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The Bloemfontein leg of the High School Sevens Series takes place at Grey College this weekend before all the respective winners return to the City of Roses again on the 13th of October for the Champions Tournament.

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The team from Bloemfontein have been as dominant as ever over the last two weeks during which time they made it to the finals of two major tournaments without a loss.

On both occasions though, the Grey boys met their match against their old rivals, Paul Roos. If they can get a trophy at their home tournament this weekend they are likely to have one more opportunity to turn the tables against the boys from Stellenbosch at the Champion of Champions event later this year.

First, they will need to get through some of their local competition though.

Jim Fouché is the 2023 Free State champion after handing Fichardtpark their first defeat of the season in the 15-man league earlier in the year. Though their first team relied heavily on its set-piece plays and the power of their forwards, the JF sevens team played well at their home tournament last weekend to reach the plate final, where they narrowly lost to Sentraal by 22-19.

Grey’s first team was not at that event, but the second team reminded their local rivals who the top dogs are in Bloemfontein by storming through the competition and beating Fichardtpark in the final by 39-24.

They finished that tournament with a staggering average of 51-3, and it’s hard to see how anyone will be able to prevent an all-Grey final this weekend when the first team joins.

Keep an eye on the likes of Alzeadon Felix, Pieter van der Merwe and Phillip Mclaren, who have been very exciting for the Grey sevens team so far this season.

Felix is a livewire who seems to be able to score from anywhere, at the Prestige Sevens tournament in Potchefstroom his athleticism grabbed the imagination of everyone who saw him play and he was recognised as the “best stepper” at the tournament, and Van der Merwe, his first team centre who already made the SA A squad this year was awarded the “biggest hit”.

Participating u17 teams:

Grey College, Grey College II, Jim Fouché, Landboudal, Wilgerivier, Kimberley Boys’ High.

u17 fixtures:

09:00 – Grey College vs Grey College II; 09:20 – Jim Fouché vs Landboudal; 09:40 – Wilgerivier vs Kimberley Boys’ High; 10:20 – Grey College vs Jim Fouché; 10:40 – Grey College II vs Wilgerivier; 11:00 – Landboudal vs Kimberley Boys’ High; 11:40 – Jim Fouché vs Wilgerivier; 12:00 – Grey College II vs Kimberley Boys’ High; 12:20 – Grey College vs Landboudal; 13:00 – Grey College II vs Landboudal; 13:20 – Grey College vs Wilgerivier; 13:40 – Jim Fouché vs Kimberley Boys’ High; 14:20 – Landboudal vs Wilgerivier; 14:40 – Grey College II vs Jim Fouché; 15:00 – Grey College vs Kimberley Boys’ High.

u15 fixtures:

09:00 – Grey College II vs Jim Fouché; 09:20 – Wilgerivier vs Kimberley Boys’ High; 09:40 – Grey College vs Landboudal; 10:00 – Grey College III vs HTS Louis Botha; 10:20 – Grey College II vs Kimberley Boys’ High; 10:40 – Wilgerivier vs Jim Fouché; 11:00 – Grey College vs HTS Louis Botha; 11:20 – Grey College III vs Landboudal; 11:40 – Grey College II vs Wilgerivier; 12:00 – Landboudal vs HTS Louis Botha; 12:20 – Jim Fouché vs Kimberley Boys’ High; 12:40 – Grey College vs Grey College III.

The Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool of Pretoria proved to be too good on home soil for their long-time rivals, Hoërskool Waterkloof when they met in their round-robin clash of the Titans A-league on Saturday.

Waterkloof won the toss and decided to bat first. Looking to put a competitive score on the board, Waterkloof found themselves in some early trouble, losing a wicket of just the second ball of the game.

Divan Behrens (24, 48b) joined Wian Ruthen (39, 34b) as the pair grafted hard to recover from the early loss.

Ruthen and Behrens were able to put together a solid partnership of 64 runs before Ruthen fell victim to the impressive Petrus Rautenbach (3/40) with his score on 39 of only 34 deliveries.

Ruthen departed not long after and the responsibility fell on the shoulders of Beukes van der Berg to get his team to a competitive total.

Van der Berg kept his composure and with wickets falling all around him he managed to notch up a well-played half-century scoring 56 of 76 balls before he was sent back to the pavilion by Andru van Zyl (3/41). With the Affie attack, led by Divan de Villiers (3/22), applying continuous pressure, Waterkloof lost wickets on a regular basis to end up with a subpar total of 159/10.

