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  • Nudgee tops Grey College with last-gasp drop goal, Monnas roughs up Westlake

    Nudgee tops Grey College with last-gasp drop goal, Monnas roughs up Westlake

    Nudgee flyhalf Chilli Smith was hotter than a habanero, scoring an intercept try and slotting the match-winning drop goal in his side’s 29-26 victory over Grey College at the St John’s College Easter Festival in Johannesburg. Photo: Frans Lombard/Actionpix

    On Thursday night in Johannesburg, at the St John’s Easter Festival, Grey College suffered a second consecutive loss for the first time since 2017.

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

    The match that preceded the big Grey College vs Nudgee clash provided rich entertainment, with the Wit Bulle of Hoërskool Monument overpowering New Zealand’s Westlake Boys’ High 56–35.

    There was nothing in it at the interval, however, with the teams level at 21-21. After the break, Monument’s backline found another gear.

    Their superb performance was orchestrated by SA Schools’ scrumhalf Morné Noble, who dashed over for a hat-trick of tries. Centre Blessing Monareng added momentum with his powerful midfield carries, while left-wing Ruan Genis stretched the Westlake defence with his powerful running.

    In reply, outside centre Matt Fleming showcased pace and skill and touched down twice for the New Zealanders. His first effort was a strong contender for the try of the day.

    Scorers

    Nudgee College 29 (12) – Tries: Aiden Luke, Billy Spicer, Chilli Smith, Barry Taukolo. Conversions: Bond Bradley (3), Smith. Dropgoal: Smith. Grey College 26 (12) – Tries: Henru Erasmus, Alexi Tyropolis, Niel Du Randt, Penalty try. Conversions: Christoff Crous (2).

    Monument 56 (21) – Tries: Morné Noble (3), Blessing Monareng, Migael Coetzee, Hanco van Geelen, Roche Botha, Ivan van der Merwe. Conversions: Cameron Kourie (8). Westlake Boys’ High 35 (21) – Tries: Matt Fleming (2), Archer Lumsden, Levi Leith, Haley Pethybridge. Conversions: Leith (5).

  • Rams overcome St Stithians, Mali XV downs Clifton at Saints Easter Festival

    Rams overcome St Stithians, Mali XV downs Clifton at Saints Easter Festival

    St John's College (Harare) had just enough in the tank to score a tight victory over the hosts, St Stithians, at the Saints Sports Festival in Johannesburg on Thursday.
    St John’s College (Harare) had just enough in the tank to score a tight victory over the hosts, St Stithians, at the Saints Sports Festival in Johannesburg on Thursday.

    St John’s College (Harare) played their hearts out to score a thrilling 24-21 victory over the hosts, St Stithians College, on Thursday, day one of the Saints Easter Rugby Festival.

    The Lyme Park locals started with ferocious intensity. Their forwards provided scrumhalf Rory Bezuidenhout with quick ball, which he whipped out with haste from ruck after ruck, which enabled Saints to make metres with each carry.

    That momentum eventually paid off when tighthead prop Larson Rujuwa muscled his way over the try line for the Saints‘ opening score from about five metres out.

    However, the Zimbabwean outfit had no intentions of sitting idly by to receive further punishment. They slowly but surely clawed their way back into the game.

    The turning point of the match came in the middle of the second half with the score at 10-7 in favour of the visitors.

    Rams‘ outside centre Andile Ndlovu made a brilliant break from his own 10-metre line and hit the accelerator before passing out to hooker Sean Takaindisa, who made the dive for five in the left-hand corner.

    From there, they did just enough to close out the contest and earn a hard-fought three-point win.

    After a 7-7 first half, the Eastern Cape’s Mzwandile Mali XV outscored Clifton College 27-14 in the second half to claim a 34-21 victory.

    The Durbanites scored first in the match through eighthman Liam Stocks. From a lineout inside the Mali XV’s 22, the ball was sent down the backline. Running a perfect line, as if he were a third centre, Stocks sliced through the defence and pinned the ball to the ground for his try.

    Meanwhile, flyhalf Sibabalwe Gwinsta and fullback Marchellino Mars scored a try each for the Mali XV, and constantly troubled Clifton with their speed and agility.

