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Kearsney College hosts its annual Kearsney Tennis Tournament from Friday, 3 May to Sunday, 5 May. It will be 28^th time the event takes place and Kearsney Deputy Head Ant Willows has been its organiser since the very first one in 1996.

Willows, a top tennis player, represented Western Province. After he joined Kearsney in 1993, as a mathematics teacher and a tennis coach, Headmaster Owen Roberts tasked him with building up the sport at the school. Within a couple of years, a strong tennis ethos had been established. That was when Willows decided to establish a tennis festival. There were none at the time.

He approached the top tennis-playing schools in the country. The idea was very well received, and from 1996 it became a fixture on the annual tennis schedule, improving year by year, and drawing the best schools from around South Africa.

The event features eight schools, four of which – Kearsney College, Grey College, Affies, and Paul Roos Gymnasium – are core members. It has never expanded beyond eight, simply because it’s what the local courts – at Kearsney, Highbury and St Mary’s DSG – can accommodate.

From the start, too, Sportsmans Warehouse has backed the tournament every year. Their support includes providing a racquet stringer at the event, which no other schools’ tennis tournament in South Africa has, Willows said. Wilson has also joined as a sponsor, providing balls and prizes.

Joining the core schools this year are St David’s Marist Inanda, Pretoria Boys High, Rondebosch Boys’ High, and the defending champions, Westville Boys’ High.

The teams are divided into two pools, with Grey College, Pretoria Boys High, Rondebosch and Westville in Group Alcaraz and Affies, Kearsney, Paul Roos and St David’s in Group Sinner.

Many would expect a final between Westville and Paul Roos, although Grey College might have something to say about that. Also, as Willows pointed out, team tennis is different from individual competition.

“People say tennis is not a team event but, when you come and watch it is a proper team event,” Willows said. “You see how the boys support each other. I find a lot of boys play better when they play for their school then they do outside of school.”

The best player to have been part of the Kearsney event is, undoubtedly, Kevin Anderson, who represented St Stithians College. He reached a career high of number five in the world in 2018 and was a runner-up at the US Open (2017) and Wimbledon (2018).

The Kearsney Tennis Tournament has been moved a little earlier this year, so that it takes place on the same weekend as Kearsney’s winter derby against Northwood and not during the second term’s long weekend, as was previously the case. That was a deliberate move to expose the event to more people.

After 32 years of service at Kearsney, during which the school has consistently performed well above the provincial and national averages in mathematics, Willows will retire at the end of 2024. His legacy will remain in the Mathematics Department, but his most visible legacy will be the Kearsney Tennis Tournament and the strength of the sport at the school.

Since he took charge, Kearsney has remained among South Africa’s best in the sport. Its teams play in top tournament in different age groups around the country, but its own event remains one of the most highly regarded.

Paul Roos is the most successful school in the history of the event, with 14 titles to its name, one of which was shared with Grey College in 2004. The Bloemfontein school has four wins, as does Waterkloof, while Affies and Kearsney have won twice each. Pretoria Boys High, St Stithians and Westville each have claimed the title once.

The same schools that played in 2023 will be in action again this year. Last year, it finished:

1st: Westville Boys’ High School
2nd: Paul Roos Gimnasium
3rd: Grey College
4th: Affies
5th: Kearsney College
6th: Pretoria Boys’ High
7th: Rondebosch Boys’ High
8th: Saint David’s Marist Inanda

At the conclusion of the event, the top players in each of the playing positions were recognised. Guy Vorwerk, the best no. 1, returns for Westville. Connor Doig, also from Westville, who was the best no. 2, has now moved to home schooling as he pursues a career in tennis.

Pieter Kotze, of Paul Roos, the best no. 3, is back again. Westville’s Lindo Gcwensa, the best no. 4, is back, too. Grey College;s Mphi Leshoele, who was the pick of the no. 5 players, is no longer around, but Xander Prinsloo, who was named the top no. 6,

each position were recognised. Westville produced three of the six: Guy Vorwerk (#1), Connor Doig (#2) and Lindo Gcwensa (#4). Paul Roos had two players named: Xander Prinsloo (#6) and Pieter Kotze (#3), while Grey College’s Mpho Leshoele was named the top number five.

