Author: zlouw

Both Graeme College and Grey High School have won their last games, on top of that, they have both amassed seven wins so far and will be fighting for their eighth on Saturday. 

Grey went up against Queen’s in the very close game that was their last match up, with Grey ultimately taking the win. Grey also took a solid 19-0 victory over St Andrew’s College the week before, sending them into this event with some decent momentum.

Graeme managed to get some distance in their last game against Nico Malan, earning a final score of 23-12. Graeme also earned an impressive 70-12 victory over Cambridge earlier in the season. 

This is going to be a competitive game and one school will leave with their eighth victory for the season. 

St Andrew’s College will also take on Selborne College this Saturday, with the latter on a three-game winning streak. Selborne defeated Port Rex 45-0 mid-May, and subsequently took the win over Dale College and Hoërskool Grens at 26-12 and 55-14 respectively.

St Andrews has racked up some great accolades of their own this season, earning a close but well deserved one point victory over Graeme College at 24-23, and earning one of their biggest wins in their last game, with their 41-19 defeat over Hudson Park. 

If this is not enough action for the rugby fans, Pearson will be taking on HTS Daniel Pienaar. 

Pearson has had a long and busy season, racking up seven wins along the way. They too will be looking for number eight on Saturday. Daniel Pienaar has had fewer games but has earned some solid outcomes, nonetheless. 

There will be no shortage of action packed rugby in the Eastern Cape this weekend.

The teams: 

Graeme College vs Grey High School at 15:10 in Makhanda:

Graeme College: 15 Hlombe Keep, 14 Olona Ngcobondwana, 13 Mu-Eed Fritz, 12 Kenneth Magau, 11 Licebo Nqwentle, 10 Xolisa Mdyesha, 9 Steven du Preez, 8 Fumani Baloyi, 7 Bahto Hlekani, 6 Ncwane Mbanjwa, 5 Abongile Golela, 4 Ayola Mali, 3 Sipho Mgidlana, 2 Soso Sizani, 1 Sango Mayekiso.

Grey High School: 15 Joshua Bands, 14 Jack Collett, 13 Dylan Garrod, 12 Tobias Nota, 11 Kaiden Titus, 10 Jordan Strydom, 9 Aza Ncula, 8 Mark Brombacher, 7 Imaani Pemba, 6 Reece Miles, 5 De Wet Goedhals, 4 Steven Lee, 3 Aiden Wilkinson, 2 Chad Human, 1 Daniel de Lange.

St Andrew’s College vs Selborne College at 14:30 in Makhanda:

St Andrew’s College: 15 Jacques Cloete, 14 Azaphukoyo Nonxuba, 13 Joe Bennie, 12 Aphindle Nqcuka, 11 Murray Wilson, 10 Matthew Beamish, 9 Karabo van Heerden, 8 Andrew Baisley, 7 Jason Dovey, 6 Shaun Dom, 5 Charlie Beaton, 4 Robert Faber, 3 Finlay Griffin, 2 Joe Wostenholm, 1 Connor Brand.

Selborne College: 15 Siya Sakhela, 14 Thomas Braun, 13 Cole Schonknecht, 12 Chad de Beyer, 11 Anjolauluwa Sogbanmu, 10 Daniel Larkan, 9 Amani Somana (VC), 8 Gcina Puzi, 7 Dewan du Preez, 6 Grant Day (captain), 5 Josh Carr, 4 Zuko Poswa, 3 Nathi Nthuli, 2 Jordan Luck, 1 Sandi Msengana. 

Pearson vs HTS Daniël Pienaar at 14:20 in Gqeberha:

Pearson: 15 Sibu Mkhontwana, 14 Luyolo Mba, 13 Troy Hargreaves, 12 Simon Eksteen, 11 Erin Baisley, 10 Caleb Friskin, 9 Casper Fouchê (VC), 8 Emile van Dyk (C), 7 Thokozani Mpanza, 6 Kuhle Songelwa, 5 Ruan le Roux, 4 Kian Rademeyer, 3 Ockert Strydom, 2 Andrew Hall, 1 Lunathi Njara.

