Author: zlouw

History and prestige go hand-in-hand with sports, and rugby is no stranger to this rich tradition here in South Africa.

The Standard Bank St Stithians Easter Festival was founded in 1984 and has only grown stronger each year. The 2023 line up has some really interesting pairings and few favourites to look out for this season.

Michaelhouse recently defeated Maritzburg in a 27-20 victory. This is no small feat, and is evidence of their strength. Unfortunately, they will not face off this year, as Maritzburg is absent from the festival. It would’ve made for great viewing, but this line up will definitely not disappoint.

Michaelhouse is set for a rematch against St Alban’s, and a bit of rivalry always turns up the heat. In the 2022 fest, St Alban’s received an absolute thrashing from Michaelhouse as their game ended at 37-9. Will it be revenge or a winning streak? Only time will tell.

The Western Cape boys certainly made their presence known last year, and will surely come ready to play, once again. Wynberg taught Clifton a lesson and beat them 41-0, but lets see if the Highveld can hold them off; as Helpmekaar takes on Wynberg for the last game of day one.

This has the makings of a great game, if the Helpies can play aggressively, focus on running their backline with quick hands and utilizing their defence. Wynberg played great rugby last year but should also not underestimate the boys from Jozi.

Bishops did not miss opportunities last year, especially against Grey High, when an intercepted pass from Grey let them score an excellent try, this performance ultimately won them the game at 31-20. Bishops open the festival against the hosts on day one, so Saint’s will want to make this a good first game to set the tone.

From the first game, to the last, a festival of this magnitude will only serve up the very best of what rugby has to offer. If you miss it, you miss out.

It’s. That. Simple.

Fixtures

Thursday, 6^th April 2023

11:00 St Stithians vs Bishops

12:15 Kingswood vs Clifton

13:30 St John’s vs St Albans

14:45 St Andrew’s vs Michaelhouse

16:00 Wynberg vs Helpmekaar

Saturday, 8^th April 2023

11:00 St Alban’s vs Wynberg

12:15 St John’s vs St Andrews

13:30 Clifton vs Michaelhouse

14:45 Helpmekaar vs Bishops

16:30 St Stithians vs Kingswood

Monday, 10^th April 2023

11:00 Bishops vs Clifton

12:15 Wynberg vs Northcliff

13:30 Michaelhouse vs St Alban’s

14:45 Kingswood vs Helpmekaar

16:00 St Stithians vs St John’s

The annual Marlow-Santam u13 Rugby Festival will deliver three fields full of action.

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

Some top junior teams will be taking the field, hoping to showcase their talent and earn a reputation for years to come.

The opening games always set the tone. On the Willie Meyer field, Cradock and Stellaland will be kicking things off.

Of particular interest, the Outeniqua u13B will face of with the Monument u13A, for the opening game on the Kaia field.

This always make for an insightful comparison; seeing how the two different tiers perform at odds.

Panorama’s u13A will end off the day on the Kaia field, alongside Frans Conradie u13A. The former’s u13B will have the first game on the Spookhuis field, going up against Lynnwood’s u13B.

There will be many other games to look forward to, including Durbanville u13A going up against Wesbank u13A, for the final game on the Willie Meyer field. This match should be a competitive one.

Overall, you can expect high energy and all-out-effort from the boys. It’s never to early to recognize talent, and this weekend could showcase some rising stars in the making.

The Fixtures:

Friday, 31 March @ Marlow Landbou Hoërskool

Willie Meyer Field

09:30 – Cradock vs Stellaland
10:25 – Swartland vs Helderkruin
11:20 – Outeniqua vs Fontainebleau
12:15 – Lynnwood vs Eikestad
13:10 – Eversdal vs Worcester-Noord
14:05 – Durbanville vs Wesbank 

Kaia Field

09:30 – Monument vs Outeniqua II
10:25 – Charlo vs Gericke
11:20 – Michausdal vs Lorraine
12:15 – George-Suid A vs Brackenfell
13:10 – Panorama A vs Frans Conradie 

Spookhuis Field

09:30 – Panorama II vs Lynnwood II
10:25 – George-Suid II vs Eikestad II
11:20 – Durbanville II vs Worcester-Noord II
12:15 – Queen’s College Primary vs BPMS

 

Selborne College’s scrumhalf, Page Fennel, produced an impressive tactical kicking performance as his side managed to defeat Nico Malan of Humansdorp by 34-17 during the second day of the Graeme College 150th Rugby Festival.

