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Hoërskool Wesvalia het dit Saterdag die tweede agtereenvolgende keer vir Hoërskool Klerksdorp die loef afgesteek het, maar, teen die die trant, kan dié twee spanne mekaar moontlik later vanjaar weer raakloop in die uitkloprondes van die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Plaat-afdeling.

Herleef al die aksie op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Hierdie slag was die Wessies voor ‘n groot skare op Klerksdorp se tuisveld met 27-22 baas, nadat hulle bietjie meer as ‘n maand gelede met 16-12 die pyp gerook het teen hul buurspan.

Die pas is oudergewoonte deur die Wessies se staatmaker in die nr 8-trui, Franco Dumond, aangegee, wat saam met loskopstut, Ulrigh du Preez, die besoekers deurentyd op die voorvoet gehou het. Dit het vir die skakelpaar, Barry Niemand en Eduard Dreyer, die baan geweg om hul agterlyn los te laat.

Niemand het sy beste vertoning van die jaar opgedis en ‘n aandeel in meeste van sy span se drie drieë gehad, terwyl Dreyer, op ‘n winderige dag, met ál vyf sy pogings pale toe in die kol was. Dit was op die einde van die dag deurslaggewend.

Abrie Esterhuizen, die tuisspan se slot, was KHS se beste speler op die dag met sy fisieke dryfspel en is met een van sy span se drie drieë beloon. Agsteman, Tiaan Koen, het ook sy pond vleis tafel toe gebring en gereeld oor die voordeellyn gebars.

Hoërskool Kempton Park het so hittete ‘n haas uit die hoed getrek teen Hoërskool Oos-Moot, met ‘n verbete terugvegpoging in die tweede helfte. Die Oosies, wat teen rustyd met 24-7 voorgeloop het, het egter vasgebyt om oplaas met 29-26 as oorwinnaars uit die stryd te tree, vir hul tweede sege in vanjaar se reeks. Skrumskakel, David Joubert, het nogmaals goed vertoon, maar dit was die Oosies se pak wat die grondslag gelê het.

Swak disipline het die tuisspan egter gekortwiek, met dié dat hy vir ‘n groot gedeelte van die tweede skof met minder as 15 man moes klaarkom vanweë vier geel kaarte. Dit het vir steelkantflank, Marko van der Walt, en die Kempton-pak aangevuur om die momentum te swaai, maar dit was nét nie genoeg om ‘n sege in die Moot op hul kerfstok te plaas nie.

Die indrukwekkende Hoërskool Zwartkop het nóg ‘n aanskoulike vertoning gelewer om vir Ligbron Akademie, op sy tuisveld in Ermelo, met 59-15 pakslae te gee. Die Zwarries het nie minder nie as agt keer agter die tuisspan se doellyn gaan kuier.

Ses van die agt drieë is deur slegs drie spelers gedruk, met buitesenter, Luan Williams, woelige oopkantflank, Brian Smith, en haker, Reagan Blignaut, wat elk ‘n tweekuns aangeteken het. Die Zwarries het hul onderskei as een van die Plaat-afdeling se gevaarspanne, vernaam wanneer hulle in ‘n hardloopbui kom.

Hoër Tegniese Skool Middelburg het gemaklik met 44-15 oor Hoërskool Marais Viljoen geseëvier. Die Rooi Bulle was van meet af aan in beheer en het vir die tuisspan geen skiet gegee nie. Dit was ‘n goeie uitstappie vir die span van Middelburg na ‘n langerige onderbreking en die vroeë bonuspuntsege kan ‘n rol speel in sy titelverdediging.

Dit HTS-pak het verál indrukwekkend vertoon, met haker, Hanru Terblanche, en die twee losvoorspelers, Regardt Blake en Kayden Wessels, wat hand opgesteek en die Rooi Bulle se diepte in vanjaar se senior groep beklemtoon het.

Puntemakers: 

Wesvalia 27 (7) – Drieë: Wian du Preez, Martin Bierman, Henco Greyling. Doelskoppe: Eduard Dreyer (3). Strafdoele: Dreyer (2). Hoërskool Klerksdorp 22 (12) – Drieë: Abrie Esterhuizen, D-Jee Treutnich, Jarred van Staden. Doelskoppe: Brendin Mathyse (2). Strafdoel: Mathyse.

