Maritzburg College and Pretoria Boys High shared the 1st team honours on Pape’s Astro on Saturday. Photo: Justin Waldman Sports Photography.
Maritzburg College came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against Pretoria Boys’ High School (PBHS) on Pape’s Astro at Maritzburg College on Saturday.
When the teams met in Pretoria in April, it was the Red, Black, and White who triumphed, winning another close encounter 2-1.
Boys High was keen to avenge that defeat, but vengeance was always going to be a tall order for the visitors. The Red Armyis tough to overcome on Pape’s.
Saturday’s showdown was preceded by a guard of honour to congratulate Kadin Jenkins, Ethan Fabre, Rory Schirge, and Matthew Smith for reaching 50 caps for the Maritzburg College 1st XI. Those milestones and the fact that it was the final home match for College’s matrics helped inject energy into the hosts.
Unfortunately, though, at the beginning of the contest, it was a bit of a snooze-fest. After a long season, the weariness in the players’ legs was visible, and neither side did much with the ball in the opening exchanges.
However, as the match progressed, the contest began to gather momentum. Coach Mark Sanders’ outfit was intent on giving the home crowd something to celebrate. Pretoria Boys High, though, was resolute in defence.
The visitors, then, shocked College when they drew first blood against the run of play, striking from a penalty corner just before the close of the third quarter. The visitors were re-awarded the set piece three times, and the third time proved to be the charm for the men from Pretoria.
That goal jolted the Red Army to life. Spurred on by their supporters, they went on a desperate hunt for an equaliser.
PBHS, unwilling to let go of their lead, put up a fight for the ages, and when College made it through to goal, they were met by an inspired performance from goalkeeper beat Owen McMenamin.
TheSA u18A shot stopper pulled off some outstanding saves to deny the hosts. Eventually, though, College’s’ pressure told, and they were awarded a penalty stroke, which Uyanda Dlamini slotted to level the scores.
There was little to separate Maritzburg College and Pretoria Boys High in 2025. The combined result of their two matches was 3-2 in favour of College. Photo: Justin Waldman Sports Photography.
Three frantic minutes followed, with College receiving three penalty corners in quick succession, but Pretoria Boys High stood firm and the game ended 1-1.
In total, the schools contested 17 matches, with Maritzburg College winning 11, Pretoria Boys High victorious in four, and two ending in draws.
RESULTS
Maritzburg College vs Pretoria Boys High
u19 – Maritzburg College 1st 1-1 Pretoria Boys High School 1st: Maritzburg College 2nd 0-2 PBHS 2nd; Maritzburg College 3rd 1-3 PBHS 3rd; Maritzburg College 4th 2-1 PBHS 4th; Maritzburg College 5th 1-0 PBHS 5th.
u16 – Maritzburg College A 3-1 PBHS A; Maritzburg College B 6-3 PBHS B; Maritzburg College C 3-1 PBHS C; Maritzburg College D 1-0 PBHS D; Maritzburg College E 0-2 PBHS E; Maritzburg College F 1-1 PBHS F; Maritzburg College G 2-0 PBHS G.
u14 – Maritzburg College A 3-0 PBHS A; Maritzburg College B 2-0 PBHS B; Maritzburg College C 2-0 PBHS C; Maritzburg College D 0-2 PBHS D; Maritzburg College E 3-2 PBHS E.
Players: Luan van der Berg, Junade Pasensie, Junaide Stuart, Levi Jordaan, Joshua Gouws, Derrick Kuhn, Lourenz de Jager, Derik Potgieter, JJ Fourie, Justin Blom, Morné Coetzer, Keagan Knighton, Drewyn Baron, Yuvrah George, Stefan van der Vyver, JP Pieterse, JP Meintjies, Dian van Aswegen, Brendon Branford, Xian Erasmus, Matt Kleingeld, Alwyn du Toit, Francois van Niekerk.
Anja Arangies, Mari Snyman en Kyla Smit vier hul 5oste wedstryd vir Paarl Gim.
Die immergewilde Interskole tussen Paarl Gimnasium en Paarl Girls High het die afgelope naweek die Boland aan die gons gehad, met klipharde kragmetings regdeur die ouderdomsgroepe.
Die dag, wat op Paarl Gim se velde plaasgevind het, het ‘n gepaste klimaks beleef toe die tuisspan in die o.19A-wedstryd koning gekraai het met 24-16 om die seisoen in styl af te sluit.
