys’ High u16 A vs SACS u16 A; 09:10 – Wynberg Boys’ High u16 C vs SACS u16 C; 08:00 – Wynberg Boys’ High u16 B vs SACS u16 B.

Silverhurst B: 11:00 – Wynberg Boys’ High u15 B vs SACS u15 B; 10:00 – Wynberg Boys’ High u15 C vs SACS u15 C; 09:00 – Wynberg Boys’ High u15 A vs SACS u15 A; 08:00 – Wynberg Boys’ High u15 D vs SACS u15 D.

Silverhurst C: 11:20 – Wynberg Boys’ High VI vs SACS VI; 10:20 – Wynberg Boys’ High u14 A vs SACS u14 A; 09:10 – Wynberg Boys’ High V vs SACS V; 08:00 – Wynberg Boys’ High u16 D vs SACS u16 D.

JK Oval: 11:00 – Wynberg Boys’ High u14 E vs SACS u14 E; 09:00 – Wynberg Boys’ High u14 D vs SACS u14 D; 08:00 – Wynberg Boys’ High u14 C vs SACS u14 C.

The age-old rivalry between Bishops Diocesan College and Rondebosch Boys’ High, which stretches as far back as 1908, will add another chapter when the two proud schools do battle on the Piley Rees Field this Saturday.

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This year, Bishops is celebrating its 175th anniversary and a win against their peninsular rivals would be the perfect way to celebrate the historic milestone.

So far this season, however, they have been injury-plagued and struggled to find momentum. Their challengers, on the other hand, have been extremely impressive and boast eight representatives at the Craven Week this year.

Dylan Miller, Alutha Wesi and Joshua Neill have been selected for the Western Province team. David Simon, Randall-John Davids, Tom Barnard, Luqobo Makwedini and Matthew van der Merwe are in the WP XV.

Despite not having any players at this year’s youth weeks, the hosts have more than enough firepower. Lucca Mynhardt returns to fullback this weekend, with young Max Marr stepping into the scrumhalf position.

Mynhardt has been a standout in the Bishops team this season and will have a big part to play if they are to overcome the odds and beat Rondebosch.

He and his teammates will be fully aware that form and previous results rarely have an impact on derby day, and they will know, too, that anything can happen when these two storied schools take to the field.

Bishops has racked up 103 wins in the 116-year-old rivalry, while ‘Bosch has come out on top on 80 occasions and 19 games have ended in a draw.

Last year, Bishops beat Rondebosch 13-8 in their first meeting of the season. ‘Bosch returned the favour when they met again, edging past Bishops 36-35 on the Piley Rees Field in their return fixture.

TEAMS

Diocesan College: 15 Lucca Mynhardt, 14 Alex Newton, 13 Iviwe Dadamasi, 12 Ammar Laatoe, 11 Tim Visagie, 10 Jordan Petersen, 9 Max Marr, 8 Aza Gabada, 7 Uzoma Ngcwangu, 6 Josh MacDonald, 5 James Kotze, 4 Alex Smith, 3 Yusuf Ahmed, 2 Jack Campbell, 1 Gareth Mckinon.

Rondebosch Boys’ High: 15 Dylan Miller, 14 David Kadima, 13 Ewan Lawrie, 12 Alutha Wesi, 11 Shakeel Abrahams, 10 David Simon, 9 Travis van den Berg, 8 Collin Paul Kemp, 7 Joshua Neill, 6 Matthys du Plooy, 5 Tom Barnard, 4 Danil-Nicolas Oosthuizen, 3 Matthew van der Merwe, 2 Justin Amos, 1 Luke Pretorius.

FIXTURES

Piley Rees: 12:15 – Diocesan College 1st XV vs Rondebosch Boys’ High 1st XV; 11:00 – Diocesan College II vs Rondebosch Boys’ High II; 09:45 – Diocesan College III vs Rondebosch Boys’ High III; 08:30 – Diocesan College VI vs Rondebosch Boys’ High VI.

Sahara: 11:00 – Diocesan College u16 B vs Rondebosch Boys’ High u16 B; 09:50 – Diocesan College u16 A vs Rondebosch Boys’ High u16 A; 08:40 – Diocesan College u16 C vs Rondebosch Boys’ High u16 C.

