Blog

While some schools have packed away their hockey sticks and turned their focus to exams, others are still out on the turf, with unfinished business and seeking to end the second term on a high note.

On Saturday, St Benedict’s College visits to Pretoria to take on a St Alban’s College team that has been a very pleasant surprise. They’ve put together a fine season.

Coach Owen Mvimbi’s Bennies‘ side heads into the encounter with a boost of confidence after claiming a hard-fought win over St David’s Marist Inanda last weekend.

It was a closely contested game, filled with intensity until the final whistle, but St Benedict’s held their nerve to come away with a 2-1 victory.

St Alban’s is, meanwhile, coming off a high-scoring thriller against St John’s College. That clash ended in a dramatic 3-3 draw, which showcased the Pretoria school’s attacking strength and resilience.

They’ll be eager to claim a win in front of their supporters, though, after being held at home by St John’s.

It’s also the St Alban’s College Old Boys’ Day, which will, no doubt, add to the occasion, with a strong turnout of supporters ensured.

The hockey community from Langa, in Cape Town, will be glued to their television screens, the SuperSport Schools App, and DStv channel 216 for the various SASHOC National Weeks, which are approaching rapidly.

That’s because their local club, the Langa Hockey Club, has produced a whopping 12 provincial players, who will represent Western Province in the u13, u14, u16 and u18 tournaments.

The junior tournaments will take place in Johannesburg, while the u16 and u18 events will be hosted by Hilton College, St Anne’s DSG, and Maritzburg College, in KwaZulu-Natal.

The inclusion of a dozen players in provincial sides is a massive achievement for the club, and it shows that they’re that they’re headed in the right direction, said chairman Nyaniso Mhayi.

“As a club, we are very proud of our juniors and the development team behind this achievement,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“We believe the opportunities we give these juniors are a good stepping stone for their future within the sports and educational side.

“I don’t think we would’ve achieved this feat without programmes like modified South African Hockey Association (SAHA) and Western Province Hockey Union (WPHU) development. They support our programmes and make sure our juniors attend coaching clinics and have the necessary equipment.”

In the past five years, the club’s performances at the junior level have taken a massive leap. They’ve also become more competitive in the Western Province League 1 and have punched above their weight when facing hockey giants from around the Western Cape.

In 2024, the club enjoyed a strong showing at the Bishops 175 Hockey Festival and it has continued to make further positive strides since then. Mhayi credits the coaches and players for their commitment.

“It’s the love for the sport and personal development from our coaching staff and just the willingness to not give up on a child regardless of their background,” he said, explaining why the club has been so successful.

“Our coaches work very hard and with limited resources, but they make things work, and all that resilience filters through to the juniors; hence, you see a large number of our players in the Western Province hockey set-up.

“We push these guys to be good players but also remember to focus on their schoolwork. They can get opportunities through the sport, and that could change their lives completely, but schoolwork is equally important.”

Milani Bekaphi and Loyiso Mnani will turn out for the Western Province u18B side, while Litha Kraai will represent the A-side.

On the girls’ side, Inam Gungubele has been named in the u18B squad, and Imange Xongo in the regional team.

The club’s goal is to produce as many players as possible in the Western Province set-up and to increase the number of representatives in the A-teams.

“The aim is always to make the top team but, as we know, there’s a large pool of very good players in this province, so it’s not easy for our juniors, but we are proud of anyone who makes it through,” Mhayi said.

“The next generation of players coming up are very good, so hopefully a majority of them could make all these A-teams, but we have a big gap to cover from the other big schools.

“That’s just the reality and not an excuse. We will just keep working hard to produce better players and human beings who can contribute positively to our community,” he concluded.

Langa Hockey Club Western Province Representatives

U18 Boys

Litha Kraai
Milani Bekaphi
Loyiso Mnani

U18 Girls

Inam Gungubele
Imange Xongo

U16 Boys

Limani Makeleni
Simamkele Base

U16 Girls

Onele Nodada B

U14 Boys

Ayabonga Magqaza
Linathi Masimini

U14 Girls

Anelisa Tsholo

U13 Boys

Siya van Wyk A

Kearsney College welcomes St Stithians College to Botha’s Hill on Saturday, for a King Price Derby Series clash on their Founders Day.

The make-up of the sides suggests fantastic fare is on the menu.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

They’ve faced a number of common opponents, among them Michaelhouse.

Saints took down Michaelhouse in Johannesburg, winning 27-21 at home, while ‘House handed Kearsney a 50-17 loss. However, that was Michaelhouse at their worst against Saints and at their best against the One-Stripe.

A more accurate measure would be the teams’ results against Pretoria Boys High. The Candies claimed a narrow 29-27 win over St Stithians in Pretoria, while Kearsney beat Boys High 28-26 at the Standard Bank Grey High Rugby Festival. That feels like a truer reflection of the sides.

