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Top seeds’ St David’s Marist Inanda, Michaelhouse, St Alban’s College, Affies and Kearsney College, drilled 193 goals and conceded only 34 as they established dominance on day one of the Reef Cup Water Polo Invitational Tournament. The four-day event, which runs from Thursday, 29 February, to Sunday, 3 February, is being hosted by St Stithians College.

First out of the blocks was Michaelhouse. The KwaZulu-Natal outfit had difficulty in gearing up for the 2024 season due to inclement weather in the midlands, but that did not show once they hit the water. The Graeme Lucas-Bull–coached outfit was as ruthless and clinical as their coach could have asked them to be in their first match. They overran a hapless Beaulieu College by 24 goals to one.

In the afternoon, the KZN side came up against an optimistic Grey College team that had overcome St Benedict’s College 10-6 earlier the day. Captain Luke Davidson and his teammates had no trouble overcoming the Bloemfontein-based team by 15 goals to three.

St Alban’s was next in line, trouncing Falcon College 19-3. Last year’s semi-finalists were in fine form. After their victory over Falcon, they also overran Reddam House Helderfontein 11-6. 

Affies is on course for at least a quarterfinal slot or better, after a strong start to the tournament. The Juan-Claud Tribelhorn-coached side reached the quarters in 2023 and finished second at the Grey College ITEC Tournament earlier this month. Affies made light work of their opener against Crawford College (Lonehill), dismissing them 19-3. Then, the Pretoria school returned to register another double-digit win in the afternoon, thumping Rand Park 24-5.

Last year’s beaten finalists, St David’s Marist Inanda, began the tournament in a similar manner to their start in 2023, with a comprehensive win over Parktown, whom they dispatched 20-1. Dean Whyte’s charges stayed true to their coach’s promise that they were out to redeem themselves after narrowly losing to St Andrew’s in last year’s title-decider.  

St David’s reaffirmed their intentions in the late afternoon with a 16-3 win over Woodridge College.

Last year, Kearsney duked it out with Affies for the fifth and sixth positions after a commendable run in the tournament. They lost that closely contested encounter 6-7. The KZN side has arrived, however, at this year’s edition rejuvenated by an injection of new blood into the side.

Coached by Cameron Miller, the boys from Botha’s Hill made their intentions crystal clear when they dismembered Crawford 29-3. To show that their form of the morning was no fluke, Kearsney defeated St Peter’s 16-6 in the afternoon round of matches.

The competition will heat up on day two when some of the tournament’s high-fliers will meet and battle for supremacy as each team charts its course to the title.

Pools

Pool A

Beaulieu College (Boys) (Johannesburg)
Grey College (Bloemfontein)
Michaelhouse (KwaZulu-Natal)
Reddam Bedfordview (Johannesburg)
St Benedict’s College (Johannesburg)

Pool B

Durban High School (Durban)
Falcon College (Zimbabwe)
St Alban’s College (Pretoria)
Reddam Helderfontein (Johannesburg)
Steyn City School (Johannesburg)

Pool C

Affies (Pretoria)
Crawford College Lonehill (Johannesburg)
Kearsney College (Botha’s Hill)
Rand Park High (Johannesburg)
St Peter’s College (Johannesburg)

Pool D

Glenwood High (Durban)
Parktown Boys High (Johannesburg)
Reddam House Umhlanga (Durban)
St David’s Marist Inanda (Johannesburg)
Woodridge College (Eastern Cape)

RESULTS

Michaelhouse 24-1 Beaulieu
St Alban’s 19-3 Falcon College
Affies 19-3 Crawford
Glenwood 21-5 Reddam Umhlanga
St Benedict’s 6-10 Grey College
DHS 10-7 Reddam Helderfontein
St Peter’s 23-5 Rand Park
St David’s 20-1 Parktown Boys
Beaulieu College 7-14 Reddam Bedfordview
Falcon College 4-8 Steyn City School
Crawford 3-29 Kearsney
Reddam Umhlanga 5-15 Woodridge
Michaelhouse 15-3 Grey College
St Alban’s 11-6 Reddam Helderfontein
Affies 24-5 Rand Park
Glenwood 12-8 Parktown Boys
St Benedict’s 6-2 Reddam Bedfordview
DHS 15-3 Steyn City School
St Peter’s 6-16 Kearsney
St David’s 16-3 Woodridge

FIXTURES

Friday

07:00 – (B#21) Grey College vs Reddam Bedfordview; 07:00 – (B#22) Reddam Helderfontein vs Steyn City School; 07:00 – (B#23) Rand Park vs Kearsney; 07:50 – (B#24) Parktown vs Woodridge; 08:40 – (B#25) St Benedict’s vs Beaulieu ; 09:30 – (B#26) DHS vs Falcon; 09:30 – (B#27) St Peter’s vs Crawford; 09:30 – (B#28) St David’s vs Reddam Umhlanga; 11:10 – (B#29) Michaelhouse vs Reddam Bedfordview; 11:10 – (B#30) St Alban’s vs Steyn City School; 12:00 – (B#31) Affies vs Kearsney; 12:00 – (B#32) Glenwood vs Woodridge; 13:40 (B#33) Grey College vs Beaulieu; 13:40 – (B#34) Reddam Helderfontein vs Falcon; 13:40 – (B#35) Rand Park vs Crawford; 14:30 – (B#36) Parktown vs Reddam Umhlanga; 15:20 – (B#37) Michaelhouse vs St Benedict’s; 16:10 – (B#38) St Alban’s vs DHS; 16:10 – (B#39) Affies vs St Peter’s; 16:10 – (B#40) St David’s vs Glenwood.