    While their flair and individual brilliance provided entertainment, it was the composite team’s cohesive and complete performance which ultimately earned them the win.

    In a game between two foreign outfits, Hoërskool Windhoek mustered a 25-14 victory over the Hartpury College XV

    Playing with confidence, the Namibians scored four tries to grab a deserved victory. A drop goal by flyhalf, MC-Rein van Wyk, was the icing on the cake in their win.

    Scorers

    Hoërskool Windhoek 25 (10) – Tries: Carlos Florian, Xavier Bampton, Kalipa Mbuende, Bradley Beukes. Conversions: MC-Rein van Wyk. Drop Goal: Van Wyk. Hartpury College XV 14 (7) – Tries: Will Bennett, Cameron Marshall. Conversions: James Siberry (2).

    St John’s College (Harare) 24 (3) – Tries: Tafara Chirambanegomo, Sean Takaindisa, Jacob Viki. Conversions: Sebastian Sarpo (3). Penalty: Sarpo. St Stithians College 21 (7) – Tries: Larson Rujuwa, Andrew Casewell, Kenneth Thring. Conversions: Tino Mambure (3).

    Mzwandile Mali XV 34 (14) – Tries: Bongolethu Mxoli, Marchellino Mars, Onwabe Tanana, Siphesihle Persent, Athabile Magada. Conversions: Sibabalwe Gwinsta (2), Marchellino Mars. Penalty: Sibabalwe Gwinsta. Clifton College 21 (14) – Tries: Liam Stocks, Trent Bam, Cole Nienhuser. Conversions: Jack Snaith (2), Izah Roux.

  • Lions Invitational XV roars with shock victory over Welkom Gim

    Lions Invitational XV roars with shock victory over Welkom Gim

    Daniel Kruger, the blinkside flank of the Golden Lions Invitational XV, dives over for a long-range try after intercepting a pass in his side’s 38-36 victory over Welkom Gimnasium. Photo: Frans Lombard/Actionpix.

    The first fixture of the 2026 St John’s Easter Festival delivered the first surprise of the Easter weekend, courtesy of the Golden Lions Invitational XV, who stunned Welkom Gimnasium 38–36 on Burger Field, in Johannesburg, on Thursday.

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

    In recent seasons, the Lions Invitational XV, regulars at the St John’s Easter Festival, have developed into a far more polished outfit, and this year they boast arguably one of their strongest lineups to date.

    The team is composed of leading talent from smaller schools across the Golden Lions region, with several schools contributing players capable of competing with the best on show at the festival.

    Flyhalf Gavi Graff marshalled proceedings effectively, bringing a dangerous backline into play. The platform for the invitational side’s victory, however, was laid by the outstanding loose forwards, flank Daniel Kruger and 8th-man Keith Ncube, who delivered outstanding and decisive performances.

    They both showed the Welkom Gim defence a clean pair of heels on multiple occasions, with both crossing from tries from long range. The Free Staters showed admirable heart. At one point, they trailed 17-33, but they fought back through their lively backline. Outside centre Gimo Nafta was the standout, dotting down twice to account for 10 of Welkom Gimnasium‘s 36 points.

    The St Joseph’s Nudgee College 2nd XV followed with a 24–11 victory over the Grey and Blue of St Alban’s College. The Australians set the tone physically and delivered a dominant defensive performance. They capitalised on the pressure they created by turning errors into points.

    Tighthead prop Harry O’Hare thrived in the South African conditions, with his energetic performance being rewarded with the opening try of the match.

    The remaining three tries for the visitors came from their backs, with inside centre Joshua Andrews scoring the pick of the bunch, which effectively sealed victory.

    Scorers: 

    Golden Lions Invitational XV 38 (23) – Tries: Daniel Kruger, Junior Mthetwa, Luka Montana, Keith Ncube, Busa Tom. Conversions: Gavi Graff (2). Penalties: Graff (3). Welkom Gimnasium 36 (17) – Tries: Gimo Nafta (2), Vusi Ndayi, Caleb Botha, Matthew Venter. Conversions: Leano Williams (4). Penalty: Williams.