Kearsney will be desperate to deliver a win in front of their old boys. They’ve played some fantastic rugby in 2025. However, they’re on a run of four losses against some tough opposition – Westville Boys’ High, Maritzburg College, Durban High School, and Michaelhouse – and there would be no better occasion than Founders’ Day to arrest that slide.

St Stithians has put together a good season. An early season 13-13 draw with Queen’s College looks better and better as the Komani boys continue to rack up wins.

Their previously mentioned win over Michaelhouse is another of their standout results. Most recently, they beat St Charles College 38-20 at home, and St Charles, on their Old Boys’ Weekend, pushed Maritzburg College hard, going down 16-26, which is a useful reflection on the quality of Saints. College ran out 35-20 winners over Kearsney on College’s Reunion Weekend.

Both Kearsney and Saints are at their best when the game loosens up a little. They’re capable of searing counterattacks that combine pace and imagination. If that’s what unfolds on Saturday, spectators will be in for a treat.

St Charles College vs St David’s Marist Inanda

In Pietermaritzburg, in another King Price Derby Series match, St Charles College welcomes St David’s Marist Inanda to Old Orchards.

The home team’s coach, Craig Dwyer, has caught the eye with an interesting change, moving André Bosman from flyhalf to fullback, and Phiwe-Junior Dlamini from the number 15 jersey to number 10.

Bosman owns a cultured boot, while Dlamini is more of a running threat, so that would seem to suggest that the home team school is intent on letting the ball do the work by leaning on their quick offloading game more than ever.

While it hasn’t been a vintage season for St David’s, they’ve convincingly won their last two matches, beating Clifton College 39-7 and St Benedict’s College 47-5.

St Charles faced Clifton a week after the Durban school took on St David’s and scored a 52-10 victory. In May, they beat Clifton 47-14.

St David’s best win of the season is, arguably, their 30-24 defeat of St Alban’s College.

St Charles, meanwhile, has shown up strongly in three defeats against top-quality opposition.

They went down 14-19 to a St Andrew’s College team that has suffered only one loss in 2025, and 16-26 to Maritzburg College in a fiercely contested clash on Old Boys’ Weekend, when St Charles celebrated its 150th anniversary. They also pushed Wynberg Boys’ High hard, going down 10-19 to the Cape Town school early in the season.

If the home team gets quality ball from their pack, St David’s will have to ensure their defensive structures are sound. St Charles plays with flair and likes to attack down the flanks, getting the ball wide with swift ball movement.

If Craig Dwyer’s charges get that right, the Johannesburg school will be in for a tough outing.

Teams

Kearsney College: 15 Lwazi Mbebe, 14 Bukho Hlwatika, 13 Doan Nel, 12 Keanu Williamson, 11 Lwandle Mkhize, 10 Jayden Jonsson, 9 Fynn Verbaan, 8 Nhlanhla Ndlovu, 7 Oliver Ludwig, 6 Simanye Mlakalaka, 5 Thomas Francke, 4 Joseph Roylance, 3 Azania Thela, 2 Micah van Wyk, 1 Luke Fauré.

St Stithians College: 15 Omphile Maphira, 14 Calvin Wagner, 13 Sicelo Sakawuli, 12 Reece Hubner, 11 Cade Elsey, 10 Oliver Wilson, 9 Rory Bezuidenhout, 8 Jonathan Caveney, 7 Ross Turner, 6 Siphosamandosi Cele, 5 Kulani Tlakula, 4 Luke Thorrold. 3 Jean Anthony Eblen, 2 Oliver Groves, 1 Ethan Coetzee.

St Charles College: 15 Andre Bosman, 14 Likuthi Mbalana, 13 Carl Chekera, 12 Athenkosi Qumo, 11 Mathew Ludick, 10 Phiwe-Junior Dlamini, 9 Thandokuhle Nyawo, 8 Eben Crafford, 7 Thomas Borgen, 6 Joshua Milne, 5 Joshua Harris, 4 Raphael Ajibade, 3 Braydon Joese, 2 Dresden Coetzee, 1 Raiden Reid

St David’s Marist Inanda: 15 Kaden Waldbaum, 14 Tristan Lambe, 13 David Latilla-Campbell, 12 Dominic Taylor, 11 Nathan Hwindingwi, 10 Luca Cabion, 9 Valentino Yiallouris, 8 Mathew Scott, 7 Ronin Hallowes, 6 James Askew, 5 Julian Steven-Jennings, 4 Chris Theorides, 3 Marco Bitter, 2 Ben Archer, 1 Dev Vallabhjee.

Westville Boys’ High will put their unbeaten season on the line when they visit Michaelhouse on Saturday. Last year, it was ‘House who won away from home, claiming a 25-17 win on Bowden’s Field in a March match-up.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

It has been a good while since Westville came out on the right side of the result against Michaelhouse. One has to go back to 2021, when Covid-19 was around, and Westville scored a tight 17-10 victory in May of that year.