Paarl Gim, wat tans tweede op die nasionale ranglys pryk en as die voorste skool in die Wes-Kaap beskou word, het met oorgawe hul talent tentoongestel en afrigter, Juline van der Merwe, het haar trots uitgespreek oor haar span se puik vertoning regdeur die jaar.
Afrigter Juline van der Merwe wat met trots 2025 se netbaljaar afsluit.
“Hierdie groep het deurgaans netbal van hoogstaande gehalte gelewer. Ek is ongelooflik trots op hul vasberadenheid, dissipline en passie vir die spel,” het sy gesê.
Slegs drie spelers van die o.19A-span sluit vanjaar hul skoolloopbane af, met agt kernspelers wat oorbly. Dit is inderdaad ‘n fantastiese vooruitsig vir Paarl Gim, maar dié stabiliteit en ondervinding bied ook ‘n taamlike kopseer vir die skole wat volgende jaar teen hulle te staan kom.
Die Interskole was besonder betekenisvol vir ‘n aantal spelers wat mylpale bereik het. Anja Arangies, Mari Snyman en Kyla Smit het elkeen hul 50ste wedstryd vir Paarl Gim se eerste span gespeel – ‘n bewys van hul toewyding en volgehoue prestasie – terwyl Anja Smit geskiedenis gemaak het deur haar 100ste wedstryd vir die skool te speel.
Met drie oorwinnings teenoor Paarl Girls se twee, het Paarl Gim hulle reputasie as een van die top-netbalskole in die land gestand gedoen. Voorts was die interskole nie bloot ‘n viering van sport nie, maar ook van gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid, lojaliteit en skooltrots – waardes wat diep gewortel is in beide hierdie Bolandse instansies.
The u17 Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies team on the attack in a Gauteng Women’s Development League match against Edenvale in July. Photo: Katlegothe1sportsphotography on Instagram.
The Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) continues to grow in popularity and to grow participation, and this year it features three divisions – u13, u15, and u17.
In 2023 and 2024, Mamelodi Sundowns dominated the league. In 2023, though, there was only an u16 division. In 2024, competition took place at u14 and u16 level. Now the action takes place in three age groups.
This season, the Brazilians are being challenged by, among others, Highlands Park, Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA), and newcomers SAFA Academy, all of whom have caught the eye.
In the u15 division of the GWDL, SAFA Academy currently leads with 45 points after 16 matches, followed closely by Panorama FC, with 40 points from 15 games. Surprisingly, Mamelodi Sundowns finds themselves in an unusual third place with 37 points after 17 matches. They’re not used to looking up at their opposition.
There remains much to play for, and the competition in the u15 division is a testament to the league’s growth. The competitive environment has helped to boost the standard of the game and has also attracted new clubs and sponsors. Playing in the GWDL has also become an aspirational pursuit for young girls, offering a potential pathway to professional football.
In the u17 league, which is essentially the first team competition of the GWDL, unpredictable and shocking results have been produced since the beginning of the season. While Sundowns currently tops the table, they’re not in a comfortable position.
The heavy defeat was a tough blow for JVW, who had delivered strong performances last season, which included wins over Sundowns on several occasions during league matches and in other cup competitions. Sundowns were unstoppable on Sunday, however.
SAFA Academy, Sundowns’ closest challengers, incredibly, enjoyed a bigger goal difference than the league leaders, slotting a staggering 13 goals against the University of Pretoria (Tuks) without conceding. Tuks had no answer to SAFA’s Academy’s relentless, sharp attacks.
The newcomers have made significant waves in their inaugural season in the GWDL, causing disruption to the established order. They’ve proven themselves capable of beating any opponent, with their list of victories including wins over Mamelodi Sundowns and Highlands Park, both of whom are contenders for the league title.
Highlands Park’s ambitions were dealt a blow on Sunday, however, when they went down to a 0-2 defeat to Tornado Academy Ladies. After the loss, Highlands Park lies third in the standings with 35 points, but they have fallen off the pace in the title race in recent weeks.
Meanwhile, RESA scored a comfortable 4-0 win over Dinoko Rondebult. That win leaves them only three points behind Highlands Park, in fourth place.
Kempton Park also won, scoring a 2-0 victory over Kenneth FC.
This week, the league’s teams are preparing for the Women’s Day GWDL Festival, which has rapidly become a beloved event among fans. The festival brings together all of the GWDL’s first teams for a one-day showdown, held in honour of Women’s Day.
This year, it will be held on Sunday, 10 August, at Curro Hazeldean, one day after the public holiday. Refilwe FC, one of the fastest-growing teams in Gauteng and South Africa, will host the event.