    St Joseph’s College II 24 (14) – Tries: Harry O’Hare, Samuel Coleman, Tom Gibb, Joshua Andrews. Conversions: Chilli Smith (2). St Alban’s College 11 (6) – Try: Wandile Mbatha. Penalties: Thabiso Simelane (2).

  • Results – St John’s Easter Festival 2026 – Day 1

    Results – St John’s Easter Festival 2026 – Day 1

    Scorers:

    Diocesan College 24 (7) – Tries: Cristian Toweel, Caleb Clark, Ben Durandt, Jack Hibling. Conversions: Eljaron Geduld (2), Clark. St John’s College 7 (7) – Try: Alec Psillos. Conversion: Psillos.

    Hilton College 65 (32) – Tries: Ross Steyn (2), James Peattie, Liyema Gazi, Tom Gurupira, Aiden du Plooy, Lwango Ntantala, Rob Jervis, John Grubb. Conversions: Grubb (3), JD van Wyk (3). Penalties: Grubb (1). Hoërskool Nelspruit 14 (14) – Tries: Kamo Monkwe, Vian Louw. Conversions: Ewan Van Der Merwe (2).

    St Joseph’s Nudgee College (12) – Tries: Xavier Hill, Billy Spicer, Pierre Poluleuligaga, Eli Rauluni. Conversions: Bond Bradley (2), Poluleuligaga. Dropgoal: Poluleuligaga. Grey College (12) – Tries: Henru Erasmus, Alexi Tyropolis, Niel Du Randt, Penalty try. Conversions: Christoff Crous (2).

    Monument 56 (21) – Tries: Morné Noble (3), Blessing Monareng, Migael Coetzee, Hanco van Geelen, Ivan van der Merwe, Try. Conversions: Cameron Kourie (8). West Lake Boys’ High 35 (21) – Tries: Matt Fleming (2), Archer Lumsden, Levi Leith, Haley Pethybridge. Conversions: Leith (5).

    Kingswood College 40 (12) – Tries: Junior Ndlazi, Kungawo Badli, James Mackenzie, Sithenkosi Qabaka, Ross Thompson, Ryan O’Sullivan. Conversions Christopher Zimmerman (5). St David’s Marist 5 (0) – Try: Ronin Hallowes. 

    Graeme College 57 (33) – Tries: Lucritia Magau (3), Luke Doyle (2), Erin Nelson (2), Andrew Muir, Hunta van Zyl. Conversions: Nelson (5), Doyle. St Benedict’s College 5 (0) – Try: Siya Kubeka.

    St Joseph’s College (Aus) II 24 (14) – Tries: Harry O’Hare, Samuel Coleman, Tom Gibb, Joshua Andrews. Conversions: Chilli Smith (2). St Alban’s College 11 (6) – Try: Wandile Mbatha. Penalties: Thabiso Simelane (2).

    Golden Lions Invitational XV 38 (23) – Tries: Daniel Kruger, Junior Mthetwa, Luka Montana, Keith Ncube, Busa Tom. Conversions: Gavi Graff (2). Penalties: Graff (3). Welkom Gimnasium 36 (17) – Tries: Gimo Nafta (2), Vusi Ndayi, Caleb Botha, Matthew Venter. Conversions: Leano Williams (4). Penalty: Williams

  • Devnarain Reflects on SA u19 Women’s Bronze Finish in Nigeria’s Patricia Kambarami Cup

    Devnarain Reflects on SA u19 Women’s Bronze Finish in Nigeria’s Patricia Kambarami Cup

    Team captains at the Nigeria Invitational Women’s T20I Tournament, held at the Tafawa Balewa Square Cricket Oval, Lagos, in March 2026 (PHOTO: Nigerian Cricket Federation on Instagram)

    JOHANNESBURG: South Africa Under-19 Women head coach Dinesha Devnarain reflected on a lesson-filled campaign following her team’s third-place finish at the recently concluded Patricia Kambarami Cup in Nigeria, as the side continues to build towards next year’s ICC U19 Women’s T20 World Cup.

    Led by captain Mieke van Voorst, who scored 208 runs in six innings at an average of 41.6 and a strike rate of 131, the SA U19s showed encouraging progress throughout the tournament. Their campaign included a win over Ghana and two victories against Zimbabwe Under-19, with their only defeats coming at the hands of finalists Nigeria and eventual champions Rwanda.