Trying to track down when Westville last won in Balgowan is a difficult task. Suffice to say it has been a very long time. The 2025 team has an opportunity to make history, not only by maintaining their unbeaten record, but also by winning on Meadows.

Interestingly, Michaelhouse has produced two unbeaten teams in the school’s history. Their 2015 side, led by Bader Pretorius, was undefeated, but they didn’t play Westville that season. Now the shoe is on the other foot, Michaelhouse has a chance to stop the visitor’s winning run.

While Michaelhouse has endured a disappointing season, with only four wins, two draws, and eight losses, they’re not a team that anyone is going to underestimate. They’ve underperformed in 2025, but they have quality in their ranks, and no team has simply had their way with ‘House.

Given an opportunity to take down unbeaten Westville a week before they face Hilton College in the second Hilton/Michaelhouse of the season, coach James Fleming and his players will not be short of motivation. A win would be a significant boost.

Westville, with eight Craven Week players in their ranks, will be favoured to win, but keeping hold of that sparkling record does come with pressure.

Obviously, much will depend on the quality of ball that the packs provide, but the match-up in the midfield will be something to watch. Michaelhouse has the Craven Week pair of captain William Ridl and Rourke O’Sullivan. Westville also has a Craven Week pair of centres in Sean McGough and Jadrian Afrikaner.

It’s no secret that Westville has an outstanding attacking weapon at fullback, where Zekhethelo Siyaya is a massive threat, but his tactical kicking should not be disregarded. He has a massive boot and can hurt opposing teams both with his counterattacking runs and his kicking.

Last week, Michaelhouse’s fullback Alex Jankowitz excelled on the counter against Maritzburg College, so the warnings that apply to kicking on Siyaya should be the same for Westville.

The sides are settled, but Westville has had to omit their outstanding lock Moustapher Gcina due to concerns about a concussion. His place is taken by Ompiwe Dladla. At eighthman, Sange Nkonki continues to man the position in place of Craven Week number eight, Lwandile Simelane.

Hilton College vs Maritzburg College

Hilton College hosts Maritzburg College on Saturday on Gilfillan Field. It’s a venue that has proved challenging for College in recent years, and they’ll head into the clash as the underdogs.

Hilton has been firing in recent weeks and last weekend they scored a very impressive 35-22 win over Northwood in Durban. The Knights are a tough, physical team, but Liyema Nela and company defused the home side’s challenge on Northwood’s Old Boys’ Day and never trailed.

College will be focused on contesting the rucks especially because the Hilton side is at its best when driving around the fringes, knocking players back and sucking in defenders before setting their dangerous backs free. Once they have built up momentum, it’s a hugely difficult task to reverse it.

Maritzburg College showed, though, playing at Hilton, that they can play that game well when they harried and hassled Westville Boys’ High all game long at the Sharks Schools’ Rugby Day before going down 20-21.

Westville won 23-15 against Hilton on Gilfillan at the start of the season, but Brad Macleod-Henderson‘s charges are on a roll now and they’ll head into the clash high in confidence.

Interestingly, College will start with their Craven Week loosehead Indiphile Mlotshwa on the bench. Is this an indication of the visitors aiming for a Bomb Squad-like tactical switch later in the match?

They will be without flank David Colenbrander, who has been a strong performer for the Red, Black, and White. That’s led to Rory Stanton moving from the second row to flank, with Phila Mkonyana tabbed to partner Mian Pretorius at lock.

Hilton also shows a change at flank, where Stewart Falconer takes over from Jacques Oliver.

Both backlines are unchanged.

Teams

Michaelhouse: 15 Alex Jankowitz, 14 Lwandle Nzama, 13 Rourke O’Sullivan, 12 William Ridl, 11 Jack Carmody, 10 Stefan Moolman, 9 Dan Aissing, 8 Dom Sesink-Clee, 7 Luke Mitchell, 6 Oliver Davis, 5 Daniel Carr, 4 Reese Hill, 3 Nicolas Salamousas, 2 Max Oliva, 1 Koketso Bopape.

Westville Boys’ High: 15 Zekhethelo Siyaya, 14 Ntobeko Sithole, 13 Jadrian Afrikaner, 12 Sean McGough, 11 Avumile Lisa, 10 Jade-Will Koopman, 9 Liam Simpkins, 8 Sange Nkonki, 7 Lwandle Makhanya, 6 Brandon Eke, 5 Lwandile Mlaba, 4 Ompiwe Dladla, 3 Bandile Mncwango, 2 Ross Calvert, 1 Sbu Hlongwa

Hilton College: 15 James Peattie, 14 Guy Fender, 13 Khazimla Makali, 12 Tristan Uys, 11 John Grubb, 10 Liyema Nela, 9 Zander Vorster, 8 Zander Muller, 7 Emmanuel Dankwah, 6 Stewart Falconer, 5 Andrew Schnell, 4 André Boshoff, 3 Mholi Khuzwayo, 2 Josh Grant, 1 Khanya Jekwa.

