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The two-time defending champion, Highlands Park, bathed in the spotlight of the Gauteng Development League (GDL) on the weekend, powering their way to a 3-0 victory in an away game against Kaizer Chiefs.

Meanwhile, Randburg AFC‘s title challenge faltered when they dropped points against Seven’s Academy, while Kathorus Hyper Academy maintained their impressive run with a convincing win over Joburg City.

On Sunday, in the key match of the GDL weekend, at Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena, the league leaders Highlands Park delivered a terrific performance to grab a 3-0 victory over the Phefeni Glamour Boys.

Siphesihle Nyawo opened the scoring for the Lions of the North, with Thabiso Mkhwanazi making it 2-0, and Naledi Manamela completing the scoring in a resounding victory on the road.

That win enabled Highlands Park to increase their advantage at the top of the standings after the match between Mamelodi Sundowns and Jomo Cosmos was postponed. While Randburg AFC lost a seven-goal thriller against Seven’s Academy, SuperSport United had to settle for a 0-0 draw against Panorama FC.

Not only did Highlands Park win, but other results went their way, too.

In their match against Seven’s Academy, Randburg fell 3-4. Leevan Rose gave Seven’s Academy the lead, with Asithandile Took scoring their second and Sihle Gumede their third. An own goal, from a deflection off a Randburg defender following a cross from Teddy Qampi, meant Seven’s Academy claimed the three points on offer.

Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA), 1-3 losers at Mamelodi Sundowns last Sunday at Clapham High, took on an in-form University of Pretoria (Tuks) team and lifted their game to come away with a 2-0 victory. Kabelo Mofokeng gave RESA a 1-0 lead at the break, and Mandla Vilakati struck in the second half.

Kathorus Hyper Academy defeated Joburg City 3-0 on Saturday, which lifted Kathorus up to eighth in the standings. They’ve been on a roll in the second round of fixtures, with their victims including, among others, Mamelodi Sundowns and the champions of the Gauteng Engen Knockout Challenge, Panorama FC.

Against Joburg City, goals from Mojalefa Nyelele, Lesego Shabangu, and Aobakwe Ntsheki ensured Kathorus continued their winnings ways with a solid performance.

In other matches on Saturday, Wits Junior played to a 2-2 draw against Elspark United, with Katlego Moalosi and Thato Mokobane scoring for Wits. Rockefvs edged out TS Galaxy 1-0, with Obinna Nwanorim scoring the decisive goal, assisted by Onkabetse Kabaso.

On Sunday, the clash between Rockefvs and Tuks was called off due to inclement weather, and Sundown’s Sundowns versus Jomo Cosmos game was also postponed.

RESULTS

Saturday, 13 September

RESA 2-0 University of Pretoria (Tuks)
Rockefvs 1-0 TS Galaxy
Kathorus Hyper Academy 3-0 Joburg City
Seven’s Academy 4-3 Randburg AFC
SuperSport United 0-0 Panorama FC
Wits 2-2 Elspark United

Sunday, 14 September 

Highlands Park 3-0 Kaizer Chiefs
Rockefvs vs Tuks (Match abandoned due to bad weather)
Mamelodi Sundowns vs Jomo Cosmos (Postponed)

As the Gauteng Women’s Development League (GWDL) heats up, with only six weeks remaining in the season, the tension is rising and so, too, are the number of goals being scored. Sunday’s action produced 27.

In recent weeks, it appeared as if Mamelodi Sundowns would run away with the title, but the SAFA Academy won on Sunday to consolidate their challenge for league honours.

A 3-0 win over Hellenic Falcons brought the SAFA Academy to within four points of the Brazilians, with both teams now having played the same number of games.

Sundowns has 67 points, which gives them a little breathing room over the SAFA Academy, but not enough that they could afford more than one slip-up.

On Sunday, though, Sundowns continued their free-scoring ways, powering their way to a 7-0 victory against Panorama FC.

Nsovo Nxumalo slotted a hat-trick for the Brazilians, while Tecla Nsingo and Ronisha Nair each contributed a brace.

Highlands Park, meanwhile, scored a 4-2 victory over the University of Pretoria (Tuks), and Kempton Park FC continued on their positive trajectory, downing the Remember Elite Sport Academy (RESA) 3-0.