Oos-Moot 29 (24) – Drieë: Clayton du Bruyn, Brian Jacobs, Divan du Preez, David Joubert, Drew Williams. Conversions: Joubert (2). Hoërskool Kempton Park 26 (7) – Drieë: Marko van der Walt, Jethro Williams, Ettienne Stroebel, Matthew Vermaak. Doelskoppe: Stian de Villiers (3).

Zwartkop 59 (40) – Drieë: Luan Williams (2), Brian Smith (2), Regan Blignaut (2), Kyle Koopman, André Marx. Doelskoppe: Tilon Baron (7). Ligbron Akademie 15 (3) – Drieë: Banele Mthombo, Siyanda Dennison. Doelskop: Eben Degenaar. Strafdoel: Degenaar.

HTS Middelburg 44 (18) – Drieë: Hanru Terblanche, Reghardt Blake, Kayden Wessels, Nathan Jansen van Vuuren, CJ Muller, Jacques Greyling. Doelskoppe: WJ Enslin (4). Strafdoele: Enslin (2). Marais Viljoen 15 (3) – Drieë: Rio Tshimbalanga, Ongeidentifiseerd. Doelskop: Raynhardt Kruger. Strafdoel: Kruger.

Ander spanne: 

o.16: Klerksdorp 26, Wesvalia 15; Oos-Moot 20, Kempton Park 19; Zwartkop 28, Ligbron Akademie 26; HTS Middelburg 24, Marais Viljoen 14.

o.15: Wesvalia 18, Klerksdorp 10; Oos-Moot 22, Kempton Park 14; Zwartkop 27, Ligbron Akademie 10; HTS Middelburg 10, Marais Viljoen 7.

o.14:  Wesvalia 14, Klerksdorp 5; Kempton Park 31, Oos-Moot 10; Ligbron Akademie 18, Zwartkop 8; HTS Middelburg 10, Marais Viljoen 3.

Johannesburg’s top hockey schools delivered an action-packed slate of matches as the city hosted a gripping series of schoolboy hockey clashes on Friday and Saturday.

The local giants, Jeppe High School for Boys and King Edward VII School (KES) welcomed visiting teams from KwaZulu-Natal, Northwood School, and Westville Boys’ High, for a couple of exciting inter-provincial games.

On the Boden AstroTurf, Jeppe staged a thrilling comeback, led by a standout performance from Ethan Kapanda, to edge out Northwood 2–1.

The competition was intense from the opening whistle, and it was Northwood who struck first, netting with less than two minutes to play in the first half from a penalty corner variation.

Jeppe, in typical fashion, staged a robust response and, with Kapanda leading the way, levelled with a sizzling shortie that beat the ‘keeper low and to his right with six minutes remaining in the third chukka.

Early in the fourth chukka, Kapanda went back to the same routine, again finding the back of the goal low and to the goalkeeper’s right, to edge Jeppe ahead.

“It was a hot contest between two well-coached teams,” said Jeppe’s coach, Siya Styana, who praised the quality of the game and gave a nod to Northwood coach Justin Collins. “They were difficult to break down, but our boys showed incredible character.”

It was the latest win for Jeppe in an outstanding season. They had beaten their previous KZN opposition, Westville Boys’ High, 5-2, on 24 April, away from home. Before that, Sityana’s side had turned heads at the King Edward VII School Easter Festival, where they went unbeaten, which was a solid follow-up to their unbeaten run at the Nomads Festival, which was also hosted by KES.

Westville was also in action in Johannesburg on Saturday, playing against the Red Sticks, and they came away with a 3-2 win, thanks to a hattrick from their captain, Seth Simpson.

Another team enjoying an excellent season, St Stithians, kicked off the weekend with a Friday night flaying of St David’s Marist Inanda. They dominated possession and frequently turned that advantage into goals, romping to an 8-0 victory.

RESULTS

Jeppe 4-1 Northwood
St Stithians 8-0 St David’s
KES 2-3 Westville Boys’ High

Helpmekaar Kollege het Saterdagmiddag in sy derde tuiswedstyd in die Beker-afdeling van vanjaar se SDC Noordvaal Cup met straks sy beste vertoning van die seisoen tot dusver vir ‘n massiewe verrassing gesorg.

Herleef al die aksie op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Die Helpies het hul tuisveld met flair versier om vir Hoërskool Noordheuwel met ‘n telling van 36-0 die loef af te steek. Dit was inderdaad ‘n groot skok, vernaam na die Blues hul seisoen vanjaar so indrukwekkend afgeskop het.

