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A schoolteacher once said, ‘It’s often not how you start but how you end something which can determine the success of it.’ Looking at the St Alban’s College rugby season thus far, the side is due for a turnaround.

The Hoops have had a fairly disappointing season this year up until now, but will be looking to turn things around when they take on Northcliff High School at home this weekend. St Alban’s have shown patches of promise during the season, but would like the moving pieces to fall into place.

The first XV kicks off at 12:00, on the prestigious Moshate Field.

The side has only won a handful of their fixtures. The side will feel unlucky about their most recent outing, losing narrowly in the last five minutes of the match to St Benedict’s College, going down 17-14 in what ended up being an exciting end to a fairly evenly contested match.

Hooker and captain Luke Webber will be eager to lead from the front and will be instrumental in winning possession from possible scrums. 

Points will be the order of the day and The Hoops will be gearing towards accumulating them through wingers Nkosi Malaza and Mike Rider.

Northcliff come off of a string of losses having lost to St Stithians College going down 30-22 and losing to Parktown two weeks ago. Last weekend’s match could have gone the way of Northcliff had it not been for a few tactical errors by some of the players which cost them three simple try scoring opportunities.

Outside centre Jordan Swanepoel and scrumhalf Zenovian Johnson will want to carry over their good form going into this fixture. The two backline players will need to ensure that their side seizes any try scoring opportunity which may present itself.

Jaden Baillie has been putting in the hard yards for the team and will be eager to take on the St Alban’s. The strong eighth man will need to put in a big effort this weekend again.

St Alban’s College will fancy their chances with the home advantage and playing in front of a home crowd. The one thing that’s been seen throughout the season is that Northcliff has a strong support base who are willing to travel around the province in support of their boys and are not afraid to be heard from the stands.

This should be an entertaining encounter with both teams looking to redeem themselves and put them back on a winning path leading into the backend of the season.

Teams:

St Alban’s College: 15 John-Joshua Steenkamp, 14 Michael Rider, 13 Tumelo Mohale, 12 Luke Sass, 11 Nkosi Malaza, 10 Druan Visage, 9 Joshua Verster 8 Daniel Bouwer, 7 Matthew Price, 6 Patrick Weir, 5 Llyod Schneberger, 4 William Von Broembsen, 3 Craig Milne, 2 Luke Webber, 1 Cody Petersen.

Northcliff High School: 15 Dylan Fourie, 14 Ziyaad Bhyat, 13 Jordan Swanepoel, 12 Luke Roos, 11 Gerrit Muller, 10 Dylan Venter, 9 Zenovian Johnson 8 Jaden Baillie, 7 Chad Matthews, 6 Ethan Hayes, 5 Peter Diesel, 4 Liam Alderson, 3 Mpummolelo Bhehbe, 2 Tshiamo Makobo, 1 Blake Neale.

Fixtures:

u14A – 09:35 (Murray)

u19B – 09:35 (Moshate Field)
u15A – 10:45 (Baloyi B)
u16A – 10:45 (Moshate Field)
u19A – 12:00 (Moshate Field)

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.

‘n Groot toets wag Saterdag op Heidelberg Volkskool wanneer die fluitjie om 12:20 vir sy SDC Noordvaal Cup kragmeting in die Skild-afdeling teen Oos-Moot op laasgenoemde se tuisveld in Pretoria vir die afskop blaas

Oos-Moot geniet sover n droom seisoen met slegs een nederlaag tot dusver, teen n baie omgekrapde span van Noordheuwel vroeer in die seisoen. Die manne van die Moot het al ‘n paar groot oorwinnings op hulle kerfstok hierdie seisoen teen spanne soos Hoërskool Rustenburg (37-30) en Hoërskool Middelburg (29-10).

Oos-Moot beskik oor verdediging uit die boonste rakke en sal Heidelberg wil vaspen in hulle eie helfde.