    Devnarain highlighted the team’s overall showing, pointing to both growth and areas of improvement.

    “Finishing third is not where we ultimately want to be, but it forms an important part of our journey. There were moments where we showed the identity of how we want to play, but we weren’t consistent enough across key phases of the game.

    “We are also aware that we were competing against teams like Rwanda and Nigeria, who spend a lot more time together, and are senior women’s sides. Having said that, we had two very strong contests against them where we fell just short, which shows we are not far off.”

    The coach also added that the semi-final defeat, where South Africa lost by seven wickets, was a key learning moment for the group.

    “What was disappointing for us was that our worst performance came in the semi-final, which is a key moment in the tournament. That’s an area we need to reflect on and how we show up in must-win situations.”

    “One of the biggest positives for me was the behavioural growth of the group. The girls were consistently placed in uncomfortable situations throughout the tournament, and what was really encouraging was that they continued to show up and compete.”

    Van Voorst’s leadership was central to the campaign, with the all-rounder finishing as the second-highest run-scorer in the tournament behind Zimbabwe’s Beloved Biza (238 runs), while also contributing with the ball. There were also notable contributions across the squad, with Ashleigh van Wyk (8 wickets), Siphokuhle Masilela (73 runs) and Daneli Boshoff (80 runs, 6 wickets) playing key roles.

    “Mieke has been really good for us, especially from a performance point of view. She led from the front and consistently looked to contribute in key moments. It was also really pleasing to see contributions coming from different players across the group. At this level, it’s important that we don’t rely on one or two individuals, but rather build a team that can collectively step up.”

    Looking ahead, Devnarain emphasised the value of the competition in the team’s readiness for the U19 World Cup.

    “It was extremely important for us. It gives us a clear picture of where we are as a group and what is required to compete consistently at an international level.”

    SA U19 Women Squad:

    Ashley Barnard (Mpumalanga), Daneli Boshoff (Boland), Jezé Campher (SWD). Jae-Leigh Filander (Western Province), Bruzaan Goosen (Eastern Storm), Miya Lalor (Western Province), Siphokuhle Masilela (Eastern Storm), Ziya Mohanlall (KZN Coastal), Kananelo Mokoena (Eastern Storm), Shelfa Mukhari (Limpopo), Rethabile Nthoba (Free State), Mieke van Voorst (Eastern Storm), Ashleigh van Wyk (Eastern Storm), Chanel Venter (Titans), Cayleigh Wanckel (Border)

     

    SA U19 Women’s Fixtures – NCF Women’s T20I Invitational 2026 

     

    South Africa U19 won by 99 runs

    SA U19: 168/4 after 20 overs; M. van Voorst 50 (34), S. Masilela 37 (44); K. Awuah 2/22, E. Sagoe 1/26

    Ghana: 69 all out after 19.3 overs; K. Awuah 12 (18), R. Salia 12 (29); M. van Voorst 3/1, Z. Mohanlall 2/19

     

    Rwanda won by 1 run 

    Rwanda: 101/7 after 14 overs; C. Umutoniwase 26 (21), F. Utagushimaninde 24 (25); D. Boshoff 2/19, A. van Wyk 2/22

    SA U19: 100/4 after 14 overs; M. van Voorst 34 (27), A. Bernard 21 (15); A. Ikuzwe 2/21, D. Bimenyimana  1/16

     

    South Africa U19 won by 28 runs

    SA U19: 145/7 after 20 overs; A. Barnard 40 (29), D. Boshoff 25 (17); T. Garutsa 2/16, S. Museka 2/26

    Zimbabwe U19: 117/8 after 20 overs; C. Mutasa 35 (31), B. Biza 34 (40); A. van Wyk 3/18, K. Mokoena 2/15

     

    Match Tied (Nigeria won the Super Over by 1 run) 

    SA U19: 133/7 after 20 overs; M. van Voorst 69 (47), S. Masilela 20 (15); A. Muheebat 2/17, P. Usen 2/16

    Nigeria: 133/3 after 20 overs; L. Piety 66 (35), C. Chukwuonye 26 (43); B. Goosen 1/17, J. Campher 1/28

