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Helpmekaar secured a comfortable 38-12 victory over Diocesan College during the main match of the opening day of the Standard Bank St Stithians College Easter Festival in Johannesburg.

Helpies found some space on the outside with their wingers, Xander van Niekerk and Francois Tonkin, scoring three of their side’s six tries. Van Niekerk completing a brace.

Bishops’ outside centre, Rynard Gordon, was impressive in the midfield. His centre partner, Boytjie Fyfer, scored his try from the kick-off for the second half.

Fyfer’s try drew the scores level at 12-all, after Helpies enjoyed a 12-7 lead going into half-time.

The team from Johannesburg’s midfield combination of Ethan Lourens and Clinton Cloete also combined well.

The trusty boot of flyhalf, Achmat Behardien, was the difference between Wynberg Boys’ High and Hartpury College from the United Kingdom.

The team from Cape Town won the closely contested clash by 19-10, with Behardien’s boot being responsible for 14 of his side’s points.

Behardien slotted four penalties as well as converted his side’s only try by scrumhalf, Morné Noble. The scrumhalf’s try was well-deserved as he kept asking questions of Hartpury’s defence throughout the match.

The visitors from Gloucester led narrowly by 5-3 at the break thanks to a try by hooker, Ruben Cummings.

Hartpury’s replacement loose-forward, Henry Packham, scored with seven minutes to go to bring his side within reach of Wynberg at 10-16. Behardien slotted his fourth and final penalty a couple of minutes later to put the result beyond any doubt.

The visitors from abroad will face another Capetonian side on Saturday when they will lock horns with Bishops. Wynberg will face Helpmekaar in their final match of the festival.

Scorers: 

Helpmekaar 38 (12) – Tries: Xander van Niekerk (2), Francois Tonkin, Kyle Beyleveld, Clinton Cloete, AN Other. Conversions: Wian Storm (2), Ethan Lourens (2). Diocesan College 12 (7) – Tries: Rynard Gordon, Boytjie Fyfer. Conversion: Alex Laspatzis.

Wynberg Boys’ High 19 (3) – Try: Morné Noble. Conversion: Achmat Behardien. Penalties: Behardien (4). Hartpury College 10 (5) – Tries: Ruben Cummings, Henry Packham.

Thursday’s action at the Standard Bank St Stithians Hockey Festival provided spectators with thrilling encounters that showcased everything, including close contests, comebacks, and blowouts.

The annual event, which began on Wednesday, finishes on Saturday, although the participating schools will put their feet up on Good Friday.

Garsfontein, Epworth, Springfield, and DSG Makhanda all won one and drew one on day two. Menlopark and Waterkloof each won one and lost one, while St Stithians drew both their matches. The St Stithians’ Festival XI  and Beaulieu College lost twice.

Garsfontein enjoyed a fruitful second day of the festival after an underwhelming showing on day one, which included a 0-3 defeat at the hands of DSG Makhanda. They slept off the loss and began Thursday on a positive note.

Kristen Baker and Daniella Grobbelaar fired two early goals for coach Charlene Jonsson’s side against Epworth School in their first contest of the day, which gave Garsies a 2-1 lead at halftime.

Epworth has enjoyed a good season so far. The Pietermaritzburg school is one of the sides that has booked a place in the Grand Finals of the Spar KZN Hockey Tournament after winning their regional event. On the opening day at Saints, they beat Beaulieu 4-1.

Down at the break, they came back strongly in the second half against Garsfontein and were able to force a 2-2 draw.

Jonsson said Garsfontein focused on being process-driven and making positive connections from their outlet to set a solid base from which to attack. They also sought to maintain possession for longer phases of the game.

“We also focused on being aggressive in the attacking third of the field and rewarded ourselves with more outcomes in the circle, which paid off today,” Jonsson told Supersport Schools Plus.

The results of that approach were apparent in their second outing. The Anjone Lourens-captained outfit romped to a 3-0 win over Voortrekker (Bethlehem), courtesy of goals from Paige Marais, Mienke Pieterse, and Emma van Rooyen.

