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Hoërskool Noordheuwel draf vir ‘n derde agtereenvolgende Saterdag op sy tuisveld uit wanneer hy gasheer speel vir die gevaarlike Hoërskool Menlopark, wat in die nekke blaas van die voorlopers in die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Beker-afdeling.

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

Die stryd tussen die Blues en Parkies is tradisioneel ‘n kragmeting wat vir hope aksie en ‘n groot gestoei voorlangs sorg. Dit was juis teen die einste Parkies dat die Nories se halfeind-hoop verlede jaar die nekslag toegedien is, met die Pretorianers wat ‘n skoksege van 26-19 behaal het.

Vanjaar sien die prentjie ietwat anders daar uit. Die tuisspan beklee tans die derde plek, met 30 ligapunte, en is reeds van ‘n plek in vanjaar se halfeindronde verseker – danksy ‘n deurslaggewende sege van 28-22 oor Hoërskool Garsfontein in die vorige ronde. Die Parkies het intussen ‘n beduidende hupstoot gekry in hul halfeind-veldtog deur vir vir Hoërskool Monument naelskraaps met 39-37 om te dop.

Die span van Pretoria sou dié oorwinning egter spoedig agter hom plaas, met die fokus wat na die laaste twee weke verskuif en die doelwit om albei oorblywende kragmetings te wen. Indien Parkies dit kan vermag, staan hulle ‘n uitstekende kans om vierde te eindig, maar heelwat hang ook af van wat in Hoërskool Transvalia en Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen se laaste twee wedstryde gebeur.

Die Nories het vroeër vandeesweek hulle gevaarlike duo van Jeandré Uithaler en Clinton Agu, wat Kaap toe vertrek het om vir onderskeidelik die SA o.18 “A”- en SA o.18-span te verteenwordig, gegroet. Agu word, soos vroeër, deur die woelige Wikus Roos vervang, terwyl Tristan Helmand Uithaler se plek op heelagter inneem.

Lucian Reid, wat vir Juan Joubert op linkervleuel vervang, is die Parkies se enigste verandering vir die stryd op die “Heuwel”.

In Rustenburg, is die tuisspan in ‘n maak-of-breek stryd met Hoërskool Monument gewikkel. Hoërskool Rustenburg, een van vyf skole wat tans gevaar loop om gerelegeer te word, se spanne sal moet uithaal en wys in hul stryd om oorlewing in die Beker-oorlewing.

Die Rusties bevind hulself tans in die sesde plek, slegs ses ligapunte voor Hoërskool Waterkloof in die negende plek. Dit benadruk die gewigtigheid van die oorblywende twee naweke.

Hoewel die Wit Bulle in die algemeen ‘n teleurstellende seisoen beleef het, het Monnas se junior spanne steeds uitmuntend vertoon en lê die skool van Krugersdorp tans veilig in die vierde plek. Die feit dat albei eerste spanne uit die halfeind-wedloop is, doen boonop geensins afbreuk aan Saterdag se kragmeting nie.

Die Rusties het verlede naweek teen Helpmekaar Kollege geweldig beïndruk, vernaam in die tweede helfte met Ayden Willemse wat ‘n taamlike verkil as plaasvervanger op losskakel gemaak het. Willemse draf Saterdag in die nr. 10-trui uit.

Vir die besoekers skuif Ruan Genis, van linkervleuel na buitesenter, wat ‘n reuse tweestryd met die Rusties se Jon-Ré Jefthas in die middeveld behoort af te gee. Corné Mostert vervang vir Genis in die nr. 11-trui.

Die spanne: 

Noordheuwel t. Die Hoërskool Menlopark om 12:30 in Krugersdorp

Noordheuwel: 15 Tristan Helmand, 14 Jayden Steyn, 13 Brandon Pieters, 12 Kieran Reid, 11 Aidan Bester, 10 Pablo Moeketsane, 9 Gillie Diedericks, 8 Armand van Eck, 7 Juandré de Villiers, 6 Andrew Lambert, 5 Jared Coetzer, 4 Robert Hurn, 3 Steph Botha, 2 Wikus Roos, 1 Skuttie Bezuidenhout.

Menlopark: 15 Reinhardt Herbst, 14 Bladen Petersen, 13 Leskin Samuels, 12 Dylan Stumke, 11 Lucian Read, 10 Willie Pieterse, 9 Gustav Shäffner, 8 JN van Wyk, 7 Nathen du Plessis, 6 Ruan Strydom, 5 Keagen Pretorius, 4 Tiaan Boshoff, 3 Ruvan van Aardt, 2 Declan Pelser, 1 Mattheus Prinsloo.

Hoërskool Rustenburg t. Monument om 13:35 in Rustenburg

Rustenburg: 15 Lorenzo Snyers, 14 Henré Robinson, 13 Jon-Rè Jefthas, 12 Zack Swanepoel, 11 Waide Davey, 10 Ayden Willems, 9 Adriano George, 8 Pieta Niemandt, 7 Marais Röcher, 6 MJ Otto, 5 Thian Labuschagnè, 4 Tristan Myburgh, 3 Jaden Mienie, 2 Xavier Steenkamp, 1 Xander Stickling.

Monument: 15 Loghan Langeveldt, 14 Jason Joubert, 13 Ruan Genis, 12 Cameron Kourie, 11 Corné Mostert, 10 Jaydon Viljoen, 9 Evan Bernhardi, 8 Ryno van der Westhuizen, 7 Jordan Swanepoel, 6 Caleb Sparks, 5 Dean Hartman, 4 Janco Pretorius, 3 Juandré Marais, 2 Regardt Ernst, 1 Dexter Chiwanga.