Maritzburg College: 15 Lee-Rynne Sinkfontein, 14 Caleb Scheepers, 13 Olwethu Kosani, 12 Jordan Thackwray, 11 Adam Cahill, 10 Liyema Tsoko, 9 Dom du Toit, 8 Wasi Wyambwera, 7 Cyril Cherayi, 6 Rory Stanton, 5 Phila Mkonyana, 4 Mian Pretorius, 3 Alande Ngubane, 2 Theo Boshoff, 1 Linamandla Mabanga.

A confrontation of epic proportions is brewing in Makhanda where Kingswood College and their cross-town rivals, St Andrew’s College, have been gearing up for a showdown which annually captures the imagination of thousands of supporters.

Popularly known as K-Day, it is actually a week of cultural and sporting challenges between the two private schools, as well as Diocesan School for Girls (DSG), culminating in the King Price Derby Series first XV rugby showdown, this time at Kingswood’s home ground of City Lords, at 15.30, on Saturday.

As the excitement bubbles over among the learners and supporters, St Andrew’s coach Jonny Mallett said one of their priorities was to help the players “to manage the hype of the occasion”.

“The school, as a whole, is excited for the K-Day fixture, and it is a wonderful week of collegiality and friendship, with some healthy competition thrown in the mix,”” he said.

“The College team is at full strength, and we are very aware of the threat that Kingswood will pose, but everyone is excited about the game.

“It is a highlight on the school calendar and there is a lot of hype around the two campuses. All we want is for the boys to enjoy the week without getting caught up in too many ‘sideshows’.

“They know their role is to play rugby on an awesome occasion and there is no need to hype it up any further. We just need to make sure they manage the environment.”

Mallett said their tactical focus in the past two years has been to recapture the attacking brand of rugby for which St Andrew’s is so well-known.

“We have worked hard on that and it’s no secret about how we want to play, but we know we need to develop our skills in order to play that style. Decision-making is key.”

St Andrew’s has reaped the benefits of that approach this year, with only a draw against Michaelhouse and a loss to Queen’s College spoiling a sparkling winning record.

Since losing to Queen’s, they have bounced back with some eye-catching performances, notably defeating Grey High in Gqeberha by a single point.

And yet, they know that past results will go out of the window when two teams enter the cauldron of City Lords on Saturday afternoon.

Kingswood coach Devon Barnard acknowledged the magnitude of the occasion: “It’s always a highlight on the Kingswood calendar and I personally believe just having a conversation with the boys about the occasion is a good place to start.

“We feel that, as a group, we just need to make sure we do the basic rights and that will give us a chance,” he said.

“St Andrew’s are coming into this fixture with a great run of form, so I don’t think playing on our home ground of City Lords will be such a big factor.”

Teams

St Andrew’s College: 15 Will Stevens, 14 Asante Chivere, 13 Ali de Kock, 12 Aphindile Ngcuka, 11 Qhawe Madikizela, 10 Oli Johns, 9 David Chorley, 8 ⁠Joshua van Zyl, 7 ⁠Luca Nigrini, 6 ⁠Coel Trollip, 5 ⁠Matthew Harvey (capt), 4 ⁠William Beamish, 3 ⁠Sivatho Mjali, 2 Amo Habi, 1 Jake Jackson.

Kingswood College: 15 Praise Matsila, 14 James Mackenzie, 13 Likhona Kepe, 12 Matthew Paxton, 11 Kevin Barnes, 10 Matthew McCarthy, 9 James McMahon, 8 Liyema Katikati, 7 Josh Mackenzie, 6 Olunje Jama, 5 Ross Thompson, 4 Sandi Peter, 3 Lyke Ukwekwe, 2 Robbie Miles, 1 Junior Ndlazi.

Last 10 K-Day Results

2024: St Andrew’s 22-22 Kingswood
2023: Kingswood 13-10 St Andrew’s College
2022: St Andrew’s College 22-3 Kingswood
2021: Kingswood 19-35 St Andrew’s College
2019: St Andrew’s College 21-20 Kingswood
2018: Kingswood 5-24 St Andrew’s College
2017: St Andrew’s College 72-5 Kingswood
2016: Kingswood 34-22 St Andrew’s College
2015: St Andrew’s 19-20 Kingswood
2014: Kingswood 28-42 St Andrew’s College

Die wedloop in die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Skild-afdeling is steeds wawyd oop met ‘n aantal spanne wat, voor hierdie naweek se ronde, steeds ses wedstryde het om te speel.