Avenue: 10:00 – Diocesan College V vs Rondebosch Boys’ High V; 08:30 – Diocesan College IV vs Rondebosch Boys’ High IV.

Range: 11:00 – Diocesan College u15 A vs Rondebosch Boys’ High u15 A; 10:05 – Diocesan College u15 B vs Rondebosch Boys’ High u15 B; 09:10 – Diocesan College u15 C vs Rondebosch Boys’ High u15 C; 08:15 – Diocesan College u15 D vs Rondebosch Boys’ High u15 D.

Cemetry: 10:30 – Diocesan College u14 A vs Rondebosch Boys’ High u14 A; 09:30 – Diocesan College u14 B vs Rondebosch Boys’ High u14 B; 08:30 – Diocesan College u14 C vs Rondebosch Boys’ High u14 C.

St Andrew’s School can exact revenge on Hickling Field on Saturday when Cornwall Hill College returns to the City of Roses after last season’s 44-10 victory in Bloemfontein.

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The visitors will be looking at experienced campaigners, like Jon-Martin de Jesus and Evangelos Papadopolous, to lead them to success in the Free State capital once again.

After beating Saints in May last year, Cornwall Hill College returned to Bloemfontein in June to take part in the Independent Schools Rugby Festival (ISRF) where they pushed Kearsney College hard before going down 7-15. St Charles College had their number, winning 21-5, but Cornwall ended on a high, beating their fellow Pretoria school, St Alban’s College, 29-19.

Both teams will be in action at the tournament again this year at the end of June in Pretoria.

So far this season, Saints has been an exciting team to follow with some high-scoring victories against Heatherdale (52-0), Bloemfontein South (54-0) and, most recently, SPS Brandfort (43-27).

Cornwall Hill is coming off a 26-14 win against HeronBridge College and they’ll be chasing further momentum before taking on CBC Boksburg, St Stithians and St Andrew’s College at the ISRF.

St Andrew’s will face Clifton College and CBC Boksburg before taking on St Alban’s on the final day.

Captain Matthew Fletcher has led by example this year and will be a player to keep an eye on if they are to reverse last season’s result on Saturday.

Eduan van den Heever has been a strong ball-carrying option at no. 8 for the Bloemfontein side and their speedy winger, Dakalo Leketa, is sure to provide some excitement if he can find a bit of space.

Next year, the derby’s biannual schedule will continue with each school getting the opportunity to host every other year, but on Saturday the Bloemfontein boys have an opportunity to make amends for last year’s result while the Cornwall Hill challengers will be hoping to assert their dominance with another win.

TEAMS

St Andrew’s School: 15 Tsebo Senago, 14 Kaelo Monyaki, 13 Alex Eliades, 12 Leon Athanasiou, 11 Dakalo Leketa, 10 Naude Botha, 9 Pluto Chen, 8 Eduan van den Heever, 7 David Grivas, 6 Matthew Fletcher, 5 Olin Hirwa, 4 Chris Jordaan, 3 Kamogelo Leshupi, 2 Lucien Hugo, 1 Hloni Mkhwhane.

Cornwall Hill College: 15 Matthew Fox, 14 Amo Mosupye, 13 Jon-Martin de Jesus, 12 Onkabetse Leketi, 11 Daniel van Ravensteyn, 10 Tshepo Molete, 9 Eric van Ravensteyn, 8 Dade Kunneke, 7 Alex Botes, 6 Zander Bosman, 5 Julian Hattingh, 4 Tristan Austin, 3 Ryan Solomon, 2 Evangelos Papadopolous, 1 Tana Nhando.

FIXTURES

Hickling Field: 12:30 – St Andrew’s 1st XV vs Cornwall Hill College 1st XV; 11:15 – St Andrew’s II vs Cornwall Hill College II; 10:00 – St Andrew’s u16 vs Cornwall Hill College u16; 09:00 – St Andrew’s u15 vs Cornwall Hill College u15; 08:00 – St Andrew’s u14 vs Cornwall Hill College u14.

Victoria Park: 10:00 – St Andrew’s u11 vs Cornwall Hill College u11; 09:00 – St Andrew’s u13 vs Cornwall Hill College u13.

