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Some of the top u14 schoolboy rugby talent in South Africa is in action during the u14 Absa Wildeklawer Festival in Kimberley.

Catch all the action live on SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com).

All the Results: 

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Gqeberha – The table is set for an action-packed week at the Standard Bank Grey High Rugby Festival showcasing some of the best schoolboy talent in the country.

Catch all of the action live on SuperSport Schools – Register now – Link to the festival

Hudson Park and Brandwag kick off the action on Thursday and with 21 games over the two days, fans will have more than enough top-quality rugby to keep them entertained this week.

Here are five players to keep an eye on at this year’s event.

Tanner Howard (Loose forward | Grey High)

The home team’s captain has been in scintillating form this year. He leads from the front and will have a big role to play in their team’s bid to reverse their fortunes against Graeme College in the final match.

D’noven Scheepers (Hooker | Brandwag)

The big hooker from Brandwag represented Eastern Province at the Craven Week last year. With a Brandwag attack built around the set pieces, Scheepers is the anchor for his big pack of forwards.

Luke Cannon (Lock | Jeppe)

The big Cannon from Jeppe has already shown how destructive he can be. He was a key figure in his side’s historic win over Grey College earlier in the season.

Ryan Denston (Scumhalf | Queen’s College)

The dynamic young talent from Queen’s seems to excel at whatever he puts his hands to. He led the 1st XI with distinction on the pitch during the cricket season and has been a livewire for the 1st XV on the rugby field this year.

Ayola Mali (Lock | Graeme College)

Mali stood out at the Academy Week last year as part of the Eastern Province team. If they are to upset the hosts by going back-to-back on Saturday, he is sure to play a leading role for his side once again.

TEAMS

Grey High: 15 Meyer Prinsloo, 14 Zubenathi Skosana, 13 Lavela Pongo, 12 Dyllan Garrod, 11 Luc de Villiers, 10 Zephyr Smith, 9 Liyema Ndlondlo, 8 Jon Hobson, 7 Tanner Howard, 6 Caylum Jansen, 5 Likhona Sodlaka, 4 Blayton Ward, 3 CJ Naude, 2 Ben Wessels, 1 Akhanani Zita.

St John’s College: 15 Riley Elliot, 14 Bryson Walker, 13 Gerald van Wyk, 12 Malan du Plessis, 11 Jacob Smith, 10 Joe MacRobert, 9 Thomas Kruger, 8 Kyle Watson, 7 John-John Bierman, 6 Grant Barnes, 5 Zain Newman, 4 Dominique Kamangu, 3 Matthew Kaplan, 2 Kakuhle Tungata, 1 Joshua Shannon.

Graeme College: 15 Cameron Doyle, 14 Emihle Sukula, 13 Ashton Williams, 12 Inathi Planga, 11 Damon Sias, 10 Marcus Williams, 9 Kevin Boyle, 8 Ayamila Bill, 7 Liyema Mbatyotyi, 6 Fumani Baloyi, 5 Ayola Mali, 4 Mihulu Yolani, 3 Byron Hunter, 2 Lebo Mahasele, 1 Avuyile Helesi.

Dale College: 15 Oyama Kuse, 14 Luthando Madikane, 13 Singatha Rasi, 12 Owethu Mpondo, 11 Milani Madide, 10 Phikolomzi Mtalela, 9 Sibongisile Nzima, 8 Kamva Sithole, 7 Liyabona Mqingwana, 6 Owethu Kenene, 5 Qhawe Nobomvu, 24 Kuyanda Nombovu, 3 Apolile Nobomvu, 2 Lakhanya Mbewu, 1 Liyabonga Matyana.

Jeppe: 15 Sanele Simelane, 14 Lindelani Nkambule, 13 Khuthadzo Rasivhaga, 12 McMillen Mongwana, 11 Leruo Dithagiso, 10 Matthew Coetzee, 9 Talent Sithole, 8 Risima Khosa, 7 Nathan Claassen, 6 Uwaka Manaka, 5 Luke Cannon, 4 Lagan Leisher, 3 Luca Trevisan, 2 Joseph Zulu, 1 Andre Poulton.

Queen’s College: 15 Mveli Mqulo, 14 Ayathanda Mtyando, 16 Thuba Fenako, 12 Sbabalwe Magwebu, 11 Jameel Fleshman, 10 Siya Madzidzela, 9 Ryan Denston, 8 Mbasa Mda, 7 Bulumko Manqina, 6 Jeffrey Niland, 5 Angalakha Magongoma, 4 Aza Mdingi, 3 Abulele Bolotini, 2 Sinelizwi Deleki, 1 Kuhle Stuma.

