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Paarl Gimnasium and St Mary’s DSG Kloof have been on a collision course and will finally go head-to-head in the semifinals of the Belgotex Sport Girls Hockey Challenge on Saturday.

Both headed into the tournament among the favourites to go all the way, and they proved those sentiments right by sweeping their group matches on their way to the final four.

St Mary’s DSG was the first of the two to book their semi-final slot with a thrilling 1-0 win over Hoërskool Waterkloof in their quarterfinal encounter.

Paarl Gim, the hosts, enjoyed a smoother path, scoring a comfortable 3-0 win over Rustenburg Girls’ High. Their reward is a showdown with St Mary’s DSG at 12:20 on Saturday for a place in the final.

A belligerent Waterkloof side gave the KZN side all they could handle in the quarterfinals, going toe-to-toe with the St Mary’s Waverley Festival champions before succumbing to a dramatic last-second winner.

Waterkloof went into the match with a solid plan on how to repel the St Mary’s attack and it worked well. That was the difference between them conceding a single goal and several, and that disciplined approach kept St Mary’s at bay in the final five minutes of the match after coach Nolwazi Nkabinde‘s charges had set up camp in Waterkloof’s final third.

Despite winning numerous penalty corners, St Mary’s was seemingly unable to find a way through the defensive wall erected by Waterkloof.

Their captain, Nicola Forbes, had been enjoying a good tournament in the middle of the park, but without being able to find the back of the net. However, in what turned out to be the final move of the game, from another penalty corner variation, she received the ball to the left of the castle and fired a shot hard into the backboard to secure a last-gasp victory for her side.

Matters were more straightforward earlier in the day for the KwaZulu-Natalians, who booked their semi-final spot after a 4-2 win over St Stithians College. Jenna-Leigh Freese, who has been prolific in front of goal and is St Mary’s leading scorer at the tournament, banged in a brace, while Georgia Short and Jamie da Silva added a goal each.

In their quarterfinal clash with Rustenburg, Paarl Gim was forced to wait for almost 34 minutes before they broke the deadlock. The hosts have worked well as a unit throughout the tournament, and it took more good teamwork to conjure up their opener.

They attacked Rustenburg down the left flank, then penetrated into the circle, down the baseline, before a pass was laid off for Imke Koegelenberg to slot the ball into the back of the goalbox.

Rustenburg stubbornly resisted, but Paarl Gim doubled their advantage six minutes from time. Once again, they found a path into the circle down the left flank. This time, though, Isabella Nel provided the finish.

The Rustenburg girls were still trying to compose themselves when they conceded a third goal from a penalty corner. Alanda Rademeyer has been in red hot form, and she made the opportunity count from close range.

Earlier in the day, Paarl Gim sauntered to a 4-0 triumph over Fairmont to claim a quarterfinal slot. Rademeyer struck twice in that one, while Minke Botha and Anya Swanepoel scored one each.

A thrilling semi-final between two in-form teams awaits.

RESULTS

Quarterfinals

St Mary’s DSG Kloof 1-0 Waterkloof
Paarl Gim 3-0 Rustenburg
Pearson 3-2 Collegiate
Herschel 3-1 Durban Girls’ College

Last Pool Matches

Pool A

Durban Girls’ College 9-0 Cornwall Hill
Herschel 2-0 Oranje

Pool B

St Mary’s Waverley 1-0 Springfield
Paarl Gim 4-0 Fairmont

Pool C

Pearson 4-1 Somerset College
Waterkloof 4-0 Stellenberg

Pool D

St Cyprian’s 1-1 Reddam Constantia
St Mary’s DSG 4-2 St Stithians

Pool E

Rustenburg 2-0 Durbanville
Collegiate 1-1 Garsfontein

Following three days of football filled with surprising outcomes, the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament is down to four title contenders, with the defending champions, Clapham High School, and the two-time champions, HTS Louis Botha, among those progressing to the semifinals.

Catch the action live on SuperSport Schools

Shock waves shook the competition on Thursday, day two of the event, with some top teams being among the first to be eliminated.

The KZN powerhouse, Maritzburg College, failed to secure a top-two finish in their pool, which meant they were out. Last year, the Red, Black, and White placed sixth. They’re going to finish lower than that this year.

On Thursday evening, in a must-win final group match, Grey College dominated Maritzburg College, handing the Pietermaritzburg school a 3-0 defeat, and that spelt the end of the KwaZulu-Natalians’ title hopes.

Among the others who missed out on the quarterfinals were Brebner, Glenwood, the tournament host, Kimberley Boys’ High, and Victoria Park, from Gqeberha.