Fichardtpark se breker-slot, Jaco Grobbelaar, het die SA keurders se aandag vanjaar gegryp met sy onvermoeide werktempo op die veld. Dit is waneer mens met hom gesels dat dit duidelik word hoe volwasse sy uitkyk op die lewe is, en presies hoe hard hy werk om sy drome te laat realiseer.

“Ek hou van die gesegde, ‘Pressure is a privilege’” sê Grobbelaar oor die druk wat jong spelers op die topvlak ervaar, “Jy moet maar net goed voorberei, jy moet reg wees vir die wedstryd of die situasie wat opkom. As jy weet jy het alles gedoen wat jy kan om voor te berei is dit nie meer in jou hande nie, dan moet jy net jou beste gee en dit sal goed gaan. Dan is dit ook belangrik om jou identiteit te vind, want dit gaan nie altyd goed gaan nie. Jy kan nie sê rugby is jou lewe nie, rugby gaan nie altyd daar wees nie so jy kan nie net daarop staat maak om gelukig te wees nie.” 

Die Fichies het’n droomseisoen beleef die jaar. Hulle het onlangs die Wesgrow Sentrale Sportreeks titel verower  en kon ook geskiedenis maak deur om hul eerste SA Skole speler ooit in Jaco op te lewer.

Die groot slot is gekies as deel van die SA Skole groep wat teen Engeland en Frankryk meegeding het nadat hy vir die Vrystaat Cravenweekspan uitgestaan het in George by die nasionale jeugweek gedurende die skoolvakansie.

Grobbelaar het geen tyd gemors as deel van sy nuwe span nie, en kon in hul opwarmingswedstryd teen die SA A span reeds ‘n drie agter sy naam kry. 

Hy kon toe ook ‘n merkwaardige jaar in sy lewe op ‘n hoë noot af sluit, deur om as speler van die wedstryd genoem te word in die Suid Afrikaners se 33-19 sege oor Engeland.

Sy SA o.18 verpligtings het egter beteken dat Grobbelaar nie kon deelmaak van die Fichardtpark-span wat in die Kovsiestreekkompetisie se Shimla-liga halfeindstryd teen Hoërskool Upington die knie moes buig met 53-19 nie

Ons het met hom gesels na die opwarmingswedstryd in Julie.

“Donderdag (die eerste wedstryd) was baie spesiaal gewees, beslus ook ‘n hoogtepunt in my loopbaan so vêr. Die SA Skole groep is regtig ‘n baie lekker klomp ouens. Die gees is goed en dis lekker om die verskillende persoonlikhede van reg oor die land te leer ken en te sien hoe hulle dinge doen. Jy leer so baie, as mens en nie net oor rugby nie, so dit was regtig ‘n ongelooflike ervaring die week.” vertel Jaco oor sy debuut en die groep spelers.

Grobbelaar se insluiting in die span is die kersie op die koek vir Fichardtpark wat al vele sukses hierdie seisoen behaal het, en wel verdiende beloning vir hul hardwerkende slot wat ‘n kernrol speel in sy span se sukses. Jaco sê hul doelwit is om die Bloemfonteinse stadsliga te wen. Sedert ons met hom gesels het kon die Fichies na die skoolvakansie bou op hul momentum met ‘n goeie 41-17 sege oor Goudveld en ‘n 29-27 oorwining teen Witteberg, waarvoor hulle hard moes werk.

Jaco het in albei daardie wedstryd agter die doellyn gaan kuier om met sy goue-vorm van die seisoen voort te sit, voordat hy in moontlik sy laaste wedstryd in die Fichie-trui ‘n driekuns van drieë kon aanteken in die Vrystaat-liga halfeindstryd teen Sentraal.

“Ons beleef regtig ‘n ongelooflike seisoen. Ek is baie trots en bevooreg om deel daarvan te wees. Die kameraadskap onder die manne is regtig baie goed die jaar. Mnr Jaco Kotze, ons direkteur van rugby, werk baie hard om ‘n trotse Fichardtpark kultuur te skep by die skool.”

Volgende jaar sluit Jaco dan by die Blou Bulle junior-groep aan terwyl hy Bcom Bestuursrekeningkunde gaan swot. Ons het vir hom gevra hoe hy voel oor die groot stap. Die liefde vir syfers loop skynbaar net so sterk soos die liefde vir rugby in sy gesin. Sy pa, Hannes Grobbelaar, is ‘n rekenmeester en sy suster, Alida, swot tans Akturiële Wetenskap by Pukke.