After a strong start to the season, RESA has now suffered four consecutive losses. Initially, they were among the top contenders for the GWDL title, but the past four weeks, during which some members of their squad have earned promotions to the senior ranks, have proven challenging for the Vereeniging-based club.

Atlegang Masemola proved to be the decisive factor for JVW FC in their match against Tornado Ladies Academy, netting the game’s only goal.

Refilwe FC is enjoying a strong season, and they kept hold of third place, ahead of Highlands Park, after a 4-0 win over Kenneth FC. Formed in January 2024, they’ve made their mark in no time at all.

On Sunday, Thando Mdaweni struck twice for Refilwe, while Linamandla Bahlehle and Pretty Modika also found the back of the net in a convincing victory.

Edenvale celebrated an emphatic 5-0 defeat of Dinoko Rondebult, thanks to a hat-trick from Mohau Msibi, with Kelly Khoury and Snethemba Dlamini also getting their names onto the scoresheet.

RESULTS

Sunday, 14 September

SAFA Academy 3-0 Hellenic Falcons
Edenvale FC 5-0 Dinoko Rondebult
Highlands Park 4-2 Tuks
JVW 1-0 Tornado Ladies
Kempton Park 3-0 RESA
Refilwe FC 4-0 Kenneth FC
Mamelodi Sundowns 7-0 Panorama FC

News from the North West region in the Schools SA20 competition is that defending champions, Hoërskool Rustenburg, have already secured a spot in the final again, awaiting to see what will happen during the following two rounds to determine who they’ll face in the final at the JB Marks Oval on 25 September.

Read and relive all the North West Schools SA20 action on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

The Rusties, having won both their first two matches, first against Bergsig Akademie and then Hoërskool Hartebeespoort, by 146 runs, earned automatic qualification to the final later this month.

Callie Fryer, normally a threat with his sheer pace with the ball, has been the frontrunner in the Rusties’ batting department. He was exceptional with 149 from only 59 balls against Hoërskool Hartebeespoort in the second round. Henri Kemp, a spin bowler in the shorter format of the game, has also been an asset. Kemp has been magical with the ball in all formats, already boasting a six-for in the North West School Premier League.

Of the 20 teams that originally started, only four are still in the running for a spot in the final against the Rusties. Both Potchefstroom schools, 2024 runners-up, Potchefstroom Gimnasium, and Potchefstroom Volkskool, are still in the hunt, while Hoërskool Klerksdorp and Hoërskool Lictenburg look dangerous with the playoffs around the corner. All four teams, along with the Rusties, are still unbeaten.

Gimmies’ destructive Cristivan Coetzer leads the batting charts following his memorable 150 from only 56 deliveries against Ikageng Hub in the second round. The Gimmies won this match by a mammoth 207 runs after scoring 250/1 in the allotted 20 overs. They also won their first outing against Potchefstroom High School for Boys comfortably with nine wickets.

The Volkies first saw off Hoërskool Ferdinand Postma before claiming the scalp of Hoërskool Wolmaransstad. They now face the Liggies in Lichtenburg on 18 September, while, on the same day, Klerksdorp and an in-form Gerrit Koen will cross paths with the Gimmies, most likely on home turf, in Klerksdorp. Gimmies, however, having beaten Grey College handsomely recently, will be buzzing with confidence.

Thereafter, the victors of the above-mentioned matches will square off in a playoff match on 25 September. This will take place at the Witrand Oval in Potchefstroom, after which the final will be decided between the Rusties and whoever makes it through the next two matches unscathed.

The two EPD squads follow a comprehensive talent identification process during the recently held FNB Grant Khomo and FNB Girls Week for u16s in Pretoria and Johannesburg, with the groups ultimately forming the bedrock of the national pathway process for these promising players.

According to Herman Masimla, SA Rugby’s Senior Manager, Development in the Participation & Development Department, the two squads represent the next generation of South African rugby excellence.

“The naming of our first-ever Under-16 Girls EPD squad is a landmark achievement in our journey to elevate women’s rugby,” said Masimla.

“It’s also a powerful intervention at a critical stage in the development of these young players. Their inclusion signals our commitment to building a truly inclusive and representative pathway for young girls in South African rugby.”

Masimla explained there is a comprehensive strategic plan in place for the two camps, which will be held simultaneously in the week of 5 to 11 October in Paarl.