    Nigeria: 10/0 after 1 over; L. Piety 5* (3), S. Sunday 4* (3); M. van Voorst 0/10

    SA U19: 9/1 after 1 over; D. Boshoff 5* (2), M. van Voorst 4 (4); A. Muheebat 1/9

     

    Semi-final 1: Nigeria won by 7 wickets 

    SA U19: 66 all out after 17 overs; D. Boshoff 16 (12), A. Barnard 15 (30); L. Ude 3/6 P. Usen 2/18

    Nigeria: 67/3 after 9.3 overs; L. Piety 18* (8), V. Igbinedion 18 (12); D. Boshoff 1/4, Z. Mohanlall 1/26

     

    Third-place Playoff: South Africa U19 won by 70 runs

    SA U19: 133/5 after 20 overs; M. van Voorst 52 (45), D. Boshoff 23* (17); C. Mutasa 2/14, T. Garutsa 2/24

    Zimbabwe U19: 63/8 after 20 overs; N. Nyika 18 (50), T. Garutsa 10 (17); D. Boshoff 2/8, A. van Wyk 2/12

    Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications

  • Results – Saints Easter Rugby Festival – Day 1

    Results – Saints Easter Rugby Festival – Day 1

    Scorers:

    Hoërskool Windhoek 25 (10) – Tries: Carlos Florian, Xavier Bampton, Kalipa Mbuende, Bradley Beukes. Conversions: MC-Rein van Wyk. Drop Goal: Van Wyk. Hartpury College XV 14 (7) – Tries: Will Bennett, Cameron Marshall. Conversions: James Siberry (2).

    St Stithians College 21 (7) – Tries: Larson Rujuwa, Andrew Casewell, Bryce Winstanley. Conversions: Caleb Sokolich (3). St John’s College (Harare) 24 (3) – Tries: T. Chirambanegomo, S. Takaindisa, J. Viki. Conversions: S. Sarpo (3). Penalty: S. Sarpo.

    Mzwandile Mali XV 34 (14) – Tries: Bongolethu Mxoli, Marchellino Mars, Onwabe Tanana, Siphesihle Persent, Athabile Magada. Conversions: Sibabalwe Gwinsta (2), Marchellino Mars. Penalty: Sibabalwe Gwinsta. Clifton College 21 (14) – Tries: Liam Stocks, Trent Bam, Cole Nienhuser. Conversions: Jack Snaith (2), Izah Roux.

    St Charles College 7 (0) – Tries: Braydon Joese. Conversions: Njabulo Nala. Northcliff High 18 (10) – Tries: Dayne Van Wyk, Ethan Leonette. Conversions: Jack Woolard. Penalties: Jack Woolard, Jonothan Haw.

    Hoërskool Kempton Park 27 (12) – Tries: Reynard Burger, Luca du Plooy, Ethan Botha, Aubrey Hoskin. Conversion: Reynard Burger (2). Penalty: Reynard Burger. Hoërskool Pietersburg 15 (8) – Tries: Jan-Hendrik Bonneschans, Brent Vorster. Conversion: Juan Randall. Penalty: Ryno Mienie.

    Hartpury College 14 (7) – Tries: Alex Orehawa, Christian Gordon-Astbury. Conversions: Ifan Williams, Jardel Furness. Hoërskool Middelburg 21 (7) – Tries: Melchior van Niekerk (2), Lihan de Vaal. Conversions: Kgontse Masilela, Jano Wilson (2).

    Wynberg Boys’ High 84 (36) – Tries: Laeeq Davids (3), Cayleb Buys (3), Matthew Farah, Solam Gegena, Rauf Ahmed, Naeem Mohammed, CJ Kotze, Ithandile Nkohla, Ridhau Johnson, Matthew Anthony. Conversions: Luke Gertze (7). Hoërskool Garsfontein 0. 

  • Bayhill Premier Cup kicks off

    Bayhill Premier Cup kicks off

    The 37th edition of the historic Bayhill Premier Cup (BPC) tournament kicked off on Wednesday with high intensity, late drama, and some outstanding performances lighting up Belhar, in Cape Town.

    Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

    It was not a full day of football, with the event kicking off at 15:30, but fans can expect an exciting and action-packed full day of action on Thursday.