Dit bring hulle spelskepper en vuurvreter agtsteman, Gert-Hendrik Grobelaar, asook die vlugvoetige seweflank, Lehan Janse van Vuuren, in spel wat n groot gevaar vir Heidelberg kan inhou.

Heidelberg aan die ander kant is nie n span om te onderskat nie, en spog self met fantastiese uitslae tot dusver met n gelykop telling van 21-elk teen Menlopark asook ‘n goeie wen teen Middelburg (13-11).

Heidelberg is geneig om baie gevaarlik te wees van opposisie foute af, en met hul flank Francois le Roux wat konstant n doring in die vlees sal wees by die afbreekpunte, hoop die Volkies om verdediging om te sit in aanvalsrugby en hulle twee gevaar manne in die middelveld los te laat.

Dit gaan 70 minute van armdruk-rugby wees met albei spanne wat baie dieselfde spel patrone volg.

Die vraag is dus dan Dames en Here, watse een van hierdie twee spanne wil dit die meeste hê?

Die spanne:

Oos-Moot vs Heidelberg Volkskool om 12:20 in Pretoria: 

Oos-Moot: 15 Jeandre de Bruyn, 14 Jaydon La Douce, 13 Stian Oosthuizen, 12 Ruwan Allen, 11 Tapiwa Rwafa, 10 Charl van der Sluis, 9 Jacques Benade, 8 Gert-Hendrik Grobler, 7 Lehan Janse van Vuuren, 6 Nathan Kleynhans, 5 Jaydon Botha, 4 Zander Kumm, 3 Christian Smith, 2 Ryan Scott, 1 Braam Bezuidenhoud.

Heidelberg Volkskool: 15 Kayle Venter, 14 Jeandre Kleinhans, 13 Joshua Booysen, 12 Ruduwaan Rodgers, 11 Rhys Thompson, 10 Keane Duckitt, 9 AJ Engelbrecht, 8 Daniel Jordaan, 7, Daniel Munro, 6 Francois le Roux, 5 Joshua Munro, 4 Wilco van Rensburg, 3 Handré Strydom, 2 Dian la Grange, 1 Lian Pelzer.

Hugenote vs Ben Vorster om 12:30 in Springs: 

Hugenote: 15 Leon Jacobs, 14 Ruan van Biljon, 13 Jason Joubert, 12 Vian van Dyk, 11 Tiaan Smit, 10 Corné Pretorius, 9 Miguelle Schoultz, 8 Hendrik Eybers, 7 Tyron Hand, 6 Anthony Smith, 5 Zandré van der Schyff, 4 Xavier Ungerer, 3 Liam Davidtz, 2 Aiden Mazirel, 1 Henré Oosthuizen.

Ben Vorster (moontlik): 15 Neo Sephuma, 14 Tristan Buglass, 13 Tihandré Reynecke, 12 Chadwin Storm, 11 Ruan Sutherland, 10 Divan Spangenberg, 9 Cilliers van Heerden, 8 Aza Mabe, 7 Laython Nel, 6 Mias Koen, 5 Aldo Blignaut, 4 Nkateko Phakula, 3 Musekene Makondelele, 2 Ben Mashele, 1 Chris Snyman.

Om 12:30 Saterdag-middag gaan die hoofstad van Limpopo aan die gons wees wanneer Hoërskool Pietersburg en Potchefstroom Volkskool mekaar die stryd aandurf in hulle SDC Noordvaal Cup kragmeting in die Bowl-afdeling.

Albei spanne lek nog hul wonde na verlede naweek. Pietersburg was in ‘n naelbyt stryd betrokke teen Eldoraigne, maar moes die knie buig met ‘n telling van 22-28. Potch Volkies sal ook die bordjies wil verhang na hulle nederlaag teen Gimmies in hulle jaarlikse FNB Classic Clash verlede naweek.