St Stithians’ Old Girls provided wholesome entertainment when they took to the field to remind the learners and spectators that they still have the skills that earned them the privilege to represent the school in hockey. The Alumni Ladies went 1-0 up in the second quarter of their game against the St Stithians Festival XI.

The veterans fended off all attempts at an equaliser from the Festival XI. However, they weren’t just interested in defending their 1-0 lead. They made numerous excursions into the Festival XI’s final third and were rewarded with four more goals in the final chukka as they cantered to a 5-1 win.

Menlopark showed patience in their build-up play and produced a disciplined defensive performance when they went up against Voortrekker (Bethlehem). Coach Brad Brook’s side operated efficiently as a unit on their way to a 3-1 victory over the ladies from the Free State.

Their captain, Zoë Badenhorst, was on the end of a brilliant team effort, which began from the back and resulted in her receiving a pass near the penalty spot. She grabbed the opportunity to score.

Mika Loots put Menlo 2-0 up when she pounced on a penalty corner rebound and Monique Gerber held her nerve to convert a penalty stroke.

The hosts, St Stithians, wrapped up the day with a tightly contested game against DSG Makhanda. Although both stretched each other’s defences, neither could find the key to unlock a path to the goal and their match ended 0-0.

RESULTS

St Stithians Festival Team 2-1 Beaulieu
Garsfontein 2-2 Epworth
Menlopark 3-1 Voortrekker
St Stithians 0-0 Springfield
DSG Makhanda 1-0 Waterkloof
Epworth 2-0 St Stithians Festival XI
Garsfontein 3-0 Voortrekker (Bethlehem)
Springfield 1-0 Menlopark
Waterkloof 3-1 Beaulieu
St Stithians Ladies Alumni 5-1 St Stithians Festival XI
St Stithians 0-0 DSG Makhanda

FIXTURES

Saturday

08:00 – Epworth vs Menlopark, 08:45 – Waterkloof vs Voortrekker (Bethlehem), 10:15 – St Stithians Festival XI vs Springfield, 11:00 – St Stithians vs Epworth, 12:15 – Beaulieu vs DSG Makhanda, 13:30 – St Stithians College vs Waterkloof, 14:45 – Springfield vs Garsfontein, 15:30 – Menlopark vs DSG Makhanda, 15:45 – Beaulieu vs Voortrekker (Bethlehem), 18:00 – St Stithians College vs Garsfontein.

In a see-saw affair, Hoërskool Monument and Glenwood High School played out a thrilling 26-26 draw in the penultimate game of the opening day of the Standard Bank Kearsney College Easter Festival.

Both schools were well and truly up for this one, with neither enjoying a clear advantage in a game of very fine margins.

The Green Machine drew first blood when hooker Nkululeko Khumalo dotted down off the back of a strong rolling maul, before midfielder Tasliem Guyan responded for Monument.

Hulking inside centre, Lizwe Mtetwa, then stormed over for Glenwood’s second, but Monnas again immediately hit back through Jason Joubert out wide.

From there, an ensuing Sambesiwe Ndamase try meant it was the KZN outfit that took a 19-14 lead into halftime.

The teams continued to trade blows in the second half, with Glenwood striking first to extend their lead through Rorisang Ngwenya before the Witbulle’s Ayden van Zyl reduced the deficit.

It was Monument substitute Jaydon Viljoen who had the final say in the contest, though, and he converted his own try with five-and-a-half minutes on the clock to grab a share of the spoils for his team.

Westville Boys’ High eased to a comfortable 31-0 win over Hoërskool Framesby in the final game of the opening day.

Framesby struggled to get any real purchase in the collisions, with Westville outmuscling their Gqeberha opponents and shutting down their attack.

In truth, had Westville been more clinical, they may well have racked up an even bigger scoreline, and that’s something they will address as tougher tests await them.