Dit was ‘n maak-of-breek-stryd vir Helpies, aangesien hulle na reeds drie wedstryde in die reek steeds segeloos was.

Die agterlyn, wat reeds heelwat belofte getoon het, het teen die Blues na hoogste versnelling oorgeskakel, met die agterste driehoek, en vernaam heelagter en kaptein, Ty Ax, wat uitmuntend vertoon het. Binnesenter, Ethan Lourens, het ook die besoekers van Krugersdorp deurgaans ore aangesit op die aanval, terwyl sy verdediging rotsvas was.

Buitesenter, Clinton Cloete, was was self ‘n derduiwel met die bal in hand. Albei senters het dikwels soos die spreekwoordelike warm mes deur botter gesny en sodoende geleentheid geskep vir regtervleuel, Xander van Niekerk, om twee keer te druk.

Voorlangs het die Helpies se agsteman, Llewelyn Vermaak, en steelkantflank, Zaiden Krige, die pas aangegee en die Nories verhoed om aan die gang te kom.

Die Hoërskool Menlopark se Dylan Stumke het ook twee keer die doellyn oorgesteek in sy span se sege van 40-17 oor Hoërskool Nelspruit in Pretoria. Die eerste 35 minute het welliswaar ‘n wipplankstryd afgegee. Die Parkies het in die laaste 20 minute egter hul ritme gevind.

Die grondslag vir die span van Pretoria se sege is deur oopkantflank, Nathen du Plessis, gelê met sy onvermoeide vertoning in die los.

Ongedwonge hanteerfoute het die besoekers gekelder. Indien dit nie daarvoor was nie, kon sake heelwat anders daar uitgesien het. Dit sou ook vir buitesenter, Ruben Greeff, en linkervleuel, Tinyiko Silubane, meer geleenthede geskep het om hul aanvalsvernuf uit te stal.

Hoërskool Transvalia se Daniel Kazambo het, met tyd reeds verstreke, onder die dwarslat oorgebars om sy span se eerste sege in die Beker-afdeling te beklink. Die span van Vanderbijlpark was uiteindelik baas oor Hoërskool Rustenburg, met ‘n telling van 20-13.

Losskakel, Jay-Dee Maree verdien ook ‘n klop op die skouer. Hoewel hy nie veel geleenthede na die pale ontvang het nie, het Maree Kazambo se drie verdoel en ook twee uiters belangrike strafdoele deur die pale gejaag.

Puntemakers: 

Helpmekaar Kollege 36 (22) – Tries: Xander van Niekerk (2), Ethan Lourens, Eugene de Lange, Kean Butler. Doelskoppe: Wian Storm (3). Strafdoel: Storm. Noordheuwel 0. 

Menlopark 40 (7) – Drieë: Dylan Stumke (2), Nathen du Plessis, JN van Wyk, Gustav Schäffner, Leskin Samuels. Doelskoppe: Andru Keun (5). Hoërskool Nelspruit 17 (3) – Drieë: Ruben Greeff (2). Doelskoppe: Liam Pringle (2). Penalty: Pringle.

Transvalia 20 (10) – Drieë: Daniel Kazambo, Strafdrie. Doelskop: Jay-Dee Maree. Strafdoele: Maree (2). Hoërskool Rustenburg 13 (5) – Drieë: Wes van Loggerenberg, Adriano George. Strafdoel: Wade Daivey.

Ander spanne:

o.16: Noordheuwel 15, Helpmekaar 10; Menlopark 68, Nelspruit 3; Transvalia 32, Rustenburg 27

o.15: Helpmekaar 12, Noordheuwel 12; Menlopark 23, Nelspruit 10; Rustenburg 11, Transvalia 6.

o.14: Helpmekaar 17, Noordheuwel 14; Menlopark 16, Nelspruit 10; Rustenburg 41, Transvalia 0.

Hoërskool Garsfontein was Saterdagmiddag in ‘n vernietigende bui op sy tuisveld, Berepark, en het Hoërskool Waterkloof met 53-19 verrinneweer.

Herleef al die aksie op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Die Bere, die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Beker-kampioen vir die afgelope twee jaar, het daarmee hul tweede oorwinning in vanjaar se reeks behaal en vir die Klofies, 2024 se naaswenner, behoorlik laat les opsê in die twee spanne se eerste kragmeting sedert verlede jaar se eindstryd.