Dale College will be chasing a double celebration when they renew one of the oldest rivalries in Border schools’ rugby with a showdown against East London’s Selborne College taking place in Qonce on Saturday at 15.00.

Dale is celebrating Women’s Month with their traditional Pink Weekend theme, running out in those colours instead of their traditional black jersey with red stripes.

It’s a commitment to show their support for women, which has been running since 2012, and the home side would like nothing more than to mark the occasion with a win over a tough Selborne outfit.

Earlier in the season, when the sides met, Selborne eked out a 15-13 and, although Dale has suffered a number of defeats this season, they will be determined that “The “Graveyard” nickname of their home fortress lives up to its name.

Selborne has made some changes, but they remain a formidable outfit and players such as Robert John-Osunkwo, Dominic Stegmann, and Bungqina Nuku will lead from the front.

In the home team, captain and No 8 Kamva Sithole will be urging his team to rise to the occasion on a significant weekend for the school that goes beyond rugby.

If Dale plays to their potential, the visitors could be in for a gruelling afternoon in Qonce.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Cape’s top side, Queen’s College, has been living on the edge in recent matches, and they will need to have their wits about them when they travel to Makhanda for what should be a thrilling showdown against Graeme College.

On a previous visit to the Somerset Field, at the Graeme Festival, in March, Queen’s suffered their only loss to an Eastern Cape school this year, going down 17-20 to Pearson.

They have grown considerably as a team since then, but they have been pushed hard in their most recent matches, which resulted in narrow three-point wins over Marlow and Selborne.

Graeme has shown good form all season and demonstrated their grittiness when they held off Dale in the last 10 minutes a week ago to secure a 17-10 victory in Qonce.

They will need to show similar defensive commitment against a dangerous Queen’s team, who are strong up front and have a backline capable of unlocking most defences.

In East London, Ooskus Gymnasium will have their hands full when they host Hudson Park in a Friday afternoon encounter, while there should be a real arm wrestle when Cambridge entertains Stirling in their annual derby on Saturday.

Teams:

Dale College: 15 Inga Mafanga, 14 Achumile George, 13 Nxande Ngcaba, 12 Phikolomzi Mtyalela, 11 Yamkele Molose, 10 Soso Dyani, 9 Wethumtha Malawana, 8 Kamva Sithole (captain), 7 Liyabona Mayikana, 6 Linamandla Peter, 5 Kungawo Jaca, 4 Ebenezer Sarpong, 3 Sanele Bistoli, 2 Lakhanya Mbewu, 1 Azole Sodlaka.

Selborne College: 15 Bungqina Nuku, 14 Troy Senar, 13 Njongo Mbanga, 12 Aaron James, 11 Iviwe Kabale, 10 Samuel Jacobsen, 9 Aaron Senekal, 8 Uviwe Jikwana, 7 Dominic Stegmann, 6 Travis Enslin, 5 Luca Liebenberg, 4 Matthew Bean, 3 Seth Smith, 2 Matthew Tarr, 1 Robert John-Osunkwo.

Graeme College: 15 Lucritia Magau,  14 Alden Walters, 13 Inathi Planga, 12 Torres Fourie, 11 Elgin Fanton, 10 Ethan Bokbaard, 9 Luke Doyle, 8 Ayamile Bill, 7 Ayola Mali, 6 Lwandle Dlamini, 5 Mikhulu Yolani, 4 Akho Tonjeni, 3 Athi Bonga, 2 Lebo Mahasele, 1 Bagcine Njengele.

Queen’s College: 15 Mveli Mqolo, 14 Ayathanda Mtyando, 16 Thina Fenako, 12 Lithemba Maxegwana,  11 Boikaho Motlohi, 10 Inganathi Mnunu, 9 Ayola Somhlahlo, 8 Acwenga Saul, 7 Sambesiwe Vetman, 6 Jeffrey Niland (captain), 5 Kaunda Billie, 4 Zeacke Mata, 3 Ahlume Gqetywa, 2 Bulumko Manqina, 1 Amyoli Ngxongwana.

Hudson Park: 15 Bahlumile Mavuso, 14 Bubu Mzamo, 13 Lunathi Dolo, 12 Sibabalwe Mtshini, 11 Masibulele Kwakwini, 10 Mahle Zinto, 9 Landile Gidi, 8 Likhanye Mandila, 7 Sange Gwarube, 6 Phindokuhle Mdlalana, 5 Hlumelo Gobile, 4 Tenda Saunyama, 3 Manyano Mpendu, 2 Kwakokuhle Pasha, 1 Khanya Mazulu.

Ooskus Gym: 15 Chivago Petrus, 14 Stefan de Jager, 13 Josh du Plessis, 12 Sabian Rieck, 11 Xavier Smith, 10 Kwagga Liebenberg, 9 Jaun Nel, 8 Jandre le Roux, 7 Tyran Kotze, 6 Cole van der Merwe, 5 Roussow Nel, 4 Eben Viljoen, 3 Gustaf Brink, 2 Bruwer Smit 1 Zander Brink.

Cambridge: 15 Lithemba Mpikwa, 14 Lisakhanya Magoxo, 13 Liqhame Mkanzana, 12 Somili Pityi, 11 Imange Roto, 10 Alizwa Cekiso, 9 Manga Mlonyeni, 8 Aaron Ray, 7 Othandwayo Mtotoba, 6 Hlonipha Zweni, 5 Nakwesi Masiso, 4 Luxolo Mashaba, 3 Lwandle Rasi, 2 Kwakhanya Nweba, 1 Iviwe Mzingayi.