Die span van Potchefstroom was op goeie dreef tot en met verlede naweek, met goeie oorwinnings teen Oosterlig (14-7) asook Dr. Malan (45-0) en was ook die meerderheid van die wedstryd teen Gimmies n konstante bedreiging.

Volkies sal hoop dat die voorrymanne – Johan van Tonder (vaskopstut), André van Zyl (haker) en Brendon Steenkamp (loskopstut), hulle sterk vertoning in scrums kan voortsit met die doel om voorvoet bal te verskaf aan hulle gevaar manne in die middelveld.

PHS se pak voorspeler is egter ook nie te versmaai nie, met kaptein en slot, Dewan Gobey, aan die voortou wat kook water rugby speel tot op hede. Die tuissspan beskik oor rotsvaste verdediging en Gobey sal sy troepe vuur en vlam wil he om omkeerde balbesit te bewerkstellig en die bal so gou moontlik punte toe te versprei waar hulle gevaar manne op Volkies se verdediging wag.

Die gesegde, moenie n gekwesde dier onderskat nie, is op beide van hierdie spanne van toepassing hierdie naweek en daar kan verwag word dat nie een gaan terug staan vir die ander nie.

Die onoorwonne Merensky van Tzaneen sal behoorlik getoets word wanneer hy Saterdag teen Wesvalia in Klerksdorp te staan kom. Die span van Tzaneen sal waarskynlik vir die eerste keer in jare met ryp te doen hê.

Dr. Malan van Meyerton is op soek na sy eerste sege in vanjaar se reeks wanneer hy teen Hoërskool Alberton kragte meet.

Die spanne:

Hoërskool Pietersburg vs Potchefstroom Volkskool om 12:30 in Polokwane:

Hoërskool Pietersburg: 15 Dian van Tonder, 14 Devon Janse van Rensburg, 13 Hanno van Zyl, 12 Wian Terblanche, 11 Neville Barnard, 10 Vincent Luckhoff, 9 Divan Brown, 8 Henré Venter, 7 Reuben Weyer, 6 Jan-Keyser Albertyn, 5 Dewan Gobey, 4 Jayden du Bruyn, 3 Floris Venter, 2 Dewald de beer, 1 Jan-Hendrik Venter.

Potchefstroom Volkskool: 15 Dian van der Merwe, 14 André Zillie, 13 Tiaan Gouws, 12 Ludwich Schuld, 11 Francois Smit, 10 Christo Rose, 9 Johandré Maree, 8 Arno Kotze, 7 Johan Malherbe, 6 Wian Alberts, 5 Konrad Pretorius, 4 Marco Oosthuizen, 3 Johan van Tonder, 2 André van Zyl, 1 Brendon Steenkamp.

Wesvalia vs Merensky om 12:30 in Klerksdorp: 

Wesvalia: 15 Richardt van Heerden, 14 Teboho Sekonyela, 13 Xander Smit, 12 Deon Viljoen, 11 Werner Kruger, 10 Philip Janse van Rensburg, 9 Justin Ludick, 8 Hanré Venter, 7 Hennoh Visser, 6 Francois Dummond, 5 Junior Kuhn, 4 Vian Botes, 3 Koos Kleynhans, 2 André Taute, 1 Heinrich Janse van Vuuren.

Merensky: 15 Caleb Mokgalaotse, 14 Clifford Ledwaba, 13 Klokke Mohlala, 12 Ulrich Mare, 11 Maklatse Semosa, 10 Byron Hendricks, 9 Dirk de Nysschen, 8 Waldie Haasbroek, 7 Tian Viljoen-Krugel, 6 Hardus Terblanche, 5 Zander Heydenrych, 4 Luan Verster, 3 Tirelo Mashapa, 2 Ruan Marcos, 1 Divan Pietersen.

Dr. Malan vs Hoërskool Alberton om 12:30 in Meyerton: 

Dr. Malan: TBC.