Hy skerts “Ek sien baie uit om te gaan, maar dit gaan beslis ‘n groot aanpassing wees. Ek’t nog altyd in die huis gebly en my ma (Attela) se kos geëet, so dit sal ‘n groot aanpassing wees.”

Steeds, dit is ‘n droom wat waar word vir die jong slot van Bloemfontein om by die span wat hy nog sy lewe lank ondersteun aan te sluit.

Hy vertel: “Ek was nog altyd ‘n Blou Bul ondersteuner, my Pa het my so groot gemaak. Ek onthou in kleuterskool was ek baie ontsteld as ek nie elke dag my Blou Bul trui kon dra nie omdat dit eers moet gewas word.”

Dit verg uitsonderlike talent om raakgesien te word in ‘n span wat nie gereeld onder die grootste name in skolerugby genoem word nie, maar Jaco sê dat hy die perfekte ondersteuningstelsel in Fichardtpark gevind het.

“Ek is ‘n baie trotse Fichardtparker, die gemengde skool se atmosfeer is vir my lekker en ek het onderwysers hier wat in my geglo het, selfs al het ek partykeer nie in myself geglo nie. As dit nie vir my Alma Mater was nie sou ek nie kon bereik het wat ek die jaar bereik het nie. Net die manier hoe almal mekaar ondersteun maak my baie trots om te sê ek is in Fichardtpark.”

Hy is al van laerskool af by die skool in Bloemfontein, maar hy vertel dat sy liefde vir rugby al voor dit ontstaan het.

“Ek het begin met Bulletjie-rugby, toe ek ses jaar oud was. Ek het aanvanklik in die laerskool agsteman gespeel want ek was die vinnigste, maar toe word ek bietjie swaar.”

Hy is nog altyd ‘n begaafde atleet en het hierdie jaar nog op nasionale vlak met hamergooi kompeteer.

“In die laerskool het ek aan omtrent alles deelgeneem, maar in die hoërskool raak tyd bietjie min, so ek het net aangehou met atletiek en rugby. Op laerskool het ek eers hekkies gehardloop, en toe later oorgeskuif na die veld-items. Die jaar was ek met hamergooi derde by die SA’s in Germiston gewees. Die atletiek en die rugby het egter ook begin bots, met ons sportdag vroeër in die jaar moes ek eintlik ook by ‘n atletiekbyeenkoms in Sasolburg deelneem, maar ek het toe besluit rugby is belangriker vir my toekoms.”

Dit was dan ook die regte besluit, want Jaco onthou daardie wedstyd as een van die hoogtepunte in ‘n jaar met soveel groot oomblikke vir hom en sy span.

“‘n Oomblik wat vir my sal uitstaan is ons oorwinning by ons eie sportdag hierdie jaar (33-27 teen Diamantveld). Dit was ‘n ongelooflike wedstryd met lekker baie toeskouers.”

Dit is egter nie net met sport waarmee Grobbelaar uitblink nie. Hy is ook ‘n kranige student en behaal tans ‘n onderskeiding in al agt sy vakke met ‘n voorkeur vir veral wiskunde.

“Akademies was ek nog altyd sterk. My sussie het my al van voor skool af geleer, sy was in die middae my juffrou en het my sommer voor skool al met wiskunde gehelp.”

Dit is natuurlik steeds harde werk, maar hy sê hy geniet die balans. “Dit vereis baie dissipline en opofferings, maar ek geniet elke oomblik van dit. Na ‘n harde oeffeningsessie geniet ek dit om weer op ‘n stoel te kom sit voor die boeke. Ek is maar bietjie van ‘n perfeksionis so dit is vir my belangrik om akademies ook goed te presteer.”

Oor sy rugbyheld vertel hy ook laggend, “Eben Etzebeth is natuurlik my gunsteling speler, ek sal graag so fisies soos hy wil wees, en so ‘n paar arms sal ook help.”

 

HTS Drostdy outmuscled the visiting Hoërskool Swartland on Trappespark on Saturday afternoon as they further asserted their dominance in the Boland region with a convincing 52-28 victory.

The Donkeys’ speedy wing Adrian Vergotine ran in three tries to help see off the Malmesbury outfit in thrilling fashion.