HTS Daniel Pienaar: 15 St Claire Myburgh, 14 Luyanduhlanga Ndzimande, 13 Rowantê Uithaler, 12 Tiaan Nell, 11 Waydin Jansen, 10 Ikombe Tyatya, 9 Vergil Grootboom, 8 Ethan Olckers, 7 Bulali Lawu, 6 De Wet Fourie, 5 Matthew Marais, 4 Bentley Draghoender, 3 Keanu Barnard, 2 Aidon Els, 1 Mihlali January. 

Fixtures: 

13:20 – Hudson Park vs Marlow Landbou; 13:40 – Die Brandwag (Uitenhage) vs Hoërskool Framesby; 14:20 – Pearson vs HTS Daniel Pienaar; 14:30 – St Andrew’s College vs Selborne College; 14:30 – Kingswood College vs Dale College; 15:10 – Graeme College vs Grey High School.

Hilton College has dominated the KwaZulu-Natal rugby scene this season, amassing an impressive nine wins over some highly reputable competition.

Included in their list of triumphs is their recent 25-19 defeat of Glenwood High School. Although Glenwood started things off and put the first points on the board, Hilton came back with fury to even the score and surpass the Green Machine.

The Hiltonians had the final say when Chris Horak put a penalty kick between the poles to secure them a comfortable win, ending off a very competitive game of rugby.

Maritzburg will be a worthy contender for Hilton indeed, sitting one victory ahead of Hilton with a total of ten wins so far this season. They say practice makes perfect, and that may be Maritzburg’s winning formula when you look at the sheer number of games they have played this season.

This will be Maritzburg’s fifteenth fixture for 2023. All this time spent on the field has formulated a rock-solid team structure and a tried and tested game plan. Maritzburg’s dedication to the game has led to some massive wins, defeating St Charles College (46-8) in their last match up.

To add even more to the already high stakes of this game, both schools are on a five-game winning streak. And save for a draw, for one of them this will be number six. Additionally, this could place both schools at a total of ten wins for the season so far, or put one of them two games ahead.

These are certainly some top contenders. The tension will be palpable and the level of rugby played will be superb. This is not a game you want to miss. 

The teams: 

Hilton College: 15 Ivan Jjuuko, 14 Rukudzo Madinga, 13 RD Engelbrecht, 12 Ivan Lockem, 11 Michael Capes, 10 Christopher Horak, 9 Luke Watt, 8 Akhona Kunene, 7 Matthew Stewart, 6 Ross Brown, 5 Luke Warren, 4 Hanu Pieterse, 3 Ben le Roux, 2 Murray Brink, 1 Bunono Jabavu. 

Maritzburg College: 15 Luyanda Sbongumusa Kunene, 14 Langelihle Thabang Makhathini, 13 Swelihle Mbatha, 12 Nkululeko Sizwe Sithole, 11 Colm Ryan Reardon, 10 Luc Tristan du Toit, 9 Rhett William Quinn, 8 Sasha Rutendo Kadira, 7 Kevin Rowan Ayliffe, 6 Travis Donald Walton, 5 Jake Zoi Jansen, 4 Bohlale Maphisa, 3 Aiden Botha, 2 Elbie Mouton, 1 Phiwayinkosi Kubheka. 

Fixtures: 

11:45 –  Clifton vs St David’s Marist; 14:00 – Hilton College vs Maritzburg College; 15:00 – Northwood vs Michaelhouse; 15:30 – Kearsney College vs St Charles College.

In a recent interview, we got some insights into the talented, level-headed and humble player that is Chris Horak. He was also recently included in the Sharks’ team for the prestigious Craven Week that will take place in July in George. 

One of the many great sentiments that Chris shared was that he truly loves the game, and that is why he plays. He said that the day he stops loving the game is the day he’ll stop playing but assured that that day won’t happen anytime soon. 

Chris was born into a rugby family. He spent his Saturdays alongside the field, watching his dad, and those coached by his dad, play the game he would grow to love. This instilled a lifelong passion that he carries to this day.