Hoërskool Alberton (moontlik): 15 Ntando Mhlungu, 14 Dean Pretorius, 13 Carlos Majiedt, 12 Divan Rynhoud, 11 Sizwe Dube, 10 Ayanda Mndakane, 9 Mark Hechter, 8 Johan Schoeman, 7 Brendan Pienaar, 6 Ryno Vermaak, 5 James Woest, 4 JJ Lombard, 3 Levi Louw, 2 Gerhard Strydom, 1 Liam Buys.

GQEBERHA – With the Stutterheim High School’s first team leading the way in the Buffalo City League, the man nurturing the talents of the Stutterheim region, Mila Abrahams, says his job and that of every coach in the league is to produce players for the professional football.

To everyone’s surprise, the Stutterheim High School first team has had a fantastic start to the league this season.

Looking at the campaign that this Eastern Cape based team endured last season, almost everyone ruled them out of any real contention this season.

Mila Abrahams, the coach at Stutterheim High, admitted to his concerns at the beginning of the year citing to the lack of experience in his squad in relation to squads of the past.

Somehow, Abrahams’ boys have found a way to gel together as a unit to force results in their favour.

“It’s a relief because I didn’t think this particular squad was going to do this well to be honest,” Abrahams told SuperSport Schools News in an exclusive interview.

“Last year we had a very strong squad whereas this year we don’t have that much soccer players. We depend on some of the rugby players to fill in the gaps and we are a young squad as compared to last year.

“To my surprise the guys are doing quite well and we see them fight game after game.” He added.

Going into this week’s fixtures, Abrahams reiterated the main objective of every coach in the league – to produce well-rounded players for professional football.

Coming from Stutterheim, one of the economically struggling towns in the Eastern Cape, it is a pleasant surprise to learn that Abrahams has the belief and drive to honour the big responsibility of preparing and inspiring young talents of the Stutterheim region to higher heights.

“I think the aim of this whole league is to help produce players for good clubs who will then nurture the talent a lot better and take that talent to professional set ups around the country.” Said Abrahams.

The log-leaders will have a much-needed break from the park this week and will watch the rest of the teams battle it out for the top five spots on the log standings.

Buffalo City League Mid-Week Fixtures:

• Dale College vs Bayville High School (16 May 2023 at 14:30)
• George Rendall vs Dale College (17 May 2023 at 15:00)
• Selborne College vs Hudson Park (17 May 2023 at 15:00)
• Merrifield College vs Bayville High School (18 May at 15:30)
• Merrifield College vs Sakhikamva High School (19 May at 14:30)

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.

The success of many sporting programs in schools often overrides the hard work that goes behind the scenes to ensure that excellent results are produced week in and out. 

That is also the case at Jeppe High School for Boys, a school with a rich sporting tradition founded in 1890 and located in Kensington, Johannesburg.

The boys’ school, which is known for its rugby accolades and for producing World Cup-winning Springbok winger, Sbu Nkosi, and current Blue Bulls director of rugby, Jake White, also prides itself in its hockey program, fielding over 18 teams while remaining competitive against other top schools in the country. 

The success of Jeppe’s hockey program, however, besides showing on the field has been orchestrated by the hardworking staff who alongside the Director of Hockey, Bryan Hillock have steered the program in an upward curve. 

The school’s motto, “Forti nihil difficilius”, which means:  “Nothing is too difficult for the brave” has been a huge driving force for Hillock and those involved. 

Speaking to SuperSport Schools ahead of their highly anticipated derby against Pretoria Boys’ High on the weekend, Hillock said he was very proud of the strides made by the program so far this season, outlining growth and consistency as the key drivers. 

“We are very proud of the results we’ve achieved this season; it’s been another good year for us right from the u14 to the first team, and our hockey program is going from strength to strength,” he said. 

“We’ve added three more teams this year so we’re up to 18 teams now, and from a results point of view, we’ve been impressed.”