The Affie batters too found it difficult to score with Waterkloof fighting back strongly with the ball and soon Tristan Luus (2/22) got the breakthrough the Klofies were after claiming two quick wickets. However, Jorich van Schalkwyk showed his class, knuckling down to bring up a classy half-century, making 57 of 95 balls.

Van Schalkwyk was well supported by his middle-order companion Ruben Groenewald, who too brought up his half-century, scoring at less than a run a ball for his 53 (51b) before both Affie batters were sent back to the changing room.

Luus found support with the ball from Marcus Bakker who also claimed two scalps for 34 runs, but it was deemed too late as the home side got over the line comfortably claiming a significant victory, and coming out on top with five wickets.

Menlopark got the better of Cornwall Hill College in their round-robin clash.

Menlo won the toss and elected to wield the willow first. After getting off to a rocky start, opening batsman Dian van Zyl knuckled down to accumulate and knock the ball around for a well-played 39 of 74 deliveries. The Menlo batters continued to get good starts but good not capitalize as they lost wickets just as it seemed like a partnership started to brew.

With their team somewhat in trouble the two lower-order batters in the forms of Pierre de Villiers (36, 39b) and Ben Strydom (33,30b) strode to the crease. The pair’s positive batting allowed them to start scoring more freely towards the back end of the innings as they guided Menlo to a reasonable total of 227 all out.

Cornwall Hill got off to a reasonably good start in their search for the 228 runs required for victory. R. Herselman grafted hard for his 24 of 49 balls to lay a solid platform for the batters to come. Although, after his departure things went pear-shaped for the men from Cornwall as they lost wickets in clusters.

Steve Stolk proved to be the dangerman with the ball in hand, tearing through the Cornwall top order to claim remarkable figures of 4/19.

T. de Klerk (40, 65b) and J. Jansen (36, 37b) batted nicely to get their team back on track but it was deemed not to be enough as Cornwall’s remaining batters were bundled out for a meagre 151, handing Menlopark a convincing win of 76 runs.

Summarised scorecards:

Waterkloof 159/10 (Beukes van der Berg 56, Wian Ruthven 39, Divan Behrens 24; Divan de Villiers 3/22, Petrus Rautenbach 3/40, Andru van Zyl 3/41); Affies 163/5 (Jorich van Schalkwyk 57, Ruben Groenewald 53; Tristan Luus 2/22, Marcus Bakker 2/34). Affies won by five wickets.

Menlopark 227/10 (Dian van Zyl 39, Pierre de Villiers 36, Ben Strydom 33, GN van Zyl 26, Matt van der Westhuizen 26; J. Jansen 3/26, R. Herselman 3/34); Cornwall Hill College 151/10 (T. de Klerk 40, J. Jansen 36, R. Herselman 24; Steve Stolk 4/19, GN van Zyl 2/36). Menlopark won by 76 runs.

Daar is nog sewesaksie in Bloemfontein hierdie naweek waneer die Sand du Plessis Itec-sewestoernooi Saterdag afskop.

Vang al die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – Registreer nou – Skakel na die toernooi

Tien plaaslike skole sal sake uitspook in die o.17 toernooi, met ‘n paar spanne wat geskiedkundig baie sukses ervaar in die vinniger formaat van die spel.

Sand du Plessis en Brebner geniet hul sewes elke jaar, en spanne soos Zastron, Ladybrand, Hendrik Potgieter, Hoërskool Bloemfontein, President Steyn en Brandfort mag vir ‘n paar opslae sorg.

Bultfontein het verlede naweek by hul tuistoernooi albei die o.15- en o.17-titels verower. Hulle kon in die eerste wedstryd van die toernooi vir Sand du Plessis met 45-0 kafdraf, en sal daardie sukses hierdie naweek graag wil herhaal.

Vuyo Nzunga het by daardie toernooi vir Bultfontein uitgestaan, en hy is ‘n speler om hierdie naweek dop te hou.

Die groepe:

Poel A: Sand du Plessis, Ladybrand II, Hendrik Potgieter, Brandfort, Brebner.

Poel B: Zastron, Bultfontein, President Steyn, Ladybrand A, Hoërskool Bloemfontein.