Chris’ father, Michael Horak, represented England in one test match against Argentina in 2002. He played fullback and wing for the Leicester Tigers, Bristol, London Irish, Treviso and Saracens in his proffesional career.

Horak sr. is an old boy of Grey College in Bloemfontein. He was part of the unbeatend side of 1995. Currently he is the High Performance manager of the Sharks.

When asked who his current favourite player is, Horak said with all the talent at the moment, he would choose Damien Willemse. His reasons being Willemse’s time on the ball, his mastery of the basics and the fact that he is a team player; a character trait highly valued by Horak. 

With Chris being a flyhalf for Hilton, we needed to ask him what makes that position such an integral part of the game and what he brings to the position.

Correctly so, Chris mentioned how the fly-half controls the game. He stated that if a fly-half is scared to take the role seriously, the game won’t go the way you want.

Chris commented that he is not the flashiest player, but rather wants the team to grow as a whole. He is not selfish and instead wants everyone grow and perform well, everyone should have the chance to look good. Chris said “I’d much rather be in a star team than a team of stars”. 

Chris credited his father as being his inspiration, saying he would love to follow in his footsteps. As time has gone on, Chris said he has also reached the phase where he wants to create his own legacy and grow every day. He wants to be someone to look up to, for the younger players and his team. Chris wants to inspire the next generation of Hiltonians. 

When asked what the biggest obstacle was that he needed to overcome, Horak explained how some people assumed he only made teams because of his family name. Although at first, he let it get to him, it is not the case anymore. He says that they can talk, but he will work hard everyday and focus on his performance. The work will speak for itself. 

Of course, the questions had to be asked, of what it is like to have a dad with such a strong reputation within the community. Chris said that his dad has put no pressure on him, he made it clear that he would back Chris with whatever he chose to do.

He backed all of Chris’ decisions and trusted him to do the right thing. Chris did say that is has been really cool having the father he does and that he has met some really cool people throughout his life. 

Chris’ goals for the season are to keep growing as a player, inspire the next generation of Hiltonians and let the action do the talking. He wants to do well to pursue a career in rugby after school.

In a day filled with heritage and celebration, two top contenders from Kwazulu-Natal will face off for the penultimate event. 

The Green Machine is no stranger to victory and have had some particularly successful days of rugby at their Old Boys’ weekends.

In Glenwood’s recent game against Clifton, they reminded fans of the sport why they have the reputation they do, taking a whopping 38-10 victory over the Cliftonians. 

Glenwood truly shines when they get possession of the ball and make use of the incredible pace at their disposal, this will likely be one of the main strategies deployed on Saturday. 

The Green Machine will find a formidable foe in Hilton, though, with Hilton easily being one of the top KZN rugby schools this year. 

Hilton has a holistic approach to their training, strengthening not only the physical attributes necessary for top notch rugby but the mental element as well, which has already earned them eight victories this season. 

The Hiltonians are going to take the field as a unified front, but individually talented players as well. 

Their battle against Glenwood on Saturday has the makings of a historic game, one that will provide only the very best of what rugby has to offer. 

The only school rivalling Hilton for the position of top contender is Durban High School, even having an extremely close game amongst themselves this year, and they will be facing off with Kearsney College on Saturday. 

Durban has amassed ten victories this season, taking down some big names along the way, including a massive 64-17 victory over Drostdy. 

Kearsney has also produced some impressive wins this season, defeating Nico Malan at 26-10.

Durban will be a tough rival and will push Kearsney to realize their full potential. 

It will be a particularly special game for Durban, as for twelve of their fifteen starting players, it will be their last game of rugby played for Durban High School.

The teams:

Glenwood vs Hilton College at 15:30 in Durban:

Glenwood High School: 15 Jaco Williams, 14 Tawanda Mashoni, 13 Okonta Chijindu, 12 MJ Schoeman, 11 Bukhosibakhe Gamede, 10 Andrew Martins, 9 Tyrique Hartnick, 8 Zukisani Tom, 7 Kane Plasket-Burne, 6 Tumisho Mofidikoane, 5 Laython Sheahan, 4 Jesse Venter, 3 William van Vuuren, 2 Keegan Goosen, 1 Lithemba Mfupi.