“We will fully assess players on all rugby aspects, especially the fundamentals of the game, which will allow us to develop a player profile for each player, and that tool will then be used to assess and monitor youngsters,” he said.

“Based on the individual assessments, we can then use the player profiles to design intervention strategies, where necessary, to assist with the growth and development of the players.”

Masimla further emphasised that these profiles will also be shared with the respective schools and provincial union of each player: “If all goes according to plan, and especially if the intervention strategy does what is necessary, then we expect most of these two groups to be included in next year’s U17 EPD intake as they continue their journey through the SA Rugby talent identification pathway.”

During their week-long get together, the U16 EPD boys’ group will be taken through their paces by the 2025 SA Schools coaches, Lwazi Zangqa, Cobus van Dyk, Flash Malinga and Clinton van Rensburg, while former SA Schools head coaches Sean Erasmus and Katlego Lynch will oversee the girls’ squad assessment activities.

Boys U16 EPD group (5-11 October at Boland Landbou):

Props: Clement Makelele (Sharks, Kearsney College), Ziaan Slabbert (Bulls, Affies), Thomas Meyer (WP, Paul Roos), Lelethu Nono (EP, Grey High), Entle Nqcaba (EP, St Andrews), Tunga Griffiths (Sharks, Kearsney College), Liam De Jager (Bulls, Affies), Rossouw de Waal (Cheetahs, Grey College).

Hookers: Iglesias Bruiners (Lions, Noordheuwel), Hendre Ehlers (Bulls, Affies), Luka van der Westhuizen (WP, Paarl Gim), Nyakallo Masiloene (Sharks, DHS).

Locks: Bulelani Cebani (Sharks, DHS), Aobakwe Moeng (Sharks, DHS), Werner de Bruin (WP, Paul Roos), Alexander Muller (Bulls, Affies), Franklin Stevens (Griquas, Diamantveld), Derrick Groenewald (WP, Paarl Gim), Mbala Ndima (Bulls, Pretoria Boys High).

Loose forwards: Siphesihle Marule (Pumas, Uplands College), Thubelihle Marule (Pumas, Uplands College), Siyaya Menzi (Pumas, Middelburg), Jaydon Jubber (Sharks, Michaelhouse), Janu Pretorius (WP, Rondebosch), Keegan Fourie (Bulls, Affies), Henre Valentyn (WP, Paarl Boys’ High), Amayo Egbujor (Boland, HTS Drostdy), Caleb Pretorius (Bulls, Affies), Corne Ferreira (WP, Paarl Gim), Luniko Marivate (WP, Paarl Boys’ High), Niel du Randt (Cheetahs, Grey College), Lwango Ntantala (Sharks, Hilton College).

Scrumhalves: Rufagon Hendricks (SWD, Outeniqua), Theuns van Rensburg (Griffons, Trio), Ben Hughes (Sharks, Michaelhouse), Jordan Forbes (WP, SACS).

Flyhalves: Tanwill Onkers (SWD, Outeniqua), Daniel Miskey (Sharks, Kearsney College), Ndzalama Mbhalati (Lions, Jeppe), Reuben Smith (Bulls, Affies).

Centres: Anfred Jansen (EP, Grey High), Elgenio Oerson (Sharks, Glenwood), James Sale (WP, SACS), De Waal Vivier (WP, Paarl Gim), Asa Mgwatyu (Lions, KES), Danre Brink (Bulls, Affies).

Wings: Rosco Williams (Sharks, Glenwood), Kingsley Pule (Cheetahs, Grey College), Blessing Manoreng (Lions, Monument), Darnell Delport (SWD, Outeniqua), Sterlin Padi (Sharks, DHS), Rhandzu Mkhabela (Pumas, Nelspruit).

Fullbacks: Ray-Nathin van Kolver (Lions, Monument), Kyle van Staden (Bulls, Affies), Hadley Erasmus (WP, Durbanville).

Girls U16 EPD group (5-11 October at La Rochelle Girls’ High School):

Props: Fetumane Endinako (Border, Ngangelizwe), Zayaan Majiet (WP, Manenberg), Fiona Sehlangu (Limpopo, Magoza), Thando Hlakanyana (Lions, Krugersdorp), Amahle Tole (EP, Motherwell), Rethabile Kubequ (Lions, Altmont Tech), Zingce Lofana (WP, Zimasa Primary), Maphanga Ludumo (Pumas, Lowveld), Agnes Maoka (Limpopo, Northern Academy), Sanga Makalane (EP, Port Alfred).