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It took only 10 minutes for the big Drostdy forwards to barrel their way through Swartland’s defences, with Walter Schoeman scoring the opening try of the contest.

Darius Venter and Vergotine both dotted down for five-pointers before the break to bring the halftime score to 19-6, with Swartland’s only points coming from the boot of flyhalf Iminathi Njozela.

The second stanza belonged to the home team, with Venter going over for his second, while Josh Fourie and Harold Mbuqa made further inroads on the scoreboard.

Drostdy had stormed into a 52-14 lead when Vergotine crossed for his third, but the visitors clawed back with two tries in the last five minutes through their Craven Week hooker, Kallie Boutsikaris, which gave the final score a more respectable look.

In Somerset West, Stellenberg‘s Jade Brigade continued their rich vein of form, flexing their muscles in a runaway 60-0 victory over Parel Vallei.

Inside centre Ruben Pretorius scored a hattrick to help undo the home side as Stellenberg ran in 10 unanswered tries to end the term on a high.

On Friday, Charlie Hofmeyr kicked off the weekend’s action at Hoërskool Stellenbosch without their two Craven Week stars, Luan Giliomee and Philip du Plessis.

The Stellenbosch outfit outperformed all expectations, making the visitors from Ceres sweat to keep their unbeaten streak alive.

By halftime, the only points had come off the boot of the home team’s fullback, Drew Houston.

After the break, Charlies lifted their game to win 12-6, with hooker Kyle Cardoso and flank Caleb de Vries scoring the only tries of the game.

Milnerton successfully defended their home turf against a spirited Brackenfell under lights on Friday evening, thanks to a double by their captain, Frank Hitimana.

As expected, the exciting northern suburbs’ outfits produced an absolute thriller, with the home team outscoring Brakkies by only five points.

Both Milnerton and Brackenfell have delivered plenty of highlights in the Western Cape season, playing entertaining, quick and inventive rugby every week to the delight of their loyal supporters.

Scorers

HTS Drostdy 52 (19) – Tries: Adrian Vergotine (3), Darius Venter (2), Walter Schoeman, Josh Fourie, Harold Mbuqa. Conversions: Stefan van der Merwe (6). Swartland 28 (6) – Tries: Kallie Boutsikaris (2), Kailen Kotze. Conversions: Iminathi Njozela (2). Penalty: Njozela (3).

Stellenberg 60 (36) – Tries: Ruben Pretorius (3), Almero Keizer, Estian Steyn, Marco Staples, Dale du Toit, Ryan Jones, Dean Janse van Rensburg, Remi September. Conversions: Dehan Neethling (4), Staples. Parel Vallei 0.

Labori 13 – Try: Miguel Brits. Conversion: Xavier Bothma. Penalties: Bothma (2). New Orleans 10.

Friday, 24 May

Milnerton 36 – Tries: Frank Hitimana (2), Briint Davids, Devon Damons, Sheldon Puma. Conversions: Chadwin Sellidon (4). Brackenfell 31 – Tries: Jaydin Basson, Alldrick Johnson, Migile Carelse, Cwenga Ntsapho, Wade Fortuin. Conversions: Junior Louw (3).

Charlie Hofmeyr 12 (0) – Tries: Kyle Cardoso, Caleb de Vries. Conversion: Jay Jay Janse. Hoërskool Stellenbosch 6 (3) – Conversions: Drew Houston (2).

Other results

u19 – Hoërskool Bellville 1st XV 20, Hoërskool Punt 1st XV 5; Bosmandam 1st XV 41, Collegians RFC 1st XV 10; Stellenberg II 45, Parel Vallei II 8.

Boland Landbou het Saterdag ‘n begeesterde SACS-aanslag op die plaas afgeweer om met 40-27 te seëvier.

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Die besoekers van Kaapstad het uitstekend gevaar om die Boland-manne te laat sweet, maar die boere het oor net té veel skietgoed op hul tuisveld beskik.

Enslin Claasen, die tuisspan se kragtige linkervleuel, het weer aandag getrek met sy aanvallende spel en het twee keer agter die doellyn gaan kuier.

SACS het binne die drie minute eerste bloed getrek toe buitesenter, Imtiaz Abrahams, oorgeduik het vir ‘n drie.