On Friday, the stakes were raised with semi-final places on the line. There was success for one of the local sides, Wildeklawer Academy, which had topped Group A, ahead of Paul Roos Gimnasium, Kimberley Boys’ High, Glenwood, and Potchefstroom Boys’ High. recording three wins and a draw.

In the quarterfinals, they faced Norkem Park High School, who placed second in their group, behind Clapham High. The locals produced a dominating performance, triumphing 4-1, which showcased their ambition to go all the way. On Saturday, the Wildeklawer Academy will face a tough challenge against the defending champions, Clapham, in the semi-finals.

The Pretoria school is aiming to emulate the success of HTS Louis Botha, who won the tournament in both 2022 and 2023, by also winning back-to-back titles. They impressed in the quarterfinals, scoring a comfortable 3-0 win over Paul Roos.

HTS Louis Botha also advanced to the final four. They finished second in Group C, behind Virginia High School, but they showed off their championship pedigree by winning their quarterfinal clash against their Bloemfontein rivals, Grey College, by a 3-1 margin.

Their reward was a rematch of their Group C clash with Virginia High, which had ended 0-0. Virginia progressed after a 1-0 defeat of Navalsig High.

RESULTS

Thursday, 1 May

Group A

Wildeklawer Academy 4-1 Potchefstroom Boy’s High
Paul Roos Gimnasium 0-0 Glenwood
Kimberley Boys’ High School 2-2 Glenwood High School
Glenwood High School 4-1 Potchefstroom Boy’s High
Kimberley Boys’ High School 2-0 Potchefstroom Boy’s High

Group B

Norkem Park High School 2-0 Northern Academy
Clapham High School 1-0 Norkem Park High School
Emmang Mmogo  High School 4-1 Northwood School
Clapham High School 5-1 Northwood School
Northern Academy 2-1 Emmang Mmogo High School

Group C

Reddam House Bedfordview 1-1 Victoria Park High School
HTS Louis Botha 0-0 Virginia High School
Victoria Park High School 0-0 Brebner High School
Virginia High School 2-0 Reddam House Bedfordview
HTS Louis Botha 6-0 Reddam House Bedfordview
Virginia High School 2-0 Brebner High School

Group D

Jeppe High School for Boys 2-0 Border Schools
Navalsig High School 1-0  Maritzburg College
Grey College 2-0 Navalsig High School
Maritzburg College 1-1 Border Schools
Grey College 3-0 Maritzburg College
Navalsig High School 2-1 Jeppe High School for Boys

Friday, 2 May

Quarterfinals 

Virginia High School 1-0 Navalsig High School
Clapham high school 3-0 Paul Roos Gimnasium
HTS Louis Botha 3-1 Grey College
Wildeklawer Academy 4 – 1 Norkem High School

Saturday, 3 May 

Semifinals 

09:00 – Clapham High School vs Wildeklawer Academy
09:00 – HTS Louis Botha vs Virginia High School

Die eerste dag van die nuutgeborgde Robday Bergsig-rugbyfees het soos gebruiklik vir hope aksie en aanskoulike rugby gesorg.

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

Die fees het afgeskop op Werkersdag, 1 Mei, met Hoërskool Witteberg wat hard moes werk om die dag met ‘n welverdiende oorwinning van 17-11 oor Hoërskool Frikkie Meyer af te sluit.

Dit het soos verwag ‘n fisieke stryd afgegee tussen die twee plattelandse spanne, met geen genade wat gegee of gevra is nie. Die konfrontasie voorlangs was verál vurig, met die Wittebergers wat uiteindelik die laaste sê gehad het.

Haker, Rico van Vuuren, het oorgebars vir die span van Bethlehem se eerste drie, na ‘n puik stukkie hardloopwerk deur plaasvervangerslot, Christiaan van Niekerk, wat daarna self ook gedruk het om die sege te beklink. Losskakel, Tshepo Motloung, het altwee drieë verdoel en ook met ‘n strafdoel geslaag.

Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool se derde en vierde spanne, oftewel die Rooiharte en Geelkobras, het elk ook oorwinnings behaal op die eerste dag.

Die Geel Kobras het met 32-25 oor die gasheerskool, Bergsig Akademie, se eerste span geseëvier, met regtervleuel, Bernu Kleynhans, wat fyn uitgewerkte bewegings deur die Pretorianers skitterend afgerond het vir ‘n tweekuns aan drieë. Die tuisspan se Bradley Stonehouse (senter) het deurentyd hardnekkig verdedig en ook ‘n drie, doelskop en strafdoel aangeteken.

Die Rooiharte het vir  Hoërskool Randburg met 33-7 afgestof. Slot, Reubenne Botha en regtervleuel, Khumo Manakana, het elkeen twee keer agter die Randburgers se doellyn gaan kuier.