The KZN team scored their first through hooker Langalihle Mncwango via a driving maul, before his namesake, Bandile Mncwango, crossed the chalk for their second, which gave the Griffin a 12-0 lead at halftime.

The second half saw Westville hampered by further inaccurate moments, which thwarted their efforts with the ball in hand. Still, they added two tries in quick succession through their flying left wing Avumile Lisa and the big second rower Lwandile Simelane.

The electric Lisa showed off his impressive speed again to bag his second later on, and while Framesby enjoyed some territorial advantage and possession in the latter parts of the contest, they were unable to make it count. Westville was able to steal a number of their lineout throws, and the game eventually fizzled out.

SCORERS

Westville Boys’ High 31 (12) – Tries: Avumile Lisa (2), Langalihle Mncwango, Bandile Mncwango, Lwandile Simelane. Conversions: Jade-Will Koopman (3). Framesby 0.

Monument 26 (14) – Tries: Tasliem Guyan, Jason Joubert, Ayden van Zyl, Jaydon Viljoen. Conversions: Cameron Kourie (2), Viljoen. Glenwood 26 (19) – Tries: Nkululeko Khumalo, Lizwe Mtetwa, Sambesiwe Ndamase, Rorisang Ngwenya. Conversions: Joshua Kopp (3).

Dr EG Jansen triumphed 29-24 over Kearsney College in the fourth match of the opening day’s play at the Standard Bank Kearsney College Easter Festival.

As good as the boys from Boksburg were on Thursday, they were helped in part by a number of unforced errors from the hosts, whose basics let them down.

Still, the teams produced one of the most competitive games of the day.

Jansies weren’t hanging around early on and were quickly rewarded for their bold, expansive play when Deashean Pietersen and Otlotleng Zulu finished off great counterattacks from deep before an ensuing breakaway try from Juan van Aswegen made it 19-0.

Just before halftime, Kearsney launched an all-out assault on the EG Jansen try line but couldn’t unlock the visitors’ defence, with their passing accuracy and the opposition’s gain-line dominance ensuring Reghardt Botha’s charges headed into halftime the happier of the sides.

Kearsney came out firing at the start of the second half, with winger Lwandile Mkhize running in their festival opener from 80-odd metres out. That fast start was just what the doctor ordered, and skipper Simanye Mlakalaka scored another soon thereafter to make it 12-19.

EG Jansen hit back after setting up camp deep inside Kearney’s territory, and they finally picked up their first points of the half when left winger Jordan van der Westhuizen dived over out wide.

The teams continued to trade tries, with Joseph Roylance, De Wet Muller, and Doan Nel all going over in what became a topsy-turvy affair in the second half. Ultimately, though, it was the Gauteng school that held out for an all-important win.

Durban High School scored a comprehensive 41-7 win over Hoërskool Rustenburg in the third game of the festival.

The result ensured the unbeaten Horseflies extended their winning run to six matches this year, and you’d have to be a brave man to bet against them going unbeaten at KERF yet again.

DHS withstood an effervescent start from the North West side to score through right-wing Richard Gyamfi. It wasn’t long before they took control of proceedings, with flyhalf Jordan van Wyk knocking over a penalty to add to their advantage.

Rustenburg showed promising signs with the ball in hand and did well to switch up play on attack, but they were unable to finish off the chances they created for themselves. When Mthiyane Zinkosi dotted down for DHS against the run of play, just before the break, their job became even harder.

Things soon got worse for Rustenburg, who struggled to get out of their half, and they conceded again when a powerful driving maul teed up SA Schools A midfielder Zingce Simka for DHS’s third.

MJ Otto hit back for the boys in green, but another Simka effort, as well as two tries from Milisuthando George, sealed the deal for the Durban boys.