SCHEDULE

Friday AM (plays begins at 08:15)

Group Sinner
St David’s vs Kearsney, Kearsney 3, 4, 5
Paul Roos vs Affies, St Mary’s

Group Alcaraz
Grey College vs Rondebosch, Highbury
Pretoria Boys vs Westville, Kearsney 1, 2, 6

Friday PM

Group Sinner
Kearsney vs Affies, Kearsney 1, 2, 6
Paul Roos vs St David’s, Highbury

Group Alcaraz
Westville vs Grey College, St Mary’s
Pretoria Boys vs Rondebosch, Kearsney 3, 4, 5

Saturday AM

Group Sinner
St David’s vs Affies, Kearsney 3,4
Paul Roos vs Kearsney, Kearsney 1, 2

Group Alcaraz
Grey College vs Pretoria Boys Kearsney 5, 6
Westville vs Rondebosch, Highbury

Saturday PM – Playoffs
Winner Sinner vs 2nd Alcaraz (A), TBC
2nd Sinner vs Winner Alcaraz (B), TBC
3rd Sinner vs 4th Alcaraz (C), TBC
4th Sinner vs 3rd Alcaraz (D), TBC

Sunday AM – Finals and Playoffs
Final: Winner A vs Winner B, Kearsney 1, 2, 6
3rd/4th: Loser A vs Loser B, TBC
5th/6th: Winner C vs Winner D, TBC
7th/8th: Loser C vs Loser D

Puntemakers: 

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.

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).

Ben Vorster 52 (19) – Drieë: Pontsho Selowa (3), Joshua van der Mescht (2), Raluano Ramano, Stiaan du Randt, Tihandre Reyneke. Doelskoppe: Shelton Primo (6). Centurion 18 (15) – Drieë: Waldo Koeleman, Charl Prinsloo. Doelskop: Jayden Potgieter. Strafdoel: Potgieter.

Linden 29 (9) – Drieë: Francois Steyn (2), Ayden Mans. Doelskop: Francois Steyn. Strafdoele: Steyn (4). Wonderboom 15 (7) – Drieë: Kevin Fensham, Ryan Otto. Doelskop: Jancu Nel. Strafdoel: Nel.

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

The results from around South Africa will be updated here as we receive the results from the various schools.

If your school’s match is not listed below or you would like to send in your team’s results – please contact us via e-mail at rugby@ssschoolsplus.co.za or via WhatsApp at 072 172 5455.

For results from the SDC Noordvaal Cup – please click on the following link – SDC Noordvaal Cup Results.

Or you can submit a result via our website – Submit Result.

All the results: 

EASTERN CAPE 

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FREE STATE/GRIQUALAND WEST

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KWAZULU-NATAL 

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NOORDVAAL 

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WESTERN CAPE 

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Zachary Porthen (prop) will lead the Junior Springboks against New Zealand on Thursday, in the opening round of the inaugural Under-20 Rugby Championship at the Sunshine Coast Stadium in Bokarina, Queensland, Australia.

The former SA Schools’ captain is one of five players in the South African match-day squad who featured in last year’s World Rugby U20 Championship in Cape Town, where the Junior Boks finished third.

The other returning SA u20s from last year, who will start against New Zealand, are Asad Moos (scrumhalf), Jurenzo Julius (centre) and Litelihle Bester (wing). JF van Heerden (lock) was named among the replacements and is set to make an impact off the bench.

Porthen will anchor the front row alongside Ruan Swart (prop) and Juan Smal (hooker), while Thomas Dyer and Adam de Waal are the starting locks. The loose trio consists of flankers Sibabalwe Mahashe and Bathobele Hlekani, with Tiaan Jacobs at No 8.

In the backline, Moos, at scrumhalf, will partner with flyhalf Tylor Sefoor. Bruce Sherwood and Julius will patrol the midfield, Bester and Joel Leotlela are the speedsters on the wing, and Michail Damon completes the backline, at fullback.

Junior Bok coach Bafana Nhleko said his group had a good week of training in the build-up to the historic Sanzaar tournament.

“The medical and strength and conditioning staff did a sterling job to ensure our group settled in as quickly as possible after our long-haul flight from South Africa, and our preparations went well this week,” said Nhleko. “The players are now eager to put in a good effort on the field against a top-quality opponent.”

The rivalry and tradition between South Africa and New Zealand also mean a lot of pride is at stake in the opening-round encounter. Nhleko said his players will have to be aware of the Kiwi threats all over the field.

“We all know about the tremendous rivalry, and the all-round threat of New Zealand is a well-known fact,” said Nhleko.

“The physical battle will be huge between two teams that pride themselves on physicality. The main message has been to focus on ourselves and to drive our behaviours.

“So, as much as there is a lot at stake in this match and we are chasing a good performance, as a group, we are also eager to continue to learn and use this tournament as a great opportunity to further develop as a team.”

Hosts’ Australia and Argentina will clash in the other game of the opening-round double header.

The new tournament comprises a round-robin format, with all four teams playing play each other once. The top team after the three-round, six-match tournament will be declared the winner of the first U20 Rugby Championship.