Hoërskool Rob Ferreira se Bandile Zwane het die eerste driekuns behaal by vanjaar se fees in sy span se oorwinning van 28-22 oor Hoërskool Overkruin. Losskakel, Shapard Khoza, het Rob Ferreira se ander drie gedruk en geslaag met al vier doelskoppe vir ‘n swaarverdiende sege.

Jim Fouché het vir Hoërskool Dinamika met sewe drieë teen twee oorrompel vir ‘n gemaklike sege van 43-13. Losskakel, De Wee Breyten, het die toutjies meesterlik getrek en self Dinamika se doellyn twee keer oorgesteek. Die grondslag vir die oorwinning is egter deur die pak gelê.

Gareth Hofsta het Bergsig se naam hoog gehou met ‘n vertoning, vir die Rustenburgers se tweede span, wat lank onthou sal word. Die buitensenter het vir Hoërskool Koster gelooi met nie minder nie as vier drieë in die Hawks se sege van 48-20 in die openingswedstryd van vanjaar se feestelikheid.

Puntemakers: 

Witteberg 17 – Drieë: Rico van Vuuren, Christiaan van Niekerk. Doelskoppe: Tshepo Motloung (2). Strafdoel: Motloung. Hoërskool Frikkie Meyer 11 – Drie: Mare Pieterse. Strafdoele: Barnabas Nyamakupe (2).

Affies Geel Kobras 32 – Drieë: Bernu Kleynhans (2), Lohan Bitzer, Fafa Fourie, Ruan Nagel. Doelskoppe: Conrad Botha (2). Strafdoel: Fourie. Bergrsig Eagles 25 – Drieë: Thatano Bagwase, Stephan Harmse, Carlo de Jager, Bradley Stonehouse. Doelskop: Stonehouse. Strafdoel: Stonehouse.

Affies Rooiharte 33 – Drieë: Reubenne Botha (2), Khumo Manakana (2), Juan Venter, James Pieters, Ruan Nagel. Doelskoppe: Loje Geyser (4). Randburg 7 – Drie: Chrisjan van Niekerk. Doelskop: Jaydon Todd.

Rob Ferreira 28 – Drieë: Bandile Zwane (3), Shapard Khoza. Doelskoppe: Khoza (4). Overkruin 22 – Drieë: V Akin (2), J Jirah. Doelskop: E Klein. Strafdoel: E Klein.

Jim Fouché 43 – Drieë: De Wee Breyten (2), Duardt Bester, JC van Niekerk, Kay-Dinn Langley, Itumeleng Mokate, Franco Greyling. Doelskoppe: Bester (4). Dinamika 13 – Drieë: Hendrik Alberts, Keanu de Sousa. Strafdoel: Nathan Kearns.

Bergsig Hawks 48 – Drieë: Gareth Hofsta (4), Tristan Walters (2), Jacque du Plooy, Inati Kaleni. Doelskoppe: Renaldo Prinsloo (4). Hoërskool Koster 20 – Drieë: Deewan Steyn, Eion Coetzee, Stephen Few. Doelskop: Coetzee. Strafdoel: Coetzee.

The clock will be turned back 70 years when Michaelhouse hosts Hilton College on Saturday in Balgowan. They meet on Baileys, not the usual venue of Meadows, for the first time since 1955.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

Michaelhouse’s main rugby field has been damaged by high rainfall and, despite giving it a break for last weekend’s matches, a decision has been taken to stick with Baileys for a second weekend in succession.

When ‘House won 18-15 at Hilton in June 2023, it was their first win over their arch-rivals since 2016, when they also won on Gilfillan Field, triumphing 21-17. Then, in May 2024, they repeated that dose, winning 24-23 away from home.

‘House appeared to be on course for another win and their first season’s sweep since 2015, when the school’s 1st XV went undefeated, when they took a 22-7 lead in the second half of the rematch, in June. Hilton, though, clawed their way back into the game and reduced the deficit to 21-25.

Then, with just three minutes remaining, a lack of communication between Michaelhouse’s defenders, who watched as a kick from Ivan Jjuuko rolled towards the dead-ball line, allowed Hilton right-wing Seb Gaboreau to dive, arms outstretched, and force the ball down for a try. The home side was stunned and Hilton went on to a 26-25 victory.

Cumulatively, it was 49-49 for the season. There was next to nothing between the sides.

This season, Hilton has enjoyed a better time of it than Michaelhouse. Yet, despite their superior record, it looks as if Saturday’s showdown, the 208th between the schools, should be another humdinger.