Fennel kept calm throughout the encounter and managed to place pressure on Nico Malan with his kicking from the base.

The scrumhalf also took care of his side’s goal kicking duties and slotted three conversions and a penalty.

The team from East London build up a lead of 22-14 at the break and then shifted a gear in the second half to bag the victory.

Selborne was quick out of the block with right winger, James Bowles, scoring four minutes into the match after flyhalf, Daniel Larkan, opted for a quick tap. Fullback, Amani Somana, also played a huge part in setting of this first try by Bowles with his quick hands.

Somana was on fire in this game, scoring a try just five minutes after providing this beautiful opportunity to his teammate.

Selborne’s hooker, Jordan Luck, received a yellow card which also resulted a penalty try for Nico Malan. Luck saved some face when he returned as he completed a brace of tries.

Nico Malan came within a point after Hannes Kleinhans (flanker) crossed the tryline and flyhalf, Dominic Malgas, slotted the conversion.

Luck got the ball is rolling again and puts another try on the board. And here comes another one, that’s two tries for Luck. What’s luck got to do with it?

Dale College‘s fullback, Oyama Kuse, was a menace on attack as his side secured a narrow 22-20 victory over Pearson. Kuse scored a brace of tries from the back in this closely contested encounter.

At half-time, it was 10-8 in  Dale’s favour. Pearson’s hooker, Andrew Hall, also scored two tries for his side.

HTS Daniël Pienaar‘s Tigers downed Cambridge by 24-7, after leading 12-7 at the break.

The Tigers scored four tries with Rowante Uithaler (centre), Juan van Zyl (hooker), Mihlali January (prop) and Virgil Grootboom (srumhalf) all dotting down.

Union High also bagged a victory as they defeated Mary Waters by 26-7 in the opening match on the second day of the festival.

Union put on the better performance of the day, their outside centre, Uyanda Tele, and their flanker, Naeem Mahomed, each scored a try. Jude Langmead, their inside centre, scored two tries and their fullback, Hlaki Skepe, managed to boot three conversions for the team.

Mary Waters’ flyhalf, Shaneed Peterson, scored all his side’s points as well as spending ten minutes in the bin after receiving a yellow card.

Scorers: 

Selborne College 34 (22) – Tries: Jordan Luck (2), James Bowles, Siya Sakhela, Amani Somana. Conversions: Page Fennel (3). Penalty: Fennel. Nico Malan 17 (14) – Tries: Hannes Kleinhans, Penalty Try. Conversion: Dominic Malgas. Penalty: Malgas.

Dale College 22 (10) – Tries: Oyama Kuse (2), Lindokuhle Xozwa. Conversions: Lindokuhle Ndlela, Kuse. Penalty: Kuse. Pearson 20 (8) – Tries: Andrew Hall (2), Troy Hargreaves. Conversion: Caleb Fasken. Penalty: Fasken.

HTS Daniël Pienaar 24 (12) – Tries: Juan van Zyl, Mihlali January, Virgil Grootboom, Rowante Uithaler. Conversioons: Ikombe January (2). Cambridge 7 (7) – Try: Lisakhanya Magoxo. Conversion: Sive Ngxoweni.

Union High 26 (19) – Tries: Jude Langmead (2), Uyanda Tele, Naeem Mohammed. Conversions: Hlaki Skepe (3). Mary Waters 7 (7) – Try: Shaneed Peterson. Conversion: Peterson.