St Stithians: 15 Oliver Groves, 14 Christopher Anderson, 13 Cullen Bradford, 12 Nthabeleng Mafole, 11 Gabriel Hore, 10 Sicelo Sakawuli, 9 Joshua Meyer, 8 Aphelele Ngcuka, 7 Jonathan Caveney, 6 Tashinga Chingonzo, 5 Ross Turner, 4 Ryan Zvinavashe, 3 Jean Anthony Eblen, 2 Ethan Jacobs, 1 Branden Lightfoot.

St Andrew’s College: 15 Aza Nonxube, 14 Aya Dyapu, 13 Nic Hall, 12 Aphindile Ncuka, 11 Julian Mapoore, 10 Scott Miles, 9 Will Stern, 8 Murray Wilson, 7 Guy Fraser, 6 Philipp Maske, 5 Roman van Zyl, 4 Rob Faber, 3 Thato Machaba, 2 Joe Wostnholm, 1 Mark Were.

Parktown Boys’ High: 15 Calestin Felkers, 14 Owami Phambuka, 13 Promise Kanda, 12 Lisasa Mnukiso, 11 Kabelo Jwili, 10 KgotsoTumahole, 9 Thepiso Tladi, 8 Siya Masinga, 7 Keith Mncube, 6 Mundo Nkosi, 5 Kingsley Okonkwo, 4 Disema Mookeng, 3 Azola Peter, 2 Lethoko Mallane, 1 Manuel Motsi.

Hoërskool Durbanville: 15 Vaalrhino Olckers, 14 Dale Martin. 13 Kyle Albertus, 12 Tobie Roelofse, 11 Lyle Pienaar, 10 Claydon Carlse, 9 Ruvan van der Westhuizen, 8 Adrian Freemantel, 7 Tiaan Kearns, 6 Jayden Short, 5 Liebrecht Winterbach, 4 Murdoch van Dyk, 3 Anru van Rhyn, 2 Juan Smit, 1 Hubert Winterbach.

Westville Boys’ High: 15 Zekhetheko Siyaya, 14 Jade-Will Koopman, 13 Michael Satade, 12 Blake Allbon, 11 Jadrian Afrikaner, 10 Unathi Mlotshwa, 9 Ryan Pistor, 8 David Humphreys, 7 Brandon Eke, 6 Chris Cloete, 5 Rhys Mitchell, 4 Moustapher Gcina, 3 Bandile Mncwango, 2 Jeshua Ferriera, 1 Akhona Maseko.

Brandwag: 15 Bihaco Jafta, 14 Clevelon Deysel, 13 Dderono Potgieter, 12 Wendall Uithaler, 11 El-Sandro Bruintjies, 10 Lu-Craine Muggels, 9 Luwayne Roman, 8 Nicolis Thysse, 7 Damian le Roux, 6 Nathan Fraser, 5 Ruan Engelbrecht, 4 Remy Heymans, 3 Jano Gerber, 2 D’Noven Scheepers, 1 Zanrdré van der Mescht.

Hudson Park: 15 Msuthu Mbane, 14 Qiqa Qwesha, 13 Jacqyl Wright, 12 Luthando Yase, 11 Lebogang Madikane, 10 D’Angelo Snayers, 9 Landile Gidi, 8 Siyamthanda Klass, 7 Dante May, 6 Sibable Mtshini, 5 Luyolo Cweya, 4 Hlumelo Gobile, 3 Linamandla Sonjani, 2 Siqalo Gwagwa, 1 Tyrique Peters.

Ithembelihle: 15 Aya Rorani, 14 Sipho Mqikela, 13 Liyema Natala, 12 Yanga Javu, 11 Liwa Tshona, 10 , 9 Luyinene Bishin, 8 Mtha Dolonga, 7 Lwando Gotyana, 6 Banele Sadina, 5 Aphiwe Dolophu, 4 Aviwe Dolophu, 3 Uviwe Pamba, 2 Liya Waka, 1 Major Heleni.

St Charles College: 15 Salmaan Mohammed, 14 Likuthi Mbalana, 13 Athenkosi Qumo, 12 Mathew Ludick, 10 Ukhanyo Ntsangani, 9 Matthew Fick, 8 Stefan Veldsman, 7 Sam Odell, 6 Laszola Makaula, 5 Reece Curtin, 4 Raphael Ajibade, 3 Christian Allardice, 2 Marlon Mbewe, 1 Lutho Mrwata.