Saturday 

07:00 – (B#41) Group A2 vs Group B3; 07:00 – (B#42) Group B2 vs Group A3; 07:00 – (B#43) Group C2 vs Group D3; 07:50 – (B#44) Group D2 vs Group C3; 08:40 – (B#45) Group A5 vs Group B4; 09:30 – (B#46) Group A4 vs Group B5; 09:30 – (B#47) Group C5 vs Group D4; 09:30 – (B#48) Group C4 vs Group D5; 11:10 – (B#49) Group A1 vs Winner Game 43; 11:10 – (B#50) Winner Game 44 vs Group B1; 12:00 – (B#51) Winner 41 vs Group C1; 12:00 – (B#52) Group D1 vs Winner 42; 13:40 – (B#53) Loser Game 45 vs Loser 47; 13:40 (B#54) Loser 46 vs Loser 48; 14:30 – (B#55) Loser 43 vs Loser 41; 14:30 – (B#56) Loser 44 vs Loser 42; 15:20 – (B#57) Winner 47 vs Winner 45; 16:10 – (B#58) Winner 50 vs Winner 49; 16:10 – (B#59) Winner 46 vs Winner 48; 17:00 – (B#60) Winner 52 vs Winner 51; 17:00 – (B#61) Loser 50 vs Loser 49; 18:40 – (B#62) Loser 52 vs Loser 51.

Sunday

07:00 – (B#63) Loser 53 vs Loser 54; 07:00 – (B#64) Winner 53 vs Winner 54; 07:00 – (B#65) Loser 57 vs Loser 59; 08:40 – (B#66) Winner 57 vs Winner 59; 08:40 – (B#67) Loser 55 vs Loser 56; 08:40 – (B#68) Winner 55 vs Winner 56; 10:20 – (B#69) Loser 62 vs Loser 61; 10:20 – (B#70) Winner 62 vs Winner 61; 10:20 – (B#71) Loser 60 vs Loser 58; 12:10 – (B#72 – Winner 60 vs Winner 58.

Die Wesgrow Sentrale Sportreeks skop hierdie Saterdag af waneer Voortrekker Hoërskool vir Hoërskool Diamantveld te Kimberley die stryd aansê in die eerste bepaling van die jaar.

Die wedstryde word regstreeks uitgesaai op SuperSport Schools – Registreer nou – Skakel na die wedstryd

Die skool van Bethlehem bied ‘n trotse sportprogram aan en het verlede jaar as algehele reekswenners geëindig, maar hulle sal graag ook die o. 19 A rugby-trofee vanjaar ‘n nuwe staanplek wil gee, nadat Hoërskool Fichardtpark se eerstespan in 2023 met ‘n onoorwonne rekord in die reeks die kroon gedra het.

Diamantveld is vanjaar onder ‘n splinternuwe bestuur wat Saterdag hul eerste smakie van die kompetisie sal kry, maar met staatmakers soos die dinamiese senter, Simon Liversage, in hul geledere sal die tuisspan vir geen uitdaging terugdeins nie.

Liversage het die afgelope week nog die leisels geneem vir die Diamonds se eerste krieketspan toe hulle in die Motheo o. 19 T20 Superliga-eindstryd teen Grey se tweedes die knie gebuig het. Hy het verlede jaar reeds aandag getrek met sy skitterspel vir Griekwas by die Akademieweek, voordat hy in Desember ook vir die SA Colts-krieketspan gekies is na sy vertoning by die Khaya Majola-toernooi.

Die vleuel, Kyle Taut, en stut, FJ de Vries, het die Diamante by die Cravenweek verteenwoordig, saam met Achilles de Jager wat Saterdag ‘n impak van die reserwebank af sal wil maak.

Die Trekkers kom egter met hul eie korps spelers wat al in 2023 op o. 19-vlak uitgeblink het. Cecil Parsons (stut) en Tumi Khoza (heelagter) het die Griffons se Cravenweekspan gehaal, terwyl van hul jong Grant Khomo-sterre van verlede jaar ook nou hul staal in die eerstespan sal wil toets, met Theo van Wyk op flank en AJ Myburg wat as ‘n plaasvervanger kan opkom.

Voortrekker het verlede seisoen die Diamonds met 46-17 in Bethlehem afgeransel, en sal hul veldtog met nog so ‘n oortuigende sege wil afskop in Kimberley hierdie naweek.

Die Spanne (Afskop: 14:10)

Diamantveld: 15 Kyle Taut, 14 Carel Viljoen, 13 Jonathan Harding, 12 Simon Liversage, 11 Lehan van der Westhuizen, 10 Marno Greeff, 9 Ethan Manus, 8 Enrique Boshoff, 7 Jayden de Klerk, 6 Stiaan van Loggerenberg, 5 Zuan Rautenbach, 4 Daniel Kuhn, 3 Dian Ellis, 2 De Wet du Plooy, 1 FJ de Vries.

Reserwes: 16 Achilles de Jager, 17 Heinrich Nel, 18 Bernard Daniels, 19 Janco Engelbrecht, 20 Paul Cronje, 21 Dirk van Heerden, 22 Charl Swanepoel, 23 Driaan Jacobs.

Voortrekker: 15 Tumi Khoza, 14 Kamohelo Moses, 13 Frederik Fourie, 12 Craig Mann, 11 Karabelo Chaka, 10 Kaneng Komane, 9 Christian van der Sandt, 8 Dawid Fourie, 7 Theo van Wyk, 6 Attilla Ozturk, 5 Tristan Meyer, 4 Luttig Roux, 3 Cecil Parsons, 2 Arnold Ras, 1 Francois Maree.

Reserwes: 16 Wian Muller, 17 AJ Ferreira, 18 AJ Myburgh, 19 Pieter Viljoen, 20 Wian Fourie, 21 Nolen du Plooy, 22 Ompile Pete, 23 Karabo Ramaloehla.

The first round of the highly anticipated 2024 Wesgrow Series kicks off on Saturday in the Northern Cape when Hoërskool Diamantveld and Bethlehem Voortrekker do battle in search of early ascendency.

While the round-robin fixtures begin on Saturday, the annual league’s final round is set to take place in July, when all of the teams will be in action.

The participating hockey sides include Witteberg, Fichardtpark, Jim Fouché, Voortrekker, Goudveld, Diamantveld, Trio High School, and Hoërskool Sentraal, with rugby and netball also a part of the package.

Voortrekker claimed the top spot in the girls’ hockey section last year and, under the new leadership of Kirsten Beneke, will be eager to retain their title.

Beneke assumed control of the senior side in 2023 and has just saw the team through a busy pre-season schedule.

Speaking to SuperSport Schools ahead of her charges’ first Wesgrow match of the year, she revealed how excited the side was to be back on the turf, and identified some of the goals the school is pursuing this year.

“I started to take over last year in September and have worked very hard with a big group of girls in the pre-season,” she said.