Hilton College: 15 Ivan Jjuuko, 14 Rukudzo Madinga, 13 RD Engelbrecht, 12 Ivan Lockem, 11 Tayedza Jaravaza, 10 Christopher Horak, 9 Luke Watt, 8 Akhona Kunene, 7 Matthew Stewart, 6 Ross Brown, 5 Luke Warren, 4 Hanu Pieterse, 3 Ben le Roux, 2 Murray Brink, 1 Bunono Jabavu. 

Durban High School vs Kearsney College at 15:30 in Durban:

Durban High School: 15 Hopewell Ntshangase, 14 Ntando Mavuso, 13 Amahle Mazibuko, 12 Zingce Simka, 11 Maurice Willemse, 10 Deano Boesak, 9 Florensen Ockhuis, 8 Sibusiso Mahlangu, 7 Siseko Mani, 6 Dale Hendrikse, 5 Weihrich Basson, 4 Sima Hlabisa, 3 Simphiwe Ngobese, 2 Christian Everitt, 1 Siyanda Dlamini. 

Kearsney College:

15 Daniel Eager, 14 Likhona Nunwane, 13 Lindokuhle Mpungose, 12 Siso France, 11 Junior Dlamini, 10 David Pohl, 9 Roydan Madatt, 8 Callum Steer, 7 Salusiwe Mqobongo, 6 James Francke, 5 Heinrich Fourie, 4 Connor McIntyre, 3 Anele Cele, 2 Devahn van der Walt, 1 Luca Veronesi.

Fixtures: 

14:45 – Clifton vs Westville Boys’ High; 15:30 – Glenwood High School vs Hilton College; 15:30 – Durban High School vs Kearsney College; 18:30 – St Charles College vs Maritzburg College. 

Although there are only a few games in KZN this weekend, the quality of these games should make up for it. 

Glenwood High School is contending with Clifton, the former taking no rest after defeating Kearsney last weekend.

Glenwood started the 2023 season off brilliantly, beating Voortrekker 72-0 in their first game.

They proceeded to earn two more consecutive victories. Later in the season, the defeated some tough competition, taking a 22-10 victory over Marlow Landbou followed by a 19-7 victory over Dale College.

Glenwood has been adaptable in their gameplay, using their strengths to capitalize on whatever opportunities present themselves. 

Clifton too started their season off with a huge win, defeating 73-0. Clifton has fought in every game and given their all until the last moment.

Despite being matched up with many big names, Clifton has put points on the board every game this season. They played exceptionally against St Andrew’s, earning them a 47-7 win. 

This is going to be an interesting match-up, delivering two different styles of rugby to the field. 

Jeppe High School are battling the Northwood Knights on Saturday. Northwood defeated Kearsney 14-10 and subsequently took a 61-29 win over St Charles College. The Knights will be fighting for their third victory. 

Jeppe is not going to make this an easy game for Northwood, though, as Jeppe has been demolishing much of the competition this season. Jeppe defeated St David’s 73-8 in their last game, they took the win over Westville at 43-31 and beat Queen’s 51-5. 

Jeppe and the Knights are going to have some serious competition on their hands.

The teams:

Glenwood: 15 Jaco Williams, 14 Tawanda Mashoni, 13 Okonta Chijindu, 12 MJ Schoeman, 11 Bukhosobakhe Gamede, 10 Andrew Martins, 9 Tyrique Hartnick, 8 Zuki Tom, 7 Kane Plasket-Burne, 6 Tumisho Mofidikoane, 5 Laythan Sheahan, 4 Jesse Venter, 3 William van Vuuren, 2 Keegan Goosen, 1 Lithemba Mfupi.