Photo: Mondli Dube.
The festival will be broadcast by SuperSport Schools on DStv Channel 216 and on the SuperSport Schools app. SuperSport Schools Plus will also cover the action.
Last season’s the Women’s Day Festival was played at President Park in Vereeniging, the home of RESA, whose supporters brought tremendous energy to the stands. After a very successful event, expectations are high for another entertaining day of competitive football.
While the current set-up of the league has teams playing each other home and away, it has somewhat detracted from the former format, which featured all the sides playing at one venue, which made for a vibrant atmosphere, with parents, families, and supporters surrounding the field. Sunday’s festival will, once again, deliver that cherished atmosphere.
The main event will be a mouthwatering showdown between SAFA Academy and Sundowns. Earlier in the season, in a league clash, SAFA Academy defeated Sundowns. On Sunday, ‘Downs will have a chance to avenge that loss and extend their lead to four points. A win for SAFA Academy would reduce the gap to a single point, and they have two games in hand.
Another eagerly awaited match pits the teams in third and fourth places on the log, Highlands Park and RESA, against one another. JVW will be challenged by Kempton Park, while Panorama takes on Tuks, who will be eager to wipe away the bitter taste of their last outing against SAFA Academy.
The festivities will kick off with Hellenic Falcons facing Dinoko Rondebult. In the remaining fixtures, Tornado Academy Ladies go up against Kenneth FC, and the home team, Refilwe FC will take on the challenge of Edenvale FC.
RESULTS
Sunday 3 August
Tornado Academy Ladies 2-0 Highlands Park
Kempton Park FC 2-0 Kenneth FC
Mamelodi Sundowns 12-1 JVW FC – Easterns
Panorama FC 4-0 Hellenic Falcons FC
RESA 4-1 Dinoko Rondebult
SAFA Academy 13-0 University of Pretoria (Tuks)
FIXTURES
Sunday, 10 August: Women’s Day GWDL Festival
Curro Hazeldean Main Stadium
09:00 – Hellenic Falcons vs Dinoko Rondebult
10:00 – Tornado vs Kenneth
11:00 – Edenvale vs Refilwe FC
12:00 – Highlands Park vs RESA
13:00 – Panorama vs Tuks
14:00 – Kempton Park vs JVW
15:00 – SAFA Academy vs Mamelodi Sundowns
With a narrow three-point win in East London on Saturday, Queen’s College completed a season’s double over Selborne College. Photo: Queen’s College on Facebook.
In a dramatic final passage to their clash in East London on Saturday, Queen’s College held out wave after wave of Selborne College attacks to narrowly emerge as 31-28 victors in their return fixture.
There was little to choose between the sides and this was shown when, immediately after Queen’’ had taken the lead in the 65th minute, the home team fought back with enormous courage to force their way onto the visiting team’s try line.
There, they pressed for the winning try on numerous occasions, only to be continually denied by an extremely committed and stubborn Queen’s defence.
Eventually, Selborne was awarded a penalty in front of the poles with less than a minute remaining. But they weren’t prepared to settle for a draw, and they took the courageous position of going for a quick tap and yet another charge for the line in search of a victory.
Unfortunately for them, the ball was knocked on as they drove over the line and from the ensuing scrum, Queen’s was able to kick the ball dead to secure the victory.
Despite the result, the Selbornians’ bravery in aiming for the win in the final stages should be applauded. It turned out to be one of those matches neither side deserved to lose.
The record, though, will show that Queen’s continued their outstanding season, and while they were often put under pressure by the intensity of the Selborne play, they always found a way to get points on the board.
They trailed 17-18 at halftime but quickly re-established a lead when a brilliant backline move saw them cut through the Selborne defence for Ncutu Kepe to cross the line, only to unselfishly offload the ball to Sbabalwe Magwebu for his second try.
When Selborne hit back through a converted try by Liam Hansen and a penalty by Bungqina Nuku to lead 28-24, Queen’s swung into action from a scrum close to the Selborne line.
Again, their elusive backs were able to work their magic for fullback Mveli Mqolo to score, adding the conversion to make it 31-28 with five minutes left.
Selborne deserves great respect for the way they fought on for victory, even if it eventually was Queen’s who grabbed the bragging rights.
Another terrific duel took place in Qonce, where Graeme College survived a trip to Dale’s “Graveyard” to take a 17-10 win.