SCORERS

EG Jansen 29 (19) – Tries: Deashean Pietersen, Otlotleng Zulu, Juan van Aswegen, Jordan van der Westhuizen, De Wet Muller. Conversions: Van Aswegen (2). Kearsney College 24 (0) – Tries: Lwandile Mkhize, Simanye Mlakalaka, Joseph Roylance, Doan Nel. Conversions: Lwazi Mbebe, Nel.

Durban High School 41 (15) – Tries: Zingce Simka (2), Milisuthando George (2), Richard Gyamfi, Mthiyane Zinkosi. Conversions: Jordan van Wyk (3), Roberts. Penalty: Van Wyk. Hoërskool Rustenburg 7 (0) – Try: MJ Otto. Conversion: Ricardo Enos.

In the opening game of the 2025 Standard Bank Kearsney Easter Rugby Festival, Milnerton’s power play boosted them to a 34-18 win over the touring Peterhouse, from Zimbabwe.

The Western Cape side dominated the opening exchanges, thanks largely to their abrasive attacking play, and they scored the first points of the festival via a Morgan Lodewyk penalty.

Milnerton was relentless on both sides of the ball and extended their lead when the big midfielder barged over for the opening try. He also converted it, to go with his earlier penalty.

Those early setbacks seemed to jolt Peterhouse to life, and they responded with a prolonged period of possession in the Milnerton half, which eventually brought them three points from the boot of Andrew Maringa.

The Zimbabweans continued to struggle with Milnerton’s physicality at the contact point, though, and Prosper Zimbango was shown yellow after a series of repeated team infringements because of that pressure.

However, with time up at the end of the half, and against the run of play, Peterhouse second rower Mufaro Mawoyo broke through the Milnerton defensive line to reduce the deficit to 8-10 at the break.

The boys in white started the second half brightly, with another Maringa penalty edging them ahead, but lapses in concentration on defence allowed Lodewyk to score his second try, before Nicholas Young, on as a substitute, crucially added a third try soon thereafter.

It was a long way back from there for the tourists, and further tries from Kgaugelo Mokgobu and a brilliant individual effort from Akho Mkaya effectively ended the match as a contest.

When Peterhouse hit back through a converted Michael Marimo try, it was too little, too late.

In the second game of the first day, Hoërskool Durbanville breezed past Dale College, romping to a 66-22 win, thanks to some devastating attacking play.

The Eastern Cape outfit was unable to cope with Durbanville’s superior structure on both sides of the ball, with the boys in yellow and blue stripes crossing for 10 tries.

The Dalians enjoyed the lion’s share of territory in the first quarter and broke the deadlock 10 minutes into the contest when hooker Lakhanya Mbewu burst over from close range. They failed to add to that 5-0 lead during that period, though, and were made to rue that moments later.

During their first real spell of possession inside the Dale red zone, a brutally efficient driving maul resulted in a penalty try for the Western Cape school, with Liyabona Mayikana being shown a yellow card for a cynical collapse.

Durbanville, then, made the most of their numerical advantage and scored quick-fire tries through Jeandré Ungerer and Tiaan Kearns to shoot out to a 21-5 lead at halftime.

It didn’t take for Durbies to open their second-half account, with Muller Jansen van Rensburg going over, thanks to another unstoppable rolling maul. Xander Muller added another try minutes later, before his teammate Eli Pedro saw yellow for a breakdown offence on their try line.

Dale fullback Phikolomzi Mtyalela then managed to weave his way over for their second, but further Durbanville tries from Louwrens Rademeyer, Cole Carls, Juan Smit, Muller, and Milani Madide pushed out the lead even further.

Dale mustered an additional penalty try, as well as another five-pointer from loose forward Owethu Siswana, but they couldn’t consistently hold their own for the full 60 minutes.

SCORERS

Hoërskool Durbanville 66 (21) – Tries: Xander Muller (2), Jeandré Ungerer, Tiaan Kearns, Muller Janse van Vuuren, Louwrens Rademeyer, Cole Carls, Jaun Smit, Milani Madide, Penalty Try. Conversions: De Wet Viljoen (8). Dale College 22 (5) – Tries: Lakhanya Mbewu, Phikolomzi Mtyalela, Owethu Siswana, Penalty Try.