Stirling: TBC

Hoërskool Monument, the defending champions, showed why they remain the team to beat by picking up two wins on Thursday, the opening day of the Noordvaal Cup, at Hoërskool Pietersburg, in Limpopo.

Helpmekaar Kollege, Hoërskool Nelspruit, and Hoërskool Zwartkop impressed by also going two for two.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools 

Monnas, under the guidance of coach Divan Geyser, wasted no time in sending out a strong message to their challengers. Facing a tough opener against Hoërskool Waterkloof, they came away from a tightly contested clash with a 1- 0 victory

In their second outing, Monument scored a more convincing 3-0 win over Hoërskool Rustenburg. From the opening whistle, the Krugersdorp school set the tempo, and they quickly converted a penalty corner to go ahead after only four minutes. Rusties fought hard but were unable to penetrate Monument’s disciplined defence.

Although Monnas controlled the contest, they were only a goal to the good at halftime. They doubled their advantage in the third chukka, however, and ensured they would win with a third goal in the final chukka, which took the match beyond Rustenburg’s reach.

Rustenburg, after their loss to Monument, bounced back with a 1-0 victory over Waterkloof.

In Pool B, Helpmekaar Kollege emerged as one of the standout teams of the opening day, scoring two sound victories. Their first match, against Hoërskool Middelburg, was hard fought, but Helpies edged it 1-0.

In their second match, Helpmekaar dominated the hosts, Hoërskool Pietersburg, posting a commanding 4-1 win, which established them as potential title contenders. The hosts, meanwhile, stayed in the running with a 2-1 win over Middies.

Pool C delivered some interesting moments, especially from Hoërskool Nelspruit, who scored two comfortable victories.

First up, they defeated Potchefstroom Gimnasium 3-0, dominating from the start and building up a 2-0 lead by halftime. Then, against Midstream College, they again won 3-0. Midstream also fell 0-3 to Potch Gim.

In Pool D, the opening match was a real thriller, with Hoërskool Zwartkop holding off HTS Witbank to claim a 3-2 win. The game was fast-paced and produced good goal scoring chances, but it was Zwartkop who made the most of them.

Stung by that defeat, HTS Witbank came back with a bang, hanging a 5-1 loss on Hoërskool Sasolburg,

Zwarries, then, bagged maximum points for the day by beating Sasolburg 4-2.

Results

Pool A

Monument 1-0 Waterkloof
Monument 3-0 Rustenburg
Waterkloof 1-0 Rustenburg

Pool B

Helpmekaar Kollege 1-0 Middelburg
Helpmekaar Kollege 4-1 Pietersburg
Pietersburg 2-1 Middelburg

Pool C

Nelspruit 3-0 Potch Gim
Nelspruit 3-0 Midstream
Potch Gim 3-0 Midstream

Pool D

Zwartkop 3-2 HTS Witbank
HTS Witbank 5-1 Sasolburg
Zwartkop 4-2 Sasolburg

The Under-18 International Series kicks off on Friday at Hoërskool Durbanville in Cape Town, with South Africa’s top young rugby talent taking on top-class international opponents from Europe.

The SA u18 team will face a formidable France side at 15h30, while the SA U18 ‘A’ team will test their mettle against Ireland when they kick off the series at 11h30. England and Georgia will play in the 13h30 fixture. All matches will be broadcast live on the SuperSport Schools platform.

In announcing the two SA U18 match-day squads, the coaches have confirmed that Markus Muller will lead the SA U18s against France, while the SA U18 ‘A’ side will be skippered by Jeandre Uithaler.

Meanwhile, in the build-up to the U18 Series, the coaches have highlighted the importance of continuity and the valuable experience the young players will gain by playing against strong international competition.

Lwazi Zangqa, head coach of the SA U18s, is excited about the opportunity for his team, which are the future Junior Bok generation.

“Our match day squad is a continuation from the SA Schools fixture last month in Middelburg,” said Zangqa. “We are honoured to represent South Africa at U18 level, which is a step up to international level, and we have another fantastic opportunity to showcase our rugby skills.”

Zangqa noted that playing together previously has allowed the team to iron out any issues and the opportunity to develop as a combination: “The advantage of playing the SA Schools fixture and working with more or less the same group is that you have an opportunity to continue working with and developing the same group.”

The SA u18 coach highlighted the continuity in his team’s selection, particularly the dynamic centre pairing of Markus Muller and Ethan Adams in the midfield.

“We’ve gone predominantly with the SA Schools side which played against the SA ‘A’ side, which shows continuity,” Zangqa explained.

“We have Markus and Ethan as a centre pairing again, although they have swapped around with Ethan at inside centre and Markus on the outside. Josh Neill is back from injury, and he is included in the loose trio, and we are fortunate to have a player who has played at u18 international level last year.”

Zangqa is also well aware of the challenge against the French: “France won’t be an easy opponent, but it’s a fantastic opportunity for the youngsters to test their skill set against a top-class international side.”

The SA u18 coach also revealed that the medium-term goal is to prepare players for future Junior Bok representation: “We want to get these boys as best prepared for the World Rugby U20 Championship for next two years. Everything in all our efforts is done in assisting Kevin Foote in preparing and selecting the Junior Boks for international participation.”

The two SA u18 teams have also benefited from the expertise of the Junior Bok coaching staff.

“The insight they bring is immense and we are very fortunate that they have offered their time to come and assist us on this journey, and we feel well supported by SA Rugby. Now it time to deliver,” Zangqa concluded.

Meanwhile, Flash Malinga who is coach of the SA U18 ‘A’ team, is also looking forward to their opener against Ireland and said his team will be looking to stamp their authority on the match by playing to their strengths, which is the set piece, kicking game and bringing their speedy attackers into the game.