The visitors lead 17-7 at the break and, besides being kept scoreless in the second half, they had to withstand a massive Dale onslaught in the final 10 minutes to hold onto their lead.
In a close contest in East London, Port Rex withstood a determined effort from Cambridge High to score a 22-17 win in their annual derby, while Cathcart put up a brave performance against Ooskus Gymnasium, but eventually went down 22-35.
Hudson Park controlled their game against Stirling and ran out comfortable 33-5 winners.
Down by 15 points early in the second half, Pretoria Boys High scored 19 unanswered points to stun Maritzburg College on Goldstone’s. Photo: Justin Waldman Sports Photography.
Beaten by 17 points earlier in the season on Brooks Field, Pretoria Boys High turned the tables on Maritzburg College and scored a morale-boosting 31-27 victory over the Red, Black, and Whiteon Goldstone’s, in Pietermaritzburg, on Saturday.
The shock loss made for a somewhat sombre last walk off of their famous home ground for the College 1st XV’s grade 12 learners.
At halftime, the home team led 17-12 and a fantastic long-range try – which Dom du Toit dotted down beneath the uprights after a scintillating run down the right touchline by Caleb Scheepers – put the home side 27-12 clear just five minutes into the second stanza.
It appeared as it would be another clear-cut win for College over Boys High, but they were unable to add a single point after that and, for the first time since 2017, the Candiesgot one over the Pietermaritzburg school.
The contest started well for College, who scored an early try through Amahle Hadebe, converted by the accurate Du Toit, to take a 7-0 lead within the opening 10 minutes.
Captain Wasi Vyambwera then showed why he was selected for the SA Schoolsside, blasting his way through a would-be tackler from close range to lift his team into a 14-0 lead after only 12 minutes. It looked so easy, but, of course, it wasn’t.
Boys High opened their account in the 18th minute when, after they had charged down an attempted clearance, prop Jeffrey Singo caught out the home side’s defence by picking up and powering his directly over a ruck for a try. Rheece Holman added the easy conversion from just right of the uprights to half the deficit.
Boys High needed to have their wits about them straight from the kick-off as College surged onto the attack, stacking phase after phase together, but the Candies scrambled well to eventually force a turnover and clear their lines.
A penalty from Du Toit extended College’s lead to 10 points. The response from the visitors was excellent. They forced their way deep into College’s 22 and came ever so close to scoring a second try. Tristan Heinz was halted less than a metre from the try line. Unfortunately for Boys High, his pop pass went forward, and the home team breathed a sigh of relief.
The Candies’ pressure was unrelenting, however, and they made it across the try line in the 29th minute, only to be held up by desperate College defence.
Vyambwera and his team were unable to escape their half, and they were made to pay just before the break when Ofentse Matlebjane rounded off wide on the right after a period of sustained pressure from the visitors.
The momentum swung back College’s way early in the second half and the reliable boot of Du Toit made it 20-12, taking the home team clear by more than a converted try. From the restart, the contest opened up as both teams probed with the boot to play the game in the opposition’s half, and both chose to counterattack with the ball rather than the boot.
Then came the superb score orchestrated by Scheepers and Du Toit. College was in control, but Boys High were not having any of it. They had suffered more than their fair share of tough losses during the season, going down to Queen’s College by three points, Kearsney College by two, and Jeppe and KES by one each. This time, they were the team to pull off a hard-fought, tight win.
When Maritzburg College went 15 points clear early in the second half, they were odds-on to continue their eight-year winning streak against Pretoria Boys High, but it was not to be. Photo: Justin Waldman Sports Photography.
Again, Singo was the catalyst. The SA Schools A front ranker took an inside pass as the Candies mounted an attack just inside the College half. From there, his power took him through two tacklers, but a third tackler swept Singo’s feet from under him. As he went down, though, he flung a spectacular pass out the back of his hand to outside centre Callum Nel, who was ranging up on Singo’s right shoulder.
A sharp sidestep and Nel was through to score beneath the uprights. Holman’s conversion kick made it 27-19 to College.
Just after the hour-mark, Boys High was back behind the hosts’ try line. This time it was their lanky lock Pieter Lindeboom who stretched over to score next to the uprights. Another easy conversion kick for Holman meant there was only one point in it.
Then, an adventurous counterattack down the right gave wing Ofentse Matlebjane some space. When he was closed down, he kicked infield just before being brought down. College looked to have it covered, but a nasty bounce led to Amahle Hadebe missing the ball and going to ground. Boys High regathered, but with the try line just 10 metres away, they knocked on. Five minutes remained.