Hookers: Shanelia Heugh (WP, HTS Bellville), Robyn Scheepers (WP, Curro Delft), Pobana Musawenkosi (Border, Tsholomnqa), Alwandle Ngcobo (KZN, uMlazi Cotech).

Locks: Ntuli Ntwariso (Lions, Altmont Tech), Ogbu Nicole (Lions, Sir John Adamson), Karabo Mokale (Bulls, Phatheng Secondary), Magriet de Klerk (WP, DF Malan), Sine Sezelwa (Border, Kalalo Junior), Tsakani Chauke (Lions, Kwabhekilanga Secondary).

Loose forwards: Inathi Nxiweni (WP, Athlone), Nokuthula Dube (Bulls, Kgomotso Secondary), Sarender Chauke (Limpopo, Magoza), Erin Ogram (Sharks, Richardsbaai), Nqadini Palisa (EP, Mzontsudu), Hlatshwayo Onthathile (Pumas, Lowveld), Mtebele Noluthando (Leopards, Bothoka THS), Chemike Visser (Bulls, Concordia).

Scrumhalves: Sontsethe Elihle (Border, Kalalo Junior), Larissa Kriel (Lions, Marais Viljoen), Imange Norayose (Border, Silimela), Brumilda Fitzgerald (EP, Middelande).

Flyhalves: Jehoma Danrica (WP, Simon’s Town), Alice Ncube (Lions, Kwabhekilanga), Angel Nxasane (Pumas, Standerton), Nxumalo Noxolo (Pumas, Lowveld).

Centres: Landor Azraa (WP, Manenberg), Mia Kanka (WP, Rusthof Secondary), Angel Minnaar (EP, Middelande), Sherezaan Fortune (WP, Manenberg), Tatum-Joy Kaboni (SWD, George), Pathakge Ralley-Amahle (Pumas, Hill Crest).

Wings: Kali Liyabona (Border, Hlumani), Jacobs Cassidy (Boland, Gansbaai), Letticia Prins (WP, Scottsville), Sibongiseni Gumede (Lions, Vorentoe), Madiniyah Joseph (WP, Downeville Primary), Nkosi Ayanda (Pumas, Azalea).

Fullbacks: Chariva Visagie (EP, Middelande), Chibandika Joan (Pumas, Hill Crest).

Graeme College returned to Templeton Drive, in Makhanda, a happy team after scoring four wins in four outings at the annual Pearson Festival that took place in Gqeberha, from 11 to 14 September.

“The team was flawless, dominating every match they played. They showcased exceptional skill, discipline, consistency, and teamwork in all departments,” Odwa Xonxa, the Graeme College coach, told SuperSport Schools Plus.

Facing Cambridge High in their first match, Graeme batted first and put 140/6 on the board. On a difficult surface, Luphelo Mdyesha and Enrique Strydom, both with 26, and Andrew Muir, with 25, did well.

The Graeme College bowling attack then made good use of the pitch as they bundled Cambridge out for only 70 runs to secure a comfortable victory. Mdyesha led the bowlers with 3/15, while Caleb Jatiem gave almost nothing away and finished with 2/4.

In their next outing, against Parel Vallei, Mdyesha led the way with the bat, contributing a well-played 50. He was well supported by Corbin Tidbury, who weighed in with 47, which helped Graeme to 133/5 in their 20 overs.

When Parel Vallei batted, Siba Deliwe took more wickets than runs conceded, finishing with 2/1 in Graeme’s emphatic 47-run win.

“The team showed a lot of maturity, with different guys putting their hands up and performing on different occasions,” Xonxa said. “The unbeaten run is a testament to the boys’ hard work, dedication, and team cohesion.”

Graeme chose to send a young side to the festival, and, despite their youth, the Makhanda school’s players showed that they were up to the task. Fifteen-year-old Caleb Jatiem unleashed his pace on Stirling and bagged a five-wicket haul, capturing 5/24 in 7.2 overs as Graeme bundled out their East London opposition for only 89 runs in their 40-over fixture.

Stirling fought hard and picked up five wickets when Graeme batted, but they had too few runs to defend.