Abrahams is een van die spelers wat eers laat in die week die span gehaal het, na ‘n rits beserings in die SACS-kamp. Qawe Sawuka het ook eers Woensdag uitgevind dat hy vir die eerstespan sou uitdraf, en het homself ewe goed van sy taak gekwyt met ‘n drie in die tweede helfte.

Kort na hul vroeë sukses het nóg ‘n terugslag vir die besoekers getref toe skrumskakel, Max Bester, die veld moes verlaat met ‘n besering. Bester het ingestaan vir kaptein, Seth Bradford, wat die hele seisoen reeds met beserings sukkel. Endi Sidinile het van vleuel oorgeskuif om skrumskakel te speel vir die res van die wedstryd en het die druk uitstekend hanteer.

Die boere het in die eerste helfte reeds hul stempel begin afdruk deur Claasen, Derik du Preez en Chad Meintjies, wat bresse in die besoekers se verdediging geslaan het om ‘n rustydvoorsprong van 19-8 op te bou.

Na die omdraaislag was dit weer SACS wat eerste die verdediging kon ontsluit toe losskakel, Rayaan Solomons, hanteerfoute deur die tuisspan uitgebuit het vir ‘n drie, maar verdere verwoesting deur Claasen, Juan Swart en Boland se brekerflank, Hans Verster, het die uitslag buite bereik van die besoekers geplaas.

Wehan Lume was ook briljant vir Boland op die ander vleuel, terwyl Nic Reynolds weer vir SACS uitgeblink het op buitesenter.

SACS kon in 2017 laas die boere troef, maar kragmetings tussen die twee trotse skole lewer elke jaar vonke op, en as die Engelsmanne kan voortbou op die potensiaal wat hulle tentoongestel het kan volgende jaar se bepaling op die Memorial-veld uitdraai as ‘n hoogtepunt op die rugbykalendar.

Intussen het Paarl Gimnasium in ‘n soortgelyke wedstryd in Riversdal vir Hoër Landbouskool Oakdale met 43-35 die loef afgesteek. – Skakel na die wedstryd

Markus Muller en Nicolas Nel het elk ‘n tweekuns bygedra tot Gimmies se oorwinning op die plaas, tóg het die tuisspan deurentyd vrae gestel aan die Paarl-verdedigers.

Kurt Coetzee en Lee-Winn Pretorius was uitstekend in dié opsig vir Oakdale, maar Muller en die res van die Gimmie-agterlyn het uiteindelik daarin geslaag om hul spelpatrone op die tuisspan af te dwing. Freek de Kock en Chandler Green het albei uitgeblink vir Paarl Gim, maar die Oakdale-pak het vir die Paarl-reuse deurgaans laat sweet voorlangs.

Puntemakers:

Boland Landbou 40 (19) – Drieë: Enslin Claasen (2), Chad Meintjies, Derik du Preez, Juan Swart, Hans Verster. Doelskoppe: Jayden Brits (5). SACS 27 (8) – Drieë: Imtiaz Abrahams, Qawe Sawuka, Rayaan Solomons, Ethan Combrink. Doelskoppe: Rayaan Solomons (2). Strafdoel: Solomons.

Paarl Gimnasium 43 (19) – Drieë: Markus Muller (2), Nicolas Nel (2), Quintin Potgieter, Sebastiaan Ackermann. Doelskoppe: Freek de Kock (5). Strafdoel: De Kock. Hoër Landbouskool Oakdale 35 (7) – Drieë: Reinhardt Viljoen, James Snyman, Kurt Coetzee, Lee-Winn Pretorius, Strafdrie. Doelskoppe: Coetzee (4).