While Michaelhouse has lost five games, they’ve been in every one of them until the final whistle, and, with an experienced lineup, they have the potential to hit their stride and tack on another win to their school’s rivalry record.

At present, Michaelhouse has 101 wins to Hilton’s 96, while 10 matches have been drawn. The last time that happened was in 1987 when both games ended in draws – 7-7 and 9-9.

Michaelhouse, under the guidance of coach James Fleming, has played nine matches thus far this season and lost five of them, with two draws. They went down 10-17 to Helpmekaar Kollege in their season opener, then fell 13-15 to a very good Northwood team in Durban after leading almost the entire match. That was followed by a 20-28 loss to a powerful Durban High School (DHS) team.

At the Standard Bank Grey High Rugby Festival, they held the hosts to a 28-28 draw but then fell 17-25 to Bishops. After the festival, another draw followed, against St Andrew’s College. This time, it ended 22-22.

‘House broke their duck at the Standard Bank St Stithians Easter Rugby Festival, romping to a 65-14 victory over St John’s College (Harare). Then, in a stunning upset, they went down 21-27 to St Stithians. In their most recent outing, they overpowered Peterhouse 68-0.

That means that nine games into the 2025 season, Michaelhouse has yet to beat a South African school! Don’t be fooled, though. In the matches they have lost, Michaelhouse’s average margin of defeat is six points. No defeat has been by more than eight points.

Hilton has been more convincing this season. They’ve played seven times and won five of those games, losing only to a still-unbeaten Westville Boys’ High and also to Grey High, after an out-of-sorts performance, in Gqberha.

Most of Hilton’s wins have been by emphatic margins. In their only KZN clashes, after the Westville loss, they thumped Kearsney, a team that is enjoying a solid season, 54-10, and then overwhelmed a St Charles side, thinned somewhat by injury and illness, 74-14.

Coach Brad Macleod-Henderson‘s charges have also recorded wins over Graeme College (21-17), St John’s College (29-5), and Kingwood College (33-16).

Yet, despite all the results, facts, and figures previously mentioned, there’s one thing to remember about Saturday’s big game. It’s a derby, and in derbies, most of the time, past results and current form count for little.

It’s an on-the-day thing, where the emotion of the occasion can sweep a team to victory, and, also, it’s those same emotions that can cost a side the game. There will be electricity in the air, at 14:45, when the next chapter in a rugby rivalry that began in 1904 resumes.

South African College High (SACS) and Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG) will square off for a place in the Standard Bank Hibbert Shield final after both won their quarterfinals on Friday morning, in Gqeberha.

SACS faced Durban High School (DHS) and overran the KwaZulu-Natal outfit 6-2. PRG, meanwhile, was made to sweat for their 3-2 win on penalties by St Stithians College after their clash had ended deadlocked at 1-1.

Catch the Hibbert Shield LIVE on SuperSport Schools.

Both sides entered their quarterfinal fixtures with unbeaten records after dominating Pools A and B, respectively.

SACS tallied 16 goals in three matches and conceded only four in wins over St Alban’s College, Grey College, and Pearson, while PRG defeated Maritzburg College, Selborne College, and Clifton College in Pool B.

The first half of the first quarterfinal, between SACS and DHS, was far from convincing from the Cape Town boys, but they showed character, grit, and composure to seal the win.

At halftime, they trailed 1-2 to goals by Tyrique Cloete and Sithsaba Siyoyo, while Aiden Hughes had found the back of the net for SACS.

In the third chukka, SACS came out firing and they drew level when Litha Kraai fired a penalty corner drag flick into the back of the net.

That goal opened the floodgates. Kraai quickly made it a brace before Reece Theunis rocketed in a flick to make it 4-2.

Kraai wasn’t done yet and, with some individual brilliance, he completed his hat-trick before Daniel Graser bagged the final goal in a 6-2 win.

The second quarterfinal, between PRG and Saints, was evenly matched, but the Stellenbosch boys hit the front in the second chukka, courtesy of a strike by Callum van Oudtshoorn.

After that goal, St Stithians had to play catch-up, but they also needed to keep Paul Roos quiet on the scoresheet.

Their efforts brought reward in the fourth quarter when their dangerman Aiden Blatch scored a blinder to level the scores.

It ended 1-1, and, with that, the teams headed to a penalty shootout. PRG’s Ruben Gouws converted the first, and Saints’ skipper, Liam O’Flaherty, followed suit.

Seth Paterson misfired for the Bolanders, but Jason Joiner missed for the Gautengers to keep matters level. The scoreline, then, moved to 2-2 when Logan Lackay deposited his eight-second opportunity into the goal box and Blatch did the same for Saints. That sent the contest into sudden death.