The Candies had the bit between their teeth, and they were soon back in the College 22 when flank Banele Mashaba ran onto a short ball and charged his way towards the whitewash. Recycling possession, they went blind, then brought the ball back inside. Mashaba, who had started the attack, finished it, picking up and spinning his way across the try line.
It wasn’t a difficult conversion, but Holman struck the right upright. That meant Maritzburg College could snatch victory with a late try.
The final kick of the game, over Pretoria Boys High’s deadball line, sealed a stirring win for the Candies. Photo: Justin Waldman Sports Photography.
From the kick-off, they won a penalty and an accurate kick to touch put the Red, Black, and White on Boys High’s try line in the last minute of the contest. College won the throw-in and turned to the maul, but the Candies stopped them and won a five-metre scrum.
A knock-on by Pretoria Boys High gave Maritzburg College one last chance to win it from another five-metre scrum. They charged towards the visitors’ try line, but also knocked on, and Boys High cleared the ball over the dead ball line.
The final whistle blew, and the Candies were flooded by their jubilant schoolmates, who charged onto the field to celebrate a long-awaited win with them.
Scorers:
Maritzburg College 17 (27) – Tries: Amahle Hadebe, Wasi Vyambwera, Dom du Toit. Conversions: Dom du Toit (3). Penalties: Dom du Toit (2); Pretoria Boys High 31 (12) – Tries: Jeffrey Singo, Ofentse Matlbjane, Callum Nel, Pieter Lindeboom, Banele Mhlaba. Conversions: Rheece Holman (3).
Results:
u19 – Maritzburg College I 27 Pretoria Boys’ High I 31; Maritzburg College II 24 Pretoria Boys High II 5; Maritzburg College III 10 Pretoria Boys High III 7; Maritzburg College IV 26 Pretoria Boys High IV 10; Maritzburg College V 10 Pretoria Boys High V 7; Maritzburg College VI 17 Howick I 5; Maritzburg College VII 32 Pretoria Boys High VI 7; Maritzburg College VIII 50 Pretoria Boys High VII 0; Maritzburg College IX 29 Pretoria Boys High VIII 19.
u16 – Maritzburg College A 14 Pretoria Boys High A 7; Maritzburg College B 5 Pretoria Boys High B 0; Maritzburg College C 27 Pretoria Boys High C 5; Maritzburg College D 12 Pretoria Boys High D 19; Maritzburg College E 5 Pretoria Boys High E 40; Maritzburg College F 10 Pretoria Boys High F 32.
u15 – Maritzburg College A 10 Pretoria Boys High A 22; Maritzburg College B 8 Pretoria Boys High B 11; Maritzburg College C 3 Pretoria Boys High C 7; Maritzburg College D 12 Pretoria Boys High D 0; Maritzburg College E 32 Pretoria Boys High E 0; Maritzburg College F 24 Pretoria Boys High F 21.
u14 – Maritzburg College A 18 Pretoria Boys High A 25; Maritzburg College B 29 Pretoria Boys High B 17; Maritzburg College C 21 Pretoria Boys High C 12; Maritzburg College D 19 Pretoria Boys High D 12; Maritzburg College E 42 Pretoria Boys High E 28; Maritzburg College F 26 Pretoria Boys High F 12.
Rowles has enjoyed a fruitful 18 months in South Africa’s colours and was recognised for his outstanding contributions to the national u19 team. Photo: Supplied.
When the CSA Pathway Awards were hosted at Emperors Palace last Thursday evening, Jason Rowles received the Cricket South Africa (CSA) u19 Men’s Player of the YearAward.
The event, which celebrates the stars of tomorrow, ran under the theme “Celebrating Greatness.”
The ceremony recognised outstanding performers across grassroots and senior amateur levels, with CSA handing out 25 trophies to honour the achievements of players, coaches, administrators, and volunteers who made remarkable contributions during the past season.
The St David’s Marist Inanda star was recognised for his superb performances for the SA Emerging u19 and the SA u19 teams.
The award was the 17-year-old Rowles’s second accolade in two months. He also took home the Telkom u18 Men’s Player of the SeasonAward at the CentralGauteng Lions Cricket Awards in May.
“This (CSA u19) award means so much to me. I want to thank all who have supported and believed in me over the years,” Rowles told SuperSport Schools Plus.
He edged out Adnaan Lagadien (Western Province), Muhammad Bulbulia (KZN Inland), and JJ Basson (Central Gauteng Lions) for the honour.