Muir College: 15 Bulumko Kilani, 14 Rirhandzo Wagener, 13 Mthoxolo Hote, 12 Simnikiwe Soyaya, 11 Tyler Jansen, 10 Brent Koraan, 9 Hlumelo Dingane, 8 Jude Meyer, 7 Lutho Swayi, 6 Liyabona Booi, 5 Chuma Bloouw, 4 Buhkebenkosi Mfama, 3 Jethro Seconds, 2 Raihaan Kayat, 1 Zingisa Mdidimba.

Fixtures

Thursday, 2 May 

Kolisi Field: 09:10 – Hudson Park v Brandwag; 10:25 – Westville v Durbanville; 11:45 – St Andrew’s College v Parktown; 12:55 – Queen’s College v St Stithians; 14:05 – Graeme v Jeppe; 15:25 – Grey High v St John’s.

Pollock Oval: 12:55 – Ithembelihle v St Charles College; 14:05 – Mali Foundation XV v Muir.

Saturday, 4 May

Kolisi Field: 09:10 – Hudson Park v St Charles College; 10:25 – St Stithians v Brandwag; 11:45 – St Andrew’s College v Jeppe; 12:55 – Queen’s v Durbanville; 14:05 – Dale v Westville; 15:25 – Grey High v Graeme.

Pollock Oval: 10:25 – Ithembelihle v Parktown; 14:05 – Muir v St John’s.

 

KIMBERLEY. – Die Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool van Pretoria se losskakel, Ruben Pienaar, het sy span tot sy eerste oorwinning in 12 jaar oor die Hoër Jongenskool Paarl aangevuur.

Pienaar het 25 punte tot Affies se sege van 43-21 oor Boishaai tydens die eerste dag van die Absa Wildeklawer-toernooi bygedra.

Die span van die Jakarandastad kon laas in 2012 op die einste Wildeklawer-toernooi in Kimberley daarin slaag om Boishaai om te dop. Die Wit Bulle was op daardie dag met 22-14 baas met spelers soos Pierre Schoeman (Skotland), Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (Springbokke) en Jurie Linde (SA Skole) in hul midde.

Pienaar het sy span se eerste drie gedruk en ook met vier doelskoppe en vier strafdoele geslaag. Hy het wel tien minute in die koelkas ook deurgebring na ‘n ongeoorgeloofde duikslag. Pienaar het nie net met sy skopvoet beïndruk nie, maar ook ‘n hele paar aanvallers van Boishaai met sy lakwerk harpuis laat proe.

Affies se agttal het voorlangs die platform geskep vir Pienaar om spel te dikteer. Dit sou onregverdig wees om enige van pak voorspelers uit te sonder, maar die loskopstut, Werner Vrey, was ‘n meneer.

Buiten Pienaar het die buitesenter, Hendré Schoeman, glad nie uit plek in die middelveld gelyk nie. Schoeman is eintlik die Wit Bulle se gereelde skrumskakel, maar het gewys dat hy ewe gemaklik op buitesenter ingespan kan word.

Affies het vroeg ‘n voorsprong van 21-0 opgebou wat die span van die Paarl op die agtervoet geplaas het. Boishaai het die bal goed in die kontak verskuif en sodoende ‘n hele paar geleenthede voorlangs geskep. Die slot Jayden Joubert en Ruben Dames was hul span se beste spelers op die dag.

Die gasheer, Diamantveld, het die toernooi met ‘n klinkende sege van 57-25 oor Marlow Landbou van Cradock geopen. Diamonds se senterpaar, Simon Liversage en Clinton Brits, was op hul stukke.

Brits het ‘n driekuns aan drieë behaal, terwyl kaptein Liversage nie net gehelp het om spasie vir sy spanmaat te skep nie. Liversage het self twee keer ‘n draai agter die doellyn gemaak asook 11 punte met sy skopskoen bygedra.

Hy het dus 21 punte tot die oorwinning bygedra. Voorlangs het die haker, De Wet du Plooy, asook die slot Zuan Rautenbach vir die wenspan gewoel.

Marlow Landbou se heelagter, Gideon Jordaan, het ook ‘n goeie dag op kantoor beleef.

Puntemakers:

Affies 43 (24) – Drieë: Ruben Pienaar, Janco Purchase, Ethan van Wyk, Zirk Meyer. Doelskoppe: Pienaar (4). Strafdoele: Pienaar (4), Ruben Groenewald. Hoër Jongenskool Paarl 21 (7) – Drieë: Douw Wessels, Ruben Dames, Ashwin Swarts. Doelskoppe: Viaan Mentoor (3).

Diamantveld 57 (24) – Drieë: Clinton Brits (3), Simon Liversage (2), De Wet du Plooy, Enrique Boshoff, Marno Greeff. Doelskoppe: Liversage (4), Greeff (2), Dirk van Heerden. Strafdoel: Liversage. Marlow Landbou 25 (15) – Drieë: Gideon Jordaan, Hermanus Steyn, Christiaan van der Merwe. Doelskoppe: Jordaan (2). Strafdoele: Jordaan (2).