The clash is scheduled to kick off at 09:00 (SA time, 17:00 in Australia) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

Junior Springbok team to face New Zealand

15 Michail Damon, 14 Joel Leotlela, 13 Jurenzo Julius (vice-captain), 12 Bruce Sherwood, 11 Litelihle Bester, 10 Tylor Sefoor, 9 Asad Moos, 8 Tiaan Jacobs, 7 Bathobele Hlekani, 6 Sibabalwe Mahashe, 5 Adam de Waal, 4 Thomas Dyer, 3 Zachary Porthen (captain), 2 Juan Smal, 1 Ruan Swart.

Replacements: 16 Ethan Bester, 17 Mbasa Maqubela, 18 Reno Hirst, 19 JF van Heerden (vice-captain), 20 Thabang Mphafi, 21 Ezekiel Ngobeni, 22 Thurlon Williams, 23 Joshua Boulle.

Following an exciting victory in week two, Refilwe FC added another two wins on Sunday, in week three of the u14 Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL), scoring 12 times in those victories.

In a tough first outing, they turned in a strong performance to defeat Tornado FC 2-0, with Anastasia Freitas and Nthabiseng Mahlangu netting for Refilwe.

In their second match, Refilwe astounded the onlookers by slotting 10 goals past Edenvale without reply.

Nicole Ncube was outstanding, scoring four goals, while Nontokozo Zwane and Azielle Mathane scored twice each. Owam Zihlangu and Anastasia Freitas completed the scoring in Refilwe’s electrifying victory.

In an interview with SuperSport Schools Plus, Refilwe’s founder Lebo Ramodike expressed his appreciation for, and congratulated the girls on, their exceptional performances.

“The victories over the weekend were well deserved by the girls. They approached the games with our usual strategy, which involves applying high pressure when not in possession, with an emphasis on dominating possession and scoring goals.”

He said Refilwe’s opposition didn’t play to their strengths. Instead of utilising their speedy wingers, they tried to play through the middle. “By keeping both teams in their own halves and minimising errors, we were able to take advantage of this and maintain control of the game,” he remarked.

Ramodike said his main priorities with Refilwe include squad rotation, providing equal opportunities within the team, and maintaining a positive mindset.

He said Refilwe places importance on managing player workloads by following medical recommendations and utilising innovative techniques to prevent injuries.

“We aim to increase the number of masterclasses, particularly in sports psychology, to assist players in handling success with humility,” he added.

“While achieving results is important, our primary objective is the long-term development of young girls and offering them opportunities to succeed.

“Results are considered secondary to this overarching goal,” he concluded.

Results u14 Week 3 

JVW 2-0 Highlands Park
Kempton Park 2-0 West Youth Academy
Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 Tuks
Origin FC 2-0 Tornado FC
RESA 2-1 Panorama FC
Refilwe FC 10-0 Edenvale FC
JVW 2-0 Kenneth FC
Refilwe FC 2-0 Tornado FC
Panorama 1-1 Tuks
Origin FC 2-0 West Youth Academy
Kempton Park 2-0 Highlands Park

The fifth edition of the annual Hibbert Shield Hockey Tournament, to hosted by Grey High School in Gqeberha, will be flighted on SuperSport Schools‘ screens, with 30 matches scheduled for the four-day event, starting on Wednesday, 1 May, and concluding on Saturday evening.

Catch all the action from the Rectory Astroturf LIVE on SuperSport Schools.

Out of the 12 teams in action, four are from the Western Cape, and those four will stake their claim for the Shield against some of the country’s best in the Windy City.

Each of the four – Paul Roos Gimnasium, Paarl Gimnasium, South African College High School (SACS), and Bishops Diocesan College – will be serious contenders for the prestigious title.

In 2023, the honours went to Paul Roos, who edged out SACS 3-2 to claim the silverware. That was the sole defeat suffered by an uber-talented SACS squad last year.

SuperSport School‘s hockey writer Avuyile Sawula takes a look at the quartet’s recent form and some of the players that will need to make an impact if the Hibbert Shield is to return to the Western Cape.

Paarl Gimnasium

They’re quick, hardworking, and play a smart and attractive brand of hockey, which has made them one of the deadliest sides in front of goal this season.

Coach Jacques Grobler‘s troops will surely cause teams problems in Gqeberha, and hockey enthusiasts will underestimate them at their own peril.

They kicked their season into gear by claiming silverware at the Belgotex Sport Easter Hockey Festival, beating Worcester Gimnasium 2-1 in the final.

Since then, the boys from Paarl have scored an impressive 12 goals in four matches, losing only once, against SACS, on the past weekend.

They have beaten Outeniqua 5-1, Affies 3-0, and drew 1-1 with Grey College.

Gim is led by LD Nel, who recently played his 75th match for the Paarl side. He is deadly in front of goal and is often the man Gim turns to at PC time.