Ander uitslae:

o.19 – Boland Landbou II 22, SACS II 12; Boland Landou III 53, SACS III 24; Boland Landbou IV 36, SACS IV 5; Boland Landbou V 61, SACS V 5; Oakdale II 17, Paarl Gimnasium II 8; Paarl Gimnasium III 22, Oakdale III 14; Paarl Gimnasium IV 10, Oakdale IV 7; Oakdale V 40, Paarl Gimnasium V 14; Oakdale VI 36, Paarl Gimnasium VI 19; Oakdale VII 26, Paarl Gimnasium VII 5.

o.16 – Boland Landbou A 42, SACS A 14; SACS B 15, Boland Landbou B 14; Boland Landbou C 21, SACS C 12; Oakdale A 26, Paarl Gimnasium A 26; Paarl Gimnasium B 52, Oakdale B 0; Paarl Gimnasium C 28, Oakdale C 19; Paarl Gimnasium D 60, Oakdale D 0.

o.15 – Boland Landbou A 25, SACS A 24; Boland Landbou B 9, SACS B 7; SACS C 13, Boland Landbou C 10; Boland Landbou D 19, SACS D 0; Paarl Gimnasium A 17, Oakdale A 10; Paarl Gimnasium B 12, Oakdale B 0; Paarl Gimnasium C 27, Oakdale C 19.

o.14 – Boland Landbou A 33, SACS A 18; SACS B 7, Boland Landbou B 5; SACS C 17, Boland Landbou C 10; SACS D 15, Boland Landbou D 12; Paarl Gimnasium A 24, Oakdale A 3; Paarl Gimnasium B 14, Oakdale B 0; Oakdale C 26, Paarl Gimnasium C 10; Oakdale D 38, Paarl Gimnasium D 0; Paarl Gimnasium E 26, Oakdale E 24.

Paul Roos Gimnasium maintained their spotless record on Saturday, seeing off a spirited Wynberg Boys’ High challenge on the Markötter in Stellenbosch.

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It must have been a conflicting day for the Badenhorst family as the home team’s exciting young inside centre, Sam Badenhorst, starred in their victory with two great tries.

Badenhorst’s father, Aldi, captained the Wynberg Boys’ High first XV in 1990 and was the school’s head prefect. His uncle, Charl, was the deputy head prefect in 1992 and also captained the first team and, before them, André Badenhorst, Sam’s grandfather, was the head prefect and captain in 1963.

Sam Badenhorst has already represented South Africa at an international level. He was a member of the SA u18 Sevens team which won bronze at the Commonwealth Youth Games in Trinidad and Tobago in 2023 and has been one of the unsung heroes in this year’s Paul Roos squad.

The Maroon Machine‘s big hooker, Altus Rabie, also crossed for a brace of tries as they kept their perfect record for the season alive.

The scoreboard does not give a complete reflection of the game, however.

Wynberg played some fine rugby to make the mighty side from Stellenbosch sweat in the first half, with their captain Aden da Costa leading by example and setting the tone with an early try.

His opposite number, Paul Roos’ captain Riley Norton, returned the favour in the final moments of the first half to give his side a 26-20 lead at the break. Norton was also prominent in the second half as PRG surged to a decisive 50-25 win.

The big loosehead prop, Ben Matthews, got the last word in for Wynberg, with the final try, but by then the home team had already ensured they would win for an 11th straight time this season.

Wynberg flyhalf Yaqeen Ahmed, impressed once again, along with the speedy wing, Albert Louwrens, who scored a double for the visitors.

PRG flyhalf Joshua Dampies also had another excellent day, contributing 15 points off the kicking tee while ensuring his side played on the front foot.

Next term, the Maroon Machine still has to get through Oakdale Landbou, Bishops Diocesan College, Stellenberg and Boland Landbou before a big showdown against their rivals from Bloemfontein, Grey College, in August.

It’s a tough run of fixtures to close out the season, but Paul Roos hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down and it will take a huge performance to stop them this year.

Meanwhile, Paarl Boys’ High came out on top in a thriller against Rondebosch Boys’ High.

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Boishaai centre Viaan Mentoor starred, contributing 16 points through a try, a penalty and four conversions.

David Simon enjoyed a memorable game in combination with his fullback, Dylan Miller, as the duo scored all 28 points for Rondebosch and got their side to within eight of the Boishaai total.

The Paarl boys held a 31-16 lead with 10 minutes to go but the visitors lifted the tempo at the end of the game to score twice and get within striking distance.

For the hosts, Shane Lee Simonse and Janeal Davids looked dangerous every time they were afforded space, and their big forward pack did well to stand up to the challenge from the Cape Town side. The return of Justin Amos to the ‘Bosch lineup helped them keep the Paarl Boys’ High pack under pressure.

Rondebosch takes on Bishops Diocesan College in their final outing of the term next weekend and would like nothing more than to return to winning ways with a victory over their arch-rivals.