Dit was van meet af aan duidelik dat Garsies se plan was om deurentyd die tempo hoog te hou. Buitesenter, Xian Erasmus, en skrumskakel, Derrick Kuhn, het die voortou geneem. Kuhn se diens, agter ‘n pak met die hef in die hand, was oudergewoonte uit die boonste rakke, terwyl hy ook op die aanval woelig was en met ‘n tweekuns beloon is.

Erasmus het egter die kollig gesteel, vier keer! Die Bere se senter was uiteindelik vir nie minder nie as vier van sy span se nege drieë verantwoordelik. Hy was uitmuntend in die middeveld, met vernaam sy bedrieglike aanvalslyne wat die Klofies se verdediging gereeld oorhoeks gehad het.

Voorlangs het Justin Blom, ‘n sterk aanspraakmaker op die haker-posisie in die Blou Bulle se Cravenweekspan, ‘n barshou gespeel. Fisies is hy vanjaar besig om eenvoudig van krag tot krag te gaan.

Ten spyte van die oormag, het Klofies se kaptein, Ronan Bastiaanse, steeds ‘n kapteinsbeurt gelewer. Die losskakel het sy goeie spelpeil tydens die Wildeklawer-toernooi voortgesit, soos wat sy tweekuns aan drieë, wat hy self verdoel het, aandui.

In Krugersdorp het Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen dit drie uit drie gemaak teen Hoërskool Monument. Dit was nie alleen die Jansies se derde agtereenvolgende sege oor die Wit Bulle nie, maar ook hul tweede oor die Monumentare op hul tuisveld, die Ras van Rooyen.

Die besoekers van Boksburg se agterlyn het vir die Wit Bulle menige hoofbrekens besorg, met regtervleuel, Otlatleng Zulu, se tweekuns wat die doodskoot vir die tuisspan toegedien het. Heelagter, Deshean Pietersen, het ook beïndruk deur dikwels deur die Monnas-verdediging te vleg.

Ewan van der Walt, die Monumentare se heelagter en onderkaptein, het die Jansies ‘n paar keer op die aanval gefnuik, maar dit was nie genoeg om die momentum wat die besoekers voorlangs bewerk het te stuit nie.

Deveraux Weideman, die Arende se vaskopstut, het waarskynlik sy beste wedstryd van die jaar opgedis, terwyl oopkanflank, Craig Lightfoot, hoewel ietwat klein van statuur, gewoeker het by die afbreekpunte.

Puntemakers: 

Garsfontein 53 (20) – Drieë: Xian Erasmus (4), Derrick Kuhn (2), Lourenz de Jager, Junaide Stuart, Justin Blom. Doelskoppe: Kuhn (4). Waterkloof 19 (7) – Drieë: Ronan Bastiaanse (2), Zack Jordaan. Doelskoppe: Bastiaanse (2).

EG Jansen 39 (27) – Drieë: Otlatleng Zulu (2), Christopher Combrink, 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, Evan Bernhardi, Loghan Huges, Vincent Roberts. Doelskoppe: Cameron Kourie (3).

Ander spanne: 

o.16: Garsfontein 36, Waterkloof 20; Monument 61, EG Jansen 30.

o.15: Garsfontein 61, Waterkloof 17; Monument 38, EG Jansen 0.

o.14: Garsfontein 71, Waterkloof 10; Monument 53, EG Jansen 0.

The Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal High Schools Football Association (KZNHSFA) Coastal and Inland B-League and C-League have started at a gradual pace. However, Redwood College and Queensburgh High School, in the Coastal B-League, are making a promising push for promotion.

Coastal B-League Matchday 3 Recap: Thursday 

On Thursday, Redwood College, the log leaders of the Coastal B-League, earned a 2-1 win over Amanzimtoti High School, who occupy seventh place in the standings, just above the Ashton Ballito A team, which props up the log.

Redwood College is tied with Queensburgh High School, with seven points after three games, with goal difference separating the teams at the top of the standings.

Playing at home, Queensburgh High School impressed with a comfortable 3-0 win over Sastri College.

New Forest High School delivered a strong performance, outplaying the Ashton Ballito A Team 5-1, while Durban High School (DHS) earned a narrow 1-0 victory over Grosvenor Boys’ High School.