Juan Swanepoel is another player to keep an eye on. Swanepoel took home the Player of the Tournament honours at the Belgotex Festival and has been firing in goals with regularity this season.

Johan van der Merwe is another name likely to be on commentator’s lips this week as Gim aims to bounce back from their lone loss of the season.

Paul Roos

Under the guidance of the experienced Michael Baker, Paul Roos Gimnasium is finding its feet this season.

Baker joined the side this year, after a hugely successful spell at Durban High School (DHS), and has introduced his style of play, known as “Baker Ball”, to the Stellenbosch outfit.

After an impressive outing at the Founders Festival, PRG started their season with a surprise setback, when they lost 0-1 at Rondebosch Boys’ High earlier this month.

However, that loss seemed to give Baker’s side a much-needed wake-up call, and they have been in impressive form recently.

Since that defeat at ‘Bosch, they’ve thumped Paarl Boys High 4-0 and, this past weekend, showed immense character and passion to come back from 0-2 down, to beat Grey High 3-2 in Gqeberha. On Sunday, they outplayed Pearson High 5-0 and will head into the Hibbert Shield high in confidence.

One area in which PRG has yet to fire on all cylinders is at penalty corner time. In captain Reuben Sendzul, they possess one of the most dangerous PC drag flickers, but he’s been a bit off key thus far. Beware, though, when he finds his rhythm!

Both Josh Smit and Barend Geldenhuys were impressive against Grey and were among the goal scorers in the morale-boosting 3-2 victory. They’ll be two of the standard-setters for PRG.

Ruben Gouws is another dangerous player and will cause problems if given space and time on the ball. At the back, PRG’s goalkeeper Beor van Reenen has been immense, a difficult-to-beat presence as the last line of defence for his side.

SACS

Sport is unpredictable, but some things can be predicted with reasonable certainty, or called even before they happen. SACS winning the Hibbert Shield would be one of those, but the competition is as tough as it gets and matches are won on the field not in written words on the Internet.

One would think that after ending 2023 as the top-ranked side, and with many players matriculating, the boys from Cape Town would have been due a slight regression. Instead, they’ve hit the gas and look every bit as good as their illustrious predecessors.

Coach Sam Holmes’ side dominated the playing field at the Founders Festival and has been almost untouchable in the local league in Cape Town.

Their toughest test so far this season came last weekend when they were pushed all the way before grinding out a 4-3 win over Paarl Gim in Paarl.

In that clash, SACS showed immense character to fight back after trailing for large parts of the contest. The week before that, they defeated previously unbeaten Grey High 5-2 at home, and Rondebosch Boys High 3-0 to further assert their dominance.

A player who has been on everyone’s lips is Litha Kraai. Prodigiously talented and a regular goal scorer, with one of the sweetest reverse stick shots to be found anywhere, he will need to live up to the hype if SACS is to go a step further this year than they did in 2023.

While Kraai has been influential for SACS, many other players have put their hands up, including Reece Theunis, skipper Stéphan Meyer, Josh le Roux and Nicholas Paxton.

Shot-stopper Noah Venter has also been solid. He and the SACS defence will need to be on song against the toughest field put together for a schoolboys’ hockey tournament this year.

Bishops

Something special has been brewing at the Woodlands Astroturf this season, and that’s evident from how much support the Bishops first side has enjoyed from their schoolmates.

After a topsy-turvy 2023 season, this new-look Bishops outfit has responded well to the leadership of coach and 2020 Olympian Ryan Julius.

The Bishops boys have brought intensity to the games and they appear to be men on a mission.

The southern suburbs’ side remains unbeaten in 2024 and they are definite contenders at the Hibbert Shield.

Last Friday, they defeated Wynberg Boys’ High 3-0 but will face arguably their toughest opposition in Gqeberha, where they take on Durban High School (DHS) and Selborne College in pool play.

DHS is unbeaten this season, winning all of their games, except for a draw against Northwood, while Selborne won 15 in succession before sharing a draw with Queen’s College, and then going down to Grey College last time out.

They both present Bishops with formidable obstacles, and any of the three top sides could easily find themselves third in the pool and out of contention if they’re ever so slightly off their game.

Bishops has been playing an attractive brand of hockey, which has seen them plenty of goals, and Joshua Mettler has been a top performer for the side, contributing both on attack and defence. His dangerous runs and ability to beat defenders will be one of the keys to Bishops’ success in Gqeberha.

Their skipper Robert Veldtman has been equally impressive, setting the bar for his team with his excellence. Others to look out for in the Bishops’ ranks include vice-captain Andrew Raubenheimer, Bryn Parry, and the dangerous James Grieve.

Bishops will be the first Western Cape side in action on Wednesday when they open their campaign against East London’s Selborne College at 15:45.