“I have also coached many of them previously, so we all have a good understanding, and have an aligned vision for hockey for this year.

“The goals for our school include winning our league, being chosen to participate in the Top 12 tournament later this year and creating a positive hockey culture at our school.”

Beneke’s side heads into its opening match with momentum, having produced good hockey at last weekend’s Balling Hockey Festival on home soil.

Playing against some of the country’s leading teams, Voortrekker stood its ground, showing character and grit, attributes which will be needed throughout the season.

On day one, they went down to St Anne’s Diocesan College, who ended the festival unbeaten, before playing to a 1-1 draw with St John’s DSG, who also enjoyed a good run.

Despite losing to the standout team of the Festival, Oranje, the Bethlehem school’s players dusted themselves off and scored a fine win over St Stithians College, before going down 2-3 to Eunice in a nail-biting clash on the final day.

“The Balling festival was a great start to the season as we could see how we measure up to the top schools in the country,” Beneke reflected.

“These were our first games for the year and, although we made some mistakes, I feel, as a whole, the tournament is a great stepping stone and momentum builder for the season ahead.

“We know what to work on and that is our current focus, so that when we come up against those teams again, we can pull the results through.”

Retaining the Wesgrow title is one of the key challenges for Voortrekker in 2024. Apart from the series, they will also participate in the Greg Beling Festival in East London in March.

The coach believes playing against the top schools will leave Voortrekker’s hockey players in good stead as they seek to boost their programme to greater heights.

“All the players and coaches are extremely excited about our first Wesgrow game for the year,” Beneke reckoned.

“It is an exciting opportunity to introduce the new brand of hockey that BVHS is using this year and measure it against our competitors.”

The Bethlehem girls will be led by centre-back, Carli Oosthuizen, who will be a key source of control and calmness.

In a team that features a balanced mix of experience and youth, their shot-stopper, Jamie Rayner, is another player to keep an eye on.

All the action from the first weekend of the Wesgrow league will be LIVE on SuperSport Schools, including the u19A hockey broadcast.

Fixtures:

Cassandra Astro

09:00- Diamantveld vs Voortrekker (Girls u16)
10:00- Diamantveld vs Voortrekker (Boys u16)
11:15- Diamantveld vs Voortrekker (Girls u19)
12:00- Diamantveld vs Voortrekker (Boys u19)

Kelly Park CBC Astro

08:00- Diamantveld vs Voortrekker (Girls u16 B)
10:20- Diamantveld vs Voortrekker (Girls u19 B)
11:40- Diamantveld vs Voortrekker (Boys u19 B)

Nadat Hoërskool Stellenberg verlede naweek koning gekraai het in hul interskole-kragmeting met Hoërskool Durbanville, kon die Durbies die bordjies verhang om Woensdag die WPNS Sammy Bloch-reeks in te palm.

Dit het oudergewoonte ‘n titaniese stryd afgegee tussen hierdie twee trotse spanne.

Lohann Pretorius en Arno Koen het vroeg verwoesting gesaai onder die Durbie-kolwers, om hulle tot 39/6 te beperk.

Pretorius het in die eerste boulbeurt reeds drie kolwers teruggestuur na die kleedkamer toe, om die teenstanders onder enorme druk te plaas.

Pierre du Toit het egter die momentum geswaai met ‘n skitterende beurt van 55 lopies, voordat Jan-Jak Alberts sy paaltjies geëis het.

Tobias Roelofse het ook goed gevaar om 36 van die Stellenberg-aflewerings te absorbeer, voordat Pretorius sy vierde paaltjie vir die dag geneem het.

Calla du Toit het met ‘n onoorwonne beurt van 23 lopies, ‘n vennootskap van 46 lopies met Pierre du Toit bewerkstellig om hul span ‘n broodnodige hupstoot te gee teen die einde van die beurt.

Roelofse het vroeg in Stellenberg se kolfbeurt teruggeslaan om die eerste paaltjie te laat kantel, en Calla du Toit (3/10) en Jan Kriel (2/17) het verder verseker dat die res van die kolwers nooit hul ritme kon vind nie.

Dit was slegs Yiva Dwaleni wat, op agt, enige weerstand kon bied. Hy het vier grenshoue gemoker en ‘n manhaftige 35 lopies aangeteken om sy span tot binne 14 lopies van die Durbies se totaal te kry.

Xander van Aarde het egter met die laaste bal van die wedstryd sy paaltjies getref om die sege netjies af te rond vir die Durbies en die Sammy Bloch-titel te verower.

 

Beknopte telkaart:

Hoërskool Durbanville: 115/8 (Pierre du Toit 55, Calla du Toit 23*; Lohann Pretorius 4/61, Arno Koen 2/32). Hoërskool Stellenberg: 101 (Yiva Dwaleni 35; Calla du Toit 3/10, Jan Kriel 2/17). Durbanville wen met 14 lopies.

Having qualified for the finals of all four age groups – u14, u15, u16 and open – Westville Boys’ High enjoyed a superb showing on Wednesday, winning three of the W100 finals – played among the leading KZN coastal cricket schools – and missing out on the other by only five runs, in a contest that went down to the second last ball.

Westville’s Director of Sport, Pam Hayward, was elated. “My goodness. What a day!” she exclaimed. The school’s Director of Cricket, Wayne Scott, had a broad grin plastered across his face after witnessing the Westville 1^st XI chase down Kearsney College‘s challenging 148/6 to capture a five-wicket victory with three balls to spare at Hollywoodbets Kingsmead.

Kearsney’s big score had been a blessing in disguise for the Griffin, he explained, saying that it left them with only one batting approach and that was to go for it from the start.

In the early going, it appeared as if Kearsney were on course for an even bigger total. Jack O’Donovan was onto any ball that wasn’t line and length in a flash and brutally punished the Westville opening bowlers. Cameron Veenstra, so often the aggressor up front, was relegated to a supporting role.

Together they posted 68 for the first wicket in just 41 balls, but the introduction of the spinners, Roxton Payne and Chad van Breda helped slow the scoring, and Van Breda also castled Veenstra, for 19 from 18 balls, to separate the pair.

O’Donovan and Kearsney skipper Ross Coetzee were limited to 27 from 21 balls before Coetzee fell victim to Payne for 17 from 15.