Volg al die Skild-aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Een só ‘n span is Hoërskool Die Anker, wat Saterdag vir die gevaarlike Heidelberg Volkskool op sy tuisveld in Brakpan welkom heet.

Die Volkies het reeds vyf wedstryde agter die rug en lê tans tweede op die afdeling se puntelys, met 17 ligapunte, een meer as Hoërskool Ben Vorster se 16 in die derde posisie. Die manne van Brakpan, daarenteen, beklee die sesde plek, met agt ligapunte.

Die Anker sal dus oorgehaal wees vir sy tweede sege in vanjaar se kompetisie, nadat hy verlede naweek tuis in ‘n rillerstryd teen Hoërskool Lichtenburg met 36-36 gelykop gespeel het.

Die Volkies het kort voor die vakansie ‘n taamlike terugslag beleef met vier groot name wat Saterdag afwesig is in Brakpan as gevolg van beserings. Die vernaamste hiervan is agsteman, Juandré Pretorius, wat deur stut, Dean Last, vervang word, terwyl Dyllan Baird, Last se plek in die voorry ineem. Losskakel, Marco Botha, laat ook ‘n groot leemte, maar die ervare Hein Oelofse skuif oor van skrumskakel na losskakel om die toutjies agterlangs te trek.

Die tuisspan het een verandering aangebring aan die span wat in die boksgeveg met die Liggies betrokke was, met die beseerde steelkantflank, Markus Herbst, wat deur die bekwame Vian Strydom vervang word. Strydom sluit dus aan in die lostrio by Die Anker se inspirerende agsteman en kaptein, Ruben Herbst, en haastige oopkantflank, Byron van Zyl.

In Springs, verwelkom Hoërskool Hugenote vir Hoërskool Lictenburg. Die Liggies, tans in die vyfde plek, het nog slegs drie wedstryde in vanjaar se reeks gespeel, waarvan hulle twee gewen het, terwyl die Hugies nog op soek is na ‘n eerste sege. Boonop het die jaarlikse wintergriep posgevat in die span van Springs en is die afrigtingskorps nog besig om te beraadslaag oor hul span.

Die Liggies, daarenteen, betree Saterdag se stryd met slegs een verandering, met hul Cravenweek-agsteman en kaptein, KG Legodi, wat las ervaar van ‘n ligte dyspierbesering. Afrigter, Michael Bondesio, het dit goed gedink om vir Legodi ‘n blaaskans te gee, met Tiaan Booysen wat van steelkantflank na agsteman oorskuif en deur Tydian Williams aan die kant van die skrum vervang word.

In Piet Retief is dit die stryd van die “Pieties” met Hoërskool Pietersburg wat op die Jack Botes, tuisveld van Hoërskool Piet Retief, besoek aflê. Nuus uit die Piet Retief-kamp is dat hy vir ‘n derde agtereenvolgende week met dieselfde beginspan op die veld draf, iets wat hoofafrigter, Herman Schlebusch, opgewonde maak, aangesien sy puntemasjien, Vuyani Tshabalala, uitstekend op dreef is.

Die span van Pietersburg lek nog wonde na ‘n nederlaag van 15-39 teen Hoërskool Ben Vorster verlede naweek in Tzaneen. Die Pieties het egter reeds vanjaar gewys dat hulle nie ligtelik opgeneem moet word nie, vernaam direk ná ‘n nederlaag. ‘n Uiters opwindende stryd word dus in Piet Retief verwag.

Die spanne: 

Die Anker t. Heidelberg Volkskool om 12:20 in Brakpan:

Die Anker: 15 Paul Schutte, 14 Dyllon le Roux, 13 Arno Krugel, 12 Edrick Pienaar, 11 Jonothan Jordaan, 10 Danie Smit, 9 Troy Joubert, 8 Ruben Herbst, 7 Vian Strydom, 6 Byron van Zyl, 5 Brendan van Lutterveld, 4 Marco Groenewald, 3 Xavier Momberg, 2 Rico Goosen, 1 Branden Sauerman.

Heidelberg Volkskool: 15 JV Badella, 14 Jason Brits, 13 Theuns van der Merwe, 12 Tristan Munro, 11 Pieter Greyling, 10 Hein Oelofse, 9 Kyle Hutchinson, 8 Dean Last, 7 Klaas Venter, 6 Jaco Botha, 5 Jano Dietrechsen, 4 Werner Grobler, 3 Dyllan Baird, 2 Henru Coetzer, 1 Reuben Bothma.