Die bepalings:

A-veld: 08:00 – Sand du Plessis t. Brebner; 08:40 – Ladybrand II vs Brandfort; 09:20 – Hendrik Potgieter t. Brebner; 10:00 – Zastron t. President Steyn; 10:40 – Bultfontein t. Hoërskool Bloemfontein; 11:20 – Zastron t. Ladybrand; 12:00 – Presidet Steyn t. Ladybrand; 12:40 – Zastron t. Bultfontein; 14:00 – Bultfontein t. Ladybrand; 14:20 – Sand du Plessis t. Ladybrand II.

B-veld: 08:00 – Zastron t. Hoërskool Bloemfontein; 08:40 – Bultfontein t. President Steyn; 09:20 – Ladybrand t. Hoërskool Bloemfontein; 10:00 – Sand du Plessis t. Brandfort; 10:40 – Ladybrand II t. Brebner; 11:20 – Sand du Plessis t. Hendrik Potgieter; 12:00 – Brandfort t. Brebner; 12:40 – Ladybrand II t. Hendrik Potgieter; 14:00 – Hendrik Potgieter t. Brandfort; 14:20 – President Steyn t. Hoërskool Bloemfontein.

Geen skole in Groep 1 van die SDC Noordvaal Cup sal vir 2024 gerelegeer word nie.

Dit beteken dat die Hoërskool Menlopark met sy velle nog op die draad sy status as ‘n Beker-afdeling skool behou het. Die Parkies het alles in die stryd gewerp om in die boonste afdeling van die kompetisie te bly en self prokureursbriewe aan die Noordvaal Skolerugby-vereniging (NVSRV) gestuur.

Die NVSRV het wel besluit om Groep 1 vir 2024 te vergroot, wat op die ou einde Menlopark asook ‘n heel paar ander skole se bas gered het. Daar sal wel aan die einde van die 2024-seisoen relegasies plaasvind.

“Daar was al vroeër vanjaar begin werk aan verskeie nuwe modelle vir die reeks. Ons het met die onderskeie rolspelers in Groep 1 vergader en daar is op die vergroting die boonste been besluit,” het Dr. Jorrie Jordaan, voorsitter van die NVSRV, gesê.

Die Beker-afdeling sal voortaan uit tien spanne bestaan met die Hoërskool Rustenburg wat uit die Plaat-afdeling vir 2024 gepromoveer is.

Die Plaat-, Skild- en Bowl-afdeling sal voortaan uit nege skole bestaan wat sal beteken dat elke span vier weg- en vier tuiswedstryde in die reeks sal speel.

Ligbron Akademie van Ermelo en Oos-Moot is die nuwelinge in die Plaat-afdeling vir 2024, terwyl HTS Middelburg se Rooi Bulle die relegasie vrygespring het. Die Rooi Bulle se behoud het waarskynlik ook die jaarlikse interskole tussen hulle en die Hoërskool Middelburg lewend gehou. Die interskole is sonder twyfel die grootste in die Puma-streek.

In die Skild-afdeling sal Die Anker van Brakpan en Wesvalia die nuwe gesigte wees, terwyl Lichtenburg sy plek danksy die besluit deur die bestuur behou het.

In die Bowl-afdeling maak Piet Retief, Potchefstroom Gimnasium en Wagpos van Rustenburg hul toetrede tot Groep 1. Dr. Malan van Meyerton word nog ‘n kans gegun deur nie na Groep 2 gerelegeer te word nie.

Die indelings vir Groep 1 in 2024: 

[ninja_tables id=”19768″]

Transvalia managed to bounce back after their defeat to Dr Malan last week. The team from Vander Bijl were put in to bat first by the visiting Hoërskool Driehoek. 

Transvalia got off to a good start after losing an early wicket. Joggie Malherbe (86, 97b) and the in-form southpaw, Rico Fourie (82, 75b) laid down the law as the pair put the Driehoek bowlers under severe pressure with a magnificent 145-run partnership for the second wicket, before Fourie was sent back to the changing room.

From there it seemed that scoring became easier, as the Transvalia batters capitalized on the solid foundation laid by the top order.

Jarid Francis rubbed more salt into Driehoeks’ wounds as he teed off to make a ridiculous 126 of just 49 deliveries as the power hitters’ innings helped his team to a total of 403/6 in their allotted 50 overs.

In the midst of the chaos, Enrico Farinha stood out with the ball for Driehoek. Farinha bagged figures of 3/69, including the two big scalps of Fourie and Malherbe.

