{"id":71302,"date":"2025-05-01T20:18:23","date_gmt":"2025-05-01T18:18:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ssschoolsplus.co.za\/?p=71302"},"modified":"2025-05-01T20:18:23","modified_gmt":"2025-05-01T18:18:23","slug":"top-guns-seal-play-off-spots-on-a-drama-filled-day-at-hibbert-shield","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/test.ssschoolsplus.co.za\/?p=71302","title":{"rendered":"Top guns seal play-off spots on a drama-filled day at Hibbert Shield"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Paarl
Paarl Gimnasium and St Stithians College both qualified for the Hibbert Shield quarterfinals. They played two a 1-1 draw on day two at Grey High School. Photo: Irma Ferreira SPORT & EVENT photography<\/a><\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The annual Standard Bank Hibbert Shield<\/a><\/strong>, <\/strong>hosted by Grey High School<\/strong>, is headed towards the business end of matters, with the eight quarterfinalists having been confirmed after Thursday’s action in Gqeberha.<\/p>\n

After a cracking opening day<\/a><\/strong> that produced 42 goals, the 16 teams returned to the turf with their sights set on securing play-off places.<\/p>\n

On a windy day, teams were left to make calculations and consider permutations. While the action was hot, parents and other spectators were swathed in winter jackets and blankets on the sidelines.<\/p>\n

Last year’s finalists, Paul Roos Gimnasium<\/a><\/strong> and South African College High School (SACS)<\/a><\/strong>, cemented their spots in the last eight early. PRG outplayed Maritzburg College<\/strong> 6-2, while SACS claimed a thrill-a-minute 6-4 win over Grey College<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

By midday, the focus had shifted to other teams chasing places in the last eight.<\/p>\n

Joining SACS and PRG in the quarterfinals were Clifton College<\/strong>, from Pool A, and Grey College, from Pool B. Clifton scored a gritty 3-1 victory over Selborne College<\/strong> in the morning, while Grey bounced back from the SACS defeat with a 2-0 win over St Alban’s College<\/strong>, courtesy of strikes by Warena Legaiwa<\/strong> and Matthias Visser<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n

Visser has been Grey’s dangerman all season long with his fiery drag flicks from the top of the D and he said he wants to bring his A-game in their knockout game on Friday.<\/p>\n

“It’s been a great tour, but I think we haven’t had the best of games,” he told SuperSport Schools Plus<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n

“In the quarters, we want to come out with more energy and play our hearts out. As a flicker, I have to bring everything I’ve got.”<\/p>\n

Clifton had to wait on the result of the contest between Maritzburg College and Selborne College <\/strong>before knowing whether or not they had made it through to the quarterfinals. In the end, they advanced, but it was a nail-biting time for the Durban school’s players.<\/p>\n

Clifton’s victory over Selborne meant Maritzburg College needed to win by five goals against the East London side if they were to surpass their provincial rivals on goal difference. College won, but the match ended 2-0, and Clifton booked their place in the quarterfinals.<\/p>\n