Hoërskool Hugenote van Springs t. Hoërskool Lichtenburg om 13:30 in Springs:

Hugenote (Springs) (moontlik): 15 Christaan Basson, 14 Andile Dhlamini, 13 Yovan Prinsloo, 12 Dylan Nel, 11 Kyle de Klerk, 10 George Lucas, 9 Thanyani Mokiri, 8 Euan Venter, 7 Luan Pretorius, 6 Arné Marais, 5 André Coetzee. 4 Tristan de Beer, 3 Wian Rudolph, 2 Luan Smit, 1 Franko Neuhoff.

Lichtenburg: 15 Xander Blom, 14 Tehan Potgieter, 13 Oratile Sekoto, 12 WJ Liebenberg, 11 Kuzi Mupudzi, 10 Luan Snyman, 9 Rea Motsusi, 8 Tiaan Booysen, 7 Tydian Williams, 6 MC Shanahan, 5 Darius Lombard, 4 George Bingudzu, 3 Juan van Rhyn, 2 David Passetti, 1 Ruben Pretorius.

Hoërskool Piet Retief t. Hoërskool Pietersburg om 12:30 in Piet Retief:

Piet Retief: 15 Owethu Shabalala, 14 De Klerk Ferreira, 13 Bubele Ngubane, 12 Gilles van der Meulen, 11 Vuyani Tshabalala, 10 Kyle Stock, 9 Domenic Coetzer, 8 Marnus Thomas, 7 SJ van Barneveld, 6 Lethu Hlope, 5 Harold Gevers, 4 Abongwe Maduna, 3 Aza Phakathi, 2 Mario de Oliveria, 1 Sfundo Mayisa.

Pietersburg: 15 Ryno Mienie, 14 Armand Venter, 13 Zuhan Labuschagne, 12 Siya Mahlangu, 11 Basson Wolmarans, 10 Juan Randall, 9 Celliers van der Merwe, 8 FC Smith, 7 Juan Jansen van Vuuren, 6 Andru de Beer, 5 Ludke Pienaar, 4 Brent Vorster, 3 Elardus Erasmus, 2 Ziahn Lombaard, 1 Krissie Swanepoel.

Gedurende die laaste twee rondes van die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Bowl-afdeling het Hoërskool Ermelo hard aan die deur geklop vir ‘n eerste oorwinning as nuweling in vanjaar se reeks. Dit maak van Saterdag se tuiswedstryd teen Hoërskool Eldoraigne ‘n interessante kragmeting.

Volg al die Bowl-aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

In sy onlangste uitstappie, het die span van Ermelo byna ‘n merkwaardige sege oor Hoërskool Randburg behaal. In ‘n wedstryd wat gesamentlik 99 punte opgelewer het, het hy naelskraaps met 47-52 vasgeval. Hoewel hy oplaas die onderspit gedelf het, het Ermelo nietemin sewe aanskoulike drieë om ‘n duidelike waarskuwing aan die Eldos te rig voor hierdie Saterdag se stryd.

Die besoekers van Centurion sal beslis moet let op hul dissipline, andersins kan die skopskoen van Ermelo-heelagter, WJ Pretorius, hulle kwaai straf. Pretorius se taktiese skopwerk behoort ook die besoekers se agterste driehoek vir die volle 70 minute op hul tone te hou.

Voorts sal die tuisspan se binnesenter, en driekunsheld teen Randburg, Nicolas Steyn, fyn dopgehou moet word in die middeveld.

Uit die kamp van die Drake is die goeie nuus dat hulle einde ten laaste die tog na Ermelo aanpak met hul sterkste moontlike span. Die terugkeer van die woelige slot, MC Scheepers, verleen heelwat woema aan die Eldos se pak, terwyl Justin Meintjies ook weer die agterlyn vir die loopgraafoorlogvoering voorlangs, op agsteman, verruil.

In die agterlyn verwelkom Eldos vir staatmaker, Kevin Earle, terug op binnesenter, wat ‘n aanskoulike tweestryd met Steyn beloof. Earle sluit aan by sentermaat, Juawan Pieterse, wat die vorige week nog op agsteman diens verrig het. Kaptein, Darren Bruwer, is weer in aksie op losskakel, waar hy sedert sy terugkeer van ‘n besering ‘n daadwerklike impak gemaak het.

Die spanne: 

Hoërskool Ermelo t. Eldoraigne om 13:20 in Eldoraigne:

Ermelo (moontlik): 15 WJ Pretorius, 14 Luthando Mahlangi, 13 HJ Hobkirk, 12 Nicolas Steyn, 11 Thabo Mokwena, 10 Janco Kleynhas, 9 Dick Rouillard, 8 Cules Hamman, 7 Marco de bruin, 6 WJ Cronje, 5 Janneman Malan, 4 De La Rey Hattingh, 3 Jacques Diedericks, 2 Ruan Grobler, 1 Hennie Geel.