Lackey, again, scored for PRG. Then, Josh Boden rejected Blatch’s goal-scoring attempt, and the Maroon Machine moved on to the semi-finals.

The final four showdown between SACS and PRG, a repeat of the 2024 final, starts at 17:45.

2024 – SACS vs Paul Roos

SACS 2-2 Paul Roos
SACS 6-2 Paul Roos
SACS 3 (1)-(2) 3 Paul Roos

While the first semifinal was confirmed early in the morning, Hoërskool Garsfontein stunned Grey College 2-0 to book their spot in the last four. Paarl Gimnasium joined them after beating Clifton College 3-2.

Their semi-final clash will start at 19:00.

Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote praised the team for their fighting spirit and not letting their heads drop in their Rugby Championship U20 opening round victory over Argentina, after the South Americans led by 10 points shortly after half-time in Gqeberha on Thursday.

The SA U20s had to work very hard at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium to start their campaign with a 36-25 victory over the Pumitas. The hosts were 20-15 down at the break and following a try by Argentina shortly after the restart, the visitors took a 10-point lead but the Junior Boks fought back with three converted tries without conceding another point to leave the 9,000-strong crowd very happy.

Afterwards, Foote praised his team’s resilience and leadership, acknowledging the initial nerves and the challenge of adapting to the slippery conditions.

“One of our biggest strengths is our leadership and after half-time, when they scored quickly, the guys didn’t drop their heads,” said Foote.

“The guys adapted really well after half-time and a lot of credit has to go to the leadership group and their ability to maintain confidence and belief, and go back to what we knew was going to work, playing a territory-based game and putting pressure on their opponents in their own half.”

The Junior Bok coach also said the crowd played a big part and expressed his gratitude for the enthusiastic support from the local support.

“The atmosphere was electric, with the fans deeply involved and backing the team,” said Foote.

“The warm welcome at the hotel and airport, complete with a marimba band, showcased the city’s hunger and passion for hosting big rugby events. So, we are grateful for the people of Gqeberha for the amazing support they gave to us.”

SA U20 captain Riley Norton, who was one of the try-scorers, echoed Foote’s sentiments, expressing his appreciation for the support in the stands: “The crowd played their part and we could hear them and hear their support for us. It was something special to play in such an atmosphere.”

Looking ahead to their next game against Australia on Tuesday, Foote identified a number of areas for improvement.

“Argentina are renowned for their defensive set piece and for us things perhaps did not go our way in the lineouts and scrums,” said Foote.

“However, when we got the ball over the 15m line, we mauled quite well to put them under pressure. I also though our team’s defensive efforts and their ability to scramble effectively during line breaks were impressive.”

Junior Bok No 8 Wandile Mlaba had a solid game and said the team prepared well coming into the tournament, learning from every training camp they had: “While it was not a perfect display, there were numerous positives to build on in the next game.”

The Junior Boks’ next assignment is against Australia on Tuesday, 6 May at the same venue, where the game will start at 16h10. The first game in the second round of action is between New Zealand and Argentina (14h00). Tickets are available online from Webtickets or at the stadium ticket office.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Vanjaar se Absa Wildeklawer-netbaltoernooi het op 1 Mei afgeskop met kragmetings van die hoogste gehalte waarin die land se top skole-netbalspanne hul vaardigheid, vasberadenheid en spanwerk uitgestal het.

Dit was van meet af aan duidelik dat daar verbete geveg sou moes word vir elke oorwinning.

Menlopark het hul uitstekende spelpeil voortgesit met indrukwekkende uitslae teen Framesby (29–18), Diamantveld (26–13) en Oranje (26–18). Die Parkies is beslis een van die spanne om dop te hou in Kimberley.

Paarl GHS het self op die voorgrond getree met ‘n oorwinning van 26–16 oor Marais Viljoen en het ook met Framesby (32–19) en La Rochelle (26–21) afgereken, danksy uitmuntende afronding. Stellenberg het Potch Gimnasium oorrompel met 38–13 en, met hul rostvaste verdediging, ook seges van 26–21 en 21–16 oor Rustenburg en Shayamoya behaal.

Paarl Gimnasium was blitsig en doelgerig op die aanval, en het hul stempel afgedruk met oorwinnings oor Affies (21–17), Rustenburg (24–13) en Shayamoya (36–12). Helpmekaar het bewys dat hulle ‘n span is om mee rekening te hou deur ook vir Affies (19–15) te klop, asook ‘n oorweldigende sege van 37–8 oor Potch Gimnasium.