Westville captain Nicandro Kistna helped keep Kearsney in check when he took on bowling duties, too. He got rid of Matthew de Oliveira and Keegan de Jager while O’Donovan marched merrily onwards.

He finished on an entertaining and superb 92 not out, which had taken only 49 deliveries and included five big sixes and six fours.

The pick of the Westville bowlers were their spinners, with Chad van Breda snapping up 2/11 in 15 deliveries, Nicandro Kistna taking 2/20 in 20, and Roxton Payne snaring 1/18 in 20.

Facing a challenging run pursuit, Westville was held in check early on by a tight opening spell from Joe Clarkson. However, Kearsney’s regular opening bowlers, Ryan Browning and Sandiswa Yeni, conceded a number of boundaries.

Yeni, though, struck twice in quick succession to remove Max Robertson and Sean McGough, which left Westville on 41/2 after 40 balls.

Seth Simpson and Kaeden McAllister continued to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Simpson then launched a massive six over mid-wicket off Asavela Khambule. The very next ball, though, the leg-spinner trapped him in front for 25 from 21 balls. Simpson’s innings had included two sixes and a four.

With his top order partner gone, McAllister upped his game, going after the Kearsney bowling as the remaining balls diminished.

Westville appeared to be in good shape, needing 37 from 25 balls, but Yeni then produced a fantastic five-ball spell, giving up only a single, to leave the Griffin chasing 36 from 20.

A few lusty blows from McAllister and the balance tilted towards Westville.  Then, from the first ball of a Michael Groom over, he struck a stunning six over extra cover, and suddenly the numbers were very much in Westville’s favour.

With five balls left, the Griffin required only three to win. Josh Beck, cleverly, defended Jack O’Donovan’s first ball with soft hands to add a single and get McAllister on strike. The very next ball, it was all over as McAllister played it for two and the Westville supporters stood and cheered.

McAllister was undefeated on 66 from only 32 balls. His match-winning innings, beautifully executed under extreme pressure, had included five sixes and three fours.

The Batsman of the Final Award went to Kearsney’s Jack O’Donovan, while McAllister received the Most Valuable Player accolade. Roxton Payne, for slowing Kearsney’s rocketing run rate, was named the Bowler of the Final.

Westville suffered a run out on the second last ball of the u14 final to go down to Kearsney College by just five runs, but their u15A and u16A teams, who had qualified to play at home after topping the table in their age groups, won by four wickets and 43 runs respectively, both against Northwood, to make it a special day for the school’s cricket programme.

SCORES

Kearsney 1st XI 148/6 (Jack O’Donovan 92*, Cameron Veenstra 19; Chad van Breda 2/11, Nicandro Kistna 2/20, Roxton Payne 1/18); Westville Boys’ High 149/5 (Kaeden McAllister 66*, Seth Simpson 25; Sandiswa Yeni 2/18, Jack O’Donovan 1/10) Westville Boys’ High won by 5 wickets.

Westville Boys’ High u16A 124/6 (Kyle McGough 53, Aiden Baudach 20*, Misbah Nair 20; Jamie Wimble 3/20, Daniel Whelan 1/3, Yashin Naidoo 1/5); Northwood School u16A 81/9 (Jamie Wimble 22; Tristan Delvin 3/7, Ashton Kidgell 1/9, Misbah Nair 1/10) Westville Boys’ High won by 43 runs.

Northwood School u15A 119/4 (Samuel Giai-Minietti 34, Max Nicholson 33*; Joshua Engelbrecht 3/8); Westville Boys’ High u15A 120/6 (Kai Cotton 46, Elijah Stoop 23; R van Zyl 2/10) Westville Boys’ High won by four wickets.

Kearsney College u14A 106/6 (Hayden Lotter 15, Oliver Rey 14*; Yunus Lamalia 3/13, Treval Chetty 1/11); Westville Boys’ High u14A 101/10 (Kagiso Mokoena 33*, Gaurav Sewlal 24; Matthew Rice 2/18, Noah Haskell 2/20, Sebastien De Broglio 1/12) Kearsney College won by 5 runs. 

 

Hoërskool Fichardtpark het in 2023 nie alleen aandag getrek met ‘n skitterseisoen nie, maar ook die geskiedenisboeke herskryf deur hul eerste SA Skole-speler op te lewer.

Met die nuwe seisoen om die draai, is die Bloemfonteiners oorgehaal om te wys dat dit ‘n aanduiding was van wat nog kom, eerder as ‘n uitsondering.

Die Fichies sal nietemin van die eerste afskop reeds getoets word, met ‘n strawwe lys van bepalings vroeg in die seisoen.

Beleef al die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – Registreer nou

Die eerste skote sal klap tydens hul jaarlikse sportdag eerskomende Saterdag, 2 Maart, waar hulle vir Hoërskool Wesvalia die stryd aansê, voordat hulle op die 12 en 16 Maart die verdediging van hul Wesgrow-titel afskop met twee wegwedstryde teen Goudveld-Hoërskool en Voortrekker Hoërskool.

Vanjaar se Nashua Fichardtpark-sportdag is egter ‘n spesiale herdenking vir die skool, wat hul 40ste bestaansjaar vier. Daar sal ‘n magdom oudleerders en ondersteuners opdaag om hul span vir die eerste wedstryd van die jaar aan te moedig. Dit is ook die Leeus se enigste tuiswedstryd tot en met 20 April, wanneer hulle tuis teen Hoërskool Sentraal te staan kom.

‘n Paar van verlede jaar se uitblinkers kan in 2024 weer die Fichie-trui oor hul kop trek. Devanté Claassen, hul spelbreker op skrumskakel wat verlede jaar die Vrystaatse Cravenweek-span gehaal het, sal weer ‘n sentrale rol hê om te vervul.

Jaco Grobbelaar het by daardie Cravenweek-toernooi geskiedenis gemaak as die eerste Fichardtpark-speler om vir die SA Skole-span gekies te word, en sy makkers wat vanjaar weer ‘n kans staan, sal hul beste wil lewer om in die groot slot se voetspore te volg.