RUSTENBURG – Bergsig Akademie klop wéér vir Rob Ferreira.

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

Die Bergsig Arende het vir die tweede agtereenvolgende jaar as oorwinnaars uit die stryd getree teen hul tradisionele aartsvyande, Hoërskool Rob Ferreira. Die Arende het dié drieëfees net-net met 49-43 gewen.

Dit was vanuit die staanspoor duidelik dat albei spanne honger was om aanskoulike, hardlooprugby in die Rolyn Bergsig-sportfees se hoofwedstryd op te dis.

Die tuisspan was blitsig uit die blokke om na skaars ‘n paar minute reeds agter die span van Witrivier se doellyn te gaan kuier. Dit het egter nie vir Rob Ferreira teruggesit nie en die twee spanne het hou vir hou sake uitgespook tot die bittereinde toe.

Die wendrie is uiteindelik deur die Arende se heelagter, Siya Butelezi, aangeteken, toe hy met skaars ‘n minuut oor deurgebreek het om oorwinning vir die tuisspan te verseker. Dit was ook Butelezi se tweede drie.

Steelkantflank, Dewald Potgieter, het self ‘n barshou gespeel en is ook met tweekuns beloon. Potgieter en die res van die pak het ‘n stewige grondslag daargestel vir hul uitblinker in die nr. 10-trui, Luan Duvenhage, om spel uitstekend te dikteer.

Vir die besoekers het hul gereelde agsteman, Tlotlo Ratshwene, uithalerspel gelewer, ál moes hy weens ‘n besering in die middeveld na binnesenter skuif. Daar het hy die Arende se agterlyn deurentyd op hul tone gehou, en het hy onkeerbaar deurgebars vir ‘n welverdiende vyfpunter.

Die Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool se Rooiharte het weereens beïndruk met hul sege van 24-10 oor Hoërskool Overkruin in die voorwedstryd. Hul pak het voorlangs die oorhand geniet, met haker, Bauke Swart, wat oudergewoonte in ‘n verwoestende bui was en een van sy span se vier drieë gedruk het.

Agterlangs was dit weer heelagter, Lamond Baaitjies, wat die veld aan die brand gespeel het met sy venynige teenaanvalle, wat ook op ‘n drie vir hom uitgeloop het.

Puntemakers: 

Bergsig 49 (27) – Drieë: Dewald Potgieter (2), Siya Butelezi (2), Henno du Preez, Paulo dos Santos, Luan Duvenhage, Alzandro dos Santos, Lundro Scheepers. Doelskoppe: Scheepers, Duvenhage. Rob Ferreira 43 (24) – Drieë: Zander Visser, Jayden Bekker, Lungelo Mokwena, Ofentse Maunye, Tlotlo Ratshwene, Shapard Khoza. Doelskoppe: Maunye (2). Strafdoele: Maunye (3).

Affies (Rooiharte) 24 (17) – Drieë: Bauke Swart, Hein Booysen, Alwyn Maas, Lamond Baaitjies. Doelskoppe: Baaitjies (2). Overkruin 10 (5) – Drieë: Divan Mare, Marnus Rademeyer.

Bishops Diocesan College scored three goals in the fourth chukka against Selborne College to overcome a 0-2 deficit and claim a thrilling 3-2 win in their opening match of the Hibbert Shield on day one of the tournament at Grey High School in Gqeberha on Wednesday.

Catch all the Hibbert Shield action LIVE on SuperSport Schools.

Bishops entered the clash with an unbeaten record and having scored a resounding 3-0 win over their southern suburbs’ rivals Wynberg Boys High at home in their most recent outing.

By contrast, Selborne came into the tournament after suffering a first defeat in 16 matches on the weekend, when they were well beaten by Grey College, who won 5-2 in East London.

The clash was always going to be a tightly contested affair between two well organised sides, who seldom play one another.

It was the Eastern Cape team that got off to a better start and, with three minutes to play in the first chukka, Cade Kock opened the scoring.

After receiving the ball in the circle, Kock made a darting run across shot stopper Mu’aath Ganief, before smashing the ball into the back of the net to open his side’s tally in Gqeberha.

That strike held up until half-time, which Selborne entered with the single goal advantage. There was little to choose between the teams.

Bishops did, however, show positive intent, with Joshua Mettler and Andrew Raubenheimer pushing hard for their side, but it wasn’t enough, and they trailed heading into the second half.

Early in the third, Selborne had two opportunities to double their lead from penalty corners.

