Over the Easter weekend, TheKnights won four of their five matches at KES and finished the festival undefeated.,
They kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 victory over Waterkloof, followed that with a 2-1 triumph over Selborne College, and then edged out Pearson 3-2. Their biggest win came against Helpmekaar Kollege, whom they beat 3-0 before drawing 1-1 with the hosts, KES.
Collins’ highlight at the KES Easter Festival was the drawn encounter against the home side. In the first half, Northwood came under a massive amount of pressure. The Knights, though, were happy to sit deep and defend with a plan to catch the Red Stickson the counterattack.
One of those counter-attacks paid off when the visitors won a penalty stroke, which Kyle White converted.
KES fought back and equalised from a penalty corner. Northwood had more intent in the second half and created several chances but, unfortunately for the Durban school, they were unable to add to their first-half goal.
“I felt that we were good in our deep defence throughout the festival,” Collins told SuperSport Schools Plus. “The guys showed some good defending in the deeper spaces and owned their island well,”.
His players managed possession well and showed control, Collins said. However, he felt that they needed to do a better job of converting opportunities into goals by being more clinical in the circle. While Northwood manipulated their opposition on their outlets for good phases, they needed to do it for longer periods to totally outplay the opposition, he explained.
Collins hopes that his side has taken lessons from their shortcomings at the KES Easter Fest and will put those to good use when they take on DHS. Coach Keegan Hezlett‘s skilful side poses a constant threat with their attacking prowess, and Northwood will need to be as good in defence as they were during their Gauteng excursion.
The coach also expressed his hope that Luke Allen, The Knights’ top goal-scorer in Johannesburg, will be on song and will lead them to victory against the Josh Mungherera-captained powerhouse.
The opening push-back in the contest is at 11:15 on Saturday morning.
Dié stryd, tussen straks die twee top-rugbyskole Saterdag in die Jakarandastad, het oor die afgelope vier seisoene in een van die groot trekpleisters op die jaarlikse rugbykalender in Pretoria ontwikkel.
Die liplekker-stryd tussen Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool en Hoërskool Garsfontein keer vanjaar terug na die veld waar die Garsies die laaste keer koning gekraai het, naamlik die Wit Bulle se tuiste.
Die Bere het in 2023 met 45-38 koning gekraai met ‘n uithalervertoning weg van die huis, maar die Wit Bulle het verlede jaar dit gewreek deur die Garsies naelskraaps met 33-31 te troef op Berepark.
In 2022, die eerste van die jaarlikse derbies, was dit ook die Bere wat in ‘n naelbytstryd met 20-19 vir die eerste keer ooit oor die Wit Bulle koning gekraai het.
Voor 2022 was dié twee spanne net vyf keer slaags, waarvan vier gedurende die ’90’s in die Blou Bulle-skoleliga met Affies wat ‘n paar reuse oorwinnings, insluitende ‘n wegholsege van 62-7 in 1996, behaal het.
Albei spanne is tans uitstekend op dreef en vertoon hoog op verskeie skolerugby-ranglyste in Suid-Afrika. Die Wit Bulle was oor die Paasnaweek in ‘n verwoede bui op die jaarlikse King Edward VII Easter Festival, waar hulle gemaklik met Hoërskool Noordheuwel (45-27) en Selborne College (57-19) afgereken het.
Die Bere het ‘n blaaskans geniet, nadat hulle die vorige week die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Beker-afdeling met ‘n oorwinning van 47-29 oor Helpmekaar Kollege in Johannesburg afgeskop het. Garsies is die afgelope twee jaar as dié reeks se kampioen gekroon.
Die stryd voorlangs sal Saterdag ongetwyfeld deurslaggewend wees. Albei spanne beskik oor van die grootste pakke in die land, met vernaam die skrumstryd tussen Affies se Roal Kruger en die Bere se Luan van den Berg wat vir vuurwerke kan sorg. Dié twee stutte is albei sterk aanspraakmakers om later vanjaar vir die Blou Bulle se Cravenweekspan uit te draf, en selfs die SA Skolespan te haal.