Jannel du Plessis (flank), Zaine van Zyl (stut), Nathan Swanepoel (stut), Tumelo Leputla (agsteman), MJ Hattingh (haker), Duan Viviers (senter), Martin Kalp (senter) en Pule Motsilili (veelsydige agterspeler) se ondervinding van verlede seisoen sal ook die span van Bloemfontein ‘n hupstoot bied wanneer hulle poog om die sukses van 2023 te herhaal.

Swanepoel en Leputla was by die vorige Akademieweek vir die Vrystaat in aksie, en sal van die Fichie-spelers wees wat mik daarna om hierdie seisoen ‘n plek by die Cravenweek los te speel.

Dan is daar ook van die jonger spelers, soos Buko Mlali en Junior Titoti, wat albei uitgeblink het by die Grant Khomo-week as o. 16-spelers en hierdie jaar hul plek in die eerstespan sal wil verdien.

Die afrigtingspan bestaan uit Jaco Kotze (direkteur van rugby en agterlyn-afrigter), Zandré Pienaar (hoofafrigter), André Burger (voorspeler-afrigter) en Frans Sisita (verdedigings-afrigter), wie se taak dit is om die Leeus deur nog ‘n opwindende seisoen te begelei, met die oog op deurlopende ontwikkeling.

“Ons wil aanhou die sport bou, deur die bank met al ons spanne, sodat ons ook teen die groter skole in die land geleenthede kan kry,” vertel Burger oor hul doelwitte vir die jaar.

Verlede jaar het die Fichies ‘n skitterende Wesgrow-reeks beleef, waarin hulle onoorwonne geëindig het om die titel te verower. Kort daarna het hulle egter vir die eerste keer in die seisoen vasgeval in die Vrystaatse A Liga-eindstryd teen aardsvyande, Hoërskool Jim Fouché.

Daar sal dus selfs meer trots op die spel wees wanneer die buurskole mekaar weer vroeg in April in die Rosestad pak.

Die bepalings: 

[ninja_tables id=”36138″]

As the rugby season approaches, there’s a buzz of anticipation at Jeppe High School for Boys, fueled by the accolades and achievements of 2023.

Two of last season’s matches stand out vividly – a home win against Monument and a thrilling clash against Affies on 27 May, which was decided in the last minute.

Despite a valiant effort from Jeppe, Affies clinched a narrow victory just before the final whistle, which left a bit of a bitter taste in the mouth of Johannesburg side. However, despite the disappointment of defeat, there were moments of brilliance which showcased the team’s potential to lock horns with the bigger, very physical Afrikaans schools. 

With 12 wins under their belt, including standout victories against formidable opponents, like King Edward VII (KES) and Durban High School (DHS), Jeppe’s first XV earned admiration, from spectators and referees alike, for their playing ability and their sportsmanship.

At the end of the season, at the prestigious Bestmed Golden Lions Referees Society’s annual prize-giving dinner, Jeppe was named the School of the Year.

That recognition from the Lions union’s referees was a testament to the exceptional sportsmanship, skill, and dedication displayed by Jeppe’s rugby teams at all levels throughout the season, and the boys in black and white will aim to carry that legacy forward this season, when they take to Collard Field. 

With a reshuffle in the coaching staff, including the transition of Carl Spilhaus to the role of Director of Rugby and the appointment of Drickus Venter as Head Coach of the first XV, Jeppe is aiming for further growth.

Spilhaus said: “I didn’t quite know what to expect, having not worked with all the boys, but there’s undoubtedly talent and I’ve always wanted to do this job as Director of Rugby.

“I’m looking forward to it, and we’ll see how the season unfolds, giving us an opportunity to put new structures in place.”

Venter is well-known in the Jeppe community, having served it for over a decade, and he brings a deep understanding of the school’s rugby tradition to his new post, coupled with some fresh insights and ideas. His appointment promises a continuation of the prevailing strategy and team culture while also encouraging an infusion of new energy and an opportunity enhance a positive culture amongst the players.

Ahead of the new season, Jeppe is gearing up for more than just another successful run on the field. They’re aiming to build on the performances of the past two very successful seasons. The first team, which will include several members of last year’s outfit, is set to welcome some fine young talent into it ranks. 

With Venter setting the course for the side, the team is focused on honing their skills and pushing boundaries to reach new heights of success.  

Jeppe will be in action at the King Edward VII Easter Festival, where the team will kick off its season against some of the country’s top schools. The festival will also allow the coaches to gauge where their teams are, what their strengths are, and what weaknesses need to be addressed. 

Five Players to Watch This Season

Players to watch out for include lock Luke Cannon, who is not afraid to get physical in the mauls and rucks while providing the scrum with plenty of horsepower to contend with the front rows of larger opposition. The talented sportsman is also a key member of the school’s 1st XI cricket team.

Kuthadzo Rashivaga was instrumental in the side’s strong performances last year, with the fullback earning a spot in the Golden Lions Craven Week team. The number 15 shows great promise both on attack and defence, he will be hungry to produce another successful year. It’s seldom that his name doesn’t appear on the try scorers’ list.

Another leftover from last season’s side, is Risimi Khosa, who wears the number four jersey. He ensures the second row is blessed with experience and the power to bolster the front row. Khosa wears his heart on his sleeve and has a non-stop motor. Last year, he was part of the Golden Lions Academy squad, which won the Academy Week, played at Jeppe, beating Western Province in the final. This year, he’ll have his eyes on a place in the Craven Week team.

Tight-head prop Luca Trevisan, who represented the Golden Lions u17 team in 2023, will also be aiming to make the step-up as he chases a place in the Lions’ Craven Week side, too. 

Thulani Shabalala started the 2023 season on the bench but forced his way into the starting XV, playing on the right wing. He often took on the goal-kicking duties, with great success. It will be interesting to see which position he plays in this season.

Last year, against DHS, Shabalala put 17 points on the board to help his side to a hard-fought 39-36 victory. He’ll be aiming for more of those kinds of days in 2024.

As the countdown to the first game begins, Jeppe is a team many will be eager to see in action, as they seek to add another exciting chapter to the school’s storied rugby legacy.

Jeppe’s motto is Forti Nihil Difficilius, which translates to Nothing Is Too Difficult For The Brave, and that neatly encapsulates the spirit of the boys of Jeppe, and the attitude they will bring to the field in pursuit of another outstanding season.