With their backs against the wall, the Driehoek batters struggled to put together any partnerships as they kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Mjee Roets was the danger man for the home side as he ran through Driehoeks’ defences to walk away with impressive figures of 5/26.

Farinha (12,30b) once again showed his fighting spirit with the bat, but soon fell victim to the continuous pressure applied by the Tranvalia attack as Driehoek were restricted to a misly 65 all out, handing the home side a mammoth 338 run victory.

Dr Malan continued their impressive form in the league thus far as they came out on top against Heidelberg Volksool.

Volkies won the toss and elected to bat first. Matthew Wentzel (40, 60b) and Anrich Hanekom (39, 76b) got the visitors off to a good start with an opening partnership of 92 runs. From there it seemed to go a bit pair shaped for the side from Heidelberg as they lost wickets at a rapid pace.

Dewald Erasmus (3/25) and Tristan Ashwin (3/22) were at the forefront of the onslaught as the pair bagged six wickets between them. Albie Botha steadied a sinking Volkskool ship with a well-played 38 of 46 deliveries as he helped his team reach a total of 197 all out.

Dr Malan seemed to be batting on a different pitch as they got off to a comfortable start in search of the 198 runs required for victory. Juan Jardin looked composed at the crease as he top-scored with 57 coming off a run-a-ball. His partner in crime, Luhan Roux looked equally comfortable as he too notched up a well-played 55 of 66 balls before he retired hurt.

Tristan Ashwin backed up his suburb bowling spell with a very good cameo of 26 from 76 balls, helping his side cross the line comfortably to bag a five-wicket victory at home.

Summarised scorecards:

Transvalia 403/6 (Jarod Francis 126*, Joggie Malherbe 86, Rico Fourie 82, Nandus Mclean 32; Enrico Farinha 3/69, Jonothan Thomas 2/81); Driehoek 65/10 (Enrico Farinha 12; Mjee Roets 5/26, Kyle Cutler 3/5, Dylan Steinmann 2/18). Transvalia won by 338 runs.

Heidelberg Volkskool 197/10 (Matthew Wentzel 40, Anrich Hanekom 39, Albie Botha 38; Dewald Erasmus 3/25, Tristan Ashwin 3/22, Luka Pretorius 2/33); Dr Malan 198/5 (Juan Jardin 57, Luhan Roux 55, Tristan Ashwin 26, Keagan Meyer 20; Jarron Erasmus 1/18) Dr. Malan won by five wickets. 

 

Altesaam 44 sewesspanne is hierdie naweek in Middelburg in aksie by die Mpumalanga-been van die Frogfoot sewesreeks.

Vang elke oomblik van die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – Registreer nou – Skakel na die toernooi

In die o.17 toernooi by Hoërskool Middelburg is daar 24 spanne wat van Vrydag af meeding vir die titel en die geleentheid om by die Frogfoot Kampioenskaptoernooi in Pretoria deel te neem in Oktober.

Die voorste twee spanne in elke groep teen Saterdagmiddag kwalifiseer vir die kwarteindronde vir die Beker.

Met 85 wedstryde van opwindende o.17 sewesrugby oor die naweek belowe hierdie geleentheid om ‘n skouspel te wees. Middelburg weet hoe om saam te trek vir ‘n rugbygeleentheid soos hulle jaarliks wys waneer die dorp tussen rooi en groen verdeel word vir die groot ontmoeting tussen Hoërskool Middelburg en HTS Middelburg.

Die buurskole mag mekaar hierdie naweek dalk ook in die uitspeelrondes raakloop, dit sal ‘n wedstryd wees om seker te maak om te kyk.

Verlede jaar se algehele wenners, Secunda, sal verby Rob Ferreira, Curro Nelspruit, Hoogenhout, Barberton en Khetelo moet kom vir die kans om daardie sukses te herhaal.

Die groepe is:

Poel A: Piet Retief, Oosterland, Volksrust, Kanonkop, Steelcrest, MDCCS.

Poel B: Secunda, Rob Ferreira, Curro Nelspruit, Hoogenhout, Barberton, Khetelo.

Poel C: Hoërskool Middelburg, Ligbron, HTS Witbank, Standerton, Lowveld, Lydenburg.

Poel D: Nelspruit, HTS Middelburg, Patriot, Ermelo, Bergvlam, Penryn.