What a spectacular effort from the boys of Maritzburg College and Michaelhouse alike.

Its not everyday you have a game this neck and neck. It was so close, with Maritzburg dominating the first half and Michaelhouse coming back strong in the second with something to prove.

Elbie Mouton, hooker, of Maritzburg, got the team into a good position as he scored two tries. Tallying half of their total points. Aiden Botha, tight-head prop, also put five points on the board for Maritzburg, as he landed them a try.

Luc du Toit, flyhalf for Maritzburg College, had a good day of kicking, as he managed to boot a penalty and a conversion for his squad. Maritzburg could walk off the field with their heads held high; as they put up a great fight, albeit the final score of 20-27 in Michaelhouse’s favour.

Michaelhouse deserves a big pat on the back for their performance this Saturday. If they can keep this level of energy up, they are going places this season. They have the potential to be one of the schools strongest units to date; all they need to do is focus and keep up the hard work.

Leo Muziva (left wing), Fortune Mpofu (flanker) and Campbell Ridl (outside centre) each scored a try for Michaelhouse. Fullback, Luke Davidson, slotted three conversions and and two penalties for the team, tallying twelve of their total twenty seven points.

This was a competitive and entertaining game to watch, this should be an interesting season for both institutions. All the best to the boys and their coaches, and a big congratulations to Michaelhouse for their victory.

Deano Boesak, flyhalf of Durban High School, scored 20 points as his side eased past St Charles’ College by 52-14. Boesak scored a brace of tries and also converted five of his side’s eight tries for his personal tally.

Outside centre, Amahle Mazibuko, as well as winger Maurice Willemse also scored twice. It was the first game between DHS and St Charles in a few year mainly due to Covid.

Scorers: 

Michaelhouse 27 () – Tries Leo Muziva, Fortune Mpofu, Campbell Ridl. Conversions: Luke Davidson (3). Penalties: Davidson (2). Maritzburg College 20 () – Tries: Elbie Mouton (2), Aidan Botha. Conversion: Luc du Toit. Penalty: Du Toit.

Durban High School 52 (33) – Tries: Amahle Mazibuko (2), Maurice Willemse (2), Deono Boesak (2), Ntando Mavuso, Khanyisa Stamper. Conversions: Boesak (5), Aka Boqwana. St Charles’ College 14 (0).

The teams: 

Michaelhouse: 15 Luke Davidson, 14 Graham Wynne, 13 Campbell Ridl, 12 Tom Baguley, 11 Leo Muziva, 10 Murray Baker, 9 Josh Aissing, 8 Wandile Mlaba, 7 Fortune Mpofu, 6 Tristan Arde, 5 Michael Thornton, 4 Tom Mitchell, 3 Donovan Van Staden, 2 Thabo Njapha, 1 Aphiwe Shelembe.

Maritzburg College: 15 Swelihle Mbatha, 14 Colm Reardon, 13 Luyanda Kunene, 12 Ayrton Van Der Linde, 11 Langelihle Makhathini, 10 Luc Du Toit, 9 Rhett Quinn, 8 Sasha Kadira, 7 Kevin Ayliffe, 6 Travis Walton, 5 Kuhle Mthimkulu, 4 Jake Jansen, 3 Aiden Botha, 2 Elbie Mouton, 1 Phiwayinkosi Kubheka.

 

So many games; so little time.

Maritzburg College has a whopping 21 games lined up, placing them in the top five nationwide, for most games played per season.

This Saturday, the 18^th of March, Michaelhouse will be hosting them for a highly anticipated showdown. These are big names in rugby, as big as it gets. If you’re looking for entertainment, you know where to go.

Kick-off time is 15:30.

Catch all the action from the KwaZulu-Natal interschools this weekend live on SuperSport Schools – www.supersportschools.com.

With schools of such magnitude and legacy, there are many players with fathers who once donned the same jersey.