Clifton: 15 Camden Riley, 14 Ebenezer Mangue, 13 Sam Selikow, 12 Joshua Kennedy, 11 Mackenzie Haygarth, 10 Joe Rey, 9 Michael Langston, 8 Bryce Beeslaar, 7 Adam Zoio, 6 Nathan Shotland, 5 Ben van der Merwe, 4 Ben McElligot, 3 Njabulo Dlomo, 2 Levi Anastasis-Lan, 1 Simphiwe Ngcobo.

Jeppe High School: 15 Khuthadazo Rasivhaga, 14 Sanele Tshabangu, 13 Exauce Kevani, 12 MacMillen Mongwana, 11 Dikarabelo Moeketsi, 10 Matthew Coetzee, 9 Bryce Samuel, 8 Mosiki Ndlaba, 7 Ruben van Rensburg, 6 Lesedi Masimola, 5 Luke Cannon, 4 Risima Khosa, 3 Luca Trevisan, 2 Kaleb Burger, 1 Richardo Brandao.

Northwood: 15 Ramutuku Sikhakhane, 14 Nokutenda Gunda, 13 Siyanda Nkosi, 12 Siyanda Mabuza, 11 Kwenzo Dlamini, 10 Cade Latham, 9 Graeham de Swardt, 8 Enzo van Niekerk, 7 Casey Calitz, 6 Alu Nte, 5 Dewald Mostert, 4 Ethan Macey, 3 Phiko Zuka, 2 Luthando Makula, 1 Reuben Vos. 

Fixtures:

12:30 Glenwood vs Clifton; 13:30 Jeppe High School vs Northwood.

Queen’s College game against Dale College last weekend was top notch rugby until the very end. Queen’s did not hold back and used everything at their disposal to seize every available opportunity.

A very interesting play occurred when the ball was placed into Turshaan Hare’s hands, and he proceeded to kick a drop goal. The outcome of this game was a much deserved 21-12 victory to Queen’s.

This is the kind of rugby they will bring on Saturday, no one can predict how they will approach the game or what tricks and tactics they may have planned. One thing is for sure, they will be very strategic with their gameplay, searching for openings in the defence and getting ready to charge. 

Grey proved last Saturday that they can overcome any circumstances to totally take control of the game. Being able to adapt is an integral part of a successful rugby squad, and Grey has mastered this.

Despite last weeks pouring rain, Grey remained calm and focused on the task at hand. Kaiden Titus scored a try in the first half which he converted.

This gave Grey a headstart early in the game. Chad Human and Daniel de Lange each scored a try in the second half, with Kaiden Titus earning another conversion.

The final score was 19-0 to Grey. Being able to bring this level of performance at all times is what makes champions. Grey will take the field on Saturday ready for anything. 

With such strong contenders, this match could be one for the history books. 

Their will be an abundance of competitive rugby in the Eastern Cape this weekend. Selborne College and Dale College will be facing off, after Selborne’s 45-0 defeat of Port Rex last weekend. 

Marlow Landbou and Framesby are paired up on Saturday, with Marlow entering the game as champions after defeating Nico Malan 25-15 last Saturday. Framesby drew Daniel Pienaar in their last match, 17-17, representative of the close game. 

Saturday is going to provide some very competitive rugby for the players and spectators alike. 

The teams:

Queen’s College: 15 Thina Fenako, 14 Mveli Mqulo, 16 Siya Konki, 12 Litha Kulashe, 11 Onke Ntontela, 10 Turshaan Hare, 9 Ryan Dentson, 8 Axola Khatshwa, 7 Mbasa Mda, 6 Sisipho Mpaka, 5 Uyanda Mlungwana, 4 Emihle Jaxa, 3 Abulele Bolotini, 2 Sbonga Mfeya, 1 Somila Jacobs. 

Grey High School: 15 Joshua Bands, 14 Jack Collett, 13 Dylan Garrod, 12 Tobias Nota, 11 Kaiden Titus, 10 Jordan Strydom, 9 Aza Ncula, 8 Mark Brombacher, 7 Imaani Pemba, 6 Reece Miles, 5 De Wet Goedhals, 4 Steven Lee, 3 Aiden Wilkinson, 2 Chad Human, 1 Daniel de Lange.