The Fixtures for 2024: 

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The Kingswood College rugby team is determined to build on an excellent 2023 season by showing further improvement when their programme for this year clicks into gear next month.

The Makhanda school was among the top performers in Eastern Cape last year and will be looking to lay down an early marker when they take on Marlow Agricultural in the Graeme College Rugby Festival in Makhanda from March 14-16.

Kingswood head coach James Winstanley says they are excited about the forthcoming season, with a strong thread of continuity from last year provided by eight players from the class of 2023 and a further two players who featured in the first team.

“We had a fantastic season last year but it was just the start of what we are wanting to achieve and the core group has worked incredibly hard to put us in a position to be better this year,” Winstanley said.

“We have had a grueling six-week training block and so now we have built in a week’s break to ensure that we freshen up and have the physical and mental energy needed to get us through the start of the season, up until the end of the Easter tour.”

Following the Graeme festival, when they will play Marlow at 13:00 on Friday, March 15, Kingswood will travel to Johannesburg for the St John’s Easter Festival.

Kingswood, who set their leadership group in place last year, will be aiming to make an impact in that showdown.

“We have been a little unorthodox in that we have named our captain and leadership group in November the past two years,” Winstanley said.

“Our captain, Tapiwa Zhanda, and his senior players have been instrumental in setting the standard so far.

“The Graeme festival is the first real marker that requires you to hit some form and it comes with an opportunity to gain momentum.

However, he acknowledged the serious challenge they faced against the Cradock outfit.

“Marlow is possibly the toughest team to play at Graeme festival,” the Kingswood mentor said.

“They hit the ground running and their physicality early in a game causes problems for opponents.

“You can’t grow into this game. You have to be in the fight from the very beginning to stand a chance of a good result.”

Given their meticulous preparation, Kingswood is ready for all challenges.

“We are excited to finally play and be tested against top opponents in the Eastern Cape,” Winstanley added.

“We are a well-conditioned team and so we will be prepared for the closing quarter of a game, and I anticipate our backline will get people excited.

“We have a tough fixture list and we might not win as many games as last year, but we will be a better team than we were.”

The first team fixtures for the Graeme festival are:

15 March 2024 | Somerset Field

09:00 – Port Alfred vs Graeme College II
10:30 – Port Rex vs Mary Waters
11:45 – Union High vs HTS Daniël Pienaar
13:00 – Kingswood College vs Marlow Landbou
14:15 – Dale College vs Nico Malan
15:30 – Grey High School vs Hudson Park

16 March 2024 | Somerset Field

10:30 – Cambridge vs Muir College
11:45 – Stirling vs Framesby
13:00 – Queen’s College vs Pearson
14:15 – St Andrew’s College vs Die Brandwag (Uitenhage)
15:30 – Graeme College vs Selborne College

The annual Reef Cup Water Polo Invitational Tournament will again roll out the red carpet for Zimbabwean and South African girls’ schools for the 2024 edition of the event.

The four-day tournament is being hosted by the 2023 champions, St Stithians College, and it splashes off on Thursday morning, with the final being contested at the main pool on Sunday at 13:10.

There are 20 schools in attendance, each of which will face a challenging pathway to the final.

To kick things off, Zimbabwe’s Hellenic Academy takes on Parktown High School for Girls in the Saints Olympic South pool in a Pool A clash.

Alongside them, Reddam House Bedfordview tackles Steyn City School, in the Saints main Polo pool.

Last year’s runners-up, Roedean School, will kickstart their campaign by splashing it out against the Tournament Invitation Team in the main pool at 10:20.

Meanwhile, the reigning champions will welcome the Zimbabwean side, Falcon College. When the teams met last year, during an extraordinarily successful season for St Stithians, the hosts overpowered their opponents 19-1.

Coach Etienne Le Roux‘s troops will be looking to add another Reef Cup title to their cabinet after a spectacular 2023 season, which brought Saints eight tournament titles, including, among others, the Saints Invitational, Old Petrian’s, and the National Aquatics Festival titles.

Adding more significance to the weekend’s event is the fact that it will be Le Roux’s last outing with Saints, so they will, no doubt, be motivated to send their coach off on a high ahead of his departure for Rondebosch Boys’ High.

The second day will deliver more exciting action, with the Eastern Cape’s Woodridge College set to face KwaZulu-Natal’s Maris Stella. They’re not unfamiliar opponents. Last year, Woodridge doubled-up Maris Stella, recording a 10-5 win.

This year the Durban school will be aiming for a better run after going winless at the 2023 Reef Cup.

In Pool C, Beaulieu College will test themselves against Rand Park High, while the 2023’s fourth place finishers, Crawford College (Lonehill), are up against local opposition when they challenge Kingsmead College.

The champions will be crowned on Sunday afternoon in the main polo pool. It’s going to be a test of endurance and skill. The teams that handle it best will play off for the silverware.

POOLS

Pool A – Hellenic Academy (Zimbabwe), Parktown High School for Girls (Johannesburg), Pretoria High School for Girls (Pretoria), Roedean School (Johannesburg), Tournament Invitation Team

Pool B – Maris Stella School (Durban), Reddam Bedfordview Girls (Johannesburg), St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls (Boksburg), Steyn City School (Johannesburg), Woodridge College (Eastern Cape)

Pool C – Beaulieu College (Johannesburg), Crawford College Lonehill (Johannesburg), Kingsmead College (Johannesburg), Rand Park High (Johannesburg), Reddam House Helderfontein (Johannesburg)

Pool D – Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool (Pretoria), Falcon College (Zimbabwe), Reddam House Umhlanga (KZN), St Peter’s College (Johannesburg), St Stithians College (Johannesburg)

Day 1, Thursday 29 February 2024 @ St Stithians College, Sandton

07h50 – (1) Hellenic v Parktown, (2) Reddam Bedfordview v Steyn City; 08h40-  (3) Kingsmead v Beaulieu, (4) Reddam Umhlanga v  St Peter’s; 10h20 – (5) Roedean v Tournament Invitation, (6) St Dominic’s v Woodridge, (7) Crawford Lonehill v Rand Park; 11h10 –  (8) St Stithians v Falcon; 12h00 – (9) Parktown v Pretoria High; 12h50 – (10)  Steyn City v Maris Stella, (11) Beaulieu v Reddam Helderfontein, (12 ) St Peter’s v Afrikaans Hoër; 14h30 – (13) Hellenic v Tournament Invitation, (14) Reddam Bedfordview v Woodridge; 15h20 – (15) Kingsmead v  Rand Park, (16) Reddam Umhlanga v Falcon; 17h00 – (17) Roedean v Pretoria High, (18) St Dominic’s v Maris Stella, (19) , Crawford Lonehill v Reddam Helderfontein; 17h50 –  (20) St Stithians v Afrikaans Hoër