“The boys played their sixth derby fixture on Saturday and in all six we have managed to win the fixture, winning and drawing more games than the opposition did.”

Support structures for sports players in Schools have been increasingly on the rise in recent years. Many schools now have conditioning coaches, managers, and mental coaches to help pupils deal with issues on and off the field. 

An element that has been executed well by Jeppe is allowing their teaching staff to form part of their coaching locker room, which in return helps in building solid relationships between them and the players/pupils. 

The director praised the coaching staff at the school, and parents of the learners, emphasizing how much of a team effort the success of the program has relied on them.

“I think we are quite blessed that we’ve had great continuity over the past five to six years in terms of the staff we have,” he said. 

“For me, it all starts with staffing, and we’ve been very blessed with the calibre of coaches that we have. Every team has a coach and a manager, and we are sitting on about 18/19 academic staff that are active in hockey and that’s massive!” 

“At Jeppe, it’s more about the boy as a whole and not just the boy as a hockey player and when you have staff that are academic staff and focused on more than results then that helps the development of the boys.” 

“We are also blessed to have the support of the parents, the school, old boys, and the hockey patron’s association – parents, without them we wouldn’t be getting the results we’re getting,” Hillock added. 

Consistency within the Jeppe first-team squad has been the catalyst in achieving solid results this year. The side coached by Gilbert de Villiers has lost only two matches this season, both coming from tournaments, in the KES festival and Aitken Boden. Lydon Smith is the team’s manager.

Hillock added that he had been evenly impressed by the team, praising their work ethic on and off the turf. 

“The first team has been exceptional this season losing only two games, and I must say it’s a good first side.”

“It’s as good as we’ve had in the past 10 years, they’ve achieved some exceptional results, and we are very proud of them as well, their work ethic speaks for itself.”

Jeppe will travel to Pretoria this weekend in what Hillock describes as their “toughest” match of the season. 

Looking to continue their fine form, the first team will be counting on the backing of their director and the school at large. 

Kick-off between Pretoria Boys’ High and Jeppe is at 10:50 on Saturday. 

The teams:

Pretoria Boys’ High: Stewart Pringle, Hashil Lakha, Robert Hassenkamp, Dewald Griesel, Jayden Boshoff, Micah Sonn, David Baxter, Marco Upton, Daniel Manley, Jeron Hugo, Likho Dube, Cameron Davids, Michael Robertson, Ruard Booysen. 

Jeppe High School for Boys: Joshua Renders, Neo Chimanyi, Brent Johnson, Ryan Harcourt-Baldwin, Chaz Breytenbach, Kyle Jackson, Jaydon Brooker, Christian Steinmann, Miguel De Jesus, Diahn Alberts-Flynn, Ben Benjamin, Ethan Kapanda, Matthew Morudi, Tyrique Joseph, Biopelo Koloti.

Paul Roos Gimnasium return to the Markotter this weekend to face SACS after their statement victory against Paarl Boys’ High away in Paarl last weekend.

Watch the game live on SuperSport Schools – Register now

The Maroon Machine’s lineup remains unchanged from the team that got their first victory against Booishaai (35-17) in Paarl since 2003 last Saturday.

Their opponents played the other big Paarl school two weekends ago, on the 20th of May, with much less success as Paarl Gimnasium beat SACS 73-3

The SACS boys regrouped well to get back to winning ways against Hoërskool Bellville last weekend, spurred on by a heroic performance by their captain, Ali Osman-Bosch (prop), who scored a hattrick of tries for his team.

They will need to be at their best again to upset a Paul Roos side who seem to be getting better every weekend and have already done away with the likes of Boishaai and Rondebosch Boys’ High (27-7) in the last two weeks, coming up just short against Paarl Gim (24-19) before that.

Zeke January (scrumhalf) and Leejay Pieterse (flyhalf) have been an incredible pairing in the midfield, and much of the home team’s success has also been due to the incredible work rate of players like Ruben Kruger (no. 8) and captain, Andreas Oosthuizen (flanker) at the front.