Other Fixtures: 

12:20 – Port Rex THS vs Kingswood College; 13:45 – Muir College vs Pearson; 14:15 – Marlow Landbou vs Hoërskool Framesby; 14:20 – Selborne College vs Dale College; 14:30 – St Andrew’s College vs Hudson Park; 15:00 – Queen’s College vs Grey High School.

 

Kearsney College and Glenwood were the perfect contenders today and both schools put on an epic performance.

The Green Machine and Kearsney both put two penalties and a conversion of the board, however, Glenwood managed to earn two tries to Kearsney’s one. Such a close call and such a competitive game of rugby.

The final score was 18-13 in Glenwood’s favour.

St Albans succeeded in their fourth seasonal victory when they played against Clifton today. Clifton put up a good fight and managed to get a try, conversion and penalty.

This was unfortunately not enough to take the win today, as St Albans came ready to play and earned a 22-10 victory.

Matthew Pearce, of St Albans, scored two tries and Druan Visagie scored two conversions. Codi Peterson and Josh Verster scored one try and one penalty, respectively, for St Albans. 

Michaelhouse are not slowing down after their 23-20 victory over Kearsney, but rather reigniting their winning streak. They defeated Durban High School 31-27 today in a tense battle. DHS is a strong contender and Michaelhouse still managed to come out on top; worth mentioning is the precise kicking game of Luke Davidson.

A hat-trick was not enough for Davidson, he succeeded in converting all four tries. On top of this, scored a penalty for Michaelhouse. Wandile Mlaba, Fortune Mpofu, Thabo Njapha and Aphiwe Shelembe each broke through the solid defense of DHS to score a try for Michaelhouse. 

When the Northwood Knights and St Charles College took the field today, the first half foreshadowed an incredibly close game. By half-time it was 26-24 in Northwood’s favour and St Charles were playing top notch rugby to keep the Knights at bay.

In the second half, Northwood took control of the game and things went in a different direction. The Knights managed to increase their total score to 59 by full time. St Charles showed what strong contenders they can be, but ultimately Northwood left with a well-deserved 59-29 victory. 

Hilton is having a near perfect season, delivering yet another win today against Pretoria Boys’ High School. This was Hiltons eighth win, and it was a big one.

The Hiltonians ended the game at 39-15. Pretoria did not hold back and did their best to defend their line, but Hilton’s squad is polished, focused and determined to take the win. The strength of a unified team shouldn’t be underestimated. 

Scorers:

Glenwood 18 – Tries: Keegan Goosen, MJ Schoeman. Conversion: Jaco Williams. Penalties: Williams (2). Kearsney College 13 – Try: Heinrich Fourie. Conversions: Chad Croshaw. Penalties: Croshaw (2). 

St Alban’s College 22 – Tries: Matthew Pearce (2), Codi Peterson. Conversions: Druan Visagie (2). Penalty: Josh Verster. Clifton 10. 

Michaelhouse 31 – Tries: Wandile Mlaba, Fortune Mpofu, Thabo Njapha, Aphiwe Shelembe. Conversions: Luke Davidson (4). Penalty: Luke Davidson. Durban High School 27. 

St Charles College 29 – Tries: Rashid Isaacs, Ukhunyo Ntsangi, Jehan Adonis, Okuhle Peti, Petrus. Conversions: Ntsangi (2). Northwood 59.

Other results: 

Hilton College 39, Pretoria Boys’ High 15.

Queen’s College and Dale College were playing aggressive and competitive rugby this weekend, both utilizing pace and power every minute of the game.

After much back and forth, Queen’s took a 21-12 victory over Dale.

Onke Ntontela, of Queens, broke the ice and went full speed ahead to score the first try of the game.

Dale retaliated by means of Lindokuhle Xozwa, earning their first try and bringing the schools to a tie.

Soon after, Mveli Mqulo succeeded in kicking a penalty for Queen’s and brought the game to 8-5.