Die Wit Bulle het onlangs egter ‘n taamlike terugslag beleef met steelkanflank, Albert Smit, wat die res van die seisoen misloop vanweë ‘n ernstige kniebesering . Elwin Janse van Vuuren neem sy plek langs die skrum in, met die indrukwekkende Martin van Niekerk wat op slot diens doen.
Agterlangs is die Bere dalk net-net beter daaraan toe. Die giftige Junade Pasensie skuif weer van losskakel na heelagter, waarskynlik om die uitstaande taktiese skopwerk van die Wit Bulle se losskakel, Ruben Groenwald, teen te werk. Dit beteken ook dat Pasensie meer geleentheid gegun sal word om saam met sy naamgenoot, JunaideStewart, venynige teenaanvalle te loods.
Die spanne:
Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool t. Hoërskool Garsfontein om 13:30 in Pretoria:
Affies: 15 Lamond Baaidjies, 14 Joshua Gouws, 13 Estiaan Marx, 12 Petrus Rautenbach, 11 Divan Fourie, 10 Ruben Groenewald, 9 Fourie Roberts, 8 Stefan McDonald, 7 Elwin Janse van Vuuren, 6 Luhan Potgieter, 5 Christiaan de Wet, 4 Martin van Niekerk, 3 Deon Botes, 2 Bauke Swart, 1 Roal Kruger.
Garsfontein: 15 Junade Pasensie, 14 Junaide Stuart, 13 Xian Erasmus, 12 Keagan Knighton, 11 Yuvrah George, 10 Joshua Gouws, 9 Derrick Kuhn, 8 Lourenz de Jager, 7 Stefan van der Vyver, 6 JP Pieterse, 5 Wihan Bezuidenhout, 4 JJ Fourie, 3 Luan van den Berg, 2 Justin Blom, 1 Henré Prinsloo.
There will be tears again during the opening day of this year’s 60th edition of the FNBu18 Craven Week hosted in Middelburg, Mpumalanga.
The Blue Bulls and the Golden Lions will face each other in the main curtain raiser for the day. These two teams also faced each other during the main match of the opening day of last year’s tournament in Krugersdorp.
The prestigious annual tournament will be hosted from 7 to 12 July at Middelburg High School.
The hosts, the Pumas, who also finished last year’s tournament unbeaten, will face the Limpopo Blue Bulls in the main match of the opening day.
The unofficial defending champions, Western Province, will face their neighbours, Boland, in the main match of the second day.
The side’s victory of 37-24 over the Free State in the main match of last year’s Craven Week in Krugersdorp was the union’s 15th successive victory in the tournament.
Their last defeat at the Craven Week was on the last day of the tournament of 2017 in Johannesburg when they were defeated by 33-54 by the Free State.
Western Province will arrive at this year’s tournament once again as the favourites. Players like Joshua Neill (Rondebosch Boys’ High), Jordan Jooste (Paarl Boys’ High), Quintin Potgieter and Markus Muller (both Paarl Gimnasium) could be in action once again for the team from the Western Cape.
The Sharks will also be able to pick a competitive side this year, with feeder schools like Durban High School, Northwood and Westville Boys’ High enjoying good seasons thus far. Players like Zekhe Siyaya (Westville Boys’ High), Lian Terblanche (Northwood) and Jadrian Afrikaner (Westville Boys’ High) will all have a chance to attend the Craven Week again.
The Fixtures
DAY 1 | 7 JULY 2025
14:30 – Pumas vs Limpopo Blue Bulls 12:30 – Blue Bulls vs Golden Lions 11:00 – Free State vs South Western Districts 09:30 – Western Province XV vs Griffons
DAY 2 | 8 JULY 2025
14:30 – Western Province vs Boland 13:00 – Sharks vs Eastern Province 11:30 – Border vs Griqualand West 10:00 – Leopards vs Valke
Hoërskool Brandwag is bracing for a strong physical challenge from HTS Daniel Pienaar. Photo: Hoërskool Brandwag on Facebook.
After some encouraging performances by HTS Daniel Pienaar in recent years, Hoërskool Brandwag knows they face a serious challenge at Daniel Pienaar on Saturday in what has become the iconic schools’ derby in Kariega.