The first saw captain Tre’ Gilbert‘s drag flick go wide, before inaccurate distribution let coach KJ Friend’s side down on the second PC.

That didn’t seem to matter much, though, as Daniel Sirgel‘s reverse stick shot doubled Selborne’s lead early in the final chukka.

That goal, however, seemed to light a fire under Bishops, and coach Ryan Julius‘s men hit back immediately.

It was that man, Mettler, who produced a moment of individual brilliance, driving with the ball from his half before putting it past Nathan Amos-Brown to pull one back.

He wasn’t yet done and with six minutes to play, Mettler received the ball just outside the 23-metre line, sprinted towards the right-hand post, and whipped in a reverse stick shot to level the scores.

With their tails up, Bishops were suddenly in irresistable form and, with Selborne’s defence at sixes and sevens, they completed the comeback through a James Grieve goal, which sealed a dramatic 3-2 win.

“The boys showed extreme character, and massive fight to come back from a 0-2 trap position and win 3-2,” coach Julius told SuperSport Schools after the match.

“I think it’s a true testament of where the boys are.

“This sport is not meant to be easy. It’s meant to be challenging, and test us emotionally and physically, so I’m proud of them, and I can’t fault them for their 100 percent effort.

“It was a tough start, but we expected that, and we are looking forward to the challenge against Durban High School tomorrow,” he concluded.

In an earlier opening-day encounter, Westville Boys’ High got off to a solid start, recording a 2-1 win over St Stithians College.

Pearson and Garsfontein closed off the first day’s action with a goalless draw.

Results: Day 1

Westville Boys High 2-1 St Stithians College
Bishops Diocesan College 3-2 Selborne College
Garsfontein 0-0 Pearson High

Fixtures

Wednesday, 1 May

14:30 – St Stithians College vs Westville Boys’ High
15:45 – Bishops vs Selborne College
17:15 – Pearson High vs Garsfontein

Thursday, 2 May

07:30 – Paul Roos vs St Stithians College
08:45 – Grey High vs Clifton College
10:15 – DHS vs Selborne College
11:30 – Pearson vs SACS
13:00 – Clifton College vs Paarl Gimnasium
14:15 – Paul Roos vs Westville Boys’ High
15:45 – Bishops vs DHS
17:00 – Grey High vs Paarl Gimnasium
18:30 – SACS vs Garsfontein

Friday, 3 May 

07:30 – Bottom Pool 1 vs Bottom Pool 4
08:45 – Bottom Pool 2 vs Bottom Pool 3
10:15 – 1^st Pool 1 vs 2^nd Pool 2 (Quarterfinal 1)
11:30 – 1^st Pool 2 vs 2^nd Pool 1 (Quarterfinal 2)
13:00 – 1^st Pool 3 vs 2^nd Pool 3 (Quarterfinal 3)
14:15 – 1^st Pool 4 vs 2^nd Pool 4 (Quarterfinal 4)
15:45 – 3^rd Pool 1 vs 3^rd Pool 3
17:00 – 3^rd Pool 2 vs 3^rd Pool 4
18:30 – Loser QF 1 vs Loser QF 3
19:45 – Loser QF 2 vs Loser QF 4

Saturday, 4 May

07:00 – 3^rd Pool 1 vs 3^rd Pool 2
08:15 – Semi-final 1
09:45 – Semi-final 2
11:00 – 3^rd Pool 3 vs 3^rd Pool 4
12:30 – Loser of Match 21 vs Loser of Match 22
13:45 – Winner of Match 21 vs Winner of Match 22
15:15 – u14 Final
16:30 – u16 Final
18:00 – 3^rd/4^th Place play-off
19:30 – Final

Die Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool se Geelkobras was onkeerbaar by vanjaar se Rolyn Bergsig-sportfees.

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

Die span van Pretoria het die fees in Rustenburg met ‘n oorwinning van 40-19 oor Hoërskool Die Wilgers afgesluit, nadat hulle Maandag vir Hoërskool Wonderboom met 57-21 die loef afgesteek het.

Binnesenter, George Cronje, was die Pretorianers se uitblinker op die tweede aksiebelaaide dag. Hy het deurgaans hul eweknieë uit die Jakarandastad onder heelwat druk geplaas met sy kragtige lopies in die middeveld, en het twee keer deurgebreek vir drieë.

Die plaasvervanger losvoorspelers, Gareth Geyser en Markus Kruger, het die pap dik aangemaak voorlangs en is ook elk met ‘n kuiertjie agter die doellyn beloon vir hul harde werk.