    In 2025, the Ubuntu Football Academy secured the title by defeating Randburg 2-0 in the final at the Athlone Stadium. They were led by Beluchi Ihebe, who scored twice in the title game.

    Ubuntu will start their title defence on Thursday evening when they face Shayamoya Academy.

    Day One Recap

    On Wednesday, in Group A, Antalyaspor scraped a narrow 1-0 victory over Stanturf United.

    In Group B, Vasco Da Gama was held to a 1-1 stalemate by Houtbay United, while Cape Town City, the reigning champions of the Engen Champs of Champs and one of the tournament favourites, kicked off their challenge with a 2-1 victory over Everton. They, too, are in Group B.

    In Group C, Stellenbosch and Jomo’s Power shared an exciting 2-2 draw, which earned both teams a single point.

    In Group D, Matroosfontein took down Juventus, winning 2-0.

    Cape Town Spurs, competing in Group E, picked up three points, thanks to a 2-1 win over Eagles Performance.

    RESULTS

    Group A

    Antalyaspor JPM 1-0 Stanturf United

    Group B

    Vasco Da Gama 1-1 Houtbay United
    Cape Town City 2-1 Everton

    Group C

    Jomo’s Power 2-2 Stellenbosch

    Group D

    Matroosfontein 2-0 Juventus

    Group E

    Cape Town Spurs 2-1 Eagles Performance

  • Foote names expanded Junior Bok group for TRCU20 training camp

    Foote names expanded Junior Bok group for TRCU20 training camp

    Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote (Photo: SA Rugby)

    Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote on Wednesday named a sizeable training squad of 45 players, including four who attended the recent Springbok alignment camp, for a two-week camp in Stellenbosch from 6 to 19 April in preparation for the 2026 edition of the Under‑20 Rugby Championship (TRCU20).

    Riley Norton, who skippered the Junior Boks to the world title last year in Italy, Siphosethu Mnebelele, Kai Pratt, and Markus Muller all had a taste of the senior Springbok environment at the team’s first alignment camp of the year in Cape Town in March.

    The Junior Bok training squad will be reduced to 31 players in two weeks for the third TRCU20, which will be staged in Gqeberha.

    Hollywoodbets Sharks flyhalf Vusi Moyo, who is recovering from hip surgery, has also been included in the group for the first time this year. Although unlikely to feature in the TRCU20, he will continue his rehabilitation under the supervision of the Junior Bok medical team.

    Meanwhile utility back Luan Giliomee, who recently made his international debut for the Blitzboks, has been named as a utility player. He is equally comfortable at fullback, where he made his Vodacom United Rugby Championship debut for the Hollywoodbets Sharks, and at flyhalf.

    Vodacom Bulls wing Cheswill Jooste, who like Moyo was also a member of last year’s successful Junior Bok side, was not considered for this training camp due to his Vodacom URC commitments.

    Alongside their daily field and gym sessions in Stellenbosch, the Junior Boks will take part in two training chukkas against the Sanlam Boland Kavaliers in Wellington, with a similar training drill planned against Eastern Province.

    Foote described the naming of the extended squad as another key step in the team’s build‑up toward the forthcoming U20TRC tournament. He noted that the recent tour to Georgia had been a critical part of their preparation, and that the Stellenbosch camp would sharpen their readiness further.

    “Georgia gave us a great opportunity to play and grow together as a team, and to test our set-pieces against a formidable pack,” said Foote.

    “Our objectives at this camp are to step up our fitness levels, physicality, and ball‑in‑play time.

    “Playing southern hemisphere teams presents a different type of challenge. They produce far more ball‑in‑play time compared to the Georgians, who are heavily set‑piece orientated.”

    Foote added that their focus on conditioning was largely shaped by lessons learned in last year’s tournament.

    “Our experience in Gqeberha was that the surface can be soft underfoot, which led to several players cramping,” said the coach. “So, we want to ensure our fitness levels match how we intend to play, especially against teams who favour a fast‑paced game.”

    The SANZAAR TRCU20 competition will feature the best young talent from South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina, with the tournament kicking off on Freedom Day, 27 April, and the remaining match days scheduled for 3 and 9 May, respectively.  All matches will be staged at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.