Like Zangqa, Malinga values the continuity in his SA U18 ‘A’ squad: “This week was about finishing off preparation for the opening match and we are fortunate that we only have minimal changes to the side that played in the SA Schools match, so that continuity helped during our preparation.”

Malinga acknowledged the tough opponent but stressed the honour of playing for South Africa against Ireland: “They are a formidable opponent but the exciting thing for our squad is that it’s an absolute honour to represent South African rugby on the international stage and we are looking forward to the tournament and Friday’s occasion.”

In a couple of injury-related changes, Deon Botes (Bulls) and Sbabalwe Magwebu (Border) were called into the SA U18 ‘A’ squad following injuries to Luan van den Berg and Randall-John Davids. Matt van der Merwe was called up to the U18 squad in in Van den Berg’s place.

The teams are:

SA Under 18 ‘A’ team to take on Ireland (kick off at 11h30):

15 Reinhart Viljoen (South Western Districts), 14 Jeneall Davids (Western Province), 13 Nathan Aneke (Sharks), 12 Lizwe Mthethwa (Sharks), 11 Ncutu Kepe (Border), 10 Jeandre Uithaler (captain, Lions), 9 Zirk Meyer (Bulls), 8 Quintin Potgieter (Western Province), 7 Liam Lightly (South Western Districts), 6 Andile Ndlovu (Sharks), 5 Migael Turner (Western Province), 4 Diaan Augustyn (South Western Districts), 3 Bernhard du Toit (Western Province), 2 Keenan Myners (South Western Districts), 1 Jeffrey Singo (Bulls). Replacements: 16 Tommy Muller (Western Province), 17 Pieta Cilliers (Western Province), 18 Deon Botes (Bulls), 19 Juvan Burden (Western Province), 20 Briint Davids (Western Province), 21 Mickyle Booise (Western Province), 22 Ethan van Biljon (Western Province), 23 Sbabalwe Magwebu (Border), 24 Junaide Passensie (Bulls), 25 Erin Nelson (Eastern Province), 26 Lian Terblanche (Sharks).

SA U18 team to take on France (kick off at 15h30):

15 Zekhethelo Siyaya (Sharks), 14 Thabiso Simelane (Bulls), 13 Markus Muller (captain, Western Province), 12 Ethan Adams (Free State), 11 Jadriaan Afrikaner (Sharks), 10 Liyema Nela (Sharks), 9 Morne Noble (Western Province), 8 Gert Kemp (Western Province), 7 Josh Neill (Western Province), 6 Chinedu Amadi (Lions), 5 AJ Meyer (Free State), 4 Lwandile Mlaba (Sharks), 3 JG Badernhorst (Free State), 2 Altus Rabie (Western Province), 1 Kai Pratt (South Western Districts). Replacements: 16 Clinton Agu (Lions), 17 Jordan Jooste (Western Province), 18 Matthew van der Merwe (Western Province), 19 Jayden Joubert (Western Province), 20 Wasi Vyambwera (Sharks), 21 Jacobus de Villiers (SWD), 22 Jayden Brits (Western Province), 23 Ruben Groenewald (Bulls), 24 Christian Vorster (South Western Districts), 25 Junaide Stuart (Bulls), 26 Lamla Mgedezi (Free State).

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Hoërskool Durbanville hosts Outeniqua on Saturday at 12:50. Two Saturdays ago, Durbanville defeated Brackenfell 45-21, but they’ll be in for a stiffer challenge from the Kwaggas this weekend.

The George school will be full of confidence after overrunning Worcester Gimnasium 45-13 in their most recent outing, thanks to their forward dominance.

To counter the visitors, Durbies will look to their work-horse flanks, Zay-Winn Januarie and Ethan Swartz, to disrupt the opposition attack by making a nuisance of themselves at the breakdowns. Both are also strong ball carriers and scored two each against Brackenfell.

The Kwaggas have a silky-smooth attack. Flyhalf Virgil Pockpas is equally dangerous with the ball in hand and with his boot. He has a deep range of moves which he’ll use to search for cracks in the home side’s defence.

His fellow halfback, scrumhalf Cee-Jay Arends, also knows a thing or two about getting his teammates over the try-line.

Both sides like to play at speed and a game filled with exciting tries would not be a surprise.

Meanwhile In Somerset West, Parel Vallei (PV) takes on the challenge of Melkbosstrand at 12:30. Last weekend, the Bulldogs were outplayed at home, going down 13-59 to Wynberg Boys’ High.

Melkbosstrand won last weekend, scoring a 44-29 win over Tygerberg.

PV is a side on the up, and they will have taken lessons from their Wynberg game in which they trailed only 13-21 at halftime. Melkbosstrand will need to be wary of the backlash the local boys will be focused on dishing out.

The visitors have an athletic backline, with plenty of pace, but they’ll need their forwards to supply good quality ball.

In short, Parel Vallei is in for another tough challenge this weekend. It’s an opportunity, though, for them to show off their evolution. Will they have to learn further lessons, or will they take another step forward?

Teams:

Durbanville vs Outeniqua at 12:50 in Durbanville.

Durbanville: 15 Cole Carls, 14 Michael Shaw, 13 Lourens Rademeyr, 12 Farrel-Leigh Dido, 11 Kyle Doyle, 10 Kyle Albertus, 9 Lorenzo Brogneri, 8 Adrian Freemantle, 7 Tiaan Kearns, 6 Zay-Winn Januarie, 5 Ethan Swartz, 4 Ruan Vosloo, 3 Ruan van Wyk, 2 Juan Smit (Captain), 1 Eli Pedro.