The lead was soon handed over as Liyabona Matyana of Dale scored another try, which was converted by Phikolomzi Mtyalela, bringing the half time result to 12-8 in Dale’s favour. The second half went in Queen’s direction.

They began to take the lead when they had a successful lineout, only metres from Dale’s try line, and Emihle Jaxa quickly broke through the defence to earn another try for Queen’s.

In an unexpected moment, Queen’s revealed that they had a card up their sleeve, Turshaan Hare kicked a drop goal and succeeded in putting another three points on the board. Queens finished off strong with Siya Konki landing a try, further securing them the win and ending off a great game of rugby. 

Grey High School and St Andrew’s College were not only battling each other, but the weather as well. Even with the terrible conditions, both schools fought as hard as they could.

Kaiden Titus, of Grey High School, scored a try in the first half, which he converted, bringing the half time score to 7-0 to grey. In the second half, Chad Human and Daniel de Lange each managed to score a try for Grey High School, the latter of which was converted by Kaiden Titus.

The game ended at 19-0 to Grey High School, a well-earned victory, and due to the conditions, will likely be a memorable game for all involved. 

Kingswood College and Pearson College also played through a massive down pour; this weekend turned rugby into an aquatic sport. Pearson did their best to hold the competition off, however, Kingswood seized the opportunities that were available and took a 18-0 win over Pearson. 

Selborne College brought their A-game and defeated Port Rex 45-0 on Saturday. This adds to their list of big wins this season, proving what top tier rugby they can produce. 

Marlow Landbou defeated Nico Malan 25-15. This is Marlow’s fourth consecutive win; they took a massive 72-12 victory over Landboudal at the end of April, and they seem to be on an upward trajectory for the rest of the season. 

Scorers:

Queen’s College 21 – Tries: Onke Ntontela, Emihle Jaxa, Siya Konki. Penalties: Mveli Mqulo. Drop Goal: Turshaan Hare. Dale College 12 – Tries: Lindokuhle Xozwa, Liyabona Matyana. Conversions: Phikolomzi Mtyalela. 

Grey High School 19 – Tries: Kaiden Titus, Chad Human, Daniel de Lange. Conversions: Kaiden Titus (2). St Andrew’s College 0. 

Other Results: 

Kingswood College 18, Pearson 0; Selborne College 45, HTS Port Rex 0; Marlow Landbou 25, Nico Malan 15.

 

St Andrew’s College last game against Graeme College was as close as it gets.

At 24-23, one point was all St Andrew’s needed to take the victory. At half time, the game was in St Andrew’s favour at 12-6.

This lead was provided by Jacques Cloete and Joe Bennie each scoring a try for their side.

After half-time, things took a turn, with Graeme sending a message in the beginning of the second half; scoring a try for their side. Both teams fought for a good portion of the game, not allowing any more points on the board, until eventually Graeme scored again.

Jason Dovey, of St Andrew’s, would not allow them to widen the gap, and scored another try, bringing the game to 17-18, Graeme leading by one point. After a great defensive effort from St Andy’s, Hlombe Kepe, of Graeme, broke through and scored an excellent try.

The game was nearly over, the score was 17-23 to Graeme. St Andrew’s would not let the game end like this, though. In the last moments, Daniel Hickey made a quick pass to Sintu Mjali who managed to earn them another try in the nick of time.

Time had run out and St Andrews were still down one point. The only path to victory was through a successful conversion by Hickey. Hickey made the kick and St Andrew’s took the game at 24-23. This demonstrates just how they will persevere and play until the very end. 

Grey High School have been performing well this season, managing to hold a three-game winning streak in April. Grey also started the year off strong, beating Stellenberg 22-20 in their first game of 2023.

When Grey defeated Westville recently, 17-15, they took control early on and scored the first try, by way of Kaiden Titus.

After this, it was a slow progression to the end of the game. With five minutes left in the game, Westville was five points ahead. Grey fought at the line and the incredible happened, in the very last moments Grey scored a penalty try and ended the game at 17-15. A victory for Grey and an extremely tense gameplay. 