La Rochelle het ‘n taai stryd teen Oranje met 21–20 gewen en ook vir Marais Viljoen met 22–12 verslaan. Framesby het die dag goed afgesluit met ‘n sege van 28–24 oor Marais Viljoen.

Die eerste dag in Kimberley het ongetwyfeld die toon aangegee, met die res van die gewilde Absa Wildeklawer-toernooi wat beloof om selfs opwindender netbal op te lewer.

Uitslae:

Paarl GHS 26, Marais Viljoen 16
Shayamoya 20, Rustenburg 15
AHMP 15, Helpmekaar 19
Oranje 17, Diamantveld 13
Menlopark 29, Framesby 18
Potch Gim 13, Stellenberg 38
AHMP 17, Paarl Gim 22
Oranje 20, La Rochelle 21
Menlopark 26, Diamantveld 13
Potch Gim 8, Helpmekaar 37
Shayamoya 16, Stellenberg 21
Paarl GHS 32, Framesby 19
La Rochelle 22, Marais Viljoen 12
Paarl Gim 24, Rustenburg 13
AHMP 35, Potch Gim 17
Oranje 18, Menlopark 26
Paarl GHS 26, La Rochelle 21
Shayamoya 12, Paarl Gim 36
Rustenburg 21, Stellenberg 26
Marais Viljoen 24, Framesby 28

Grey College flyhalf Darius Erwee produced a flawless performance on a thrilling day of schoolboy rugby to bring down the curtain in style after 11 1st XV matches at the Absa Wildeklawer tournament, in Kimberley, on Thursday.

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

The giants from Bloemfontein ran rampant in the closing fixture, crossing the try-line eight times in a 56–14 dismantling of Helpmekaar.

Erwee converted all eight Grey tries – including one of his own – as he contributed 21 points to his team’s big total.

Not only was he accurate with the boot, but he also delivered a commanding all-round display behind a dominant Grey pack.

The famed Grey College driving maul proved too much for Helpies and consistently forced the Johannesburg side onto the back foot. Adding to that pressure, Grey’s thunderous forwards excelled in broken play, creating opportunities across the park.

This allowed their dynamic fullback Lamla Mgedezi and lethal left-wing Eddie Mabena ample space to showcase their attacking flair, with both capitalising on the momentum provided by the big boys up front.

Despite entering the contest as the underdogs, Helpmekaar took on the challenge with spirit and intensity.

A major highlight for Helpies was the performance of their captain, Ty Ax, who adapted well to the fullback role. He stood tall in defence and frequently joined the attacking line, forcing Grey to scramble on more than one occasion.

Ax also linked up well with the speedsters out wide, especially right-wing, Xander van Niekerk, who thrived when given space and looked dangerous with the ball in hand.

In the match that preceded the Grey College versus Helpmekaar clash, Jeppe High School for Boys hit form with a 37–24 victory over Maritzburg College. The Johannesburg outfit looked like their old, confident selves as they racked up points with clinical precision.

Outside centre Lindelani Nkambule, as he has done throughout the season, ignited Jeppe’s backline with his electric play, which earned him the man of the match honour. Loosehead prop Joshua Hamman was one of Jeppe’s four try scorers in what was arguably his best outing of the season.

College’s centre pairing of Olwethu Kosani and Amahle Hadebe created some exciting moments. Hadebe’s flashy footwork lit up the field, while Kosani troubled Jeppe’s defence with his hard, intelligent running lines.

Flyhalf Nehemia Hollenbach provided consistency from the tee, slotting four conversions and three penalties, worth 17 points, to complement Jeppe’s attacking dominance.

In the third-to-last game of the day, Paarl Boys’ High asserted their class with a 42–14 win over Hoërskool Noordheuwel.

Loosehead prop Jordan Jooste delivered a standout performance in open play, despite not getting on the scoreboard himself. His expansive passing game, with multiple accurate 15-metre offloads, helped unlock Noordheuwel’s defence and directly contributed to the final try, scored by replacement winger Cole Moutrie, who notched a brace.

Noordheuwel’s top performer was their fullback Tidi Moeketsane, who delivered a gutsy defensive display, dishing out several thumping tackles while showing commendable resolve at the back.

Scorers:

Grey College 56 (28) – Tries: Prestan Bennett, Eddie Mabena, AJ Hendriks, Darius Erwee, AJ Booysen, Alexi Tyropolis, Steven Miller, AJ Meyer. Conversions: Erwee (8). Helpmekaar College 14 (7) – Tries: Wian Strom, Eugene de Lange. Conversions: Storm, Ethan Lourens.