Of Michaelhouse, Luke Davidson’s father is an old boy; who also played Natal Schools. Tom Mitchell’s father played Natal Schools in 1984, while Campbell Ridl’s uncle played for Natal and London Irish. Of Maritzburg, both Travis Walton’s and Rhett Quinn’s fathers are old boys.

Both institutions have a great line up for 2023.

Michaelhouse has many players who took part in Sharks Academy and Grant Khomo in the previous year. Their right wing, Graham Wynne, played 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd team against St Charles last year.

Murray Baker and Josh Aissing, played 1^st and 2^nd team, as well as Sharks Academy in 2022.

Donovan van Staden and Ridl both played first team and represented the Sharks durig the Academy Week last year. Thabo Njapha played first team last year, and his brother is an Olympic 400m runner, so expect some pace from this man.

Aphiwe Shelembe and Tom Baguley both played in the Grant Khomo week in 2022.

Maritzburg College has definitely built quite the reputation for their rugby, and I don’t think this year is going to slow down their momentum.

According to their head coach, there are excellent prospects to look out for. Aiden Botha (loosehead prop) and Swelihle Mbatha (fullback) played in the 2022 Grant Khomo week and are coming in strong.

Kuhle Mthimkhulu (lock) and Sasha Kadira (eightthman) represented the Sharks at the Academy Week in 2022.

A few other great match ups taking place this weekend include Glenwood up against Westville Boys’ High, which should as action packed as any game can be. Hilton College and Northwood are also facing off.

Hilton is captained by Chris Horak, with Matt Stewart and Murray Brink as vice-captains.

This will be a great weekend of rugby, for teams and spectators alike. There is certainly no shortage of options, your only problem will be choosing which game to watch live.

The teams:

Maritzburg College vs Michaelhouse on Meadows at 15:30: 

Maritzburg College: 15 Swelihle Mbatha, 14 Colm Reardon, 13 Luyanda Kunene, 12 Ayrton van der Linde, 11 Langelihle Makhathini, 10 Luc du Toit, 9 Rhett Quinn, 8 Sasha Kadira, 7 Kevin Ayliffe, 6 Travis Walton, 5 Kuhle Mthimkulu, 4 Jake Jansen, 3 Aiden Botha, 2 Elbie Mouton, 1 Phiwayinkosi Kubheka.

Michaelhouse: 15 Luke Davidson, 14 Graham Wynne, 13 Campbell Ridl, 12 Tom Baguley, 11 Leo Muziva, 10 Murray Baker, 9 Josh Aissing, 8 Wandile Mlaba, 7 Fortune Mpofu, 6 Tristan Arde, 5 Michael Thornton, 4 Tom Mitchell, 3 Donovan van Staden, 2 Thabo Njapha, 1 Aphiwe Shelembe.

Glenwood High School vs Westville Boys’ High on Dixons at 14:45:

15 Jaco Williams, 14 Renaldo le Fleur, 13 Okanta Chijindu, 12 MJ Schoeman, 11 Bukhosibakhe, 10 Andrew Martins, 9 Carter McCleland, 8 Kane Plasket-Burne, 7 Yabo Ndzamela, 6 Tumisho Mofidokoane, 5 Laythan Sheahan, 4 Liam Terblanche, 3 Bongani Dlamini, 2 Ntokozo Ndwalane, 1 Lithemba Mfupi.

Westville Boys’ High: Coach did not provide team list.

Hilton College vs Northwood on Reece-Edwards at 15:00:

Hilton College: 15 Xola Makongolo, 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.

Northwood: 15 Siyanda Nkosi, 14 Kwenzo Dlamini, 13 Keith Chirwa, 12 Juan van Heerden, 11 Ramatuku Sikahkane, 10 Cade Latham, 9 Casey Calitz, 8 Siyanda Mabuza, 7 Enzo van Niekerk, 6 Alu Nte, 5 Titas Ceonis, 4 Vuyo Gwiji, 3 Phiko Zuka, 2 Luthando Makula, 1 Reuben Vos.