In addition to bowling his side to a comprehensive triumph, Caleb Jatiem was also part of a history-making team selection, as Xonxa elaborated.

“The team had two sets of brothers: Caleb Jatiem and Keagan Jatiem, and Andrew Muir and James Muir. This is the first time we have had two sets of brothers since 2007 when the Smuts and Van Der Muelen siblings played in the 1st XI,” he said.

Enrique Strydom and Kits McConnachie took control of Graeme’s final match against a Wynberg Invitational side. They produced stellar all-round performances, sharing seven wickets between them as the Invitational team was bowled out for 161 in the 46th over of their 50-over game.

In only four overs, Strydom ran rampant, knocking over 5/17, while McConnachie picked up 2/14 in eight overs.

The pair then recorded identical scores, each weighing in with 51 runs, to catapult Graeme College to 162/3 in 31 overs.

Strydom was the more measured of the pair, scoring his 51 from 81 balls, while McConnachie was more destructive, requiring only 45 deliveries for his 51.

“Each and every player contributed, whether on the field or off, showcasing unity and mutual support. We are very proud of the boys.

“Everyone stepped up, and it was a total team effort from start to finish, and going undefeated speaks volumes about the commitment and focus of this young team,” Xonxa declared.

Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool Pretoria (AHMP) first played water polo competitively in mid-2023. These are still early days in the development of the sport at the school, but the girls have embraced water polo and are making strong progress under the guidance of head coach Ronan Perring.

The introduction of the sport at Affies was driven by the interest of the learners, many of whom had been exposed to the sport through their brothers at other schools.

What began as curiosity soon became a movement, with an increasing number of girls requesting that water polo be added to the school’s sports’ portfolio. Their wish was granted, and they haven’t looked back since.

“Since the launch, we’ve hit the ground running,” Perring said. “While we’ve faced our fair share of challenges, the girls have shown incredible determination, persistence, and a willingness to learn. Their progress in such a short time has been nothing short of inspiring.”

Affies began their journey with matches against their neighbours, Pretoria High School for Girls. While early encounters between the senior teams resulted in tough losses, victories by the AHMP junior teams built up early confidence.

In 2024, the team participated in several tournaments, which was another important milestone in their development. At the Inspired Cup, hosted by Reddam House Bedfordview, in October, Affies celebrated their first wins in tournament play. Those victories underscored the team’s growing capabilities and spirit.

Another standout moment came in March this year, at the Reef Cup, at St Stithians College, where Affies beat Pretoria High School for Girls for the first time, claiming a heart-stopping 7-6 victory.

“That victory created a real shift in the team’s mindset, proving to the girls that they can not only compete but also become a force to be reckoned with,” Perring said.

“The girls have adapted incredibly well to the demands of the sport. Even though water polo is new at AHMP, the players have embraced it with passion and dedication. Each week, their skills, teamwork, and understanding of the game improve, and we are proud of how far they’ve come in such a short time.”

Perring said he has found it rewarding to watch his team stand their ground against more established water polo-playing schools: “Competing at tournaments alongside top Gauteng teams has given us exciting moments of growth,” he explained, “from scoring our first goals to celebrating our first wins. Watching their confidence build with every game has been incredibly fulfilling.”

Looking ahead, Affies is eager to continue to build momentum. Their schedule includes competing in the Steyn City Tournament from 26-28 September, which will serve as key preparation for the much-anticipated Inspired Cup at Reddam House Bedfordview, from 16-19 October.

“We’re aiming to field our most competitive team yet,” said Perring. “A lot of preparation is going into these tournaments to ensure we put our best foot forward.

“The Inspired Cup holds special significance for us, and we’re determined to make a strong showing.”

But beyond results and accolades, the heart of the AHMP water polo journey lies in the camaraderie that is found in the game.

“Above all,” Perring concluded, “we are looking forward to the friendships, the fun, and the unforgettable memories that water polo continues to bring.”

Before England destroyed South Africa‘s bowling lineup on Friday, amassing a mammoth 303 in just 20 overs, the third-highest T20 international total in the format ever, Hoërskool Marais Viljoen sprinkled some batting magic of their own on the Schools SA20 tournament.

Read and relive all the Schools SA20 action on SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Playing at St Declan’s College on Thursday, Marais Viljoen’s batsmen went wild, clubbing 338/1 in their 20 overs, which works out at a run rate of 16.9 per over.