Outeniqua: 15 Jade Peterson, 14 Grant Savage, 13 Schalk van der Merwe 12 Reshaan Damans, 11 Devino Bernardo, 10 Virgil Pockpas, 9 Cee-Jay Arends, 8 Henru Nell (Captain), 7 Bradley Steel, 6 Ruan van Rensburg, 5 Samuel Augustyn, 4 Favian Swart, 3 Zacary Meyer, 2 Luhan van der Sandt, 1 Matthew Prins.

Parel Vallei vs Melkbosstrand at 12:30 in Somerset West. 

Parel Vallei: 15 Shudley Rhoda, 14 Johan van Zyl, 13 Noah Enyang, 12 Tihan van der Colff, 11 Cayde Lucas, 10 Stefhan Niemann, 9 Michael Kent, 8 Bradley Brown, 7 Chris de Jager, 6 Marce Els, 5 James Paxton, 4 Renato Tosi, 3 Cayden Rautenbach, 2 Diaan du Toit, 1 Herman Diedericks.

Melkbosstrand: 15 Waydon Afrikaner, 14 Cole Japhta, 13 Sean Cooper, 12 Arno Visser, 11 Craig Solomons, 10 Joel Maree, 9 Nico Mpoemelang, 8 Ntsika Mtokwana, 7 Zandrich Nel, 6 Samuel Arendse, 5 Melkis Wakazadi, 4 Nico Ndou, 3 Caleb Williams, 2 Deyondre Andrews, 1 Darius Prinsloo.

Some cracking goals, entertaining matchups and massive upsets, highlighted the opening day of the Challengers’ Cup, in Paarl, on Thursday.

The annual tournament is being hosted by La Rochelle Girls’ High and runs through to Sunday, and the lineup includes some of the strongest teams in the country.

Day one was all about making a positive start and while some did that, others found it tough sledding.

In the opening match of the tournament, Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool (Affies) demonstrated their class in a 2-0 win over Durban Girls’ College (DGC).

It was an impressive showing from the Pretoria girls, who opened the scoring in the first chukka through a brilliant goal from Mikela Harmse after she had linked up well with Anouk du Plessis.

Late in the fourth chukka, Affies sealed the win, thanks to a goal from Hannah Coetzee, which helped her side claim the first three points of their campaign.

The action rolled on from there, and Hoërskool Outeniqua stunned Paarl Girls’ High 3-2, courtesy of goals by Carlien Oosthuizen, Mia Buxman, and Mieke Lotter.

Herschel Girls School came out on top in a Cape Town rivalry, defeating Springfield Convent School 3-0.

The match of the day, though, belonged to St Mary’s Waverley and Parel Vallei (PV). Led by experienced coaches Cindy Brown (St Mary’s) and Wayne Coetzee (PV), the teams delivered an entertaining clash from the first whistle.

St Mary’s got off to a blistering start and led 1-0 after only three minutes, thanks to a well-taken goal by Tanaka Matambo.

PV responded almost immediately, with Nikita Sulivan netting in the sixth minute. Two minutes later, coach Coetzee’s side made it 2-1 when Eva Blaauw slotted a short corner opportunity.

Three goals had been scored in the space of only five minutes, and the teams were just getting started.

The girls from Johannesburg didn’t back down and, just before the first chukka ended, they levelled matters when Leah Viljoen found herself in space and beat PV’s goalie for her side’s second goal.

The second and third chukkas were evenly matched, with both teams creating goal scoring opportunities but failing to find finishes.

It appeared as if the contest was headed for a draw, but Leah Viljoen had other ideas and converted a late penalty corner, her second goal of the game, to lead St Mary’s to a thrilling win.

In other matches, Leah Buckley‘s goal proved enough for Fairmont High as they edged out Rustenburg Girls’ High 1-0.

Hoërskool Garsfontein delivered a polished performance in the final match of the day to beat St Cyprian’s School 3-0.

It was a Garsies masterclass, and it began as early as the fifth minute when Jana Seebach opened the scoring for the Pretoria League champions.

Daniella Grobbelaar and Elmien du Preez added further goals in the second half to seal the win for coach Charlene Johnson‘s troops.

On Friday, Garsfontein faces St Mary’s and Fairmont High.

The matches, which are being played at La Rochelle and Paarl Girls’ High, start at 11:30 and will be broadcast LIVE on the SuperSport Schools App.

Thursday, 8 August | Results and scorers

Pool A

St Mary’s Waverley 3: (Leah Viljoen 2, Tanaka Matambo). Parel Vallei 2: (Nikita Sulivan, Eva Blaauw).
Fairmont High 1: (Leah Buckley). Rustenburg Girls’ High 0.
Garsfontein 3: (Jana Seebach, Daniella Grobbelaar, Elmien du Preez). St Cyprian’s School 0.

Pool B

Affies 2: (Mikela Harmse, Hannah Coetzee). DGC 0.
Outeniqua 3: (Carlien Oosthuizen, Mia Buxman, Mieke Lotter). Paarl Girls’ High 2: (Anne Nell, Janri Dixon).
Herschel 3: (Anna Sherren, Samantha Flint, Sophie Maurel). Springfield 0.

Friday, 9 August Fixtures

@La Rochelle 

11:30 – Garsfontein vs St Mary’s Waverley; 12:30 – St Cyprian’s vs Fairmont; 13:30 – Rustenburg Girls’ High vs Parel Vallei; 15:00 – Garsfontein vs Fairmont; 16:00 – Parel Vallei vs St Cyprian’s; 17:00 – Rustenburg Girls’ High vs St Mary’s Waverley.