Coastal B-League Table 

Group Stage	School/Team	PLD	W	D	L	PTS	GF	GA	GD
1	Redwood	3	2	1	0	7	9	3	6
2	Queensburgh High	3	2	1	0	7	5	2	3
3	Grosvenor	3	1	1	1	4	5	3	2
4	DHS	3	1	1	1	4	1	2	-1
5	Sastri	3	1	1	1	4	5	4	1
6	New Forest	3	1	1	1	4	7	6	1
7	Amanzimtoti	3	0	1	2	1	2	5	-3
8	Ashton Ballito A Team	3	0	1	2	1	3	12	-9

Inland B-League Matchday 3 Recap: Thursday 

In the Inland B-League, Maritzburg Christian School (MCS) enjoyed a successful outing, winning 4-0 against Thornhill, at Alexandra High School, on Thursday.

It was the first win of the season for MCS, who were overrun by the league leaders, ML Sultan, in their opening match, going down 0-7.

ML Sultan remains the only team that hasn’t dropped points since the season started, with three wins from three matches. On Thursday, Riverwood College became the latest team to taste defeat at the hands of ML Sultan, losing 0-3.

Northbury Park Secondary School trails ML Sultan by only two points and won 1-0 against Riverwood College. The Maritzburg College B Team played to a 2-2 draw against Heritage Academy.

Inland B-League Table 

Group Stage	School/Team	PLD	W	D	L	PTS	GF	GA	GD
1	ML Sultan	3	3	0	0	9	14	0	14
2	Northbury	3	2	1	0	7	8	1	7
3	Maritzburg College B Team	3	1	2	0	5	4	3	1
4	Riverwood	3	1	1	1	4	3	4	-1
5	Maritzburg Christian College	3	1	0	2	3	5	9	-4
6	Heritage Academy	3	0	2	1	2	2	6	-4
7	Alexandra High School B Team	3	0	1	2	1	1	4	-3
8	Thornhill	3	0	1	2	1	1	11	-10

Coastal C League Matchday 2: Friday 

In the Coastal C-League, Durban Academy dominated the Ashton Ballito B Team, cruising to a 7-0 victory.

Brettonwood High School, the league leaders, picked up a 2-0 win over Birdswood Secondary School, who remain winless thus far this season.

Canaan College also won, defeating George Campbell 2-0.

As it stands, Brettonwood, Canaan College, and Durban Academy each have four points after two matches, with Brettonwood at the top of the standings.

George Campbell, the Ashton Ballito B Team, and Birdswood find themselves in the lower half of the table, still in search of their first win this season.

Coastal C-League Table 

Group Stage	School/Team	PLD	W	D	L	PTS	GF	GA	GD
1	Brettonwood	2	1	1	0	4	2	0	2
2	Canaan College	2	1	1	0	4	2	0	2
3	Durban Academy	2	1	1	0	4	7	0	7
4	Geroge Campbell	2	0	1	1	1	0	2	-2
5	Ashton Ballito B Team	2	0	1	1	1	0	7	-7
6	Birdswood	2	0	1	1	1	0	2	-2

Inland C League Matchday

The Inland C League features only four teams: Umvuzo Secondary School, the Newton School B Team, Michaelhouse, and the Maritzburg College C Team.

Only one match was played, with Maritzburg College C and Newton drawing 1-1.

The match between Umvuzo Secondary School and Michaelhouse was postponed until Monday.

Inland C League Table

Group Stage	School/Team	PLD	W	D	L	PTS	GF	GA	GD
1	Umvuzo	1	1	0	0	3	1	0	1
2	Newtown B Team	2	0	2	0	2	1	1	0
3	Michaelhouse	1	0	1	0	1	0	0	0
4	Maritzburg College C Team	2	0	1	1	1	1	2	-1

RESULTS

Thursday, 8 May

Coastal B

Redwood 2-1 Amanzimtoti
Queensburgh High School 3-0 Sastri College
New Forest 5-1 Ashton Ballito A Team
Durban High School 1-0 Grosvenor Boys’ High School

Inland B

Northbury 1-0 Alexandra High School B Team
ML Sultan 3-0 Riverwood College
Maritzburg Christian School 4-0 Thornhill
Maritzburg College B Team 2-2 Heritage Academy

Friday, 9 May

Coastal C

Canaan College 2-0 George Campbell
Durban Academy 7-0 Ashton Ballito B Team
Brettonwood 2-0 Birdswood

Inland C

Maritzburg College C Team 1-1 Newton B Team

Note: Umvuzo vs Michaelhouse (Rescheduled to Monday, 12 May)

St Alban’s College and Hilton College claimed hard-fought victories over Clifton College and Pretoria Boys’ High School (PBHS) respectively, on Saturday morning in KwaZulu-Natal.