Eldoraigne: 15 Hugo Theron, 14 Tristan Lee, 13 Juawan Pieterse, 12 Kevin Earle, 11 Hanno Jacobs, 10 Darren Bruwer, 9 Aiden Labuschagne, 8 Justin Meintjies, 7 Kyle de Bruin, 6 Cameron Killian, 5 MC Scheepers, 4 Esdee Kotze, 3 Luan du Preez, 2 Jean de Villiers, 1 Wian White.

On Saturday, Paarl Boys’ High hosts Bishops, with kick-off in their clash at 13:00.

Boishaai rolled to a one-sided 73-6 win when they last met in Paarl, in May 2024. Bishops will be seeking redemption.

Boys’ High boasts an impressive five Western Province Craven Week players in their line-up. One of them, loosehead prop, Jordan Jooste, is a scrumming machine, who will put the visitors’ front row under immense pressure.

At times this season, it has appeared as if Boishaai supporters have cheered knock-ons, knowing that a scrum will follow.

Lock Juan van der Merwe is an acrobat at lineout time. He is a fantastic predator on the opposition’s throw-ins and a sure-handed receiver on Boys’ High lineout feeds. Facing a formidable and large lineout, Bishops could be in for a long day in that set piece.

The Cape Town school offers good chemistry between their players. Their backs often pull off exciting moves from quick ball at the breakdown, and their passing versatility could catch Boys’ High’s rush defence off guard.

Boishaai, though, will use their powerful forwards to dominate set pieces and the breakdown, which will limit Bishops’ attacking opportunities.

The home team is among the most physical sides in the country, and they work hard to wear down the opposition with strong carries on attack and relentless tackling on defence.

Their backs endeavour to shut down the opposing playmakers with suffocating line speed and dominant tackles on defence. On attack, Boys’ High boasts physicality, too, with strong centres, and speedy wingers.

Bishops will face two big challenges on Saturday – one for their forwards and one for their backs.

Their forwards will have to be as competitive as possible at the set pieces and breakdown. If Boishaai smell any weaknesses, they will exploit those, and it will be a long afternoon for the visitors.

Meanwhile, the Bishops’ backs will need to remain calm and confident. By running smart lines and utilising their finesse, they could manipulate the hosts and prise open gaps in the intimidating Boishaai defence.

Teams

Paarl Boys’ High vs Bishops Diocesan College, A-field, Paarl, 13:00

Paarl Boys’ High: 15 Mark Grindlay, 14 Jeneal Davids, 13 Tristan Joubert, 12 Iwan Jordaan, 11 Cole Moultrie, 10 Francois van der Merwe (Vice Captain), 9 Liam de Villiers, 8 Steph van der Merwe (Captain), 7 Kobus Wilken, 6 Wege van Zyl, 5 Jayden Joubert, 4 Gershom Pieters, 3 Cruz Davey, 2 Tommy Muller, 1 Jordan Jooste.

Bishops Diocesan College: (Most likely team) 15 Lulibo Nyawula, 14 Noah Edmunds, 13 Eljaron Geduld, 12 Boytjie Fyfer, 11 Ben Myburgh, 10 Rynard Gordon, 9 Max Marr, 8 Jack Venter, 7 Ethan Venter, 6 Connor Clark, 5 Dan Coetzee, 4 Alex Vintcent, 3 Chris Du Toit, 2 Daniel van den Heever (Captain), 1 Will Reid.

After a decisive defeat at the hands of Graeme College last week, a wounded Stirling High will be aiming to get their season back on track in their derby against Hudson Park, at Hudson, in East London, on Saturday.

The other match in the Border region this weekend takes place on Friday when Selborne College hosts Cambridge High.

Stirling went down 10-45 to the high-flying Graemian team and they face another tough examination against the combative Hudsonians.

With the Gidi brothers, Landile and Likho, partnering at halfback for Hudson, the visiting Stirling side will need to be on point when on defence, as that pair is capable of exploiting the smallest of gaps to their advantage.

Prior to last weekend, Stirling produced a solid performance in a 24-17 win over Cambridge, and they will have to show similar organisation and attacking intent to put one across Hudson Park.

By way of comparison, Hudson Park held Graeme College to 22-27 result in their meeting and despite being on the losing end, they demonstrated their grit and determination.

Hudson was not in action last weekend, and they will have been working hard to ensure they are in the right frame of mind to tackle opponents who cannot be taken lightly.

With No 8 Sibabalwe Mtshini a powerful factor up front, the home side will be keen to take control early on, allowing the Gidis to dictate the pattern of play.

Another tough challenge looms for Cambridge after they leaked 70 points against St Andrew’s College last week. The plus factor for Cambridge is that they worked extremely hard to stay in the fight and scored five tries of their own against the Makhanda outfit.

Those attacking qualities and a determination not to let any team trample over them means Selborne will have to perform with efficiency and precision to register a win.

The home team also possess many attacking qualities and a strong effort in the forwards, led by prop and captain Robert John-Osunkwo, could pave the way for them to finish the term on a high note.