Pools

Pool 1: Paul Roos Gimnasium, St Stithians College, Westville Boys High|
Pool 2: Grey High, Paarl Gimnasium, Clifton College
Pool 3: Selborne College, Durban High School, Bishops
Pool 4: SACS, Pearson High, Garsfontein

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
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 2024:

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

Clifton College and Northwood set the interschools’ action in motion at the KZN High Schools Rugby Day on Saturday at Hollywoodbets King’s Park, after a couple of curtain-raisers between regional teams.

For most of the first half, Clifton led, but the match swung dramatically in the Knights‘ favour five minutes before half-time.

They had made a somewhat lethargic start to the contest and trailed 5-6 when Clifton attempted a counterattack, but an ambitious long pass was intercepted, quickly offloaded, and Northwood went over in the right-hand corner and into the lead for the first time.

They extended their advantage from there, adding another try before the break, to go into it 19-6 ahead. Still, they hadn’t played anywhere near their potential which, coach Jacques Deen reminded them about.

“I just had to make them realise that they are capable of doing better. I had a bit of a go at them, a bit of motivation. They reacted, which is positive. If they didn’t react, then there’s a problem. The second half was much better, and they are capable of doing that for 70 minutes,” he said.

That positive reaction was worth 42 points, without reply, as Northwood stretched away to run out 61-6 winners.

Deen said he wasn’t sure why his players started so slowly. It could have been the big stage of King’s Park, he surmised, adding that, for some players with ambitions of playing the game professionally, running out at the home of the Sharks should have served as motivation.

Northwood, though, played some terrific rugby in the second half, attacking from all areas of the field. “With our coach, Jeremy McLaren, we give them quite a bit of freedom,” Deen said.
“Initially, we try and soften them up. We try maul, maul, maul, maul. And then we start playing from anywhere, but we have to earn that right first.”

The Knights also gained the upper hand in the second half in the set pieces, claiming a number of tightheads. With a surfeit of possession, “we started enjoying ourselves,” Deen said.

Durban High School (DHS) were next up against St Charles College and, like Northwood, they came on strongly in the second half to break open a tight contest.

It was just 14-0 in favour of the Horseflies when the teams turned, but they added 40 more points while Saints scored 12.

Captain Duncan Basson scored one of School’s eight tries, four of which were converted by Aka Bocqwana and two by Allston Cedras.

Saints’ scrumhalf Matthew Fick, who earned selection for the Sharks’ Craven Week team in 2023, caught the eye with his immense work rate and outstanding defensive work, especially. He robbed DHS of another try with a spectacular try-saving tackle, ripping the player back from the try line as he was about to dot down, and also added a sensational 60m solo try-scoring effort, which included a goose step and a dummy.

DHS faces Oakdale and Paarl Boys’ High at the Absa Wildeklawer Tournament in Kimberley on Thursday and Saturday respectively and, said DHS Director of Rugby, Peter Engeldow, he wanted his team to drive their intensity ahead of those clashes, which he described as test matches.

“We wanted to be ruthless and physical, and I said this is the perfect opportunity to do that. Here, mistakes happened. Next week, it’s going to be about the tempo. We need to up it.

“The boys did well. It’s not about the errors. It’s about the effort and the work rate. To put 54 points on St Charles, who have had a really good season to date, and a very good win at their Founders Day last week, makes me very happy.

“As we go into this week, it is something that we’ve worked towards and we have to go out there and do our best, and this was good prep for it.”

DHS faces a very tough Absa Wildeklawer schedule, but their great rivals, Maritzburg College, whom they beat 21-18 in Pietermaritzburg, faces the toughest schedule of them all. They take on Grey College on Thursday, followed two days later by unbeaten Paul Roos.

That’s why College coach Tim Orchard was pleased to see his charges deliver a ferocious and effective performance against Westville Boys’ High, which allowed him to withdraw some players later in the game to give them a break ahead of the massive demands that lie ahead.

“We are very happy with that,” he smiled, after College powered their way to an unexpectedly large 40-10 victory.

The key to their success was that intensity, and the Red, Black and White delivered it in spades from the first whistle.

“We spoke about that during the week,” Orchard said. “We wanted to start well, bring the fight to them, bring the physicality and win that battle. We felt that we could get a lot of joy against them [if we did that].

“[A lack of intensity] cost us last week [against DHS]. We wanted to lay down a marker in terms of effort this week at training and get it right in our match here today.”

Westville has shown this season that they are strong in the set scrums, and Monument, despite possessing a super-sized pack, discovered that at the Kearsney Easter Festival. On Saturday, though, College had the edge over the Griffin. They also tightened up their ball control at lineout time, which was something that had hurt them against DHS.