The Alberton school became the second team to achieve the feat of scoring 300 runs or more in the Schools SA20’s brief history. In the 2024/25 season, Prestige College smashed 388 against Hoërskool Akasia, with a double century from Lesedi Mabena (209*) rewriting the record books.

Marais Viljoen made some history of their own on Thursday by having two players score 150 in the same T20 match.

Almost everything went their way, but the toss didn’t, and St Declan’s sent Marais Viljoen in to bat. That turned out to be a questionable decision as opening batsman, Trent Shrives, and Ethan van Rooyen, batting at three, thundered their way to big centuries.

Van Rooyen took the lead. He faced only 56 deliveries but sent 13 of them for six and another 13 for four, which meant that 84 percent, or 130 runs, of his 156 came from boundaries. His strike rate was 275.

Shrives was not far behind, but it’s seldom that a player scores 150 while flying along at a run rate of 263 and he’s playing second fiddle, just. That, unfortunately for St Declan’s, was the case, however.

The opener bettered Van Rooyen’s 13 sixes, blasting 15 of his own. Shrives added 10 fours, too, to also finish with 130 runs in boundaries, which meant his boundary rate was a jaw-dropping 86 percent.

Together, Shrives and Van Rooyen shared a mammoth 327-run partnership.

The devastation continued for the hosts when they took to the crease, with Daymain Coetzee leading the Marais Viljoen charge by knocking over 5/14 in just 3.1 overs.

Rieshaeel Hashim, also, hastened the demise of St Declan’s, picking up 3/9, while Stian Janse van Rensburg chipped in with 2/19, to restrict the hosts to 65 all, which left Marais Viljoen the winners by an eye-popping 270 runs.

Summarised scorecard

Marais Viljoen 338/1 (Ethan van Rooyen 154*, Trent Shrives 150*; Caelan Boucher 1/48); St Declan’s College 65 (Daymian Coetzee 5/14, Rieshaeel Hashim 3/9, Stian Janse van Vuuren 2/19).

Marais Viljoen won by 270 runs. 

Somerset College made a rip-roaring start to their T20 day by powering their way to a big 130-run win over Reddam House Constantia in their opening outing on Saturday in Somerset West.

That big win was led by an aggressive knock from opening batsman, Callum Hughes, who bashed 10 fours and six sixes in his 119 from only 69 balls.

David de Klerk also made a telling contribution, delivering a lightning quick and unbeaten 52 runs off just 19 deliveries, which included an astonishing six sixes and a four.

A 105-run partnership between the pair decimated the Reddam House bowling and after 20 overs, Somerset College had posted a daunting 217/2.

The visitors never got going at the crease, and although they lost only five wickets, they were limited to just 87/5 after their 20 overs.

Caden Spiller, with 41 from 49, was the only Reddam batsman who looked comfortable against the Somerset College attack.

Finn Rankin snapped up 2/8 in 2.2 overs for the hosts, but he had to have Owethu Moyi finish his third over after picking up an injury.

In their next outing, Somerset College was swiftly brought back down to earth by HTS Drostdy, who ran through the home side’s batting with ease to score a strong 50-run victory.

Drostdy mustered only 112/8, batting first, which owed plenty to their opening batsman, DJ Luck, who made 48, striking three fours and three sixes. Meanwhile, Troy Varie led the Somerset College attack, capturing an outstanding 4/13 in his four overs.

Unfortunately for Somerset College, their batting crumbled when faced with a moderate run chase. They were all out for only 62, with Janu Nel claiming 2/1 in just one over.

Hoërskool Bellville also won convincingly against the hosts, cantering to a seven-wicket win after restricting Somerset College to only 89/8. Callum Hughes was responsible for 30 of those runs at a run a ball.

Krige van Jaarsveld inflicted huge damage on the Somerset West outfit’s batting effort, knocking over 4/13. Then, opening batsman, Xander Lategan, matched Hughes’ 30, taking 34 balls to get there, to steer his side to victory.

SCORES

Somerset College 217/2 (Cameron Hughes 119, David de Klerk 52, Owethu Moyi 26); Reddam House 87/5 (Caden Spiller 41, Extras 22; Finn Rankin 2/8).

Somerset College won by 130 runs.