 

The champions of the central region, Hoërskool Trio, will face the champions of the north, Hoërskool Monument of Krugersdorp, in Kroonstad this Saturday.

Hoërskool Trio may be a new school, but they are looking to build a reputation to be feared within the central region. They will be facing even fiercer opponents this Saturday as they take on the Wit Bulle from Monument. Trio is the Griffons and Kovsie competiton’s Shimla-league champions, while Monnas was crowned Noordvaal champions last year after defeating Garsfontein (30-28) in the final.

There are many standout players on the team of Trio and after winning the Shimla-league last year, they are looking to keep the momentum going. Their captain and scrumhalf, CJ Taljaart, is a very physical player with great leadership skills.

Anrhu Mulder, their loose head prop, played at last year’s Craven Week. Meaning, he is no stranger to pressure and competition. The inside centre for Trio, Charlton Basson, also performed in the 2022 Craven Week.

Hoërskool Monument, in contrast to Trio, is a well established school with quite the reputation on the field. They will be using these shorter games to test the teams and analyse how to approach the season.

Monnas have a few legacy players on their squad, players who’s dads are old boys of the school. Morné and Nathan Venter are two such players, hoping to make their school proud for a second generation. Monument also has a couple players from 2022 returning to the field as part of their current squad, such as scrumhalf, Ceano Everson, and fullback, Jody Schambreel.

These two played a major part in their schools’ success during last year’s season. The clash against Trio will be the Wit Bulle’s first clash of the season. They did however have a bash-out against Hoërskool Pietersburg last Saturday. This will be Trio’s third match of the season as they lost against Grey College (10-38) and managed to down Potchefstroom Gimnasium (38-20) so far this season.

Tjaart van der Walt, head of rugby for Monument, has high hopes for the boys. Stating that all of them would love to go pro.

Ligbron Akademie‘s first team will also travel to Kroonstad where they will lock horns with the Cherries of Grey College. The Cherries are Grey College’s second stringers. Grey first team will face Welkom Gimnasium in Welkom on Saturday so the Cherries will be without their eight best players for the encounter against Ligbron.

Another team from Ermelo, Hoërskool Ermelo, will also travel to Kroonstad as they will face the Kwaggas, Monnas’ second stringers.

Ermelo got a new Director of Sport in Rudy Joubert this year. Joubert is a well-known rugby coach who was part of the Springboks’ management team back in 1995 when they lifted the William Webb Ellis cup for the first time.

The teams:

Hoërskool Trio: 15 Jaco Steyn, 14 Louis Boshoff, 13 Haaron Kabeya, 12 Charlton Basson, 11 Thuto Kekane, 10 Byron Biennas, 9 CJ Taljaart, 8 Ewald, Tolmay, 7 JP Botha, 6 JD Kirstein, 5 Henco Kriek, 4 Maansie Crous, 3 Dandré Bloem, 2 Heinrich Loubscher, 1 Anrhu Mulder.

Monument: 15 Jody Schambreel, 14 Nathan Venter, 13 Zain Henery, 12 Christi Botes, 11 Kelvin Van Wyk, 10 Daylon Myners, 9 Ceano Everson, 8 Jamaal Feldman, 7 Morné Venter (captain), 6 Tristan da Costa, 5 Michiel Burger, 4 Jacques Botha, 3 Juandré Marais, 2 Theunis Smal, 1 Ricardo Du Plessis.

Kick-off: 17:00

Other matches: 

Trio Sports Day 

17:00 – Hoërskool Trio vs Monument; 16:00 – Ligbron Akademie vs Cherries; 15:00 – Hoërskool Ermelo vs Monument II.

Wesgrow Series 

13:45 – Sentraal vs Witteberg; 13:10 – Jim Fouché vs Goudveld-Hoërskool.

 

Welkom Gimnasium was once again in superb form against Helpmekaar-kollege as they ran out victors by 25-16 in these two side’s clash in Johannesburg on Saturday. Gimmies hosted Helpies back in 2020 just before Covid and won handsomely by 35-7 on their home-turf.