Die bepalings:

Vrydag

A-veld: 10:00 – MDCCS t. Kanonkop; 10:20 – Piet Retief t. Steelcrest; 10:40 – Oosterland t. Volksrust; 11:00 – Lydenburg t. Standerton; 11:20 – Hoërskool Middelburg t. Lowveld; 11:40 – Ligbron t. HTS Witbank; 12:00 – Curro Nelspruit t. Hoogenhout; 12:20 – Khetelo t. Secunda; 12:40 – Rob Ferreira t. Ermelo; 13:00 – Patriot t. Ermelo; 13:20 – Penryn t. Nelspruit; 13:40 – HTS Middelburg t. Bergvlam; 14:00 – Piet Retief t. Oosterland; 14:20 – Volksrust t. MDCCS; 14:40 – Kanonkop t. Steelcrest; 15:00 – Hoërskool Middelburg t. Bergvlam; 15:20 – HTS Witbank t. Lydenburg; 15:40 – Standerton t. Hoogenhout; 16:00 – Secunda t. Hoogenhout; 16:20 – Curro Nelspruit t. Barberton; 16:40 – Rob Ferreira t. Khetelo; 17:00 – Nelspruit t. Ermelo; 17:20 – Patriot t. Bergvlam.

B-veld: 10:00 – Khetelo t. Hoogenhout; 10:20 – Secunda t. Barberton; 10:40 – Rob Ferreira t. Curro Nelspruit; 11:00 – Penryn t. Ermelo; 11:20 – Nelspruit t. Bergvlam; 11:40 – HTS Middelburg t. Patriot; 12:00 – Volksrust t. Kanonkop; 12:20 – MDCCS t. Piet Retief; 12:40 – Oosterland t. Barberton; 13:00 – HTS Witbank t. Standerton; 13:20 – Lydenburg t. Hoërskool Middelburg; 13:40 – Ligbron t. Lowveld; 14:00 – Secunda t. Rob Ferreira; 14:20 – Curro Nelspruit t. Khetelo; 14:40 – Hoogenhout t. Barberton; 15:00 – Nelspruit t. HTS Middelburg; 15:20 – Patriot t. Penryn; 15:40 – Ermelo t. Bergvlam; 16:00 – Kanonkop t. Piet Retief; 16:20 – Steelcrest t. Volksrust; 16:40 – MDCCS t. Oosterland; 17:00 – Standerton t. Hoërskool Middelburg; 17:20 – Lowveld t. HTS Witbank.

C-veld: 16:40 – Penryn t. HTS Middelburg; 17:00 – Lydenburg t. Ligbron.

Saterdag

A-veld: 08:00 – Piet Retief t. Volksrust; 08:20 – Secunda t. Curro Nelspruit; 08:40 – Hoërskool Middelburg t. HTS Witbank; 09:00 – Nelspruit t. Patriot.

B-veld: 08:00 – Kanonkop t. Oosterland; 08:20 – Hoogenhout t. Rob Ferreira; 08:40 – Standerton t. Ligbron; 09:00 –Ermelo t. HTS Middelburg.

C-veld: 08:00 – Steelcrest t. MDCCS; 08:20 – Barberton t. Khetelo; 08:40 – Lowveld t. Lydenburg; 09:00 – Bergvlam t. Penryn.

 

Daar is hierdie naweek nog sewesaksie in Centurion by die Eldoraigne-sewestoernooi waar 33 o.15- en o17-spanne bymekaarkom om sake uit te spook vir die titel.

Die o.17’s skop Vrydag af met die meerderheid van hul groepbepalings, voordat die uitspeelrondes Saterdag finaliseer word en plaasvind.

Affies lyk soos die voorste aanspraakmakers op die Beker, nadat hulle verlede naweek eers in die eindstryd teen Garsfontein hul eerste nederlaag van die byeenkoms ervaar het by die Montana-sewestoernooi met 29-26.

Die Blitzbere het onstuitbaar gelyk by die byeenkoms, maar Affies het goed gedoen om hulle te laat sweet. Garsfontein kon die wendrie eers in die doodnsnikke van die spel aanteken om die titel te neem.

Aangesien Garsies nie hierdie naweek deelneem nie lyk Affies soos die sterkste span by die toernooi.

Daar is egter nog ‘n nuwe teenstander, Helpmekaar, wat die kans sal wil benut om hul staal teen hul plaaslike teenstander te bewys.

Helpmekaar het nog ‘n span wat deelneem by die Monument Sewestoernooi

Hulle was verlede naweek by die Witteberg Sewestoernooi in aksie en kon dus nie by die Montana-toernooi deelneem waar meeste van hierdie naweek se spanne was nie, so dit sal interesant wees om te sien hoe hulle opmeet.