HTS Drostdy 112/8 (DJ Luck 48; Troy Varie 4/13, Callum Hughes 2/27); Somerset College 62/10 (Janu Nel 2/1, Willem Louwrens 2/11, Jannes Krynauw 2/18).

HTS Drostdy won by 50 runs.

Hoërskool Bellville 90/3 (Xander Lategan 30, Johan Bergh 21); Somerset College 89/8 (Cameron Hughes 30; Krige van Jaarsveld 4/13, Lehano van der Westhuyzen 2/20).

Hoërskool Bellville won by seven wickets.

HTS Drostdy 93/4 (Stephan Steyn 32, M-Jay van Reenen 26; Edmund Klue 2/12); Hoërskool Bellville 92/10 (Xander Lategan 37, Edmund Klue 25; Adriaan Krynauw 3/9, Willem Louwrens 2/11).

HTS Drostdy won by six wickets.

Hoërskool Bellville 90/3 (Johan Bergh 52*); Reddam House 89/10 (Caden Spiller 27; Ruben Botha 3/9, Tiaan Hartman 2/5, Darius de Goede 2/12, Lehano van der Westhuyzen 2/19).

Hoërskool Bellville won by seven wickets.

HTS Drostdy 130/7 (Adriaan Krynauw 32, Jannes Krynauw 25*, Extras 30; Leo Del Connor 2/21); Reddam Constantia 126/4 (Thomas Meintjies 57, Caden Spiller 27).

HTS Drostdy won by three wickets.

Durban Girls’ College (DGC) produced a gritty performance to score an impressive 8-6 victory over Reddam House Constantia in the final of the Mackenzie Cup in Cape Town on Sunday.

The girls from KwaZulu-Natal, led by captain Lara Mervis, showed strong character and scored some outstanding goals in a tightly contested final.

They impressed in Pool B, where they withstood the challenges of some redoubtable teams to secure a place in the quarterfinals.

Their successes in the group stage included an 8-6 win over Herschel Girls School, a 4-2 defeat of Clarendon High School for Girls, and a 10-5 victory over Glenwood House.

In the knockout phase of the competition, they brushed aside a Herschel Invitational side 12-4 in the last eight to move onto the semifinals.

With a shot at the title game on the line, coach Peter Lavett‘s troops upped the ante and dominated DSG Makhanda, outscoring them 9-2, while Reddam House defeated Herschel 9-7 in their semifinal to set up an interesting showdown for the silverware.

It was a hard-fought battle from the outset, with DGC drawing first blood through a long-range effort in the first chukka from skipper Mervis.

Reddam quickly responded, striking twice before the experienced Inge Southey won a five-metre penalty for DGC. She also converted it.

At the halfway point, there was nothing to separate the sides, who were tied at 5-5, with further goals from Lia Janse van Rensburg, a second for Southey, and another from Isabella Stephenson keeping the KZN visitors in the game.

Both sides came out firing in the second half, and the lead exchanged hands several times.

It was, however, DGC who scored struck three more times, and they also defended bravely, with goalkeeper Hannah Weinert pulling off some fantastic saves, to seal the win.

Speaking to SuperSport Schools Plus after the game, captain Lara Mervis said she was pleased with how her team had performed: “It was a great weekend in Cape Town, and I’m very happy with how we played,” she said. “The team played really well, and we worked together nicely.”

DGC was brimming with confidence heading into the Mackenzie Cup after they won the KZN Top 10 Girls’ Water Polo Tournament earlier this month.

Mervis said that win, in their home pool, was the boost DGC needed to clinch a second title in as many weeks.

“Yes, that win at Top Schools definitely gave us the confidence that we needed and helped us perform the way that we did,” she explained

DGC’s success was also reflected in the individual awards, which included their Kayla Andrews receiving the Attacker of the Tournament accolade, while Inge Southey was named the Player of the Tournament.

The Durbanites will next shift their attention to the St Anne’s Water Polo Tournament, which take places from 26 to 28 September.

They’ve been drawn in Pool B and will face Roedean School, Rhenish Girls’ High, and St Dominic’s Catholic School for Girls.

Hoërskool Waterkloof se Rico van der Walt en Ruben Groenewald van Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool het die opwinding vir die komende stryd tussen dié twee tradisionele aartsvyande met ‘n paar vlakke laat styg, met puik individuele vertonings die afgelope naweek in die Titans Platinum Liga.