    Junior Springbok training squad:

    Props: Oliver Reid (DHL Stormers), Rambo Kubheka (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jordan Jooste (DHL Stormers), Cecil Parson (Lions); Danie Kruger (DHL Stormers), Kai Pratt (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Luan van der Berg (Vodacom Bulls), Bongani Dlamini (Vodacom Bulls).

    Hookers: Siphosethu Mnebelele (Vodacom Bulls), Liam van Wyk (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Mahle Sithole (Lions), Altus Rabe (DHL Stormers).

    Locks:  Heinrich Theron (Vodacom Bulls), Riley Norton (DHL Stormers), JD Hattingh (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), AJ Meyer (DHL Stormers), Tom Barnard (DHL Stormers).

    Loose forwards: Kebotile Maake (Vodacom Bulls), Risima Khosa (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Luann Olivier (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Luke Canon (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Thomas Beling (Vodacom Bulls), Wasi Vyambwera (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Sibusiso Mahlangu (Toyota Cheetahs), Bohlale Maphisa (Toyota Cheetahs), Gert Kemp (DHL Stormers).

    Scrumhalves: Hendré Schoeman (Vodacom Bulls), Jayden Brits (DHL Stormers), Jandrian Goosen (Vodacom Bulls).

    Flyhalves: Yaqeen Ahmed (DHL Stormers), Vusi Moyo (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Alzeadon Felix (Hollywoodbets Sharks),

    Centres:  Ethan Adams (Fidelity Securedrive Lions), Christian Vorster (Vodacom Bulls), Winton Abrahams (CUT), Samuel Badenhorst (DHL Stormers), Markus Muller (DHL Stormers).

    Outside backs: Dylan Miller (DHL Stormers), Junaide Stuart (Vodacom Bulls), Khuthadzo Rasivhaga (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Lindsey Jansen (Vodacom Bulls), Jack Benade (DHL Stormers), Zekhethelo Siyaya (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jade Muller (Toyota Cheetahs).

    Utility player: Luan Giliomee (Hollywoodbets Sharks).

    Issued by SA Rugby Communications 

  • Rondebosch to make historic EHCO tournament debut in Holland

    Rondebosch to make historic EHCO tournament debut in Holland

    Rondebosch Boys’ High will become the first non-European team to contest the EHCO Trophy Hockey Tournament. Photo: RBHS Hockey

    While local teams compete in various Easter festivals, the Rondebosch Boys’ High first hockey side has made its way to The Netherlands to participate in the European Hockey Club Organisation (EHCO) Trophy Tournament.

    The annual event is recognised as Europe’s premier youth hockey tournament and runs from 3 to 6 April at the SV Kampong Hockey Club in Utrecht.

    Rondebosch, the first non-European side to receive an invitation, will compete against some of the world’s best youth teams.

    “It’s a massive opportunity for our school. Firstly, to be invited and, secondly, to take part in one of the best, if not the best, tournaments in the world,” head coach Waseem Domingo told SuperSport Schools Plus.

    Our Director of Hockey, Miguel Edwards, has been largely instrumental in coordinating our entry into the tournament.

    “He has built a solid reputation among the European sides that has filtered into a solid reputation for not only Rondebosch Boys’ Hockey but the school as a whole.

    “We feel like we are representing not only our school but South Africa as well.”

    The tournament features 16 teams – eight boys’ sides and eight girls’ sides – with the teams competing in groups of four.

    Rondebosch is in Pool A along with Spain’s Athletic Terrassa HC, Belgium’s Royal Leopold, and the Dutch side, HC Rotterdam.

    Coach Domingo expects a tough challenge but says his charges have worked hard to prepare for the tournament.

    Rondebosch Boys’ High defeated Amsterdam 3-0 in a warm-up match ahead of the EHCO Trophy Tournament. Photo: RHBS Hockey

    “Our preparation has been quite intense. We’ve been playing warm-up matches for the past couple of weeks,’ he explained.

    “We’ve played against our Old Boys, whose pedigree is among the best around, as well as two matches against UK and German touring teams.

    “We have spent the last three to four months building up to this moment, and we have a very well-balanced and committed group willing to do what it takes.”

    Bosch has a strong side this year, and they will rely on some of their experienced players to lead their challenge in The Netherlands.