Rowles wasn’t able to accept the award in person because he was in Zimbabwe representing South Africa in an u19 Tri-Series, featuring Bangladesh u19, South Africa u19, and the hosts, Zimbabwe u19. The all-rounder celebrated his recognition with a strong all-round contribution, spinning a web on his way to a return of 3/45, and then weighing in with 41 with the bat to help South Africa to a five-wicket victory over Bangladesh.
“Jason shows you the power of dreaming big,” Jono Leaf-Wright, the Central Gauteng Lions CEO, who accepted Rowles’ award on his behalf, said.
“We encourage all the youngsters in our Lions Cricket set-up to aspire to greatness, and Jason is certainly one of those who took the message to heart. He has a great work ethic and is a very mature cricketer. I look forward to watching his bright future.”
When Rowles embarked on his cricket journey at the age of six, his talent was undeniable from the onset. However, despite his natural abilities, his success is, in part, a result of the countless hours he has poured into his game. On average, he has spent 19 hours a week honing his craft over the past 10 years.
Rowles is the embodiment of the 10 000 hours theory, first published by the Swedish scientist K. Anders Ericsson and popularised by Malcolm Gladwell in his cult classic Outliers.
However, he has not been alone on his journey. Rowles has enjoyed the guidance of outstanding coaches and the presence of a strong support system. He credits the work of Jeff Levin, the St David’s coach, and Dave Nosworthy, the school’s head of cricket, for guiding him through his young career.
The Gauteng Lions star also recognised the tireless work put in by Bongani Ntini, whom he has known and worked with since he was nine. Rowles is also fortunate to benefit from the mentorship of Dinesh Lad, the famed Indian coach, who moulded India’s former captain, Rohit Sharma, into a world beater. The teenager also leans on the advice given to him by Alex Shahim.
“I was just lucky. There are so many great players, but they chose me,” Rowles stated with the humility that has come to define the youngster.
However, as the old saying goes, fortune favours the brave. Rowles’s approach has been to chase the dream he has nursed for the past 11 years: to represent South Africa in cricket. The St David’s learner isn’t there yet. However, he is firmly on track.
“The truth is that luck grows with concentrated effort. Success isn’t just about innate talent, but the relentless pursuit of one’s goals with focus and consistency,” his mother, Tracy, said. “As a proud mother, I find inspiration in my son’s journey – a testament to the power of self-belief and determination.”
Ahmed Nawab, the Central Gauteng Lions’ u19 coach, said Rowles is one of three players – along with Kamogelo Phiri and Arman Manack – to whom an “optional training session” means a compulsory training session. They’re also known for requesting sessions when training is not scheduled.
“Jason is extremely humbled by achieving the CSA u19 Men’s Player of the Year Award – the highest accolade in a sport which he truly loves,” Robin, his father, stated.
Grey College delivered a masterclass in precision rugby to blow away their rivals Grey High, winning their King Price Derby Series clash 48-15 on a windy Kolisi Field, in Gqeberha, on Saturday.
The home team may have been disappointed with their lack of accuracy at times, but that doesn’t detract from the ruthlessly clinical performance of Grey College, who swept in for six tries in the first half to surge into a massive 38-0 lead at the break.
As committed as they were on defence, so, too, were they lethal on attack, which was typified by their third try which began with the Gqeberha team camped in the Grey College 22.
The Bloem boys were quick to sense an opportunity for a counter-ruck, which won them the ball, and it was quickly sent to outstanding fullback Lamla Mgedezi, who went on a thrilling 70-metre run for a try which knocked the wind out of the home team’s sails.
While Grey High had their chances early on, they struggled to break down the visiting defence. In contrast, Grey College wasted no time in seizing their opportunities. Within the first 16 minutes, they had gone over for two tries from their powerful mauls.
They had already shown their cohesion up front when, from a lineout five metres from their line, they drove the Grey High pack back some 15 metres to give themselves some breathing space.
It was no surprise then, when the home team infringed twice in succession, that Grey College kicked for touch and then drove Xander Smit over for their first try and Alexi Tyropolis for their second.
The magical Mgedezi then showed his pace before powerful centre Ethan Adams proved unstoppable on the left flank when Grey College went on the attack again.
Smit registered his second try after another driving maul and the visitors showed their confidence and attacking skill when they won an opposing lineout on the halfway line with the clock showing that it was time up for halftime.
Instead of kicking the ball safely into touch, Grey College launched another offensive. They spread the ball wide and Mgedezi delivered a deft back-of-the-hand pass for wing Benjamin van den Berg to sprint over for the first of his two tries.