Milnerton 34 (10) – Tries: Morgan Lodewyk (2), Nicholas Young, Kgaugelo Mokgobu, Akho Mkaya. Conversions: Mkaya (2), Lodewyk. Penalty: Lodewyk. Peterhouse 18 (8) – Tries: Mufaro Mawoyo, Michael Marimo. Conversion: James Watt. Penalties: Andrew Maringa (2).

A thrilling clash between Hoërskool Nelspruit’s brute forward power and the pace and agility of the Welkom Gimnasium backs delivered a gripping see-saw contest, which ultimately ended in a dramatic victory for the Rhinos on Thursday at the Standard Bank St John’s College Easter Festival.

Relive all the action on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com)

A penalty by scrumhalf, Liam Pringle, two minutes into stoppage time, sealed a tense 34–31 win for the Mbombela-based side after a pulsating encounter.

The battle between Nelspruit’s dominant forward pack and Welkom Gim’s slick backline made for 60 minutes of must-watch rugby.

The intensity noticeably escalated under the floodlights and set a high bar for the day’s two remaining fixtures.

Welkom Gimnasium’s outside centre, Nathan Muller, continued his fine form, crossing for a brace of tries, which further underlined why he has been a standout performer throughout the season.

His midfield partner, Byron Klaasin, alleviated pressure with excellent distribution and provided Muller with the front-foot ball he needed to torment the Nelspruit defence.

For the Rhinos, powerful number eight Vaughn van Zyl led the charge. As expected, he shouldered the bulk of the ball-carrying duties, leaving a trail of sore bodies in the Free Staters’ camp. Werno Heyns impressed with his relentless work rate.

At fly-half, John Duncan delivered another composed performance. His crisp distribution was instrumental in creating opportunities for the backline and played a crucial role in Nelspruit’s memorable win.

Earlier in the day, St David’s Marist Inanda made SACS work far harder for their win than anticipated. The Johannesburg school mounted a defensive effort of real grit, particularly in the second half, as the Capetonians laid siege to their 22. Despite the stiff resistance, SACS broke through on four occasions to secure a 28–3 victory.

True to the coaching manual, the Cape Town side’s forwards laid the platform for their attacking opportunities. However, they also produced several surges of their own, with Cameron Hirst capping off one of those movements by diving over for the opening try.

Inside centre Mike Skeeles demonstrated impeccable accuracy from the tee, converting all four of his side’s tries with ease.

SCORERS 

Hoërskool Nelspruit 34 (12) – Tries: Werno Heyns, Tye Habib, Vaughn van Zyl, Ruben Greef, Tinyiko Silubane. Conversions: John Duncan (3). Penalty: Liam Pringle. Welkom Gimnasium 31 (10) – Tries: Nathan Muller (2), Rewaldo Farmer, Byron Klaasin. Conversions: Leano Williams (4). Penalty: Williams.

SACS 28 (21) – Tries: Cameron Hirst, Sipho Dyantji, Siphe Mbungendlu, Langa Moyo. Conversions: Mike Skeeles (4). St David’s Marist Inanda 3 (3) – Penalty: Luca Cabion.

Michaelhouse issued a clear warning to the hosts of the Standard Bank St Stithians College Easter Festival by walloping St John’s College (Harare) 65-14 in their opening clash on the Baytopp Field, in Johannesburg, on Thursday.

Exciting running rugby by the team from Balgowan saw them overpower the visitors from Zimbabwe. They led by 34-7 at the break.

Their inside centre, captain William Ridl, was on fire, with the wings, Laird Hamilton-Brown and Noah Bates, enjoying the space that he and outside centre, Rourke O’Sullivan, created.

Michaelhouse scored 10 tries in their victory. They take on St Stithians College on Saturday. Saints won their opening clash 32-0 against Clifton College.