Teams

Selborne College: 15 Sam Jacobsen, 14 Iviwe Kabale, 13 Njongo Mbanga, 12 Armand van Rooyen, 11 Chad Weimann, 10 Bungqina Nuku, 9 Aaron Senekal, 8 Uviwe Jikwana, 7 Dominic Stegmann, 6 Lwandle Bacela, 5 Travis Enslin, 4 Matthew Beän, 3 Zothando Mrara, 2 Liam Hansen, 1 Robert John-Osunkwo (captain)

Cambridge: 15 Lithemba Mpikwa, 14 Lisakhanya Magoxo, 13 Liqhame Mkanzana, 12 Somili Pityi, 11 Imange Roto, 10 Sivuyise Salman, 9 Manga Mlonyeni, 8 Somila Mooi, 7 Joshua Adjei-Frimpong, 6 Bonga Maseko, 5 Nakwesi Masiso, 4 Luxolo Mashaba, 3 Kendon Nass, 2 Luphumzo Magqabeni, 1 Iviwe Mzingayi.

Hudson Park: 15 Mahle Zinto, 14 Bahlumile Mavusa, 13 Ukhona Kama, 12 Lunathi Dolo, 11 Masibulele Kwakwini, 10 Likho Gidi, 9 Landile Gidi, 8 Sibabalwe Mtshini, 7 Likhanye Mandila, 6 Phindokuhle Mdlalana, 5 Sange Gwarube, 4 Tautenda Saunyama, 3 Tyrique Peters, 2 Kwakokuhle Pasha, 1 Manyano Mpendu.

Stirling: N/A

Dit is die naweek Limpopo se beurt om deel te neem aan die DStv Schools Challenge.

Twintig van Limpopo se voorste skole word op gedeel in vier groep waar hulle teen mekaar uit speel vir die top spanne om deur te gaan na die nasionale DStv Schools Challenge.

Die spanne word ook op gedeel in die Ubuntu- en Botho-groepe wat in hul eie kwarteindrondes, halfeindrondes en eindstryd sal speel, die wenner van albei groepe gaan deur na die nasionale DStv Schools Challenge.

Die Ubuntu-groep is die skole wat nie gereeld die geleentheid kry om teen groot skole te speel nie, en vir die meisies is dit die geleentheid om raak gesien te word en blootstelling te kry.

In 2024 was die top twee skole van die Ubuntu-groep Hluvuka en Ntshuzeko, en in die Botho-groep was dit Hoërskool Pietersburg en Ben Vorster wat deur gegaan het na die nasionale DStv School Challenge.

Sal dit die jaar dieselfde vier skole wees wat deur gaan of is daar ‘n verrassing wat vir ons wag?

Die groepe:

Groep A: Hoërskool Pietersburg, Sebakanaga, Frans du Toit, Ntshuxeko, Hluvuka

Groep B: HTS Tom Naudé, Hans Strijdom, Seboye, Khaiso, Hlabi,

Groep C: Merensky, Frikkie Meyer, Tshiawelo, Bela-Bela, Kopa

Groep D: Ben Vorster, Ben Viljoen , Louis Trichardt, Ramathope, Russel Bungeni,

Bepalings vir Vrydag 13 Junie:

15:30: Hoërskool Pietersburg vs Sebakanaga; Ben Vorster vs Ben Viljoen.

16.05: Merensky vs Frikkie Meyer.

16:40: Hoërskool Pietersburg vs Frans du Toit; HTS Tom Naudé vs Hans Strijdom.

17:15: Louis Trichardt vs Ben Vorster; Frans du Toit vs Sebakanaga.

17:50: HTS Tom Naudé vs Seboye.

18:25: Louis Trichardt vs Ben Viljoen.

18:30: Hans Strijdom vs Seboye

Bepalings vir Saterdag 14 Junie:

08:00: Frans du Toit vs Ntshuxeko; Seboye vs Hlabi; HTS Tom Naude vs Khaiso; Merensky vs Kopa; Frikkie Meyer vs Bela-Bela; Louis Trichardt vs Ramathope; Ben Vorster vs Russel Bungeni.

10:00: Ben Vorster vs Ramathope; Ben Viljoen vs Russel Bengeni; Sebakanaga vs Hluvuka; Hoërskool Pietersburg vs Ntshuxeko; Merensky vs Bela-Bela; Frikkie Meyer vs Tshiawelo; Hans Strijdom vs Hlabi.

11:00: Khaiso vs Hlabi; Frans du Toit vs Hluvuka; Kopa vs Tshiawelo; Ramathope vs Russel Bungeni.

12:00: Merensky vs Tshiawelo; Bela-Bela vs Kopa; Ntshuxeko vs Hluvuka; Seboye vs Khaiso