Vir Die Wilgers het niemand beter vertoon as die oopkantflank, Zander Bothma, nie. Bothma het beïndruk met sy energieke spel en het verál op die verdediging sy lyf op die spel geplaas. Die woelwater-flank was verantwoordelik vir vyf van sy span se 21 punte toe hy welverdiend die Geelkobras se doellyn oorgesteek het.

Bergsig Akdemie se Hawks het, nes die Geelkobras, die fees onoorwonne afgesluit. Die gasheerskool se tweede span het Rustenburg Rugby Academy met ‘n reuse telling van 52-10 afgestof.

Die Hawks se buitesenter, Steven Grobler, het gewys hoekom hy uiters gevaarlik kan wees gedurende die res van die seisoen. Sy netjiese aanvalslyne en begeesterde lopies in die middeveld het aan hom ‘n tweekuns besorg.

Grobler was egter nie die enigste doring in die vlees van die besoekende Akademie-span nie, met agtsteman, Eathan Rautenbach, wat self twee keer gaan druk het.

Puntemakers: 

Affies (Geelkobras) 40 (21) – Drieë: George Cronje (2), Geoffry Greyling, Khomo Manakana, Gareth Geyser, Markus Kruger. Doelskoppe: Pieter de Klerk (5). Die Wilgers 19 (19) – Drieë: Zander Bothma, SP Schutte, Aidon Moolman. Doelskoppe: Reinhardt Uys (2).

Bergsig (Hawks) 52 (26) – Drieë: Steven Grobler (2), Eathan Rautenbach (2), Phillu Thomas, Carlo de Jager, Marlon Mowers, Christian Pereira. Doelskoppe: Shane Watt (6). Rustenburg Rugby Academy 10 (5) – Drieë: Botlhale, Neo.

 

Hudson Park and Brandwag will fire the first shots in what is shaping up as another exhilarating exhibition of schoolboy rugby when the annual Grey High Rugby Festival kicks off in Gqeberha on Thursday.

The two teams are sure to provide an entertaining start to the festival on the Kolisi Field, and should be matched by the opening game on the Pollock Oval, where Ithembelihle come up against St Charles College.

Ithembe will relish the opportunity of some regular competition and have been working hard for the last three weeks in preparation for their games against St Charles and Parktown.

While age-group fixtures will take place at various venues, a total of 16 first team matches will be played over the two days, culminating with an intriguing showdown between Grey and Graeme College at 15.25 on Saturday.

The Makhanda school registered a rare win over Grey last year and there will be plenty of expectation from both sides when the opening whistle is blown.

Besides the opening clash between Hudson and Brandwag, a number of fascinating matches litter the first day’s programme.

Queen’s College has had a good run this season but will need to maintain a high level of play against St Stithians outfit in the 12.55 clash.

The Johannesburg team had a notable win over St Andrew’s College in their own Easter Festival and the lads from Komani will be well-tested.

Graeme opens their festival with a tough encounter against Jeppe, who will be smarting after losing to KES at the weekend.

The outcome of that match will provide a good indication of what awaits St Andrew’s on Saturday against Jeppe after the College team registered a close win over Graeme this past Saturday.

Hosts Grey will also look to bounce back from a series of setbacks, having lost two and drawn one of their last three matches.

St John’s College could feel the brunt of that in Thursday’s feature game, although the Johannesburg team are fully aware of the challenge ahead and will have prepared accordingly.

The first team fixtures are:

Thursday, 2 May 2024

Kolisi Field

09:10 – Hudson Park v Brandwag; 10:25 – Westville v Durbanville; 11:45 – St Andrew’s College v Parktown Boys’ High; 12:55 – Queen’s College v St Stithians College; 14.05: Graeme College v Jeppe High School for Boys; 15.25: Grey High School v St John’s College

Pollock Oval

12:55 – Ithembelihle v St Charles College; 14:05 – Mali Foundation XV v Muir College

Saturday, 4 May 2024

Kolisi Field

09.10: Hudson Park v St Charles College; 10.25: St Stithians College v Brandwag; 11.45: St Andrew’s College v Jeppe; 12.55: Queen’s College v Durbanville; 14.05: Dale College v Westville Boys’ High; 15.25: Grey High School v Graeme College

Pollock Oval

10:25 – Ithembelihle v Parktown Boys’ High; 14:05 – Muir College v St John’s College

The High School for Girls Potchefstroom is primed and ready to host the annual All Girls Festival, which takes place in the North-West city from Thursday, 2 May, to Saturday, 4 May.

The festival, which started in 2000, when it was hosted in Cape Town by Wynberg Girls’ High and Rustenburg Girls’ High, brings together the top government schools from across South Africa to compete in a wide variety of sports and cultural activities, with an emphasis placed on camaraderie.