Their reward was a six to two advantage in tries, with five of the six going to the backline, which reflected the quality ball provided by the pack. The centres, Swelithle Mbatha and Nkululeko Sithole, scored three between them, with Mbatha going over for a double.

Jadrian Afrikaner crossed for a brace for Westville.

They’ll want to quickly fix any areas of concern ahead of the Grey High Rugby Festival where they’ll face Durbanville and Dale College.

Michaelhouse and Kearsney College dished up an eight-try feast, with ‘House winning it 34-19 after leading 15-7 at the break.

Playing without their sidelined captain, Carlyle Hawkins, it was a solid performance from the Balgowan boys. As was the case with Maritzburg College, good quality ball from the pack benefitted their backline.

In fact, all of the Michaelhouse tries went to backline players, with Jack Hughes, Luke Davidson, William Ridl, Stefan Moolman and Aya Mkokheli going over, while Connor McIntyre, Daniel Eager and Jayden Jonsson scored for Kearsney.

It was a sixth loss on the trot for Kearsney, but they showed that their offence has improved since the start of the season. They have a sharper edge to their attack with Cameron Veenstra now at fullback. Meanwhile, Dan Eager, who has moved from 15 to 11, has found himself among the tries out on the wing.

It’s the Hilton/Michaelhouse on the coming weekend, so ‘House will be happy to have finished the game with an apparently clean bill of health. Captain Carlyle Hawkins, whose arm was in a sling, said he hoped to be fit to play on Gilfillan Field on Saturday.

Hilton College, meanwhile, posted a sixth win in succession when they handed Glenwood a 26-7 loss in the last game of the day. It was a composed and well-executed showing from Hilton, although the slippery evening conditions led to a few handling errors.

Their skipper Hanu Pieterse caught the eye, bull rushing his way over for a first half try and adding another off the back of a five-metre scrum in the second half.

Ivan Jjukko and Josh Grant also dotted down, while Liyema Nela, who controlled the contest from flyhalf, nailed three conversions.

Glenwood were kept at bay for almost an hour, but they enjoyed the last say in the game when Sisiphiwo Dwayi ran in for a try, which was converted by Juan Viljoen.

“I was very happy with the performance,” Hilton’s Director of Rugby, Brad Mcleod-Henderson declared.” They are a tough side, and playing at King’s Park was a good experience.

“Luckily, it was quite late in the day. The last couple of weekends of 30-plus degrees’ rugby has been tough.

“I’m very happy with the boys. Obviously, next weekend is a big one, the Hilton/Michaelhouse, so I’m looking forward to that.”

Scores

Northwood 61 (19) – Ethan Macey, Bongane Khumalo (2), Kwezi Kunene, Ramutuku Sikhakana (2), Reuben Vos, unknown (2). Conversions: Siyanda Nkosi (8). Clifton 6 (6) – Penalties: Adam Selikow (2).

DHS 54 (14) – Tries: Duncan Basson, Allston Cedras, Zenkosi Mthiyana, unknown, Adriano Jackson (2), Tshabalala (2), Conversions: Aka Bocqwana (4), Allston Cedras (2). St Charles 12 (0) – Tries: Matthew Fick, Ukhanyo Ntsangani. Conversion: Ukhanyo Ntsangani.

Maritzburg College 41 (22) – Tries: Luyanda Kunene, Swelithle Mbatha (2), Nkululeko Sithole, James Slevin, Naz Isaacs. Conversions: James Slevin (4). Penalty: James Slevin. Westville 10 (5) – Tries: Jadrian Afrikaner (2).

Michaelhouse 34 (19) – Tries: Luke Davidson, Stefan Moolman, Aya Mkokheli, William Ridl, Jack Hughes. Conversions: Luke Davidson (3). Penalty: Luke Davidson. Kearsney 15 (7) – Tries: Connor McIntyre, Daniel Eager, Jaden Johnson. Conversions: Cameron Veenstra (2).

Hilton 26 (14) – Tries: Hanu Pieterse (2), Ivan Jjuuko, Josh Grant. Conversions: Liyema Nela (3). Glenwood 7 (0) – Try: Sisiphiwo Dwayi. Conversion: Juan Viljoen.

As the schoolboy hockey season intensifies, all eyes will turn to Gqeberha this week, where Grey High School is preparing to host the fifth edition of the Hibbert Shield Hockey Tournament.

The action starts on Wednesday and runs through until Saturday evening.

It’s an opportunity to see many of South Africa’s top teams and players in action ahead of the SASHOC u18 Inter-Provincial Tournament, which takes place in Bloemfontein in June.

Catch all the action LIVE from the Rectory Astroturf on SuperSport Schools.

In last year’s Hibbert Shield, Paul Roos (PRG) reigned supreme after defeating South African College High School (SACS) 3-2 in the final. That was the only loss suffered by SACS in the 38 games they played in 2023. They won 34 of them, which included three wins over PRG.