Die groepe:

Poel A – Affies, Montana II, Eldoraigne, Amberfield Uitnodigingspan, Erasmus, Blou Bulle Uitnodigingspan.

Poel B – Affies II, Montana, Oos-Moot, Pretoria-Noord, Overkruin, Helpmekaar.

Poel C – Zwartkop, Menlopark, Zayo Academy, Sutherland, Rooikatte, Centurion Secondary.

Die bepalings:

Vrydag

13:00 – Affies t. Montana  II; 13:20 – Affies II t. Montana; 13:40 – Menlopark t. Zwartkop; 14:00 – Erasmus t. Amberfield Uitnodigingspan; 14:20 – Sutherland t. Rooikatte; 15:00 – Eldoraigne t. Blou Bulle Uitnodigingspan; 15:20 – Oos-Moot t. Helpmekaar; 15:40 – Zayo Academy t. Centurion Secondary; 16:00 – Montana II t. Erasmus; 16:20 – Montana t. Overkruin; 16:40 – Menlopark t. Rooikatte; 17:00 – Eldoraigne t. Amberfield Uitnodigingspan; 17:20 – Oos-Moot t. Pretoria-Noord; 17:40 – Zayo Academy t. Sutherland; 18:00 – Affies t. Blou Bulle Uitnodigingspan; 18:20 – Helpmekaar t. Affies II; 18:40 – Centurion Secondary t. Zwartkop; 19:00 – Montana II t. Eldoraigne; 19:20 – Montana t. Oos-Moot; 19:40 – Menlopark t. Zayo Academy; 20:00 – Affies t. Erasmus; 20:20 – Affies II t. Overkruin; 20:40 – Zwartkop t. Rooikatte; 21:00 – Blou Bulle Uitnodigingspan t. Amberfield Uitnodigingspan; 21:20 – Helpmekaar t. Pretoria-Noord; 21:40 – Centurion Secondary t. Sutherland.

Saterdag

07:20 – Eldoraigne t. Erasmus; 07:40 – Oos-Moot t. Overkruin; 08:00 – Zayo Academy t. Rooikatte; 08:20 – Amberfield Uitnodigingspan t. Affies; 08:40 – Pretoria-Noord t. Affies II; 09:00 – Sutherland t. Zwartkop; 09:20 – Blou Bulle Uitnodigingspan t. Montana II; 09:40 – Helpmekaar t. Montana; 10:00 – Centurion Secondary t. Menlopark; 10:20 – Affies t. Eldoraigne; 10:40 – Affies II t. Oos-Moot; 11:00 – Zwartkop t. Zayo Academy; 11:20 – Erasmus t. Blou Bulle Uitnodigingspan; 11:40 – Overkruin t. Helpmekaar; 12:00 – Rooikatte t. Centurion Secondary; 12:20 – Amberfield Uitnodigingspan t. Montana II; 12:40 – Pretoria-Noord t. Montana; 13:00 – Sutherland t. Menlopark.

 

Mini Khoza, the director of soccer at Northwood expressed how proud he is of his team for an unforgettable year. With the team travelling to Port Elizabeth for the first time and in other places such as East London, Mini Khoza said the team has done well and probably exceeded expectations putting in dominance week in and week out. 

This past Saturday, 09 September, Northwood played their last fixtures against Maritzburg College, another side that has enjoyed a great deal of success in 2023. Coming into this fixture, Maritzburg had been clear favourites having dominated in their encounters this season. However, with these two sides you can never conclude who will walk out as victors. 

Playing at home, Northwood High School’s first team took advantage of that, in a goal thriller match that had the spectators on the edge of their seats. The ‘Knights’ first team, Northwood won the game by 3-2 to finish the year. In a game that Maritzburg College had the ball in the first few minutes of the game and in the second half, Northwood managed to hold on to the game defeating arguably the best teams in the KZN Schools Football League in 2023. 

Northwood High School’s first team is set to lose out on several first team players who played an important role in the year of 2023. Usiphile Nxele, their captain who has led the team and rescued them on numerous occasions is one the matriculants who has dawned the knight jersey for the last time. Vice-Captain, Ethan Chetty, another outstanding leader in and off the field, as described by Mini Khoza also played his last game for the Northwood. 