St Alban’s beat Clifton 2-1 at the Riverside Sports Club, while Hilton won at home, on the Mansergh Astro.

Clifton went all out. They had a point to prove to their old boys who were in attendance, celebrating their Founders Weekend. St Alban’s, on the other hand, had different ideas. They hadn’t travelled close to 600 kilometres to serve as the whipping boys.

“We are happy with the result. Calvin Price (the Clifton coach) did his homework on us and his side is well-drilled,” Guy Elliott, the St Alban’s coach, said after the match.

The contest was a tactical battle, which made for a cagey clash. It was more of a chess match than anything else, Elliott reckoned.

St Alban’s has been on an upward curve over the last few years. Their path has not been a trailblazing one, but rather one of gradual improvement. That means that they have had to find ways to compete against the established top schools and that has meant playing with good structure and discipline.

“We pride ourselves on being organised, whether it’s in pressing, central defence, or deep defence. We have such a structure because we go into most encounters as underdogs,” Elliott told SuperSport Schools Plus. “For us to stay in the game against top schools, we have to be organised in defence. If we are organised in defence, we can create opportunities from that.”

The visitors started the game well and worked their way up the Astro until they won a penalty corner in the third minute. Then, Will Hewett converted the opportunity into a goal, beating Clifton goalkeeper Georg Wolhuter low and to his right.

The hosts wrested control of the game after conceding and enjoyed the lion’s share of possession. However, they were unable to do much with it. St Alban’s defended with depth and kept their shape, soaking up the pressure, keeping Clifton at arm’s length in the final third, and frustrating the home team.

However, Clifton’s biggest problem was their inability to transition through the different sections of the field. They were guilty of frequently turning over possession, often going for the long ball when it wasn’t on, and they conceded 42 turnovers to 20 for St Alban’s. That was the primary difference in the game, Clifton coach Calvin Price said.

The hosts kept pushing bodies into the St Alban’s half, but their efforts to find an equaliser left them vulnerable to a counterattack, and the Pretoria school made them pay with a swift counter, which resulted in a penalty stroke when Wolhuter, in the Clifton goal, took out the man and not the ball. Michael Meiring made no mistake from the P-spot.

At the very beginning of the fourth chukka, Nick Northend cut St Alban’s lead in half when he finished off a scything move at the far post. Clifton made it look easy when they scored, but St Alban’s immediately clamped down on them again, keeping the home side at bay until the final whistle.

Up in the KZN midlands, Hilton College’s contest against Pretoria Boys High had much in common with Clifton’s against Boys High’s city neighbours, St Alban’s.

Hilton did most of the attacking, but Pretoria Boys High repelled their efforts time after time, with goalkeeper Owen McMinamin proving to be a rock-solid last line of defence when the home side got shots away.

Hilton ran hard and dominated both possession and territory, on a hot day, but they found little joy. There is, however, only so much defending a team can do.

The hosts’ relentless attacks, at last, reaped a reward in the fourth chukka when they executed a penalty corner with precision. They kept it simple, and Ben Wilson drilled the ball into the left-hand corner to put Hilton into the lead with just 10 minutes remaining in the match.

Had coach Damian Kimfley’s charges not walked away with a victory, McMinamin, in the Boys High goalbox, would have been a worthy candidate for the Player of the Match award. He was outstanding and frustrated all but one of the home side’s attacks.

RESULTS

St Alban’s College 2-1 Clifton
Hilton 1-0 PBHS

A week after scoring four goals in the final of the Hibbert Shield, Reece Theunis netted a hat-trick to continue his fine form and help South African College High School (SACS) to a 4-1 victory over Bishops at the Woodlands AstroTurf, in Cape Town.

The southern suburbs showdown was one of the standout treats on a tasty menu of Hyundai Friday Nite Lights matches, and both sides put on a show for the spectators on a chilly and cold evening.