Jeppe High School for Boys 37 (20) – Tries: Ayanda Funeka, Joshua Hamman, Lindelani Nkambule, Joel Akilo. Conversions: Nehemia Hollenbach (4). Penalties: Hollenbach (3). Maritzburg College 24 (7) – Tries: Olwethu Kosani, Amahle Hadebe, Ntsika Mkize. Conversions: Adam Cahill (3). Penalty: Cahill.

Paarl Boys’ High 42 (13): Tries: Cole Moultrie (2), Francois van der Merwe, Jayden Joubert, Tommy Muller. Conversions: Iwan Jordaan (4). Penalties: Jordaan (3). Noordheuwel 14 (7): Tries: JB Blaunt, Roehan Hoogendyk, Conversions: Jeandré Uithaler (2).

Herschel, St Mary’s DSG, Kloof, and Collegiate swept aside their opponents to rise to the summit of Pools A, D, and E after the first day of the inaugural Belgotex Sport Girls Hockey Challenge, at Paarl Gimnasium, on Thursday.

Herschel got moving with back-to-back victories over Cornwall Hill College and Durban Girls’ College (DGC). Coach Stacey Gedult’s charges also registered the biggest margin of victory in the tournament with an 11-0 drubbing of Cornwall Hill.

That match was the first of the tournament and the ladies from Claremont, Cape Town, made their intentions loud and clear: they will not pull their punches and they have their eyes set on the title.

Anna Sherren, Sarah Ashbolt, and Emily Dickinson each scored a brace, while Heather Kane, Sophia Luger, Nina Wides, Katherine Featherstone, and Georgia Nicklin added a goal each in the dominant win.

Herschel faced a tougher opponent and a sterner test when they took on DGC. In the opening chukka, the sides traded blows, with each making threatening excursions into the other’s half. However, neither could deliver the killer blow despite creating numerous chances.

Five minutes into the second chukka, though, Anna Sherren provided the breakthrough, and her goal proved to be the match-winner, the only one of the contest.

“The team did well when they executed the game plan. They created goal-scoring opportunities, which we converted into a goal, and we defended the 1-0 lead well to close out the game,” Gedult told Supersport Schools Plus.

With Oranje also in Pool A, competition in the group is keen. The Bloemfontein school recorded the second-highest margin of victory on Thursday when they blasted Cornwall Hill 8-0.

St Mary’s DSG, Kloof, kicked off their campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win over St Cyprian’s, courtesy of goals from Jenna-Leigh Freese and Olivia Lord.

Freese tripled her output when she fired in a brace of goals to help St Mary’s DSG recover from being 0-1 down to score a 3-1 victory over Reddam House Constantia. Olivia Sivewright secured the win when she scored St Mary’s DSG’s third.

Reddam had taken the lead through Sally Gitlin just eight minutes into the contest. Up until that point, the KZN girls had enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, but Reddam struck against the run of play after St Mary’s had set up camp in the Capetonians’ half. Despite exerting huge pressure, the St Mary’s Waverley Festival champions ended the first chukka trailing by that one goal.

St Mary’s DSG’s persistent attacks on the Reddam goal reaped dividends, though, when they converted a short corner eight minutes into the second chukka.

Four minutes into the third quarter, coach Nolwazi Nkabinde‘s charges forced a turnover in the Reddam half and connected through pinpoint accurate passes to go 2-1 up. They scored their third in the fourth quarter with eight minutes remaining to seal the tie.

Collegiate went two for two to move to the top of Pool E. Fresh off of winning the National All Girls’ Festival title, they were made to work hard for victory in their opener, but, eventually, they squeezed past Durbanville, edging it 3-2.

Taryn Peltenburg, Jade Grobler, and Kerrin Gillies were on target for Collegiate, while Jani Steenkamp and Amber-Reece Dunker-Smith found the back of the net for Durbanville.

Collegiate ended proceedings on day one with a 1-0 win over Rustenburg Girls’ High. Kerrin Gillies, the Player of the Tournament at the All Girls’ Festival, fired in her second goal of the competition as Collegiate got by the ladies from Rondebosch.

Rustenburg and Durbanville, both beaten by one goal by Collegiate, meet in the first match of day two. DGC will try to keep themselves in the running when they meet Cornwall Hill in the first Pool A game of the day. Pool D’s matches will begin with a fixture between St Cyprian’s and Reddam House Constantia.