This time, the side from Stellenbosch is drawn in Pool 1 alongside St Stithians College and KwaZulu-Natal’s Westville Boys’ High.

If recent form is anything to go on, PRG should have the upper hand against their opponents, based on their wins over Grey High (3-2), and Pearson High (5-0) on the weekend.

Saints, on the other hand, will enter the festival a bit rusty. Their last outing was on 6 April against Jeppe, and they lost that match 0-1.

Westville also went down to Jeppe this month, losing 1-3 in Johannesburg, but they will take confidence from their performance against Maritzburg College on Saturday, which saw the sides share a 3-3 draw.

Pool 2 is equally exciting, and includes the hosts, Paarl Gimnasium, and Clifton College.

Both Gim and Grey High went down on the weekend and will be eager to swiftly reverse those setbacks. Gim fell 3-4 to SACS in Paarl, having led 3-0 early in the game, while Grey let slip a 2-0 lead against PRG at home, going on to suffer a 2-3 defeat.

Selborne College, Durban High School, and Cape Town’s Bishops Diocesan College make up an electrifying Pool 3.

All three sides are playing some of their best hockey this season. DHS and Bishops are unbeaten, and over the past weekend recorded wins against St Charles College (8-0) and Wynberg Boys’ High (3-0) respectively.

Meanwhile, Selborne suffered their first defeat of the season, going down 2-5 against Grey College in East London after winning 15 and drawing one before that.

The final pool sees SACS, Garsfontein, and Pearson High battle it out for top spot.

SACS are the favourites to make it out of the pool untouched, considering the calibre of players they have, and the hockey they’ve put on show so far this season.

They haven’t lost a single match, although they experienced their toughest test on the weekend when they had to dig deep to secure a 4-3 win over Paarl Gimnasium.

Coach Steve Paulo’s Garsfontein team could consider themselves the dark horses of the tournament. They don’t often play against many of the schools that will be participating in the event, so they could spring a surprise or two.

Pearson High, who are regularly considered among the top teams in the Eastern Cape, have made a slowish start to their season. They do, however, have a younger team that’s still trying to find its feet, and there’s no better opportunity to come alive than at an event like the Hibbert Shield.

They will open their challenge against Garsfontein on day one at 17:15. Another match to keep an eye out for on the opening day will be the clash between Selborne College and Bishops in Pool 2, It’s the toughest pool of them all to call.

Day two’s action will include Grey against Clifton at 08:45, Bishops tackling DHS in a late afternoon clash, and SACS ending the day against Garsfontein.

Pools

Pool 1: Paul Roos Gimnasium, St Stithians College, Westville Boys High
Pool 2: Grey High, Paarl Gimnasium, Clifton College
Pool 3: Selborne College, Durban High School, Bishops
Pool 4: SACS, Pearson High, Garsfontein

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

The image used in this article is credited to Ray Chaplin (https://www.raychaplin.photography/) 

Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool se Ronan Cilliers en sy Rooiharte het oor té veel skietgoed beskik vir Hoërskool Ben Vorster op die eerste dag van die Rolyn Bergsig-sportfees.

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

Cilliers het die manne van Tzaneen deurgaans onder enorme druk geplaas met sy goeie voorgevoel en visie.

Dit was verál in die tweede helfte dat die losskakel, wat self twee drieë gedruk het, voet in die hoek gesit het vir die Pretorianers om ‘n agterstand van vyf punte uit te wis en uiteindelik oortuigend met 45-29 te seëvier.

Heelagter, Lamon Baaitjies, het, nes Cilliers, deurentyd ‘n bedreiging ingehou vir die Buffel-verdedigers, vernaam wat sy giftige teenaanvalle betref het. Een so ‘n venynige lopie het vir hom ook ‘n drie besorg.

Die Affie-voorry het ook hul stempel afgedruk om die grondslag te lê vir die snellers in die agterlyn. Haker, Bauke Swart, en vaskop, Ruan van der Berg, het uitgeblink in sowel die vaste fasette as vaste los.

Die Buffels se puik poging in die eerste skof het nietemin gewys waartoe hulle in staat is. Skrumskakel, Pontsho Selowa, was uitmuntend met sy breekslae om die skrums en losskrums. Hy is goed bygestaan deur die twee vleuels, Nikelo Moyo en Damian Bye, wat elk met ‘n vyfpunter beloon is.

In die voorwedstryd van Dag 1 was Hoërskool Rob Ferreira ook net-net té goed vir Hoërskool Centurion. Die span van Witrivier, wat met 47-33 gewen het, se pak het behoorlik gewoeker voorlangs en dit was waar die stryd gewen is.