Boland Landbou have had a weekend off and will be excited to get back out on the field against Wynberg Boys’ High on Saturday.

They need to be wary though, as this is a Wynberg side who have lost three games with the narrowest of margins in the last three weeks.

Despite the fact that they have been playing some really exciting rugby, taking Rondebosch Boys’ High (20-16), Paarl Boys’ High (33-29) and Diocesan College (14-10) to the very last moments, they lost all three of those games and will be desperate to return to the form they showed when they beat Grey High 35-8 at the beginning of May.

Having gone almost a month without a victory can also demoralise a team, it will take some character to keep fighting and gain some momentum again before the holiday break.

They will be bolstered by the return of Ammier Adams at centre but are without the services of their big tighthead prop, Luqobo Makwedini. He is replaced by Leo Addinall.

Boland Landbou takes pride in their forward pack, and the visitors will have to dig in deep to stand against the likes of Cilliers Viljoen (hooker) and Hans Verster (flanker), but Boland will have to make do without their captain and talisman centre, Albie Bester.

Juan Swart starts at outside centre, moving Ruan Jongsma to cover his captain’s positions at inside centre.

The teams:

Paul Roos Gimnasium: 15 Declan Croy, 14 Keehan Etson, 13 Samuel Badenhorst, 12 Phillip Groenewald, 11 Keenan Stoffels, 10 Leejay Pieterse, 9 Zeke January, 8 Ruben Kruger, 7 Riley Norton, 6 Andreas Oosthuizen, 5 Jesse Stegehuis, 4 Truspe Schoeman, 3 Ryan Jack, 2 Christian de Villiers, 1 Oliver Reid.

SACS: 15 Aya Machuli, 14 Jack Benade, 13 Endinako Peter, 12 Raashied Conrad, 11 Ilitha Ntinini, 10 Rayaan Solomons, 9 Sean Grant, 8 Ben van Coller, 7 Khwezi Ndlovu, 6 Richard Skeeles, 5 Pierre van Selm, 4 Zach Kennedy, 3 Ikhona Maxegwana, 2 Alex Viera, 1 Ali Osman-Bosch.

Boland Landbou vs Wynberg Boys’ High at 12:30: 

Boland Landbou: 15 Dewald de Villiers, 14 Wehan Lume, 13 Juan Swart, 12 Ruan Jongsma, 11 Enslin Claasen, 10 Retagen van Rooi, 9 Turlon Adams, 8 AJ van der Merwe, 7 Alru Gous, 6 Hans Verster, 5 Ruan Viviers, 4 Karst Smits, 3 Pieter de Jager, 2 Cilliers Viljoen, 1 Christoff Etzebeth.

Wynberg Boys’ High: 15 Matthew Ould, 14 Matteo Pascoe, 13 Brandon Ashburner, 12 Ammier Adams, 11 Xolela Hoyi, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Sange Mbuto, 8 Xola Nyali, 7 Torren February, 6 Jarryd Jackson, 5 Michail Kasfikis, 4 Aden da Costa, 3 Leo Addinall, 2 Nicholas van Schalkwyk, 1 Aidan Reid.

Labori vs New Orleans at 11:00:

Labori: 15 Christiaan Beukes, 14 Charlton Robyn, 13 Leo de Wet, 12 Xavier de Wee, 11 Anwill Olivier, 10 MacNiel Thomas, 9 Migael Brits, 8 Matthys Nieuwoudt, 7 O’Shea Pekeur, 6 Christiaan Wearne, 5 Daniël Düring, 4 Heinrich Lategan, 3 Jannie Strauss, 2 Leighton Titus, 1 Christiaan Kershoff.

New Orleans: TBC.

Diocesan College host Paarl Gimnasium in Rondebosch on the Piley Rees at 12:30 on Saturday as exam season causes the Western Cape fixtures to abate.