At halftime, matters looked ominous for the Grey High team, but, to their credit, they stayed in the fight until the end, and, in fact, outscored their opponents by three tries to two in the second half.
The first came in the 44th minute when a slick backline move saw centre Bradley Myburgh completely bamboozle the College defence to score near the poles.
Later, lively wing Noah Mbizi was on hand to score two outstanding tries, which exhibited his great commitment and pace as he weaved his way through the visiting defence.
Those tries were negated somewhat by Grey College’s strong running, with centre O’Ryan Klein, who was in the thick of things, helping the visitors to cross for further tries by Van den Berg and left-wing Thristan Maree.
Van den Berg’s second try was set up by another masterful contribution from Mgedezi. When Grey High kicked deep into the College 22, all it did was give the classy fullback a chance to show what he could do as he slipped past defenders while turning defence into attack. Eventually, the ball was eventually recycled down the right flank and there was nothing the home defence could do to plug all the gaps.
While it was another convincing win for Grey College, there was plenty of excitement throughout the match and it added another exciting chapter to add to the outstanding derby between two schools who enjoy a rich pedigree of sport.
In other matches, Marlow Agricultural suffered another agonising defeat when they went down 24-26 to Pearson in Nxuba, while Brandwag and Nico Malan cruised to comfortable wins over DF Malherbe (109-0) and Daniel Pienaar (38-8) respectively in Kariega.
Scorers:
Grey College 48 (38) – Tries: Xander Smit (2), Benjamin van den Berg (2), Alexi Tyropolis, Lamla Mgedezi, Ethan Adams, Thristan Maree. Conversions: O’Ryan Klein (4). Grey High School 15 (0) – Tries: Noah Mbizi (2), Bradley Myburgh.
A high tempo approach spurred SACS to an 18-point win over Brackenfell. Photo: SACS Rugby on Instgram.
After a few tough losses against difficult opposition in recent matches, SACS found their rhythm and delivered a high-tempo game to defeat Brackenfell 43-25 on the Memorial A-Field on Saturday.
The hosts’ running rugby, which was best exemplified by centre Daniel Grant and wing Josh Gorgens, was a joy to watch, and they both crossed for braces.
It took SACS 15 minutes to open the scoring, and the first points came after they had sucked in the opposition defence at a breakdown just five metres from the visitors’ goal line. When Max Bester sent the ball out wide, Grant rounded the Brackenfell defence, thanks to a three-man overlap.
Momentum was with the home team and by halftime they had opened up a 24-6 advantage.
Brackenfell adapted to the game too late. Their first points came from number eight, Wade Fortuin, who dotted down after a maul from five metres out with 10 minutes to play. They did well to add another two tries before the end of the game, but SACS had long ago ensured their victory.
Next up, on 16 August, SACS visits Rondebosch.
With an adventurous attitude and good execution, Charlie Hofmeyr won against Hermanus. Photo: Charlie Hofmeyr on Instagram.
In Ceres, Charlie Hofmeyr hosted Hermanus, and they turned it on for their home fans.
A strong team effort brought Charlies five tries from five different players, while flyhalf Jay Jay Janse and wing Keenan Nathan shared the kicking duties, tacking on 10 points and seven points respectively, to see their side to a 42-27 win.
A good day for the locals began with a fantastic try in the 12th minute. From 10 metres out, scrumhalf Phillip Boshoff feathered a pinpoint cross-kick over the opposition defence and wing Ainsley Prinsloo ran straight onto the ball, collected, and dotted down in the corner.
Charlie Hofmeyr dominated at the breakdown and in the aerial battles, which helped them build up a 25-10 lead after the first 35 minutes.
In the second half, the coastal visitors found their rhythm, putting up much tougher resistance. Within five minutes of the restart, they had twice breeched Charlies’ defences.
Their first five-pointer, scored in the first minute, came from an especially eye-catching period of play. A rip in a tackle jarred the ball loose and Hermanus pounced on the loose ball. Then, scrumhalf Christable Nutt nudged a box kick out wide where wing Elia Stevens claimed the ball off the bounce and ran through for a superb try.
Stung by those quick tries, Charlie Hofmeyr reasserted themselves and made sure of the victory by outscoring Hermanus 17-3 over the last half-hour of the contest.
It was a fun match of rugby, which appeared to be played on instinct a lot of the time. Somewhat chaotic in appearance, it made for very enjoyable spectating.