Oopkantflank, Lungelo Mokwena, en agsteman, Tlotlo Ratshwene, was die groot uitblinkers. Eersgenoemde het twee keer deurgebars vir drieë, terwyl Ratshwene as Speler van die Wedstryd aangewys is.

Die Woeries se heelagter, Waldo Koeleman, het ‘n waardige terugvegpoging gelei, en met sy groot vaart en krag van agter die verdediging skitterend uitoorlê vir ‘n driekuns. Binnesenter, Jayden Potgieter, het twee doelskoppe en drie strafdoele deur die pale gejaag.

Puntemakers:

Affies (Rooiharte) 45 (12) – Drieë: Ronan Cilliers (2), Lamond Baaitjies, Bauke Swart, Ruan van der Berg, Reynard Bezuidenhout, Elwin Janse van Vuuren. Doelskoppe: Baaitjies (5). Ben Vorster 29 (17) – Drieë: Tumi Ramohale, 14 Nikelo Moyo, Damian Bye. Doelskoppe: Shelton Primo. Strafdoel: Primo.

Rob Ferreira 47 (28) – Drieë: Lungelo Mokwena (2), Mayare Mbatsane (2), Bandile Zwane (2), Will Mavimselo. Doelskoppe: Ofentse Maunye (5), Bundas Masunda. Centurion 33 (13) – Drieë: Waldo Koeleman (3), Charl Prinsloo. Doelskoppe: Jayden Potgieter (2). Strafdoele: Potgieter (3).

Die eerste drie wedstryde van die Rolyn Bergsig-sportfees het vir hope vermaak op die rugbyveld gesorg.

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

Bergsig Akademie se tweede span, beter bekend as die Hawks, het vanjaar se fees afgeskop met ‘n naelbytsege van 41-37 oor Hoërskool Koster.

Die Hawks se Luan Duvenhage was grotendeels verantwoordelik vir die gashere se sukses, en het uitmuntend vertoon op sowel die aanval as met die stewel. Hy het twee drieë gedruk en met twee doelskoppe geslaag vir ‘n persoonlike bydrae van 14 punte.

Koster se oopkantflank, Luan Coetzee, was sy span se groot uitblinker en het die veld behoorlik aan die brand gespeel. Coetzee en spanmaats, Danie Smit en Stephen Few, het elk ‘n tweekuns behaal.

Hoërskool Overkruin het met ‘n telling van 41-17 geseëvier teen hul eweknieë van Pretoria, Hoërskool Die Wilgers. Regtervleuel, Tao Fabri, en losskakel, Marnus Rademeyer, het albei dubbele driedruk-genot gesmaak.

Rademeyer was ook in die kol met drie doelskoppe en ‘n strafdoel, wat sy persoonlike bydrae op 19 punte te staan gebring het. Hy is ook welverdiend as Speler van die Wedstryd aangewys.

Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool se Geelkobras het hul rekening met ‘n wegholsege van 57-21 oor Hoërskool Wonderboom se Wit Tiere oopgemaak. Heelagter, Khumo Manakana, linkervleuel, Wian Grobler, en die plaasvervanger-losvoorspeler, Gareth Geyser, het elk ook ‘n tweekuns behaal.

Wat die Geelkobras se sege des te meer indrukwekkend gemaak het is die feit dat hulle teen rustyd ‘n agterstand van 17-21 in die gesig gestaar het. Hul verstommende vertoning in die tweede skof het 40 punte sonder antwoord teweeggebring.

Puntemakers:

Bergsig Hawks 41 (24) – Drieë: Luan Duvenhage (2), Shane Watt, Carlo de Jager, Martin Horn, Bongi Saki, Gareth Hofstrah. Doelskoppe; Duvenhage (2). Renaldo Prinsloo. Koster 37 (13) – Drieë: Luan Coetzee (2), Danie Smit (2), Stephen Few (2). Doelskoppe: Few (2). Strafdoel: Few.

Overkruin 41 (17) – Drieë: Tao Fabri (2), Marnus Rademeyer (2), Waylon Oncke, Leequin Fredricks. Doelskoppe: Rademeyer (3). Strafdoel: Rademeyer. Die Wilgers 20 (15) – Drieë: Kyle Painter, Adriaan Jacobs, Jason Pienaar. Doelskop: Reinadt Uys. Strafdoel: Uys.

Affies (Geelkobras) 57 (17) – Drieë: Khumo Manakana (2), Wian Grobler (2), Gareth Geyser (2), Len Muller, Rueben Pieters, Tristan Swart. Doelskoppe: Schalk Botha. Wonderboom 21 (21) – Drieë: Ruan van Greunen, Ryan Otto, Kevin Frensham. Doelskoppe: Aidan Swart (3).