This latest showdown comes after the Tigers broke a decade-long streak of Brandwag dominance with a 20-13 win in 2023. Last year, the teams shared the honours, with Brandwag winning 18-5 before Daniel Pienaar triumphed 26-25 later in the year.
It promises to be another classic clash and Brandwag coach Heine Erasmus said rugby fever is building for the weekend.
“We are extremely excited to face Daniel Pienaar, especially after losing last year’s second game against them,” Erasmus reckoned.
“A total of 11 players who played that day are still in the team and they are really focused and determined to make things right.”
He admitted that playing in Daniel Pienaar’s backyard would be a test for his team, for whom Damian le Roux and Angelo Adams have been the standout players this year, while Wendall Uithaler, who scored two tries in last year’s opening game, is also in the side.
“Playing the Tigers at home is never easy. Their competitive and aggressive approach is always intimidating, but this was also the case at Marlow (whom Brandwag beat 36-31 two weeks ago),” Erasmus said.
“Our boys showed then that they could rise to the occasion, but only time will tell if this will be the case at Daniel Pienaar this Saturday.”
Brandwag has had some good results this season, mixed with a few disappointing outcomes. In the Tinara Cup, played between the three Kariega schools, they recently defeated Muir College 26-10 and will be looking to tighten their discipline as they chase a second success.
“I think our team’s discipline will need to be our main priority,” the Brandwag mentor said. “Against Muir we conceded a red and yellow card, playing for 10 minutes with only 13 players on the field. We will not be able to get away with this on Saturday.
“In addition, we will need to stay composed and stick to our structures, putting them under pressure and playing in the right areas of the field.
“The Tigers are also well known for their big pack and strong scrum. If we can hold them up front, I feel we have enough flair in our backline to run in some spectacular tries.”
Bloemhof finished as the runner-up at at the St Mary’s Waverley Festival. Photo: Frans Lombard
Getting their mojo back and placing a tick in the win column will be on the agenda for Hoër Meisieskool Bloemhof when they face Parel Vallei High School in a Hyundai Friday Nite Lights match, in Cape Town, on Friday.
The much-anticipated clash will serve as good preparation for the sides ahead of next week’s All Girls Festival and Girls Challenge.
They enter Friday night’s showdown in contrasting form, with Bloemhof looking to bounce back from a defeat last time out, while PV will be eager to ride a wave of good momentum.
Bloemhof faced Herschel Girls School the night before playing Collegiate and defeated the Cape Town school 2-1.
The Stellenbosch girls enjoyed a break over the Easter long weekend, but coach King said they’ve hit the ground running as they prepare for PV’s challenge.
“Rest is always good, but we stepped up our training this week, especially with our eye on the All Girls Festival next week,” she told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“We have to be at our best. PV is never easy, especially away. They have had a good start to their season, so we will have to raise our game.”
Bloemhof is regarded as one of the top teams in the country after their outstanding performance at the St Mary’s Waverley Festival last month. They almost went all the way to the title, coming up just short in the final when they went down 0-1 to St Mary’s DSG, Kloof.
With PV waiting, and then the All Girls Festival, coach King wants her side firing on all cylinders, She revealed what fans can expect from her team: “The key is to get back to the form we were in at St Mary’s,” she said.
“We want to showcase early pressing, tempo hockey, staying disciplined in defence, and having tough attacking plays in the opposition’s defensive area.”
EG Jansen 39 (27) – Drieë: Otlothleng Zulu (2), Christopher Combrinck, Deveraux Weideman, Joseph Diesel, Craig Lightfoot, Jordan van der Westhuizen. Doelskoppe: Juan van Aswegen, Deshean Pietersen. Monument 31 (21) – Drieë: Juandré Ehlers, Ewan van der Walt, Janco Pretorius, Loghan Hughes, Vincent Roberts. Doelskoppe: Cameron Kourie (3).
The annual interschools between the Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool of Pretoria and Hoërskool Garsfontein is not the oldest or most traditional rivalry, but it is without a doubt the fiercest battle in the capital city of Pretoria over the last couple of years.