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If your team isn’t playing this weekend it is the perfect opportunity to catch some of the premier sides in action. Paarl Gimnasium consistently ranks among the best in the country, and the Bishops first team have already come away with some statement victories this season and will look to take down the giants from Paarl on their home field on Saturday

When these two teams met in Paarl last year, Gimmies won comfortably 57-26.

The home team’s standout players this year, flyhalf, Shaywan Blankenberg, fullback, Gilermoe Mentoe, and scrumhalf, Hassiem Pead, were playing in that game as grade 11’s and will be looking for revenge on the Piley Rees field when they face their old foes again, having benefitted from another year’s development and maturity.

It will take a mammoth effort to overcome this Paarl Gim side though, they have been formidable this season, only losing one game to Grey College (33-12) thus far.

Most recently, they secured a massive 73-3 win over SACS, showing just how in tune the boys from Paarl are at the moment.

Since then they’ve had a weekend to rest and recover and will be itching to get back on the field and continue building their momentum.

When Bishops played SACS earlier in the year they also managed to win, but the margin was much narrower (31-25) and if the Gimmie performance from their last game is anything to go by, the home team will have their hands full this weekend.

Bishops have had success this season as well though, recently beating Stellenberg (22-7) and Wynberg Boys’ High (14-10) and narrowly losing out to Boland Landbou (22-19).

They also beat Helpmekaar (31-30) in one of the highlights of the Saint Stithians Festival in April, and they will know that they have it in them to cause a big upset against the powerhouse from Paarl.

Gimmies have been carrying the banner for the southern teams though, and players like Tazreeq Moerat (fullback), Roland Viviers (centre) and Kyle Smith (flyhalf) have been phenomenal on the attack, aided by the foundations set by the big boys up front. Both flankers, Adrúan Kotze and Louw du Toit have been phenomenal in their roles, and their prop, Xander Mynhardt, takes some stopping when carrying the ball.

Bishops’ pack will need to be at their best to compete with the physicality and pure power of the visitors, but it will be essential for the likes of Aidan Norris (no. 8), James le Feuvre (flanker) and Tapiwa Nkumanda (flanker) to disrupt the Paarl Gim rhythm to avoid a romp. They have shown their excellent work rate before, but they’ll need to be firing on all cylinders this weekend.

The home side will still remember 2015 well when they last beat Paarl Gim on the Piley Rees thanks to a brace by Tristan Leyds, who plays Currie Cup for the Western Province now and is the younger brother of ex-Springbok and two times Champions Cup winner with La Rochelle, Dillyn Leyds, who is also an alumnus of Diocesan College.

Cornel Smit who also plays for the Western Province now was prominent for Bishops in that game in 2015 as well, converting all five tries, of which he scored one himself.

There will be a big battle in the northern suburbs when Hoërskool Durbanville hosts Hoërskool Bellville.

The Durbies have been great so far this season and will want to get another big win in front of their loyal home crowd.

The teams:

Diocesan College vs Paarl Gimnasium at 12:30: 

Diocesan College: 15 Gilermoe Mentoe, 14 Lucca Mynhardt, 13 Olo Sopotela, 12 Nic Allison, 11 Kashief Joseph, 10 Shaywan Blankenberg, 9 Hassiem Pead, 8 Aidan Norris, 7 James le Feuvre, 6 Tapiwa Nkumanda, 5 CJ Gordon, 4 Gareth Mckinon, 3 Nashe Chahwahwa, 2 Merlin Fransman, 1 Richard Horton.

Paarl Gimnasium: 15 Tazreeq Moerat, 14 Freek de Kock, 13 Hennie Otto, 12 Roland Viviers, 11 Pieter-Nel du Plessis, 10 Kyle Smith, 9 Dawid Kotze, 8 Nicolas Nel, 7 Louw du Toit, 6 Adrúan Kotze, 5 Eduan Vosloo, 4 Danio Botha, 3 Nicholas Crous, 2 Jannie Grobbelaar, 1 Xander Mynhardt.