@Paarl Girls’ High 

11:30 – Springfield vs Durban Girls’ College; 12:30 – Outeniqua vs Herschel; 13:30 – Paarl Girls’ High vs Affies; 15:00 – Herschel vs Durban Girls’ College; 16:00 – Outeniqua vs Affies; 17:00 – Paarl Girls’ High vs Springfield.

The eagerly awaited finals of the Curro Halala Cup kicked off at HeronBridge College in Gauteng on Thursday, and Navalsig High, and Clapham High caught the eye with strong statements of intent.

In Pool A, Camps Bay High and Stintile Secondary School kicked off proceedings quietly, playing to a goalless draw.

Then, with a decisive 8-1 victory over Brylin High, the biggest win of the day, Navalsig rocketed to the top of the pool standings.

In Pool B, KwaZulu-Natal’s Glenwood High, who secured third place in the Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal High Schools Football Association (KZNHSFA) Coastal A-League, suffered a crushing 0-4 defeat against last year’s Absa Wildeklawer winners, Clapham High.

Northern Academy, who claimed the Kay Motsepe Schools Champions in 2024, started their finals campaign with a decisive 4-0 victory over Flora Park High, mirroring Clapham High’s success against Glenwood.

Hillcrest High, the runner-up in the KZNHSFA Coastal A-League, performed admirably but had to settle for a goalless draw with Meridian Pinehurst. In Group C’s other opening day match, Grey College picked up a tight 1-0 victory over Curro Soshanguve, who gave the Bloemfontein boys a tough workout.

Norkem High and Mondeor High secured convincing wins in Pool D, with Norkem downing Barberton High 5-1 and Mondeor running out 3-1 winners over Westering High.

RESULTS

Pool A 

Camps Bay High 0-0 Stintile Secondary School
Navalsig High 8-1 Brylin High

Pool B

Clapham High 4-0 Glenwood High
Northern Academy 4-0 Flora Park High

Pool C

Hillcrest High 0-0 Meridian Pinehurst
Grey College 1-0 Curro Soshanguve

Pool D

Norkem Park High 5-1 Barberton High
Mondeor High 3-1 Westering High

This Saturday sees a Farmers’ Derby taking place at 12:30, when Boland Landbou tackles a formidable Oakdale Landbou side on “Die Eike“, in Riversdal.

Last weekend, Boland Landbou lost 10-18 to a resilient Stellenberg side. It was a frustrating game for the visitors, not only because it was a loss, but because it was their lowest scoring game of the season.

This weekend, the Paarl farmers will be without their SA u18 scrumhalf, Jayden Brits, who will be on duty in the International Series, which kicks off at Hoërskool Durbanville on Friday, with SA u18 facing France and SA u18A taking on Ireland. That means they’ll have to lean on the boot and playmaking of their flyhalf and captain, Pieter Bergh, even more than usual.

Bergh possesses a good kicking game and Oakdale will need to be aware of their positional play. He’s adept at nailing 50-22 kicks if opposing back threes are out of position.

Oakdale heads into the King Price Derby Series match off a thrilling 21-17 win over Paul Roos Gimnaium. They’ve been in top form this season, one of the most exciting teams in the country, and they’ve been especially lethal at set-pieces. However, that success has left them without SA u18 prop Kai Pratt and eighthman Jacobus de Villiers, and SA u18A lock Diaan Augustyn for Saturday’s showdown. Can they still pull off their set-piece antics without them?

They’ve been so inventive with their lineout moves this season that there’s a chance Springboks’ head coach, Rassie Erasmus, might borrow a move or two for the men in Green and Gold in the forthcoming rugby championship. He previously used set piece moves taken from the Paul Roos U14B side in the recent two-test series against Italy.

Last year, when they met in Paarl, Oakdale claimed a 21-13 victory over Boland Landbou. The difference between the sides might end up being bigger this year, although the players who are missing because of international duty could tilt the balance.

Also, last weekend, the Paarl Derby showed that anything is possible in a derby clash.

Teams:

Oakdale Landbou vs Boland Landbou at 12:30 in Riversdal.

Oakdale Landbou: 15 Mark-Hein Fourie, 14 Myburgh Eksteen, 13 Anrich Scheffer, 12 Andrè van der Merwe, 11 Lee-Winn Pretorius, 10 CT Vosloo, 9 Jandrian Goosen, 8 Lohan Gerber, 7 Adrian Smith, 6 Jannes Snyman (Captain), 5 Liam van den Berg, 4 Rico Ferreira, 3 Francois le Roux, 2 Sine Mdlankomo, 1 Kyle Burger.

Boland Landbou: 15 Gehano van Bo, 14 Aleit Stander, 13 Jason Ocks, 12 Blake de Kock, 11 Jadon Ocks, 10 Pieter Bergh (Captain), 9 Diwan Schoeman, 8 Jacques Retief, 7 Kody Nell, 6 Juan Visage, 5 Jeandrè le Roux, 4 Stephan Griesel, 3 Derico Messina, 2 Wikus Coetzee, 1 Diwan Grobbelaar.

Rhenish Girls’ High kicked off their title defence with panache, winning a trio of games as they marched to the top of Group A on Thursday, the first day of the Fairtree Super 12 Tournament at Oranje Meisieskool, in Bloemfontein.

DSG Makhanda, meanwhile, bagged two wins and a draw on their way to the summit of Group B.

“The girls moved the ball really well and stayed calm under pressure. It was really cool to see. And we were fantastic in defence, too,” Chris Gerber, the Rhenish coach, told SuperSport Schools Plus.

The three victories propelled the Stellenbosch school to the top of their group and provided them with a clear path to the semi-finals.