Backlines don’t dominate in the manner that ‘House did without their pack of forwards laying a tidy foundation. Hooker, Oliver Davis, in conjunction with the locks, Dan Carr and Oliver Vickery, did the hard yards up front.

Michaelhouse’s flyhalf, Alex Jankowitz, also deserves a mention. He converted six of his side’s tries and slotted a penalty for a personal contribution of 15 points with the boot.

Flanker Eben Crafford was the main difference between St Charles College and Hoërskool Windhoek. He scored a second-half hat-trick to steer his side to a 38-22 victory over the visitors from Namibia.

His first try, in the 39th minute of the match, levelled the scores at 17-17. Five minutes later, he scored his second from a rolling maul to give his side the lead for the first time at 22-17.

Replacement flanker, Ajibade Raphael, also completed a brace of tries in the second half thanks to his strong carries.

Windhoek’s backs looked dangerous in the first half when they found themselves in space. Especially Eathen Sinden (inside centre), William Beukes (fullback), and McRein van Wyk (flyhalf) showcased that they have the ability to break opposition defences down.

SCORERS

St Charles College 38 (7) – Tries: Eben Crafford (3), Ajibade Raphael (2), Likuthi Mbalana. Conversions: AJ Bosman (3), PJ Dlamini. Hoërskool Windhoek 22 (12) – Tries: Eathen Sinden (2), Lorenzo Awaseb, Steven van Wyk. Conversion: William Beukes.

Michaelhouse 65 (34) – Tries: William Ridl (2), Oliver Guy, Dan Carr, Laird Hamilton-Brown, Noah Bates, Oliver Davis, Khethelo Mazibuko, Stefan Moolman, Lwandle Nzama. Conversions: Alex Jankowitz (6). Penalty: Jankowitz. St John’s College (Harare) 14 (7) – Tries: Joshua Green, Sean Takaindisa. Conversions: Sebastiaan du Toit (2).

A dominant second-half surge from Kingswood College saw them cruise to a 41–21 victory over Hoërskool Randburg in the opening fixture of the 28th Standard Bank St John’s College Easter Festival, in Johannesburg, on Thursday.

Relive all the action on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com)

The side from Makhanda found their rhythm following a series of substitutions in the second half, which led to them scoring 34 points after the break.

Left-wing, James Mackenzie – the twin brother of Kingswood’s dynamic number eight, Josh Mackenzie – made an immediate impact, scoring moments after entering the field.

He crossed the line again later in the match, becoming the first of three players to score a brace in Kingswood’s emphatic win. Outside centre, Likhona Kepe, who was outstanding in the midfield, was rewarded with two tries of his own, while the other wing, Kungawo Badli, showcased his blistering pace out wide and contributed a third two-try haul for the Eastern Cape outfit.

Despite the loss, Randburg impressed in their maiden appearance at the prestigious festival. Flyhalf, Jayden Todd, was a standout performer in the 10 jersey. His attacking flair and sharp decision-making helped Randburg claim a 14–7 lead at half-time.

A powerful display from number eight, Curwin Hill, proved equally influential. His relentless work rate and physical presence kept the Kingswood defence under pressure for much of the match.

The clash between Graeme College and Hoërskool Voortrekker, of Bethlehem, was defined by resolute defence from both teams, with neither side able to score in the second half. Openside flanker, Wian Muller, and his captain, blindside flanker, Jayden de Jesus, set the defensive tone and led from the front for Voortrekker.

However, Graeme College’s ability to capitalise in key moments gave them the edge. Outside centre, Karabo Ralethohlane, led the way as he and the rest of the backline made effective use of the territory earned by their forwards. The number 13, along with full-back Lucritia Magau, kept the Voortrekker defence on its toes with their incisive attacking runs.

Maritzburg College’s full-back, Caleb Scheepers, crossed for two tries as the Pietermaritzburg school cruised to a 43–0 victory over the Golden Lions XV. As is the tradition, the invitational side comprised standout players from smaller schools across the union.