Hottentots-Holland vs Brackenfell at 11:20: 

Hottentots-Holland: 15 Sipho Mbonyana, 14 Ngoni Chihera, 13 Ben Kil Kio Lufu, 12 De Andre Mouwers, 11 Joshua Herbert, 10 Junaden Minnies, 9 Matthew Beyers, 8 Denwill Coetzee, 7 Edumisa Dotwana, 6 Wayden Adriaanse, 5 Honour Mubaiwa, 4 Hlumisa Klaas, 3 Sipho Kula, 2 Davon Oliphant, 1 Likho Xakayi.

Brackenfell: 15 Caden Davids, 14 Randy Kabamba, 13 Cayden Scheffers, 12 Xavier Valentine, 11 Cwenga Ntsapho, 10 Sebastian Hahn, 9 Mickyle Smith, 8 Raiden Rodney, 7 Luhn van Wyk, 6 Nicholas van Wyk, 5 Ntsikayomzi Njongonkulu, 4 Tiaan Crous, 3 Graigan Matroos, 2 Liyema Sitheto, 1 Johann Groenewald.

DF Malan vs Hugenote at 11:30:

DF Malan: 15 André Willemse, 14 Thristan Fortune, 13 Lester Abrahams, 12 Liam Greeff, 11 Keanu Swanepoel, 10 Zander Enslin, 9 Bernard Slabbert, 8 Xavier von Stein, 7 Ryan Williams, 6 Tyrese Consul, 5 Andries Krügel, 4 Simon van Eeden, 3 Marlo Human, 2 Joshua Kapp, 1 Chris Kriel.

Hugenote: 15 Lian Wiid, 14 Xavier Fredericks, 13 Ethan Isaacs, 12 Keanu Saunders, 11 Jermaine Mohammed, 10 Wade Green, 9 Brandow-Lee Sass, 8 Xavier Oktober, 7 Cullen Ruiters, 6 Dillon van Wyk, 5 Nathan Crouch, 4 Marcus Wiid, 3 Morne Grobler, 2 Charlton Manuel, 1 Xavier Gertse.

Hoërskool Durbanville vs Hoërskool Bellville at 12:20:

Hoërskool Durbanville: 15 Valrhino Olckers, 14 Lian Jordaan, 13 James Nero, 12 Shadwill Engelbrecht, 11 Cayden Louw, 10 Blane Marais, 9 Monray Daars, 8 Evert Bouwer, 7 Liam Baird, 6 Divan Gravett, 5 Jacobus Botha, 4 Rikus Saaiman, 3 Anru van Rhyn, 2 Devon Strydom, 1 Wian Koen.

Hoërskool Bellville: TBC.

HTS Drostdy vs Tygerberg at 13:00:

HTS Drostdy: 15 Cayden Malgas, 14 Adrian Vergotine, 13 Aljay Skippers, 12 Arthur Mdliwa, 11 Bernedict George, 10 Stefan van der Merwe, 9 Corné van Schalkwyk, 8 MJ van der Westhuizen, 7 Matt Romao, 6 Ettiene Claasen, 5 Darius Venter, 4 Marcus Lee, 3 Tertius Wantenaar, 2 Hein Louw, 1 Wiehan Adams.

Tygerberg: 15 Higgen Whites, 14 Therlow Goudhard, 13 JD Pombo, 12 Luke Moses, 11 Mikyle Philander, 10 Marius Griebenow, 9 Shane Steenkamp, 8 Dillon Fillies, 7 Zuhayr Pillay, 6 Prince Misengue, 5 Tyrique van Reenen, 4 Gian Brand, 3 Ashton Maloy, 2 Ezra Glover, 1 Ethan Abrahams.