In their opening fixture, the defending champions issued a statement of intent when they took on St Mary’s DSG, Kloof, the team they faced in the 2024 final. Captain Leah du Plessis and Lily Newton scored as Rhenish beat their KZN counterparts 2-0.

The Rhenish skipper, who is enjoying an incredible purple patch that included her being named the Player of the Tournament and leading a Boland team laden with Rhenish players to the u18 SASHOC National Week title, was on the scoresheet again in her side’s second match. She netted once and Puck Bakker added another as they overcame Waterkloof 2-0.

In their final game of the day, Rhenish edged out their Stellenbosch neighbours, HMS Bloemhof, 1-0, thanks to a goal from Chelsey Woolf, who moved to Rhenish at the start of the third term. Formerly from Durban Girls’ College, she captained KZN Coastal to the u16 SASHOC National Week title and was named the Player of the Tournament. Her integration into the Rhenish side appeared seamless as she gelled well with the rest of the team.

Abigail Holderness was one of two players to bag a hat-trick on the opening day, firing three goals past Our Lady of Fatima goalkeeper Kayla Driver in a 5-2 win for DSG Makhanda over the Durban school.

Holderness added another goal against St Anne’s, while Ava van der Walt and Emily Walker also scored as DSG bagged a 3-0 victory over the Hilton school.

The Eastern Province side was aiming to make it three wins in three outings when they went up against Die Hoërskool Menlopark in their last match of the day. Try as they might, the Geowynne Gamiet-coached unit couldn’t get one over the Pretoria team and had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Those two wins and a draw, though, left DSG on top of Group B and well positioned to secure a place in the semi-finals.

Friday’s other hat-trick came off the stick of Paarl Gimnasium‘s Alanda Rademeyer, who banged in three of her side’s four goals in a 4-0 drubbing of Our Lady of Fatima. Like Holderness, Rademeyer ended the day with four goals to her name, adding a further strike in a thrilling 2-2 draw with Collegiate Girls’ High.

With six goals from their two matches, Paarl Gim, in second, leads Collegiate, in third, on goal difference in Group A after both recorded a win and their shared draw. Collegiate netted three times and conceded twice in their two matches.

RESULTS

Group A

Rhenish: 2 (Leah du Plessis, Lily Newton). St Mary’s DSG Kloof: 0.
Eunice: 0. Waterkloof: 0.
Bloemhof: 1 (Elré Oosthuizen). Oranje: 0.
Rhenish: 2 (Puck Bakker, Leah du Plessis). Waterkloof: 0.
Bloemhof: 2 (Mari Steyn 2). St Mary’s DSG Kloof: 1 (Nicola Forbes)
Eunice: 2 (Georgia Kambanis, Claire Volschenk). Oranje: 1 (Marlene du Plessis)
Rhenish: 1 (Chelsey Woolf). Bloemhof: 0.
Eunice: 0. Waterkloof: 0.
St Mary’s DSG, Kloof: 2 (Jenna-Leigh Freese, Mia Borrageiro). Eunice: 0

Group B

DSG Makhanda: 3 (Ava van der Walt, Emily Walker, Abigail Holderness). St Anne’s: 0.
Paarl Gim: 4 (Alanda Rademeyer 3, Minke Botha). Our Lady of Fatima: 0.
Collegiate: 1 (Kate Brennan). Menlopark: 0.
DSG Makhanda: 5 (Abigail Holderness 3, Lauren Menage, Anna Olivier). Our Lady of Fatima: 2 (Mia Lopes, Gabby Hall).
St Anne’s: 1 (Iminathi Ngxola). Menlopark: 0.
Paarl Gim: 2 (Isabella Nel, Alanda Rademeyer). Collegiate: 2 (Kerrin Gillies, Eden Oliver).
DSG Makhanda: 1 (Alex Ovendale). Menlopark: 1 (Zoe Badenhorst).

Dit gaan ‘n titaniese stryd afgee wanneer die voorlopers in die Plaat-afdeling van die SDC Noordvaal Cup mekaar Saterdagmiddag in Centurion pak.

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

Die onoorwonne Hoërskool Zwartkop speel gasheer vir die verdedigende kampioen, Hoër Tegniese Skool Middelburg. Die kragmeting is ook die Rooi Bulle se laaste rondomtallie-wedstryd, voordat hulle moet wag om te sien hoe die finale puntelys gaan lyk.

Dit is steeds moeilik om te voorspel wie waar gaan eindig, met nog heelwat water wat gedurende die laaste twee rondes in die see moet loop. Dit maak die besoekers van Middelburg se doelwit eenvoudig: wen so ver moontlik.

Teen die Zwarries, is dit natuurlik makliker gesê as gedaan, met die span van Centurion wat tans ‘n merkwaardige segetog van 16 agtereenvolgende oorwinnings geniet. Boonop het Zwartkop nog twee wedstryde op die spyskaart, met die gevaarlike Hoërskool Klerksdorp wat op hom wag na die Rooi Bulle.

Dit kom dus as geen verrassing dat die Vikings na volsterkte terugkeer nie. Senter, David van Jaarsveld, wat verlede naweek kort voor die afskop moes onttrek, het betyds herstel om weer sy plek in die middeveld in te neem. Van Jaarsveld en sentermaat, Luan Williams, se tweestryd met die besoekers se kaptein, Johnny Dos Santos, en die uitstaande Jacques Greyling beloof hope aksie.