This time around it was Gimmies that showed Helpies that home ground advantage is probably not going to play a part in this interschools.

There were some nail-biting moments where you almost forgot you were watching school rugby; and felt more as if you were watching the Bokke and the All Blacks at war.

Helpmekaar put up a great fight, but unfortunately, the home ground advantage doesn’t always pay off. Welkom ended up taking a 25-16 victory over their rivals, surely leaving the Helpies fans disappointed, but still impressed with their efforts.

Welkom Gimnasium’s flyhalf, Ronaldo Kiewiet, had an excellent day with the boot as even the commentator jokingly comparing his kicking abilities to that of Christiano Ronaldo. He managed to slot two penalties and two conversions for Gimmies.

Winger Naylen Goeda scored two tries for the visitors from Welkom, helping his side to secure the victory. Nr. 8, Ethan Jones, scored what was certainly the most entertaining try of the match, diving head first like a gazelle, dotting the ball down.

Helpmekaar definitely put on a great game themselves; and literally, did not give up until the end. Even after the end; as their final play stretched past the full time marker. Pieter Moller had the most impressive try of the game; and maybe of their season. He went full steam ahead until he put that ball down.

Helpies’ fullback, Junayden Seffier, also played an integral part in this maneuver, the two of them working in unison. Seffier made an excellent catch, providing the opportunity for Moller to land this beautiful try.

The home side’s flyhalf, Michael Benzien, had an excellent game as well. Succeeding with two penalties and crossing the try line for one of his side’s two tries.

Both teams played with heart today, and gave it their all.

It was a really entertaining game to watch, and showed everyone involved just how much effort they will need to put into their performance this season.

Scorers: 

Welkom Gimnasium 25 (10) – Tries: Naven Goeda (2), Ethan Jones. Conversions: Ronaldo Kiewiet (2). Penalties: Kiewiet (2). Helpmekaar-kollege 16 (11) – Tries: Michael Benzien, Pieter Moller. Penalties: Benzien (2).

The teams:

Helpmekaar-kollege: 15 Junayden Seffier, 14 Ruan Nel, 13 Tiaan le Roux, 12 Rynhardt van der Linde, 11 Pieter Moller, 10 Michael Benzien, 9 Tristin Van Niekerk, 8 Michael MacDonald, 7 Christiaan van der Merwe, 6 Zack Smit, 5 Josh van Rhyn, 4 Ulrich Swart, 3 Boela de Wet, 2 JJ du Preez, 1 Jandré Labuschagne.

Welkom Gimnasium: 15 Naylen Goeda, 14 Taschon Meas, 13 Mojalefa Mathoka, 12 Jayden Weiderman, 11 Naven Goeda, 10 Ronaldo Kiewiet, 9 Julian Samuels, 8 Ethan Jones, 7 Ayanda Silwanyana, 6 Danté Smith, 5 Tyrese Brouers, 4 Jayden Auld, 3 Tristan Appollis, 2 Waynedrew George, 1 Keanan August.

It’s been too long since we had an exciting game of rugby to watch, but the wait has definitely been worth it.

Its time for schoolboy rugby to return to the field; as well as to your screen. Sarel Cilliers Rugby Day in Glenco has arrived, and it will be an absolute cracker of a festival to lead us into the 2023 season.

As if the news of the festival isn’t enough to have you on the edge of your seat, the Blue Lions of  Sarel Cilliers will take on Parktown Boys’ High for the main showdown on Saturday night.

Glenwood High School goes up against Hoerskool Vryheid in the sixth game of the day.

At the 2022 Sarel Cilliers Rugby Day, the Glenwood Lights Greens defeated the Vryheid in a whopping 55-6 victory, so it should be epic to see how the top performers of both institutions fare against one another. This could either be a comeback story or the start of a winning streak.