Lees en herleef al die Titans Platinum Liga-aksie op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Klofies en Affies se onderskeie seges beteken nie alleen dat hulle die enigste onoorwonne spanne onder die “groot vier” is nie, maar ook die enigste spanne is wat nog nie in vanjaar se liga verloor het nie.

Van der Walt se kolf was weer witwarm. Die Klofies se paaltjiewagter het sy tweede honderdtal vir die jaar aangeteken om as speler van die wedstryd in sy span se sege met 199 lopies oor Hoërskool Garsfontein aangewys te word.

Van der Walt het uit die staanspoor blitsig gekolf. Die 82 aflewerings wat hy trotseer het, het 10 sesse en sewe viere opgelewer voordat hy uiteindelik vir 132 lopies terug pawiljoen toe gestuur is. Dit was egter nie die einde van ‘n moeilike 50 beurte vir die Ysbere nie. Jaydon Blom het ook sy pond vleis tafel toe gebring. Blom wat oor die laaste jaar of wat in ‘n uitstekende veelsydige speler ontwikkel het, is met 77 lopies, nie uit nie, beloon vir ‘n doeltreffende beurt as die Klofies se sewende kolwer.

Die Garsies se boulers was hoegenaamd nie swak nie, dit was bloot ‘n geval van Waterkloof se uitstaande kolfwerk wat eenvoudig té goed was.

Xander Venter was die Ysbere se beste bouler op die dag. Hy het aan die einde van sy toegelate 10 beurte met syfers van 3/29 gespog, met 42 leë balle op die koop toe. Dit het egter nie vir Waterkloof gestuit om ‘n reuse totaal van 310/7 in die toegelate 50 beurte op te stapel nie.

Die Ysbere se kolfwerk het hulle egter wel in die steek gelaat. AJ de Villiers het dié keer sy kolf vir die bal verruil en die meeste skade aangerig. Sy 4/19, tesame met die linkerhandse draaier, Rivan Booysen, se 3/20, het die Garsies geknou. Die ineenstorting van sewe paaaltjies vir slegs 39 lopies het beteken dat hulle uiteindelik vir ‘n teleurstellende 111 uitgeboender is.

Elders in Pretoria, het Ruben Groenewald Sondag vir Die Hoërskool Menlopark laat les opsê. Dit was sy knaende en akkurate swaaiboulwerk wat die Parkies aanvanklik onsenu het. Soos gewoontlik het Groenwald die bal in die middelste gedeelte van die beurt geneem, en dit laat tel. Hy het in slegs vyf beurte vier paaltjies vir net 25 lopies laat kantel.

Groenwald is deur Nico Loggenberg (2/33) bygestaan om die besoekers tot 199 te beperk. Dié telling was grotendeels te danke aan Jan-Willem Pienaar wat die 50 merk verbygesteek het. Hys is uiteindelik vir 51 lopies deur Vihan Pretorius uitgehardloop.

Daarna het Groenwald die wilgerlat ook laat gesels. In die jaagtog van presies 200 lopies het hy slegs 50 balle trotseer, maar steeds 77 lopies gemoker.

Die veelsydige middelordekolwer het meestal in sesse te werk gegaan en sewe daarvan oor die grens laat seil, terwyl hy ook vyf viere gemoker het. Boonop was hy teen die tyd dat wenlopies behaal is, steeds nie uit nie. Pretorius het goed gelyk vir sy 42 lopies, terwyl jongeling Cristian Linde 30 lopies tot Affies se vyf-paaltjie sege bygedra het.

Beknopte telkaarte:

Waterkloof 310/7 (Rico van der Walt 132, Jaydon Blom 77*, AJ de Villiers 29, Franco Schmidt 23; Xander Venter 3/39, Wikus du Preez 2/37); Garsfontein 111 (Reuben van Zyl 20, Wikus du Preez 20; AJ de Villiers 4/19, Rivan Booysen 3/20, Ricardo Crous 2/20). Waterkloof wen met 199 lopies. 

Menlopark 199 (Jan-Willem Pienaar 51, Juan Lombard 37, Dian van Zyl 37; Ruben Groenewald 4/25, Nico Loggenberg 2/33); Affies 203/5 (Ruben Groenewald 77*, Vihan Pretorius 42, Christian Linde 30; Jordan van Exk 3/54). Affies wen met vyf paaltjies.