Scorers

Paul Roos Gimnasium 50 (26) – Tries: Altus Rabie (2), Sam Badenhorst (2), Riley Norton, Oliver Reid, Keenan Stoffels. Conversions: Joshua Dampies (6). Penalty: Dampies. Wynberg Boys’ High 25 (20) – Tries: Albert Lourens (2), Ben Matthews, Aden da Costa. Conversion: Yaqeen Ahmed. Penalty: Ahmed.

Paarl Boys’ High 36 (16) – Tries: Steph van der Merwe, Viaan Mentoor, Janeal Davids, Tristan Joubert, Shane Lee Simonse. Conversions: Mentoor (4). Penalty: Mentoor. Rondebosch Boys’ High 28 (7) – Tries: Dylan Miller (2), David Simon. Conversions: Simon (2). Penalties: Simon (3).

Results

u19 – Paul Roos II 43, Wynberg II 0; Paarl Boys’ High II 32, Rondebosch Boys’ High II 5.
u16 – Paul Roos A 24, Wynberg A 21; Paarl Boys’ High A 41, Rondebosch Boys’ High A 19.
u15 – Paul Roos A 22, Wynberg A 5; Paarl Boys’ High A 30, Rondebosch Boys’ High A 14.
u14 – Paul Roos A 31, Wynberg A 7; Paarl Boys’ High A 16, Rondebosch Boys’ High A 13.

Grey College put on a mighty performance in Bloemfontein, overwhelming the visiting Wit Bulle from Hoërskool Monument as they ran in 13 tries.

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 A masterful performance by the Free State powerhouse saw them lay down a marker ahead of the Craven Week, which is set to take place at Monnas in June.

The halfback pairing of Philip McLaren and Alzeadon Felix caused the visitors endless problems, combining for three tries to help drive their side to a convincing win.

The big Grey College winger Pretorius Ekeji also dotted down twice in quick succession to help tighten the screws.

The Krugersdorp outfit got onto the scoreboard early in the match through Jason Joubert, and a second by the big lock Nathan Erasmus gave them a glimmer of hope before the break.

In the second stanza, however, it was one-way traffic, and Monument’s only points came through their speedy winger Ernesto Oersen, who turned on the afterburners to score from his own half, completely against the run of play.

Heinz Stockenström had a memorable day for Grey, contributing 25 points to his side’s considerable total.

Both Marcel Coetzee and Thristan Maree, who came into the starting XV in the place of regular starters, Heinrich Theron and Ethan Adams, also crossed the try line, which served to underline the strength in depth of the Bloemfontein side.

After their provincial duties, the Grey College boys will be back in action again on 20 July when they host their sister school from Gqeberha, Grey High, before taking on Oakdale Landbou in Riversdal.

As always, they finish their season with a big derby against their rivals, Paul Roos Gimnasium, who are still unbeaten this year.

Scorers

Grey College 85 (40) – Tries: Alzeadon Felix (2), Pretorius Ekeji (2), Juliun Cosmo, Philip McLaren, Heinz Stockenström, Marcel Coetzee, Ruben Cilliers, Thristan Maree, Pieter van der Merwe, AJ Meyer, Marinus Oosthuizen. Conversions: Stockenström (10). Monument 19 (12) – Tries: Jason Joubert, Nathan Erasmus, Ernesto Oersen. Conversions: Cruz la Moer (2).

Scores

u19 – Grey College II 20, Monument II 12; Grey College III 102, Hoërskool Kathu 1st XV 0; Grey College IV 48, Landboudal II 10; Monument III 14, Grey College V 7; Grey College VI 69, Hoërskool Kathu II 7; Monument V 26, Grey College IX 15.

u16 – Grey College A 43, Monument A 3; Grey College B 79, Hoërskool Kathu A 0; Monument B 24, Grey College C 20; Grey College D 53, LSEN School A 5; Monument C 35, Grey College E 14.

u15 – Grey College A 36, Monument A 12; Grey College B 55, Hoërskool Kathu A 5; Grey College C 70, Landboudal A 0; Grey College D 27, Monument B 24; Grey College E 26, Monument C 12; Grey College F 45, Hoërskool Kathu B 0.

u14 – Grey College A 41, Monument A 29; Grey College B 71, Monument B 5.