College played with flair and fluidity and delivered what was arguably, until that point, the most entertaining attacking rugby of the tournament’s opening day.

SCORERS

Kingswood College 41 (7) – Tries: James Mackenzie (2), Likhona Kepe (2), Kungawo Badli (2), Imbusiwe Matshoba. Conversions Praise Matsila (2), Hames McHamon. Hoërskool Randburg 21 (14) – Tries: Jayden Oosthuizen, Jayden Todd, Curwin Hill. Conversions: Jaydon Todd (3).

Graeme College 21 (21) – Tries: Lucritia Magau, Karabo Ralethohlane, Inathi Planga. Conversions: Alden Walters (3). Voortrekker 10 (10) – Try: Atitila Ozturk. Conversion: Nolen du Plooy. Penalty: Du Plooy.

Maritzburg College 43 (31) – Tries: Caleb Scheepers (2), Wasi Vyambwera, Alande Ngubane, Adam Cahill, David Colenbrander, Theo Boshoff. Conversions: Dom du Toit (4), Chahill. Golden Lions XV 0.

One of the most anticipated events on the school sports calendar returns this week when King Edward VII School (KES) hosts its annual Easter Hockey and Rugby Festival.

Known for its rich sporting tradition and fiercely competitive atmosphere, the hockey festival, which runs from 17 to 21 April, excluding Good Friday, will bring together some of the country’s finest hockey talent.

The event, which has played host to a long list of future provincial and national stars, will be contested on the Weinberg Astro, at KES, and on the St John’s College Astro.

The Red Sticks have made a strong start to the season and they’ll lean on their home-ground advantage, bolstered by a passionate home crowd, to continue their good form. Their Nomads Festival results included draws with Maritzburg College and Grey College and a comfortable 5-1 win over Selborne College.

King Edward VII’s traditional rivals, Jeppe High School for Boys, will be one of the teams to keep an eye on. They were undefeated at the Nomads Festival. Their results included a 4-2 win over Selborne and a tight 1-0 defeat of Maritzburg College, who are both part of the KES Festival.

Parktown Boys’ High, recently beaten 4-1 by Jeppe, will also represent Johannesburg’s interests.

Northwood is another side that has made a good start to their 2025 campaign. They were in action at the Founders Festival, where they won three and drew two.

After Thursday’s five games, there will be a pause in the action on Good Friday, with matches continuing on Saturday and Sunday before concluding on Monday.

KES Headmaster, David Lovatt, in a welcoming message to the participating teams, said: “This festival has grown over the past two decades into a hallmark of excellence, sportsmanship, and camaraderie.

“What began as a celebration of schoolboy sport has evolved into a much-anticipated gathering of passionate players, committed coaches, proud parents, and loyal supporters from across the country—and indeed, across generations.

“It is a time when friendships are forged, rivalries are respectfully contested, and the values of integrity, discipline, and teamwork are brought to life on our fields and Astro.”

FIXTURES

Thursday, 17 April

King Edward VII Weinberg Astro                           

13:00 – Jeppe vs Eldoraigne
14:20 – Parktown vs St Charles
15:40 – Maritzburg College vs Helpmekaar
16:50 – KES vs Glenwood
18:10 – Waterkloof vs Northwood

Saturday, 19 April

King Edward VII Weinberg Astro           

07:30 – Jeppe vs Kearsney
08:50 – KES vs St Charles
10:10 – Glenwood vs Helpmekaar
11:30 – Eldoraigne vs Parktown
12:50 – Maritzburg College vs Selborne
14:10 – St Charles vs Queen’s College
15:30 – Pearson vs Glenwood
16:50 – KES vs Kearsney
18:10 – Selborne vs Northwood

St John’s College Astro

07:30 – Maritzburg College vs Queen’s College
08:50 – Waterkloof vs Pearson
14:10 – Jeppe vs Waterkloof