    They’ve retained the services of centre-link Dante Moore, goalkeepers Marley Musasa and Arin Spiller, as well as Daniel Fisher – all of whom have represented South Africa. Matt Pauw will captain the team.

    Earlier in the week, Rondebosch played warm-up matches against Amsterdam and Kampong.

    They scored an impressive 3-0 win over Amsterdam, with goals from Robbie Williams, Martin Barnard, and Fisher. In their second outing, they shared the spoils with Kampong, drawing 3-3. 

    “We didn’t come here to gain experience on its own. We came to win. And we want to do our best given the nature of the tournament,” Domingo said.

    “Our Head of Hockey, Rob Bowley, always has the motto that we are representing a school that doesn’t do mediocre, so we need to put our best foot forward every time we go onto the field.

    “This tournament is viewed by close to a million people per day, and we are really excited to showcase what we can do on one of the biggest stages in the world.”

    Rondebosch will open their Pool A campaign on Friday against Atletic Terrassa HC at 18:00.

    Click HERE to access the live stream.

  • Goals and thrills on day one of St Stithians Hockey Festival

    Goals and thrills on day one of St Stithians Hockey Festival

    The first day of the St Stithians Hockey Festival got underway in style. Photo: St Stithians College on Facebook.

    Spectators were treated to blowouts as well as thrilling close contests on Wednesday, the first day of the 42nd edition of the St Stithians Hockey Festival.

    The hockey extravaganza runs through until Saturday, 4 April, and it forms part of the Saints Sports Fest, which also features football, netball, rugby, squash, and tennis.

    Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

    The opening day was supposed to feature 13 games; unfortunately, two of them were cancelled due to lightning.

    Pretoria Boys High (PBHS) arrived at the showpiece buoyed by their performance at the Nomads Festival, which they hosted as part of their 125th birthday celebrations. Playing on home turf, they won three of their five matches.

    Boys High carried that strong form into the opening fixture of the Saints Hockey Festival, edging out St Benedict’s College 1-0 in a riveting encounter.

    Coach Brad Brook‘s Die Hoërskool Menlopark girls, the losing finalists at the St Mary’s Waverley Hockey Festival, took to the field against Beaulieu College in the first match of the girls’ section and showed why they made it all the way through to the title game at St Mary’s, overpowering Beaulieu 8-0.

    Hoërskool Waterkloof, who reached the quarterfinals at St Mary’s, fired seven unanswered goals past Springfield Convent School in the second girls’ match.

    Anyone looking for a palate cleanser after the bevy of goals from Menlopark and Waterkloof would have been grateful for the thriller served up by Hilton College and Menlopark boys. Both sides gave as good as they got, but they were inseparable after 60 minutes, with the contest finishing level at 1-1.

    St David]s Marist Inanda recorded the biggest margin of victory in the boys’ section when they thrashed Ashton International College, Ballito, 7-0.

    Clifton College slotted a final-minute goal in their 3-2 win over Falcon College (Zimbabwe), and St Stithians brought the curtain down on the boys’ matches with a tight 2-1 win over Reddam House Constantia.

    Ashton’s girls’ team edged out the St Stithians College Girls’ Festival XI 1-0 before DSG Makhanda rolled to a comfortable 4-0 win over Bethlehem Voortrekker.

    Pietermaritzburg’s Epworth School produced a polished performance to cruise to a 5-0 win over Falcon College’s girls team.

    The second day of fixtures starts with a girls’ showdown between Springfield and Beaulieu at 07:15, while the boys will get the ball rolling with a tasty clash between St David’s Marist Inanda and Hilton.

    RESULTS

    Boys

    PBHS 1-0 St Benedict’s
    Hilton 1-1 Menlopark
    St David’s Marist Inanda 7-0 Ashton College
    Clifton College 3-2 Falcon College
    St Stithians 2-1 Reddam House Constantia

    Girls

    Menlopark 8-0 Beaulieu
    Waterkloof 7-0 Springfield
    Ashton International College 1-0 St Stithians Festival XI
    DSG Makhanda 4-0 Voortrekker Bethlehem
    Epworth 5-0 Falcon
    Springfield 2-0 St Stithians