Day 2, Friday 1 March 2024 @ St Stithians College, Sandton

07h50 – (21) Tournament Invitation v Pretoria High, (22) Woodridge v Maris Stella; 8h40 – (23) Rand Park v Reddam Helderfontein, (24) Afrikaans Hoër v Falcon; 10h20 – (25) Roedean v Parktown (26) St Dominic’s v Steyn City,  (27) Crawford Lonehill v Beaulieu; 11h10 – (28)  St Stithians v St Peter’s; 12h00 – (29) Hellenic v Pretoria High; 12h50 – (30) Reddam Bedfordview v Maris Stella; (31) Kingsmead v Reddam Helderfontein; (32) Reddam Umhlanga v Afrikaans Hoër; 14h30 – (33) Tournament Invitation v  Parktown, (34) Woodridge v Steyn City; 15h20 – (35) Rand Park v Beaulieu, (36) Falcon v St Peter’s; 17h00 – (37) Hellenic v Roedean, (38) Reddam Bedfordview v St Dominic’s, (39) Kingsmead v Crawford Lonehill; 17h50 – (40); St Stithians v Reddam Umhlanga

 Day 3, Saturday 2 March 2024 @St Stithians College, Sandton

07h50 – (41) A1 v B3, (42) B2 v  A3; 8h40 – (43) C2 v D3, (44) D2 v C3; 10h20 – (45) A5 v B4, (46) A4 v B5, (47) C5 v D4; 11h10 – (48) C4 v D5; 12h00 – (49) A1 v Winner Game 43; 12h50 – (50) Winner Game 44 v B1, (51) Winner Game 41 v C1, (52) D1 v Winner Game 42; 13h40 – (53) Loser Game 45 v Loser Game 47; 14h30 – (54) Loser Game 46 v Loser Game 48; 15h20 – (55) Loser Game 43 v Loser Game 41; (56) Loser Game 44 v Loser Game 42; 16h10 – (57) Winner Game 47 v Winner Game 45; 17h00 – (58) Winner Game 46 v Winner Game 48; 17h50 – (59) Winner Game 50 v Winner Game 49, (60) Loser Game 50 (QF2) v Loser Game 49; (61) Loser Game 50 v Loser Game 49; 18h40 – (62) Loser Game 52 v Loser Game 51

Day 4, Sunday 3 March 2024 @St Stithians College, Sandton

07h50 – (63) Loser Game 53 v Loser Game 54, (64) Winner Game 53 v Winner Game 54, (65) Loser Game 57 v Loser Game 58, 09h30 – (66) Winner Game 57 v Winner Game 58; (67) Loser Game 55 v Loser Game 56, (68) Loser Game 55 v Loser Game 56; 11h10 – (69) Loser Game 61 v Loser Game 60, (70) Winner Game 62 v Winner Game 59, (71) Loser Game 62 v Loser Game 59;  13h10 – (72) Winner Game 62 v Girls Winner Game 59 – Final

 

All roads lead to St Stithians College, where 20 schools will make up the boys’ side of the competition at the 2024 Reef Cup Water Polo Tournament. First played back in 1980, it is one of the longest-running water polo tournaments in Gauteng. This year’s competition takes place from Thursday, 29 February, to Sunday, 3 March.

One of the teams making the trek to Saints is Michaelhouse, who made it all the way to the semi-finals last year. They won six of their seven games before going down to St David’s Marist Inanda in the final four.

Their team this year looks quite different. Coach Graeme Lucas-Bull leads a relatively young side, which features only two boys in matric, four Grade 11s and seven Grade 10s. Whatever the side may lack in experience, it makes up for that for with character, skill and enthusiasm.

It’s not only the personnel in the water that are different. Their coach, Lucas-Bull, took the reins this year, but he is not new to the trade. He comes with a wealth of experience and a very impressive CV.

He was the St Andrew’s College coach and Director of Water Polo, and has also coached St Stithians, Reddam House Constantia, Western Province, Nelson Mandela Bay, Gauteng, the National u17 side, the SA Schools girls’ team, and he served as an assistant coach to the SA Men‘s team.

Apart from the changes in personnel, there has been a shift in the culture, too, Lucas-Bull explained. “Michaelhouse is not known as a water polo powerhouse and we want to change that.”

He told Supersport Schools Plus that his primary concern is to help the players grow as individuals. For him, the pool is a classroom where the players learn life skills that allow them to develop good character and resilience.

At the St Andrew’s Shield, at the end of January, playing against some of South Africa’s elite teams, Michaelhouse played themselves into strong positions but struggled to close out games. In one of their matches, they led for three chukkas only to lose by a single goal at the end of the fourth chukka. In another game, they were edged out after a penalty shootout.

At the Reef Cup, the Luke Davidson-captained team will aim to be more ruthless and accurate, and to play with greater intensity.

According to Lucas-Bull, each team Michaelhouse competes against is in for a fair but tough contest, and one of those teams is going to be last year’s beaten finalists, St David’s Marist Inanda.

The Dean Whyte-coached unit is returning to the Reef Cup intent on finishing a job they just missed out on completing last year. “I think the team always wants to strive for perfection. It was their efforts that got them that far. I certainly think the boys are ready and wanting to go, more so go one further,” Whyte said.

Unlike Michaelhouse, St David’s boasts an experienced side. Almost half of the 2024 team played at the Reef Cup in 2023. They lost five senior players, who matriculated at the end of last year, and will be missing a handful of players who are out of action due to injuries. However, they bring a strong squad into the event, and their tournament experience is not limited to the Reef Cup.

“I’m very blessed at St David’s to have many high performing players, who have played at the provincial level, so their experience extends past our pool,” Whyte said. “And we all know that having experience in a pool certainly adds benefits. This year our team has had every player play at a provincial level at some stage.”