SACS entered the clash with their tails up after winning the Hibbert Shield and then thumping Stellenberg High School 9-0 in a midweek clash.

Bishops, meanwhile, was still recovering from their 13th-place finish in Gqeberha, but they had a plan in place to combat their rivals’ dangerous attack.

That plan, which was laid out by head coach Ryan Julius during the week, was in full motion in the first chukka as the hosts kept SACS scoreless.

Bishops, instead, had a golden opportunity to snatch the lead when Litha Mbiko found himself in space against the run of play, but his shot went wide of the mark.

That missed chance came back to haunt the home side in the second chukka when Theunis struck twice within the space of six minutes.

For the opener, he picked the ball up inside the circle, turned, with no defenders in sight, and slammed it into the back of the net. The forward soon doubled his tally, which meant SACS took a 2-0 lead into the break.

Bishops was still in the game, though, and they took it to SACS in the second half.

Despite not scoring in the third chukka, they became more assertive in attack and showed fight. Then, in the fourth quarter, they were awarded a penalty corner and James Robb-Quinlan fired a thunderbolt past Ethan October to pull one back for his side.

Instead of piling on the pressure after scoring, though, the hosts allowed SACS to take control of the game, and when Theunis completed his hat-trick, the result looked done and dusted. Mohlodi Maseko linked up with Litha Kraai for a fourth goal to complete the scoring.

It was a strong showing from a young Bishops team, and coach Julius will be pleased with what he saw as they continue to rebuild.

Meanwhile, Rondebosch Boys’ High was at home to Stellenberg and posted a 5-2 win. Martin Barnard netted twice, while Daniel Fisher, Tom Gordon, and Ben Hartman added their names to the scoresheet.

Fairmont High School put together a comfortable 3-0 win over DF Malan in their backyard, while Hoërskool Durbanville put five past Reddam House Durbanville, who scored once.

In Mossel Bay, Hoërskool Outeniqua played to a 2-2 draw with Hoërskool Punt.

Grey College edged out Paarl Boys’ High 3-2, and Paul Roos Gimnasium ran rampant, scoring seven against Paarl Gimnasium in Stellenbosch, with the Hibbert Shield finalists mustering two goals in reply.

RESULTS

Hoërskool Outeniqua 2-2 Hoërskool Punt
Hoërskool Durbanville 5-1 Reddam House Durbanville
SACS 4-1 Bishops
Paul Roos Gimnasium 7-2 Paarl Gimnasium
Rondebosch Boys’ High 5-2 Stellenberg High School
Grey College 3-2 Paarl Boys’ High
Fairmont High School 3-0 DF Malan

The Queen’s College, Grey High School, and St Andrew’s College 1st XIs, walked away with comprehensive victories on Friday night in the Eastern Cape.

Queen’s, after making the trip from Komani to Qonce, scored a 4-2 victory over their arch-rivals Dale College, who were celebrating their 164th reunion.

Grey High, who were celebrating their 169th reunion, outplayed Wynberg Boys’ High to clinch a 3-1 win, while St Andrew’s College took down Pearson High School, also winning 3-1, in Gqeberha.

Dale welcomed Queen’s to the King AstroTurf and the sides delivered four goals in the opening half, which ended 2-2. After the break, the visitors lifted their game and struck twice more to secure victory.

On the scoresheet for Queen’s College were their skipper Aiden van Jaarsveld, Brett Hoffmann, and Liso Mtalaliso, who contributed a brace for the winners.

The hosts’ goals came from their captain Sibongile Nzima, who nailed two penalty corners from the top of the D.

“The game was tough, as can be expected when coming up against Dale on their reunion. But it was a great contest and made for a really good game of hockey,” Queen’s skipper, Aiden van Jaarsveld, told SuperSport Schools Plus.

“I feel we were dominant in all aspects, especially attack. We moved the ball well, allowing us to create opportunities and get outcomes.

“It feels good to gain some momentum and puts us in a good space for the upcoming fixture. Hopefully, we can keep it going throughout the season.”

While Queen’s celebrated their first win against Dale in a year, Grey High had the mammoth task of facing Wynberg Boys’ High at the Rectory AstroTurf.

Grey was coming off a disappointing Hibbert Shield tournament, where they finished ninth, while Wynberg defeated Pearson High 3-0 in a warm-up match the night before.

The visitors started brightly, and their captain Zach Gibbon opened the scoring early in the first chukka.