The Sharks Development u14 and u16 will also be making an appearance of the field, it should be interesting to see whether or not the development program has given them the edge.

There will be three fields and triple the action at this all-out rugby bonanza. Definitely a festival to attend for the true rugby lover, but don’t hesitate to stream the games if you’re a bit too far from the action. This is going to be great; you’ll want to be a part of the experience.

Saturday, 18 February 2023

A-field

19:00 – Sarel Cilliers vs Parktown Boys’ High
17:50 – Newcastle vs Greytown
16:40 – Pongola Academy vs Amajuba
15:30 – Westville Boys’ High vs Ferrum
14:20 – Vryheid Landbou vs Ixopo
13:10 – Glenwood vs Vryheid
12:00 – Dundee vs Westville Boys’ High II
10:50 – Glenwood II vs Ferrum II
09:40 – u16 – Westville Boys’ High vs Ferrum
08:30 – u16 – Mandla Mthethwa vs John Ross
07:30 – u13 – Pongola Academy vs Dundee Primary

B-field

16:50 – u16 – Ixopo vs Greytown
15:40 – u19 – Greytown II vs Vryheid Landbou II
14:30 – u19 – Linpark vs Sarel Cilliers II
13:20 – u16 – Newcastle vs Amanzimtoti
12:10 – u16 – Glenwood vs Vryheid
11:50 – u19 – John Ross vs Vryheid II
09:50 – u16 – Sharks Development vs Sarel Cilliers
08:40 – u15 – Greytown vs Glenwood
07:30 – u16 – Linpark vs Vryheid Landbou

C-field

16:50 – u15 – Amanzimtoti vs Vryheid
15:40 – u14 – Ixopo vs Sarel Cilliers
14:30 – u15 – Vryheid Landbou vs Pinetown Boys’ High
13:20 – u14 – Vryheid vs Westville Boys’ High
12:10 – u14 – Newcastle vs Amanzimtoti
11:50 – u14 – Ferrum vs Glenwood u15
09:50 – u15 – Westville Boys’ High vs Ferrum
08:40 – u14 – Greytown vs Westville Boys’ High II
07:30 – u14 – Sharks Development vs Vryheid Landbou

With many exciting sports festivals coming up, one definitely needs to highlight the St Stithians College “Saints Sportsfest”.

The fixtures have recently been announced and are sure to have everyone on the edge of their seats. The action will take place leading up to and during the Easter weekend; ensuring you won’t be short on entertainment this festive season.

All of the matches will be live-streamed via SuperSport Schools. Register today to make sure you don’t miss out on any of the action – Register Here.

The opening game on April 6^th 2023 will see the hosts, St Stithians, face off against Bishops. This will set the tone and get everyone’s energy where it should be.

Next up is Kingswood College vs Clifton, followed by St John’s Harare going head-to-head with St Albans. It’s a battle of neighbouring nations and should make for a great game. Some big names take the field next as we have St Andrew’s College against Michaelhouse.

To end off the opening day, we have a game that will very likely exceed the already high expectations. Wynberg take on Helpmekaar for the penultimate clash. The Helpies decided to join the Saints Sportsfest this year, and lovers of great rugby will not be disappointed.

Two days later, on the 8^th of April, the battle will recommence. Wynberg played the last game on opening day, and they join St Alban’s for the first game of day two. St John’s Harare go up against St Andrew’s in the following match.

Clifton takes on Michaelhouse in game three; which should make for some excellent viewing. Its Helpmekaar vs Bishops in the fourth game, with St Stithians and Kingswood colliding next to end off the day.

The final day, April 10^th 2023, has Bishops and Clifton starting us off. Wynberg and Northcliff battle it out in game two.

Michaelhouse throws down against St Alban’s next, followed by Kingswood vs Helpmekaar. St Stithians takes on St John’s Harare for the last game of the day; as well as the tournament.

Any true rugby fan is spoiled for choice with this line up, there will be action packed games stacked back-to-back, and overall the festival should be great fun.