The sports include hockey, chess, cross-country, netball, squash, and tennis. On the cultural front, there is art, creative writing, debating, drama, marimbas, Master Chef, public speaking, and vocal ensemble.

This year’s event brings together 23 schools, with 19 of them set to contest the hockey competition.

Catch the action live on SuperSport Schools

The hockey title holders, C & N Sekondêre Meisieskool Oranje, headline Pool A and are favoured to top the standings there. In Pool B, Rhenish looks like the team to beat, although their Stellenbosch neighbours, Bloemhof, might have something to say about that. Both schools’ first teams rank among the best in the country this season.

Last year’s hosts, Eunice High School, who have gone from strength to strength in 2024, will be the favourites to top Pool C, while Pool D, which features only four schools, is the toughest to predict. Paarl Girls’ High might be the call, but Clarendon could spring a surprise.

Samantha Boswell, who is overseeing the hockey tournament, said: “My expectations are that the tournament will run smoothly, showcase the best quality hockey, and not include any form of discrimination.

The event is an opportunity for girls with a common interest in hockey to unite, enjoy the challenges that their opponents pose, showcase their talent, and share in good sportsmanship, Boswell added.

The All Girls Festival was previously hosted in Potchefstroom in 2005, and 2012. Boswell said she is looking forward to the event’s third visit to the city: “My emotions are a roller coaster. I’m excited and nervous, obviously, but excited to say we are the host of the tournament, excited to say that I am in charge of this.

“I’m excited to see the quality of hockey played on the field, the camaraderie created, the meeting of different people and different expertise, and learning from each other.

“I think the best part about the tournament is networking and meeting people from all over the country, from different backgrounds, and with different stories, and all uniting under one front.”

The opening ceremony takes place on Wednesday evening at Snowflake, in Potchefstroom. Then, on Thursday morning, the whistles will sound to get the sport underway. The festivities wrap up on Saturday with the final, which will be followed by a closing ceremony.

POOLS

Pool A: C & N Sekondêre Meisieskool Oranje; Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria; Rustenburg Girls’ High School; Pretoria High School for Girls; HMS La Rochelle GHS

Pool B: Rhenish Girls’ High School; HMS Bloemhof; Danville Park Girls’ High School; Durban Girls’ High School; Jeppe High School for Girls

Pool C: Rhenish Girls’ High School; Collegiate Girls’ High School; Pietermaritzburg Girls’ High School; St. Michael’s School for Girls; The High School for Girls (Potchefstroom)

Pool D: Clarendon High School for Girls; Paarl Girls’ High School; Wynberg Girls High School; Parktown High School for Girls

The Pearson High School u16 boys’ hockey team will be motivated, and banking on their home supporters, when they begin the hunt for their first-ever Hibbert Cup at the tournament in Gqeberha this week.

The u16 action begins on Thursday morning at Pearson and the Nelson Mandela University and finishes on Saturday at 16:15 on the Rectory Astroturf at Grey High School.

The format replicates the u18 section, with teams competing in pools of three, from which the top two sides will automatically qualify for the quarterfinals.

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The hosts, led by coach Karl Lavender, will enter the tournament seeking to make a statement on home soil and to spring some surprises on the country’s best.

They’re drawn in Pool 2, along with KZN’s Durban High School (DHS) and Clifton College.

“We are in a strong pool, and there will be no room for error,” Lavender told SuperSport Schools ahead of the tournament.

Clifton hasn’t had the strongest of seasons, but DHS remains at the forefront of KZN schools’ hockey. They beat Clifton 4-1 in a pre-season game at the beginning of March.

“The top two teams move out of the pool, so we need to get a result against either DHS or Clifton to push through to the quarterfinals,” Lavender said.

“It will come down to the small margins. We’ll be sticking to the basics and running hard.”

The Pearson u16 side has been undergoing a rebuilding phase this season, with only two of coach Lavender’s charges remaining from the 2023 squad.

At the Coastal Cup, in the latter part of March, Pearson enjoyed a good run, winning two and drawing two matches. Most recently, they cruised to a 4-0 victory over Stirling High.

Hosting a tournament of the magnitude of the Hibbert Cup comes with its pressures but, Lavender said, Pearson’s goal is for the boys to enjoy themselves.

“The Hibbert tournaments (Shield, Cup, Plate) are arguably the best schoolboy tournaments in the country.

“With hosting them, there are expectations. However, that lies with me and not the boys. They are here to enjoy themselves, and we hope to put on a display of quality attacking hockey.”

The hosts will kick off their campaign on Thursday at 10:30 against DHS.

To pick up a victory, they will need Deanu Bezuidenhout, whom Lavender described as a “calm player”, to fire on all cylinders and control the contest.