The parallels between Grey’s and St Andrew’s performance makes their game an exciting one.

Both schools have managed to turn things around for the win in the very last moments. If this is the rugby brought to the field on Saturday, it is going to be an intense game with a battle for every point. 

This is not the only action happening this weekend, there are many other top Eastern Cape schools that will be facing off. There is no shortage of great rugby this Saturday. 

Other Fixtures in the Eastern Cape:

12:15 – Selborne College vs Port Rex THS;  13:00 – Despatch vs HTS Daniël Pienaar; 13:20 – Hudson Park vs Hangklip; 14:30 – Nico Malan vs Marlow Landbou; 14:30 – Pearson vs Kingswood College; 15:00 – Grey High School vs St Andrew’s College; 15:30 – Dale College vs Queen’s College.

Michaelhouse defeated Kearsney College 23-20 last weekend, boosting their total victories to six.

There are some names which keep being mentioned when Michaelhouse takes the field, certain players which seem to score at least once every game.

Leo Muziva should sound familiar to anyone following Michaelhouse this season. Muziva and Luthando Buthulezi each scored a try to Michaelhouse in this contentious match up, both of which were converted by Luke Davidson.

Davidson has a great kicking record so far and has proven that he can deliver under pressure. Michaelhouse’s 2023 squad is really strong overall and runs like a well-oiled machine, the practice they put into working as a team does not go unnoticed. 

Durban High School has been a formidable contender this season and absolutely dominated the game in many of their encounters. When Durban faced HTS Drostdy, they took a massive 64-17 win.

When Durban and Hilton played this past weekend, it was a close game to say the least. A one-point difference decided the champion. With less than a minute left in the game, it was a battle on Durban’s try line.

Their defence pushed with everything they had, but Hilton pushed back.

It seemed Durban had it in the bag, and in the last moment Hilton broke through and took the win.

This is not a regular outcome for Durban this season, they have a whopping ten wins so far. Durban is going to bring some quick paced and hard hitting rugby when they take on Michaelhouse, and the latter will have to be on top perform if they want to succeed. 

Hilton has three back-to-back wins and will be looking to earn their fourth as they take on Pretoria Boys’ High School this weekend. The team from Pretoria will be making the long trip to Hilton’s home turf and would not want to leave without a victory.

Pretoria Boys’ High, like Hilton, is also on a three-game winning streak. Talk about an interesting set up. Pretoria has had some unbelievable wins this year, beating St Stithians 66-0 in March. They have also racked up a total of eight wins.

Hilton has seven wins so far, meaning this game could bring them to a draw. The Hiltonians are going to bring some top-level rugby to the field, just as they have done so far. They have shown just how well they can perform as a team, physically and mentally coming together to execute some brilliant plays.

There is already some history between the schools, as last year Hilton managed to beat Pretoria 21-7, adding even more pressure to the situation. 

Glenwood started their season strong with a 72-0 victory over Voortrekker of Pietermaritzburg, beating Westville and Nelspruit shortly after. They have shown that they can deliver some great rugby, including their incredibly close game against Waterkloof at the Noord/Suid-tournament.

Glenwood will be facing Kearsney College this weekend, and after Kearsney’s neck and neck game with Michaelhouse this past weekend, they will be looking for a win. 

After Clifton’s 47-7 defeat of St Andrews from Bloemfontein, they have proven how they can take control of the game and earn a massive win when everything comes together. Clifton and St Albans are set to battle this weekend after both having tough games last Saturday. 

With Northwood and St Charles both entering their game as champions from the previous weekend’s line up, the stakes are high. Northwood has five victories to St Charles’ two, however, the game could swing in either direction. 

Fixtures:

13:10 – Hilton College vs Pretoria Boys’ High; 13:45 – Clifton vs St Alban’s College; 14:30 – St Charles College vs Northwood; 14:45 – Michaelhouse vs Durban High School; 15:30 – Kearsney College vs Glenwood.