The fixtures for the Saints Easter Festival:

Thursday, 6 April 2023

11:00 – St Stithians College vs Bishops
12:15 – Kingswood College vs Clifton
13:30 – St John’s College (Harare) vs St Alban’s College
14:45 – St Andrew’s College vs Michaelhouse
16:00 – Wynberg Boys’ High vs Helpmekaar

Saturday, 8 April 2023

11:00 – St Alban’s College vs Wynberg Boys’ High
12:15 – St John’s College (Harare) vs St Andrew’s College
13:30 – Clifton vs Michaelhouse
14:45 – Helpmekaar vs Bishops
16:30 – St Stithians College vs Kingswood College

Monday, 10 April 2023

11:00 – Bishops vs Clifton
12:15 – Wynberg Boys’ High vs Northcliff
13:30 – Michaelhouse vs St Alban’s College
14:45 – Kingswood College vs Helpmekaar
16:00 – St Stithians College vs St John’s College (Harare)

The air is starting to catch a chill; the heavy rains are passing us by.

We are nearing the winter sport season and the air smells of veld fire and potential.

This is an exciting time for all of us, but especially for the rising stars and the committed coaches forming and shaping this young talent.

Recently we had the privilege of speaking to one of these coaches, Frans Crous, of Goudveld-Hoërskool, to get the rundown on the upcoming season and the outlook for the 2023 squad.

Goudveld’s 2022 team was a strong one, and 17 of those players will be carrying their skills over into the new year.

The 2023 squad will include Pieter Reyneke (prop), Jaunricht Cloete and Lodie van Dyk (both locks), Schalk du Plessis (flank), Ryan de Jager (scrumhalf), Quinton Davids (flyhalf), Zander van den Berg and Enzo Beukes (both wingers), Urban Pienaar (centre), Tyrece Britz (fullback) and last but definitely not least, Jonathan Olivier (Nr. 8) who all made appearances during last season.

Olivier is definitely a player to watch. This prospect represented the Griffons at the 2022 Academy Week (u18) which was hosted in Wellington. 

At half time during the national tournament it was 20-0 to the Blue Bulls, but Jonathan led an incredible comeback. Scoring a hat-trick in the second half helping the Griffons to a 21-20 victory over the Blue Bulls. 

His brother, Rian Olivier, played for the Griffons Craven Week-side in 2019-2020, ultimately leading to him joining the French Rugby union team Castres Olympique from 2020-2022.

Rugby is definitely in their blood, and Jonathan is on the lookout for opportunities to take his skills beyond the school level.

Some hopefuls which played in last year’s Grant Khomo Week are also looking to earn their spot in the first team. These are Jan Coetzee, Ryan Lemmer, Joshua Coertzen and Ru-Bran Kock. As first team reserves, we have Kabous du Plooy, Wian de Beer, Nichlas Marais, Marco-Jan Pretorius, Caleb Lottering and Junior Motsamai.

Leading the talent is of course head coach Frans Crous, assistant coaches Steps Pretorius and Fanie Pretorius focusing on the backline.

Jacques van Staden is the team manager with Madison Murdoch handling the squads strength and conditioning training.

Goudveld will as per usual open their season during the annual Fichardtpark Sports Day in Bloemfontein. They will face Jim Fouché, Sentraal, Witteberg, Hoërskool Trio, Fichardtpark, Diamantveld and Voortrekker in their group matches during the Wesgrow-league. The matches against Witteberg, the Trekkers and Trio will also double-up as Griffon-league encounters.

The team will attend the USN Rugby Festival at Camp Discovery during the March holidays.

Their hopes for the year are to fully live out their mission, vision, values and principles on, and off the field. To deliver the best possible game as a unit; to look back at the season with no regrets. When they can achieve this, the results will take care of themselves.

This is definitely set to be an exciting season, and the Gouties are certainly a team to look out for. 

Goudveld’s fixtures for the 2023-season:

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