This year’s King Price Derby Series clash between the two schools will only be the fourth annual match-up. Before 2022, these two sides last met in 2010 during the Blue Bulls’ trials. They did lock horns annually in the Blue Bulls league from 1993 until 1996.
Garsfontein defeated Affies for the first time in 2022 when they came out on top by 20-19 in a closely contested match at Bere Park.
With the return encounter last year at Bere Park, it was Affies who won by 33-31 to end the Garsie Bere’s undefeated record at their home ground that had stood since 2019 when they lost against Menlopark (40-72) in the semi-final of the then Virsekerbeker.
SPRINGBOKS
Affies (11): Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (2021), RG Snyman (2018), Ivan van Zyl (2018), Dean Greyling (2011), Pierre Spies (2006), Wynand Olivier (2006), Fourie du Preez (2004), Grant Esterhuizen (2000), Pierre Edwards (1980), Tonie Roux (1969), Louis Schmidt (1958).
Queen’s College is gearing up to take on Selborne College on Reunion weekend. Photo: Shot by Shani Photography
It has been a tough start to the 2025 hockey season for two of the Border region’s traditional hockey powers, Queen’s College and Selborne College.
They both have relatively young squads this year, and they’ve found the going challenging when participating in festivals.
Those events have, however, allowed them to build up chemistry and, for the younger players, given them an opportunity to adjust to the demands of 1st XI hockey. Now, they’ll shift their focus to their derby showdown at the Chris Harker AstroTurf, on Friday, in Komani, when Queen’s celebrates its 167th Reunion.
Meetings between the schools in recent years have thrilled, entertained, and kept spectators on the edge of their seats. But it has been the boys from East London who have held the upper hand.
In 2024, when Selborne enjoyed a superb season, they met twice. In the first match, in East London, the teams shared a 1-1 draw, which was a shock to the system for Selborne. When they met later in the season, they thumped Queen’s 6-1.
Based on their current form, there’s little to separate the sides. Both were in action at the King Edward VII Easter Hockey Festival last weekend and returned a mixed bag of results.
Queen’s left the happier. Out of the five matches played, coach Michael Baiden’s side mustered two wins, beating St Charles College 3-2 and Hoërskool Waterkloof 2-1. They went down to Maritzburg College, KES, and Jeppe High School for Boys, three teams that are enjoying very good seasons thus far.
Selborne, meanwhile, had a tough time in Johannesburg, and they’ll be eager to bounce back and pick up some momentum before the Hibbert Shield.
They faced a tough lineup of teams and finished with 2-2 draws against Kearsney College and Parktown Boys High, but were beaten in their other three matches.
In past seasons it was almost guaranteed that Selborne was going to run away with it, but this year’s clash is wide open and up for grabs.
Selborne is focused on bouncing back against Queen’s after a challenging time at the KES Festival. Photo: Selborne College on Facebook.
It will be a battle of tactics and skill, but, as always, the team that capitalises on its opportunities will win.
Selborne has a powerhouse in skipper Gray van Heerden, along with an experienced campaigner in Thomas Caswell.
Youngsters, Saneze Kweba and Inathi Gxobole, have found the back of the net consistently in recent weeks, and they’ll look to bring their A-game to the clash.
Reid Drake has been a dangerman for coach KJ Friend’s side at the top of the circle, and he’ll be keen to damage the Queen’s challenge
As for the hosts, their encouraging performances at KES will be cause for optimism.
They have some valuable experience in their ranks, including Aiden van Jaarsveld, provincial goalkeeper Rowan Miles, Yibonge Mquqwana, and Mafu Mandaba.
The man to keep an eye on, though, will be Brett Hoffmann, who proved to be a handful at PC time at KES.
The clash takes place under lights and starts at 19:45. It will be LIVE on SuperSport Schools.
While the reunion in Komani takes centre stage, there are other clashes to look forward to around the Eastern Cape.
Grey High, after their astonishing 4-4 draw with Paul Roos Gimnasium earlier this month, will host Dale College at the Rectory AstroTurf, in Gqeberha.
Pearson High welcomes Hoërskool Outeniqua in an exchange derby, while Cambridge High School faces Graeme College.