That goal was quickly matched at the other end of the turf where Grey received a short corner after a penetrating run inside the circle by Athi Voigt found a foot. James Chree stepped up and struck with a drag flick to even the contest.

The home side then took the lead on the stroke of halftime when Jordyn Billie converted after a goalmouth scramble, following a PC, to make it 2-1.

Grey extended their advantage in the third chukka through skipper Luke Tait, who scored after executing an outrageous Tomahawk backhand shot to make it 3-1.

The Wynberg boys were unable to work their way back into the game, and Grey held on for the win.

St Andrew’s College, back from a tour of The Netherlands, defeated Pearson High 3-1.

After conceding first, the boys from Makhanda bounced back in style, and a hat-trick of goals from Greg Rodwell took them to the win

Hudson Park clinched an impressive 2-1 win over Hoërskool Framesby, with Linako Vutha and Lunathi Solwandle scoring for the East London outfit.

Stirling High played to a 1-1 draw with Merrifield College, while Woodridge College stunned York High 3-2 in George.

RESULTS

Hudson Park 2-1 Hoërskool Framesby
Queen’s College 4-2 Dale College
St Andrew’s College 3-1 Pearson High
Stirling High 1-1 Merrifield College
Grey High School 3-1 Wynberg Boys’ High
Woodridge College 3-2 York High

The Junior Springboks are motivated and determined to finish the U20 Rugby Championship on a positive note when they face New Zealand at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Sunday.

SA U20 head coach Kevin Foote has included five players from the side that faced Australia earlier in the week for their clash against New Zealand.

In the pack, loosehead prop Simphiwe Ngobese, lock and captain Riley Norton, and No 8 Wandile Mlaba are retained from the side which fell just short against Australia.

Vusi Moyo, who gave a strong performance against the Aussies, retains the flyhalf berth, while Cheswill Jooste will run out at right wing as the only backs starting again.

Norton, Mlaba and Jooste will start their third successive games in the competition.

The Junior Boks had a robust review of their match against Australia and have worked hard on those aspects of their game which they have identified for improvement.

According to Foote, the Junior Boks are all highly motivated and very positive for the exciting challenge of facing South Africa’s biggest rugby rival in front of what promises to be a big crowd at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

“Obviously, we were bitterly disappointed with not winning the Australian game, but there were some great learnings for us in preparation for the World Championship,” said Foote.

“I thought that our set piece took a big step forward, and we controlled a lot of the game for a period, but there are aspects for us to work on, in particular our breakdown. We got turned over too often while some of the kicking patterns were out of character, which we look to fix and get some clarity around that.”

Regarding team selection for the New Zealand match, Foote explained: “We’re bringing some players back from the first game while retaining some guys who played in the second game. That will bring some freshness to the match-23, and there is real excitement in the squad for our match on Saturday.

“We believe we have a good and confident team, and all the players have put in a massive effort during the last two and a half weeks. We want to finish strong in front of our home crowd on Mother’s Day, making our mothers proud and celebrating all the moms in the country.”

South Africa and New Zealand have a special rivalry on the rugby field that is full of tradition, and that is something that Foote and his Junior Boks are very aware of.

“Playing against New Zealand is one of the biggest honours in rugby and playing in the green and gold jersey against them is always very special, and something we don’t take for granted,” Foote emphasised.

Sunday’s clash with New Zealand is the last fixture of the U20 Rugby Championship. Kick-off is at 16h10 and the match will be broadcast live on SuperSport. Argentina and Australia clash at 14h00. Gates open at 12h00 and tickets costs R20 at the stadium ticket office as well online at Webtickets.

Junior Springbok team to face New Zealand in Gqeberha:

15. Gilermo Mentoe
14. Cheswill Jooste
13. Demitre Erasmus
12. Albie Bester
11. Gino Cupido
10. Vusi Moyo
9. Haashim Pead
8. Wandile Mlaba
7. Matt Romao
6. Thando Biyela
5. JJ Theron
4. Riley Norton (captain)
3. Jean Erasmus
2. Siphosethu Mnebelele
1. Simphiwe Ngobese

Replacements:

16. Juandre Schoeman
17. Oliver Reid
18. Herman Lubbe
19. Morne Venter
20. Batho Hlekani
21. Ceano Everson
22. Kyle Smith
23. JC Mars

Issued by SA Rugby Communications