Sunday, 20 April

King Edward VII Weinberg Astro           

7:30 – Glenwood vs Eldoraigne
8:50 – Selborne vs Parktown
10:10 – Waterkloof vs Queen’s College
11:30 – Jeppe vs St Charles
12:50 – Northwood  vs Helpmekaar
14:10 – Maritzburg College vs Parktown
15:30 – KES vs Queen’s College
16:50 – Pearson vs Helpmekaar
18:10 – Selborne vs Kearsney

St John’s College Astro                         

07:30 – Maritzburg College vs Queen’s College
08:50 – Hoërskool Waterkloof vs Pearson High School
15:30 – Jeppe High School For Boys vs Hoërskool Waterkloof

Monday, 21 April

King Edward VII Weinberg Astro

07:30 – Jeppe vs Queen’s College
08:50 – Selborne College vs Glenwood
10:10 – Pearson vs Kearsney
11:30 – Maritzburg College vs Eldoraigne
12:50 – KES vs Northwood
14:10 – St Charles vs Waterkloof
15:30 – Helpmekaar vs Parktown

St Stithians College kicked off its 41st annual Standard Bank Saints Easter Festival on Thursday with an emphatic 32-0 victory over Clifton College. The hosts enjoyed a healthy 25-0 lead at the break.

Saints‘ flyhalf, Oliver Wilson, played a major part in his side’s success as they also enjoyed front-foot possession thanks to their pack of forwards. Wilson’s distribution was on point, as well as his kicking from hand.

This allowed inside centre, Tyler MacLennan, to tear up the midfield at will and cause Clifton College’s defence a heap of problems.

The home side’s fullback, Sicelo Sakawuli, also enjoyed a good day at the office, delivering rock-solid defence as well as some exciting attacking plays from the back.

Up front, Saints’ hooker, Oliver Groves, and flank, Sipho Cele, produced solid performances.

Clifton College will face Hoërskool Windhoek in their second clash on Saturday. The team from Durban is coached by former Springbok prop Heinke van der Merwe.

St Andrew’s College, of Makhanda, proved too strong for Northcliff, of Johannesburg. In a high-scoring clash, St Andrew’s opened their Easter Festival account with a comfortable 54-26 victory.

Marais Viljoen, of Alberton, was supposed to play against Northcliff but withdrew from the festival.

Northcliff put up a good fight in the first half and St Andrew’s College led only 26-12 at the break. Wing Christian Adams opened the scoring for Northcliff with a superb run down the sideline.

The team from Makhanda shifted a gear in the second half with fullback, Will Stevens, leading the charge. He, together with Aphindile Ngcuka (inside centre) and Oliver Johns (flyhalf), pried open gaps in Northcliff’s defence that weren’t there during the first half.

Northcliff’s Connor Venter (replacement hooker), Matthew Hunt (fullback), and Declan Diesel (lock) deserve pats on the back for their wholehearted efforts.

In the opening clash of the festival, Rand Park High lost 20-31 against the second stringers from the UK’s Hartpury College.

SCORERS

St Stithians College 32 (25) – Tries: Oliver Groves (2), Cade Elsey, Louis McAslin. Conversions: Oliver Wilson (3). Penalties: Wilson (2). Clifton College 0.

St Andrew’s College 54 (26) – Tries: Connor Malan, Amohelang Habi, Coel Trollip, Joshua van Zyl, Will Stevens, Myles Sansom, David Chaarley, Adam Nurse. Conversions: Stevens (4), Daniel Arnold (3). Northcliff 26 (12) – Tries: Christian Adams, Michael Nwogwugwu, Connor Verster, Ryan Niemand. Conversions: Matthew Hunt (3).

Hartpury College II 31 (19) – Tries: Hendry Packham, Arthur Shrimpton, Ellis Bowman, Jackson Bowles, Edward Collins. Conversions: Dylan Davies (3). Rand Park High 20 (10) – Tries: Cian de Jongh, Aston Billson, Siphelele Nonjola, Nkosana Nkosi.