Hoërskool Middelburg is vir ‘n derde agtereenvolgende week tuis in aksie wanneer hy Saterdag met Hoërskool Oos-Moot swaarde kruis. Die Middies se sege in die vorige ronde van 24-9 oor Hoërskool Wesvalia, danksy ‘n akkurate skopvertoning deur losskakel, Matthew Abbey, was goud werd. Dit het hulle na vyfde plek geneem met 19 ligapunte, twee punte agter Hoërskool Klerksdorp (21), wat gelyk trek met die Wessies (21) en weereens beklemtoon hóé straf die Plaat-wedloop is.

Die Klerksdorpers draf Saterdag teen ‘n onvoorspelbare Hoërskool Marais Viljoen in Alberton uit, wetende dat ‘n sege geensins gewaarborg is nie. Die Middies, asook Klerksdorp, het geen veranderinge vir dié belangrike kragmetings aangebring nie, en, met elk twee wedstryde oor, besef dat ‘n nederlaag die verskil tussen maak of breek kan beteken.

In Kempton Park veg Ligbron Akademie se spanne om oorlewing wanneer hulle by Hoërskool Kempton Park besoek aflê. Die Liggies is slegs agt ligapunte agter Hoërskool Klerksdorp en oorwinning kan beteken dat hulle moontlik promosie-relegasie vryspring.

Hulle het, nes Klerksdorp, twee wedstryde oor en kom in die laaste ronde teen die Middies in Ermelo te staan. Die enigste verandering vir die Kempie-bepaling is Banele Mthambo wat vir Siyanda Dennison in die nr. 13-trui vervang.

Die spanne: 

Zwartkop t. HTS Middelburg om 12:30 in Centurion

Zwartkop: 15 Justin Julies, 14 Shayden Botha, 13 Luan Williams, 12 David van Jaarsveld, 11 Stiaan Botha, 10 Tilon Baron, 9 Luan Janse van Rensburg, 8 Brian Smith, 7 Jethro le Roux, 6 Mikka Allers, 5 Logan Knott, 4 Ettienne van Niekerk, 3 Christiaan de Vries, 2 Regan Blignaut, 1 Matthew Smith.

HTS Middelburg: 15 Wynand Cronje, 14 Reynard Snyders, 13 Jacques Greyling, 12 Johnny Dos Santos, 11 CJ Muller, 10 Dante Lubbe, 9 Reece Botha, 8 Tercius Bezuidenhout, 7 Ethan Kock, 6 Argu Kruger, 5 Andrea De Wet, 4 Janco Aucamp, 3 Marinus Oberholzer, 2 Hanru Terblanche, 1 Janco Botha.

Hoërskool Middelburg t. Oos-Moot om 12:35 in Middelburg

Hoërskool Middelburg: 15 Buhle Mphahlaza, 14 Kefilwe Phamotse, 13 Jaco Truter, 12 Lungelo Maseko, 11 Lesego Karale, 10 Matthew Abbey, 9 Keabetswe Nkgadima, 8 Jabu Mathebula, 7 Khensani Buthelezi, 6 Zanempilo Mahlangu, 5 Jeandré Potgieter, 4 André Robberts, 3 Dewald du Toit, 2 Roux Grobler, 1 Carlo Joubert.

Oos-Moot: 15 Brian Jacobs, 14 Drew Williams, 13 Jayden Pretorius, 12 Jeandré Venter, 11 Bradley Jacobs, 10 Dewron Aford, 9 David Joubert, 8 Jaydon Botha, 7 Riyaan Wilson, 6 Pema Bramely, 5 MC van Tonder, 4 Stian de Vente, 3 Jandré de Beer, 2 Mike Nothnagel, 1 Divan du Preez.

Marais Viljoen t. Hoërskool Klerksdorp om 12:30 in Alberton

Marais Viljoen: 15 Raynhardt Kruger, 14 Devin Raubenheimer, 13 Juan van den Heever, 12 Jonno Morkol, 11 Kabelo Thloaele, 10 Claude do Couto, 9 Ethan Weideman, 8 Rio Tshimbalanga, 7 Tiaan van Huyssteen, 6 Lloyd Shoko-Schenk, 5 Clayton Gagiano, 4 Jermaine Crause, 3 Sifiso Shongwe, 2 Ondisa Njili, 1 Juan Cooper.

Klerksdorp: 15 Brendin Matthyse, 14 Tyrand Masango, 13 Winton Abrahams, 12 Jarred van Staden, 11 Elzeno Schalkwyk, 10 Dorian Isaacs, 9 Rellston Wilson, 8 Tiaan Koen, 7 Marnus van der Merwe, 6 D-Jee Treurnich, 5 Juan Hills, 4 Abrie Esterhuizen, 3 Hanro Nel, 2 De Wet Le Roux, 1 Zander Nienaber.

Hoërkool Kempton Park t. Ligbron Akademie om 13:30 in Kempton Park

Kempton Park (moontlik): 15 Stian de Villiers, 14 Guillaume Botha, 13 Rocco Louw, 12 Wian Riekert, 11 Ethan Botha, 10 Ben Steyn, 9 Ettienne Stroebel, 8 Ruan Mostert, 7 Marko van der Walt, 6 Matthew Vermaak, 5 Luca du Plooy, 4 Louis Mouton, 3 Zander Luckay, 2 Dihan Keeve, 1 Piet van den Heever.

Ligbron Akademie: 15 Gaston Brown, 14 Neo Zwane, 13 Banele Mthambo,  12 Lethi Ngwenya, 11 Bandile Thanjekwayo, 10 Siyanda Dennison, 9 Renier van Staden, 8 Jurgens Bezuidenhout, 7 Henco Scheepers, 6 Tiaan Botha, 5 Janco Claassen, 4 Ian Booysen, 3 Dewan Scheepers, 2 Regard Janse van Rensburg, 1 WP Human.