RESULTS

Pool A

Oranje 1-1 Durban Girls’ College
Herschel 11-0 Cornwall Hill
Oranje 8-0 Cornwall Hill
Herschel 1-0 Durban Girls’ College

Pool B

Fairmont 0-0 Springfield
Paarl Gim 2-0 St Mary’s Waverley
Fairmont 1-1 St Mary’s Waverley
Paarl Gim 3-1 Springfield

Pool C

Stellenberg 4-0 Somerset College
Pearson 2-1 Waterkloof
Waterkloof 3-1 Somerset College
Pearson 1-1 Stellenberg

Pool D

Reddam Constantia 2-0 St Stithians
St Mary’s DSG Kloof 2-0 St Cyprian’s
St Mary’s DSG Kloof 3-1 Reddam Constantia
St Cyprian’s 2-0 St Stithians

Pool E

Rustenburg 2-1 Garsfontein
Collegiate 3-2 Durbanville
Collegiate 1-0 Rustenburg
Garsfontein 1-0 Durbanville

Paarl Gimnasium put on a good show in front of their home crowd, with back-to-back wins propelling them to the summit of Pool B, while Stellenberg recorded a win and a draw on their way to the top of Pool C on Thursday, the first day of the Belgotex Sport Girls Hockey Challenge.

Those results leave Paarl Gim and Stellenberg in healthy positions to advance to the next stage of the 20-team tournament. The competition continues through until Saturday, 3 May.

In their two matches, Paarl Gim beat St Mary’s Waverley 2-0 and Springfield Convent School 3-1.

“We were pressing really well in both games, putting the other teams under a lot of pressure and then creating good opportunities from the turnover,” Danelle Van Zyl, the Paarl Gim coach, told Supersport Schools Plus.

The hosts’ supporters had to wait until seconds before the halftime break to celebrate the first of the five goals Gim scored on Thursday as Van Zyl’s charges found St Mary’s Waverley to be a tricky opponent in their opening encounter.

With mere seconds remaining in the opening stanza, the home team Izelle Fourie converted a short corner for a morale-boosting halftime lead.

The third chukka looked a lot like the opening half, with the score remaining static. However, as they did in the first half, Paarl Gim grabbed a second goal, this time a minute before the end, also from a penalty corner, thanks to Alanda Rademeyer.

Rademeyer was again on the scoresheet in the hosts’ second match, along with Karea de Ridder and Marili Walters.

Unlike in the first match where they kept fans waiting for a breakthrough, Paarl Gim had their supporters on their feet early when they converted a long corner eight minutes into the game. Before the end of the quarter, they had doubled.

Springfield kept things interesting when they pulled one back through Mackenzie Cathcart-Gates, who struck from a goal-mouth scramble off a short corner six minutes into the final chukka. That goal gave Springfield hope for a dramatic comeback, but, with two minutes remaining, Gim fired in their third goal to drive the final nail into the coffin.

Stellenberg scored five goals across their two matches and conceded one, on their way to the summit of Pool C. They romped to a 4-0 win over Somerset College in their first match and were then held to a 1-1 draw by second-placed Pearson.

Bea van den Berg led the scoring for Stellenberg with a brace against Somerset, while Juane Meiring and Ilke van der Merwe added a goal each.

Stellenberg kept the Somerset College goalkeeper busy in the first chukka by creating several chances, but they had to wait until the second chukka to be rewarded for their attacking forays. Their first came from a short corner eight minutes in, and their second doubled their advantage two minutes later.

Even though they had a two-goal cushion, Stellenberg did not rest on their laurels in the second half. They peppered the Somerset College goal with more attempts and added two more goals to complete a comfortable victory.

In their clash with Pearson, Juane Meiring fired a rocket into the right corner to give her side the lead eight minutes in. Pearson found an equaliser, thanks to Kiyara Constable, early in the second chukka.

On Friday, Pool C action continues with Pearson facing Somerset College at 08:00. Springfield takes on St Mary’s Waverley in the first Pool B match of the day, at 10:00.

RESULTS

Pool A

Oranje 1-1 Durban Girls’ College
Herschel 11-0 Cornwall Hill
Oranje 8-0 Cornwall Hill
Herschel 1-0 Durban Girls’ College

Pool B

Fairmont 0-0 Springfield
Paarl Gim 2-0 St Mary’s Waverley
Fairmont 1-1 St Mary’s Waverley
Paarl Gim 3-1 Springfield

Pool C

Stellenberg 4-0 Somerset College
Pearson 2-1 Waterkloof
Waterkloof 3-1 Somerset College
Pearson 1-1 Stellenberg

Pool D

Reddam Constantia 2-0 St Stithians
St Mary’s DSG Kloof 2-0 St Cyprian’s
St Mary’s DSG Kloof 3-1 Reddam Constantia
St Cyprian’s 2-0 St Stithians

Pool E

Rustenburg 2-1 Garsfontein
Collegiate 3-2 Durbanville
Collegiate 1-0 Rustenburg
Garsfontein 1-0 Durbanville