FIXTURES
Friday, 25 April
15:30 – Cambridge High School vs Graeme College
17:10 – Queen’s College vs Selborne College
17:35 – Grey High School vs Dale College
19:30 – Pearson High vs Outeniqua
Round two of the Mancosa KwaZulu Natal High Schools Football Association (KZNSHFA) Coastal and Inland leagues lit up football venues in Durban and Pietermaritzburg on Tuesday.
While some established powers, like Maritzburg College, made their mark, others, including Westville Boys’ High and Glenwood, found themselves facing stiff battles.
Coastal A League
In the Coastal A League, the competition has been intense. On Tuesday, the status quo was challenged when Hillcrest High School defeated the reigning champions, Glenwood High School, 2-0
It has been a sub-standard start to the season for the Green Machine when compared to their usual standards, and goals from Banele Ngongoma and Aiden Whitby secured Hillcrest a treasured win. Coach Cayle Marillier‘s Hillcrest team appears to be back to their competitive ways after a tough season in 2024.
Empangeni High School scored their first win of the season by defeating Northwood School 2-1. It was Northwood’s second consecutive loss after Hillcrest beat them 1-0 in the opening round of the league.
Port Shepstone is in strong early season form and has scored six times without conceding in their two outings. They appear to be well-balanced and have already established themselves as a potential title contender.
On Tuesday, Sheppiedefeated Bechet 2-0. In their season opener, they cruised to a commanding 4-0 win over Empangeni.
Inland A League
The second round of the Inland A league rained goals. That was a welcome development after a disappointing first round that was marred by rain, which led to some teams having to share the points. Entering the second week, teams were focused on bagging three points for a win.
Edendale Technical High School,eager to succeed, recorded a 2-0 victory over Haythorne Secondary School, on Barns Field, at Maritzburg College, thanks to goals from Wandile Madlala and Bekwa Alwande, which earned their side three crucial points.
The defending champions, Carter High School, had to settle for a second draw in succession. They finished 1-1 against Ixopo Secondary School, thanks to a goal from Amukelwa Khuzwayo.
Maritzburg College’s prolific striker and vice-captain, Mazithi Qasha, netted twice in a 4-2 win over Alexandra High School, with Malachi Momple, also a vice-captain, and Siphelele Sibiya contributing the other goals for the Red, Black,and White.
Linpark High School claimed a convincing 3-0 victory over Newton.
RESULTS
Coastal A League
Hillcrest High School 2-0 Glenwood High School
Westville Boys’ High School 1-1 Pinetown Boys’ High
Empangeni High School 2-1 Northwood School
Port Shepstone 2-0 Bechet
Inland A League
Edendale Technical High School 2-0 Haythorne Secondary School
Carter High School 1-1 Ixopo Secondary School
Linpark High School 3-0 Newtown
Maritzburg College 4-2 Alexandra High School
Forthcoming Fixtures
Coastal B league: Thursday, 24 April
Venue: Queensburgh High School
Field 1
15:00 – Amanzimtoti vs Sastri
16:05 – Durban High School vs Queensburgh High School
Field 2
15:10 – Grosvenor vs New Forest
16:05 – Ashton Ballito vs Redwood
Coastal C League: Friday, 25 April
Venue: Queensburgh High School
Field 1
15:10 – George Campbell vs Canaan College
16:05 – Birdswood vs Durban Academy
Field 2
15:10 – Brettonwood vs Canaan College
16:05 – Ashton Ballito Team B vs George Campbell
Inland B League: Thursday, 24 April
Venue: Alexandra High School
Field 1
15:00 – Alexandra High School vs Riverwood
16:05 – Heritage Academy vs ML Sultan
Field 2
Thornhill vs Northbury
Maritzburg College Team B vs Maritzburg Christian School
Inland C League: Friday, 25 April
Venue: AB Jackson
15:00 – Maritzburg College Team C vs Umvuzo
16:05 – Michaelhouse vs Newtown Team B
There will be tears again during the opening day of this year’s 60th edition of the FNB u18 Craven Week hosted in Middelburg, Mpumalanga.