Other players include, Guy Truscott (Head Boy), Vukile Hlombe (Team Manager), Ethan Hutton, Alessandro Bou-Melhem, Sbonga Ngubane, Otha Xaba, Seth Singh, Blaine Bishop, Isaac Adeboye, Reinhardt Nel, Ethan Lawrence. 

Soccer Results:

Northwood vs Maritzburg College, 09 September

Northwood u14 (A)	1	Maritzburg College u14 (A)	1
Northwood u14 (B)	7	Maritzburg College u14 (B)	0
Northwood u14 (C)	0	Maritzburg College u14 (C)	3
Northwood u14 (D)	0	Maritzburg College u14 (D)	4
Northwood u15 (A)	2	Maritzburg College u15 (A)	2
Northwood u15 (B)	2	Maritzburg College u15 (B)	1
Northwood u15 (C)	2	Maritzburg College u15 (C)	0
Northwood u15 (D)	2	Maritzburg College u15 (D)	4
Northwood u16 (A)	0	Maritzburg College u16 (A)	1
Northwood u16 (B)	2	Maritzburg College u16 (B)	3
Northwood u16 (C)	4	Maritzburg College u16 (C)	2
Northwood u16 (D)	0	Maritzburg College u16 (D)	2
Northwood first team	3	Maritzburg College First team	2
Northwood 2nd team	0	Maritzburg College 2nd team	0

 

On top of an amazing year for the Northwood Soccer team, one of their star players, Zethembiso Phenyana is set to travel to Germany to compete in the FC Bayern International Youth Cup after showing an impressive and dominant football during the FC Bayern Youth Cup in Northwood High School. With high praises from his coaches, Zethembiso also praised his entire team for hard work, and for showing hunger in each and every single game they have played. 

Highlighting the highs and lows of this year, Khoza said one of the biggest moments for the team and the school was the unveiling of their new soccer change room. Thanking the school and in particular the Old Boys contribution for the generous donations and for leaving a legacy into the school’s soccer team and for the next generations to come. He ensured that the boys will utilize the room to the best of their capabilities. 

 

Hoërskool Pietersburg continued their charge to the title by beating Phalaborwa Hub convincingly in their round-robin clash of the Limpopo Super League.  

Pietersburg won the toss and opted to bat first. Making use of home ground conditions the Pietie batters got off to a solid start. Michael Nel (30, 48b) and Philip Weterman (22, 38b) laid the platform for a potentially big first innings total before they were both sent back to the changing room.

The in-form Nicholaas Oerlemans then strode to the crease to notch up yet another marvellous half-century, accumulating 53 of 55 deliveries. This set the stage for Oerlemans’ destructive colleague, Zandre van Rooyen, to send the ball to all parts of the ground with his vital contribution of 54 of only 38 balls.

Van Rooyens’ destructive innings helped the Pieties reach a very competitive total of 263 for 7 in their allotted 50 overs.

It was then Van Rooyens’ turn with the ball as the all-rounder stormed in to create havoc among the Phalaborwa batters as he managed to have them in early trouble with figures of 3/21. Winston Thati proved to be the team from Phalaborwa stalwart. Thati top scored with a mature 33 of 46 balls to go with his impressive figures of 3 for 55 with the ball.

Although, it proved to be in vain as, Michael Nel got in on the action as well with impressive figures of his own, claiming three scalps for 27 runs. Van Rooyen and Nel’s onslaught with the ball helped the Pieties bundle out the Phalaborwa side for a meagre 102 runs, claiming yet another convincing win by 161 runs.

Bochum continued their rich vein of form as they came out on top against a young Merensky side. The team from Polokwane also decided to bat first. Kamagelo Merema stood out with willow as the middle order batter contributed 64 runs from 77 deliveries.

Sello Mabitsela (35, 35b) and Mochau Molema (22, 26b) delivered vital contributions to help their side reach a first innings total of 202 all out.

The ever-impressive, Luka Heinlein, shone with the ball for the side from Tzaneen as he bagged figures of 4/39 in his allotted ten overs.

Bochum followed up their solid performance with the bat with a suburb bowling display, putting the young Merensky batters under severe pressure. Xander Schoeman showed his composure with the bat scoring 33 from 83 deliveries to go with wonderful bowling figures of 4/23 in six overs.

Schoeman’s fightback was deemed to be in vain as the Bochum bowlers continued their continued barrage of line and length bowling, led by Mahlodi Sekuba (2/14), to bundle the Tzaneen side out for only 113, continuing their march to the title with an 89 run victory.