St David’s will dive into the pool with their coach’s motto ringing in their ears, “Play with heart and pride – for yourself, and your team.” They will be out to have fun and compete, a combination that could help them take that one step further to lift the coveted trophy.

Other teams to look out for at the Reef Cup are a resurgent Affies, who finished second at the Grey College ITEC tournament, losing out to Selborne College in the final, earlier this season. They reached the quarterfinals at last year’s edition of the Reef Cup. St Alban’s, who lost to Michaelhouse in the battle for third place in 2023, will be out for redemption, with designs on going all the way. 

If there is a dark horse side, it could be Kearsney College. Young, but experienced and confident, they’ve been playing some fine water polo this season.

Pools

Pool A

Beaulieu College (Johannesburg)
Grey College (Bloemfontein)
Michaelhouse (KwaZulu-Natal)
Reddam House Bedfordview (Johannesburg)
St Benedict’s College (Johannesburg)

Pool B

Durban High School (KwaZulu-Natal)
Falcon College (Zimbabwe)
St Alban’s College (Pretoria)
Reddam House Helderfontein (Johannesburg)
Steyn City School (Johannesburg)

Pool C

Affies (Pretoria)
Crawford College Lonehill (Johannesburg)
Kearsney College (KwaZulu-Natal)
Rand Park High (Johannesburg)
St Peter’s College (Johannesburg)

Pool D

Glenwood High (KwaZulu-Natal)
Parktown Boys High (Johannesburg)
Reddam House Umhlanga (Johannesburg)
St David’s Marist Inanda (Johannesburg)
Woodridge College (Port Elizabeth)

Fixtures

Thursday

07:00 – (B#1) Michaelhouse vs Beaulieu; 07:00 – (B#2) St Alban’s vs Falcon College; 07:00 – (B#3) Affies vs Crawford; 07:50 – (B#4) Glenwood vs Reddam Umhlanga; 08:40 – (B#5) St Benedict’s vs Grey College; 09:30 – (B#6) DHS vs Reddam Helderfontein; 09:30 – ( B#7) St Peter’s vs Rand Park; 09:30 – (B#8) St David’s vs Parktown Boys; 11:10 – (B#9) Beaulieu College vs Reddam Bedfordview; 11:10 – (B#10) Falcon College vs Steyn City School; 12:00 – (B#11) Crawford vs  Kearsney; 12:00 – (B#12) Reddam Umhlanga vs Woodridge; 13:40 – (B#13)  Michaelhouse vs Grey College; 13:40 – (B#14) St Alban’s vs Reddam Helderfontein; 13:40 – (B#15) Affies vs Rand Park; 14:30 – (B#16) Glenwood vs Parktown Boys; 15:20 – (B#17) St Benedict’s vs Reddam Bedfordview; 16:10 – (B#18) DHS vs Steyn City School; 16:10 – (B#19) St Peter’s vs Kearsney; 16:10 – (B#20) St David’s vs Woodridge

Friday

07:00 – (B#21) Grey College vs Reddam Bedfordview; 07:00 – (B#22) Reddam Helderfontein vs Steyn City School; 07:00 – (B#23) Rand Park vs Kearsney; 07:50 – (B#24) Parktown vs Woodridge; 08:40 – (B#25) St Benedict’s vs Beaulieu; 09:30 – (B#26) DHS vs Falcon; 09:30 – (B#27) St Peter’s vs Crawford; 09:30 – (B#28) St David’s vs Reddam Umhlanga; 11:10 – (B#29) Michaelhouse vs Reddam Bedfordview; 11:10 – (B#30) St Alban’s vs Steyn City School; 12:00 – (B#31) Affies vs Kearsney; 12:00 – (B#32) Glenwood vs Woodridge; 13:40 (B#33) Grey College vs Beaulieu; 13:40 – (B#34) Reddam Helderfontein vs Falcon; 13:40 – (B#35) Rand Park vs Crawford; 14:30 – (B#36) Parktown vs Reddam Umhlanga; 15:20 – (B#37) Michaelhouse vs St Benedict’s; 16:10 – (B#38) St Alban’s vs DHS; 16:10 – (B#39) Affies vs St Peter’s; 16:10 – (B#40) St David’s vs Glenwood.

Saturday 

07:00 – (B#41) Group A2 vs Group B3; 07:00 – (B#42) Group B2 vs Group A3; 07:00 – (B#43) Group C2 vs Group D3; 07:50 – (B#44) Group D2 vs Group C3; 08:40 – (B#45) Group A5 vs Group B4; 09:30 – (B#46) Group A4 vs Group B5; 09:30 – (B#47) Group C5 vs Group D4; 09:30 – (B#48) Group C4 vs Group D5; 11:10 – (B#49) Group A1 vs Winner Game 43; 11:10 – (B#50) Winner Game 44 vs Group B1; 12:00 – (B#51) Winner 41 vs Group C1; 12:00 – (B#52) Group D1 vs Winner 42; 13:40 – (B#53) Loser Game 45 vs Loser 47; 13:40 (B#54) Loser 46 vs Loser 48; 14:30 – (B#55) Loser 43 vs Loser 41; 14:30 – (B#56) Loser 44 vs Loser 42; 15:20 – (B#57) Winner 47 vs Winner 45; 16:10 – (B#58) Winner 50 vs Winner 49; 16:10 – (B#59) Winner 46 vs Winner 48; 17:00 – (B#60) Winner 52 vs Winner 51; 17:00 – (B#61) Loser 50 vs Loser 49; 18:40 – (B#62) Loser 52 vs Loser 51.

Sunday

07:00 – (B#63) Loser 53 vs Loser 54; 07:00 – (B#64) Winner 53 vs Winner 54; 07:00 – (B#65) Loser 57 vs Loser 59; 08:40 – (B#66) Winner 57 vs Winner 59; 08:40 – (B#67) Loser 55 vs Loser 56; 08:40 – (B#68) Winner 55 vs Winner 56; 10:20 – (B#69) Loser 62 vs Loser 61; 10:20 – (B#70) Winner 62 vs Winner 61; 10:20 – (B#71) Loser 60 vs Loser 58; 12:10 – (B#72 – Winner 60 vs Winner 58.