Scorers
SACS 43 (24) – Tries: Daniel Grant (2), Josh Gorgens (2), Quewinn Lackay, Max Bester, Siphokhanyo Dyanti. Conversions: Mikey Skeeles (3), Rob Boyes; Brackenfell 25 (6) – Tries: Wade Fortuin, Ruan van Tonder, Yibonge Malote. Conversions: Junior Louw, Jean Oosthuizen. Penalties: Junior Louw (2).
Charlie Hofmeyr 42 (25) – Tries: Ainsley Pedro, Keagan Kelly, Ivan Hanekom, Keenan Nathan, Phillip Boshoff. Conversions: Jay Jay Janse (2), Keenan Nathan (2). Penalties: Jay Jay Janse (2), Keenan Nathan; Hermanus 27 (10) – Tries: Jared Hunter (2), Gideon Scheepers, Elia Stevens. Conversions: Giano Da Kosta (2). Penalty: Giano Da Kosta.
Other Results
U19 – SACS II 33 Brackenfell II 14; Charlie Hofmeyr II 5 Hermanus II 10, Charlie Hofmeyr III 3 Hermanus III 5.
U16 – SACS A 89 Brackenfell A 0; Charlie Hofmeyr A 80 Hermanus A 3, Charlie Hofmeyr B 21 Hermanus B 14.
U15 – SACS A 50 Brackenfell A 0; Charlie Hofmeyr A 12 Hermanus A 22, Charlie Hofmeyr B 10 Hermanus B 19.
U14 – SACS A 73 Brackenfell A 0; Charlie Hofmeyr A 24 Hermanus A 28, Charlie Hofmeyr B 0 Hermanus B 47.
Claire Volschenk will be a key player in Eunice’s challenge for a second Fairtree Super 12 title. Photo: Eunice High School on Facebook.
Eunice High School won’t get ahead of themselves when they contest the Fairtree Super 12 Tournament that runs from 7 to 9 August at Sekondêre Meisieskool Oranje (Oranje), in Bloemfontein.
“We’re taking it one game at a time, staying focused, and aiming to be the best we can possibly be,” Nika Coertzen, the Eunice coach, told SuperSport Schools Plus.
Coertzen’s charges will be aiming to add a second Super 12 title after the school lifted the trophy in 2023.
When they won it that year, the girls in green were the first team in seven years to chart an unbeaten run through the tournament. After coming close on a number of previous occasions, they joined Oranje and Die Hoërskool Menlopark as tournament champions.
Eunice faces a very challenging campaign in Pool A, the tournament’s “pool of death”, where they are grouped with the reigning champions, Rhenish; Oranje, the most successful side in the event’s history, who last lifted the crown in 2022; and last year’s runner-up and St Mary’s Waverley Festival winners, St Mary’s DSG, Kloof. Perennial campaigners Bloemhof and Waterkloof, are also in the pool.
It won’t be easy, but Eunice heads into the tournament with the wind beneath their wings after a morale-boosting visit to Gqeberha, where they drew with Collegiate Girls’ High, who will also be at the Super 12, and trounced Pearson High School5-1 in front of their home fans.
Bianca Rees-Gibbs led the way against Pearson with a brace, and Eunice will hope that she continues her brilliant form in the circle at the Super 12.
Rees-Gibbs, who was selected for the SA u18A team for a second year running after the u18 SASHOC National Week, was one of four Eunice players to earn national honours. Cale Potgieter and Georgia Kambanis made the SA u18B team, while Claire Volschenk was included in the SA u17 side.
Eunice fans will hope to see the best of that influential quartet in the Super 12 tournament, especially when they take on their great rivals, Oranje, in the ninth fixture of the event. It’s always a big game and Eunice, with victories in their last two clashes with Oranje, would love nothing more than to make it three on the trot.
They open their campaign against Waterkloof at 08:20 on Thursday and next face Oranje in their second match. A good start will be crucial to their hopes of making a splash.
Coach Coertzen has confidence in her players’ form: “Of course, there are still areas where we can improve, but that’s part of the journey,” she said. “We’ll keep building on this momentum, one step at a time.
“I believe our performances over the past few games have been very consistent, showing clear growth, both as a group and in our tactical approach.
“Beyond the hockey itself, this journey has been truly special – shared with an incredible group of girls,” she added.
Grey College delivered a masterclass in precision rugby to blow away their rivals Grey High, winning their King Price Derby Series clash 48-15 on a windy Kolisi Field, in Gqeberha, on Saturday.