Ben Vorster closed out an all-important victory against a struggling Nkowankowa side. The Vossies followed the trend and decided to set Nkowankowa a total. The senior man of the side, Ruben Vosloo, found some form as the opening batter accumulated a classy 66 from just 59 deliveries.

With the support from the in-form, Tristan Buglass (51, 60b) who brought up his third half-century in the league, and the destructive Gideon Goosen (51, 37b) the Vossies managed to make their way to an imposing total of 309 all out.

With their backs against the wall, the Nkowankowa batter tried valiantly with Nhlalala Malungani (45, 38b) and Amukelani Mushena fighting hard to keep their team in the game with solid contributions.

But a great display of swing bowling from Goosen (3/13) and support from Aiden van Straaten (2/27) put the final nail in the coffin as the last Nkowankowa wicket fell with the score on only 109, handing the Vossies a mammoth victory of 200 runs.

Summarised Scorecards: 

Pietersburg 263/7 ( Zandre van Rooyen 54, Nicholaas Oerlemans 53, Michael Nel 30, Philip Weterman 22, Zandre Hatting 21; Winston Thati 3/55, Teddy Khoza 2/46); Phalaborwa 102/10 (Winston Thati 33; Van Rooyen 3/21, Michael Nel 3/27, Juan Rademeyer 2/4). Pietersburg won by 161 runs.

Bochum 202/10 (Kamagelo Morema 64, Sello Mabitsela 35, Mochau Molema 22; Luka Heinlein 4/39, Xander Schoeman 4/23); Merensky 113/10 (Xander Schoeman 33, Maan Mistry 25; Mahlodi Sekuba 2/14, Masilo Moremi 2/26, Kamagelo Morema 2/28, Thato Masasane 2/30). Bochum won by 89 runs.

Ben Vorster 309/10 (Ruben Vosloo 66, Tristan Buglass 51, Gideon Goosen 51, Njabulo Maseko 26; Nhlalala Malungani 4/65, Ntshunxelo Malangana 2/46, Tracey Shivambu 2/68); Nkowankowa 109/10 (Nhlalala Malungani 45, Amukelani Mushwena 22; Gideon Goosen 3/13, Aiden van Straate 2/27, Njabulo Maseko 2/28, Ruben Vosloo 2/30). Ben Vorster won by 200 runs.

 

Oos-Moot managed to clinch a nail bitter on home soil against long-time rivals Hoërskool Wonderboom in their round-robin encounter of the Titans league on Saturday.

Wonderboom won the toss and decided they would like to bat first. The visitors got off to a troublesome start, losing two early wickets in quick succession.

Carlo Schmal brought some calm to the storm as he steadied the ship with a top-class half-century, scoring 59 of only 44 deliveries at an impressive strike rate of 134.

He was later joined by Divan Schmal, who joined the party with a half-century of his own scoring at a similar rate with his 57 coming from just 49 balls.

For the Osies, it was Stian Oosthuizen who proved vital with the ball as the opening bowler walked away with impressive figures of 3/27 in 6.1 overs. Oosthuizen was well supported by his counterparts in the form of Divan Potgieter (2/15) and Jayden Smith (2/69) as the trio’s efforts restricted the visitors to 217 all out.

Oos-Moot too got off to a subdued start with the Wonderboom bowlers making some early inroads before Stephan Pretorius got the Osie chase back on track with a well-played 47 from 43 deliveries before he had to head back to the pavilion.

With Pretorius’s departure, the Wonderboom attack found a second breath to have the home side on the ropes at 170 for 9 thanks to a remarkable bowling display from Eduan Kritzinger who bagged five scalps for just 21 runs.

Although, Stian Oosthuizen had other ideas. Oosthuizen followed up his strong bowling display with a fantastic, math-winning knock of 51 from 66 balls to secure a nail-biting win of one wicket for the home side as they got over the line with 219/9.

Summarised Scorecards:

Wonderboom 217/10 (Carlo Schmal 59, Divan Schmal 57; Stian Oosthuizen 3/27, Divan Potgieter 2/15, Jayden Smith 2/69); Oos-Moot 219/9 (Stian Oosthuizen 51*, Stephan Pretorius 47, Jaen de Bruyn 22; Eduan Kritzinger 5/21, Tyron Janse van Noordwyk 3/52). Oos-Moot won by one wicket.