They will also look to Zach Mclean, Aenry Biggs, and skipper Philip Keen, who is one of the remaining players from last year’s side, to spearhead their challenge.

The other pools are also very interesting.

Pool 1 is filled with three powerhouses: SACS, Paarl Gimnasium, and Selborne College. In Pool 3, it’s Grey High, Westville Boys’ High, and Garsfontein, while Paul Roos, St Andrew’s College and Waterkloof are in Pool 4.

Pools

Pool 1: Selborne College, SACS, Paarl Gimnasium
Pool 2: Pearson High, Durban High School, Clifton College
Pool 3: Grey High, Westville, Garsfontein
Pool 4: Waterkloof, Paul Roos, St Andrew’s College

Day 1 Fixtures, Thursday, 2 May

08:30 – Paarl Gimnasium vs Selborne College (Bottom Astroturf)
08:30 – St Andrew’s College vs Waterkloof (NMU Astroturf)
09:30 – Grey High vs Garsfontein (Top Astroturf)
10:30 – Pearson High vs Durban High (Top Astroturf)
12:30 – SACS vs Selborne College (Bottom Astroturf)
12:30 – Paul Roos vs Waterkloof (NMU Astroturf)
13:30 – Garsfontein vs Westville (Top Astroturf)
14:30 – Durban High vs Clifton College (Top Astroturf)
16:30 – SACS vs Paarl Gimnasium (Bottom Astroturf)
16:30 – St Andrew’s College vs Paul Roos (NMU Astroturf)
17:30 – Grey High vs Westville (Top Astroturf)
18:30 – Pearson High vs Clifton College (Top Astroturf)

 

Die Sentraal Standard Bank-toernooi skop Donderdag af en beloof om vir Bloemfontein te bederf met twee dae van opwindende skolerugby.

Beleef al die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – Registreer nou – Skakel na die toernooi

Die eerste groot kragmeting gaan bepaal watter Leeus die hardste brul wanneer Fichardtpark vir Hoërskool Kalahari pak.

Die Kalahari-Leeus, uit Kuruman, sê die Fichie-Leeus Donderdagmiddag die stryd aan, voordat hulle Saterdag in die hoofwedstryd teen die gasheerskool, Hoërskool Sentraal, te staan kom. Sentraal sal ook Donderdagaand in aksie wees wanneer hulle en Duineveld sake uitspook.

Saterdag speel Goudveld ook teen Duineveld, terwyl Jim Fouché kragte meet met Hentie Cilliers in die voorlaaste wedstryd.

Met 21 wedstryde oor die twee dae behoort daar geen tekort aan rugby-aksie in die Rosestad te wees nie.

Al die bepalings: 

Donderdag, 2 Mei:

Sentraal A-veld: 09:00 – Sentraal o. 14 A t. Hoërskool Upington o. 14 A; 10:00 – Sentraal o. 15 A t. Duineveld o. 15 A; 11:00 – Sentraal o. 16 A t. Hoërskool Upington o. 16 A; 12:10 – Kalahari o. 14 A t. Grey-kollege o. 14 C; 14:10 – Fichardtpark o. 15 A t. Hoërskool Upington o. 15 A; 15:10 – Fichardtpark o. 16 A t. Kalahari o. 16 A; 16:20 – Fichardtpark 1ste XV t. Kalahari 1ste XV; 18:40 – Sentraal 1ste XV t. Duineveld 1ste XV.

Sentraal B-veld: 14:10 – Fichardtpark o. 14 A t. Duineveld o.14 A.

Saterdag, 4 Mei:

Sentraal A-veld: 08:00 – Sentraal o. 15 A t. Hoërskool Upington o. 15 A; 09:00 – Jim Fouché o. 16 A t. Hentie Cilliers o. 16 A; 10:10 – Sentraal o. 16 A t. Duineveld o. 16 A; 11:20 – Goudveld 1ste XV t. Duineveld 1ste XV; 12:40 – Jim Fouché 1ste XV t. Hentie Cilliers 1ste XV; 14:00 – Sentraal 1ste XV t. Kalahari 1ste XV.

Sentraal B-veld: 08:00 – Goudveld o. 14 A t. Hoërkool Upington o. 14 A; 09:00 – Sentraal o. 14 A t. Duineveld o. 14 A; 10:00 – Jim Fouché o. 14 A t. Kalahari o. 14 A; 11:00 – Goudveld o. 15 A t. Duineveld o. 15 A; 12:00 – Goudveld o. 16 A t. Hoërskool Upington o. 16 A; 13:10 – Jim Fouché o. 15 A t. Hentie Cilliers o. 15 A.