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Die 2023 skolerugbyseisoen skop Saterdag, 25 Februarie behoorlik af by die Hester van der Walt Sportdag by Hoërskool President Steyn in Bloemfontein. 

In totaal sal daar 18 eerstespanne kom op die Gonval Store-park bymekaar om kragte te meet met die hoop om die seisoen op ‘n positiewe noot te begin.

Die Steyners se trots sal om 17:20 in die hoofwedstryd van die dag teen Wessel Maree van Odendaalsrus sake uitspook.

Skolerugbyliefhebbers sal weet dat hierdie sportdag ‘n onmisbare bepaling op die rugbykalendar geword het, dit is beide ‘n kans om te sien hoe die verskillende spanne lyk voor al die ligawedstryde en interskole begin, sowel as ‘n unieke geleentheid om spanne wat mekaar nie gewoonlik sou raakloop nie te kan sien kompeteer.

Vanjaar is die 30ste jaar wat President Steyn hierdie sportdag aanbied.

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Wessel Maree sal moet uithaal en wys om die narratief te verander en die gasheer skool op hul tuisveld te wen. Soms is dit egter presies die tipe motivering wat nodig is om ‘n spesiale wen te kry.

Die Steyners het verlede jaar vir die Hoërskool Bultfontein met 15-5 in die hoofwedstryd geklop en sal hoop dat die vreugdevure om Gonval Store-park weer vanjaar na afloop van dié wedstryd hoog sal brand.

Die derde laaste wedstryd van die dag sal ook vonke lewer waneer Staatspresident Swart van Brandfort te staan kom teen Hoërskool Riebeeckstad. Staatspresident Swart het verlede jaar gemaklik vir Wessel Maree met 31-7 afgetrap.

Sand du Plessis sal sy seisoen teen Bultfontein afskop.

Bultfontein moes verlede jaar die knie buig teen die gasheer skool, President Steyn, so hulle sal gretig wees om hul rekord by die sportdag te verbeter. Sand du Plessis sal egter hul bes lewer om hul eie seisoen met ‘n gunstige uitslag.

Marquard pak Sentraal se derde span aan op die B-veld.

Verlede jaar het Marquard bewys dat hulle nie al die pad Bloemfontein toe kom net om deel te neem nie, maar dat hulle kan sterk staan teen baie groter opponente, toe hulle vir St Andrews van Bloemfontein met 13-7 geklop het. 

Ladybrand en Hendrik Potgieter is die eerste eerstespan wedstryd op die A-veld vir die dag en belowe om die toon te stel vir ‘n dag van opwindende rugby waar baie seuns hul eerste kans sal kry om te bewys dat hulle ‘n plek in die eerstespan verdien.

Die spanne is: 

President Steyn vs Wessel Maree om 17:20:

President Steyn: 15 Reymond Vers, 14 Ashley Marries, 13 Juanrich Swanpoel, 12 Keanu Kretsman, 11 Charl Haas, 10 Antonio Louw, 9 Dewald Vorster, 8 Reece Swart, 7 Brystan Viljoen, 6 Bartho Ackerman, 5 Ettiene Lourens, 4 Marius Olivier, 3 Tiaan Saaiman, 2 Hennie Pretorius, 1 Divan Bekker.

Wessel Maree: 15 Kamohelo Ntaje, 14 Lesego Monyaki, 13 Kananelo Mabelle, 12 Mpumelelo Dumake, 11 Kabelo Oliphant, 10 Junior Maroke, 9 Neo Broems, 8 Nico Lutzke, 7 Ntute Tsotsotso, 6 Kananelo Makelta, 5 Sizwe Mhlongo, 4 Awa Malebo, 3 Andile Gumedi, 2 Thebe Makatsoane, 1 Tsepo Tale.

Staatspresident Swart vs Riebeeckstad om 15:00

Staatspresident Swart: 15 Gustav Maree, 14 Janco Snyman, 13 Fanie van Heerden, 12 Franco de Klerk, 11 Amolang Maloisane, 10 Henré Smith, 9 Altus Coetsee, 8 Wehan Strydom, 7 Barend de Klerk, 6 Demas Moloyi, 5 JC Venter, 4 Cor Lourens. 3 Lian Naude, 2 MJ Wolmarans, 1 Heinrich de Kock.

Riebeeckstad: 15 Kenneth Matsuba, 14 Kananelo Moshaaliba, 13 Kabelo Liphoko, 12 Junior Mokoena, 11 Pule Dunjane, 10 Godfrey Makhasane, 9 Lerato Mangapane, 8 Amos Moleleki, 7 Resego Diamond, 6 Tumisang Kholumo, 5 Werner Nel, 4 Pulle Sello, 3 Barend Heins, 2 Toka Thaele, 1 Austin Duka.

Sand du Plessis vs Bultfontein om 10:20:

Sand du Plessis: 15 Charlton Mto, 14 Delron Klein, 13 Iklas Lamont, 12 Ruan Kruger, 11 Lebo Rasetuntsa, 10 Je-André Blaauw, 9 Devano Bergman, 8 Rian Koekemoer, 7 Tiaan Opperman, 6 Thabang Fuzani, 5 Johnothan Vaaltyn, 4 Shadrek Koza, 3 Donovan Botha, 2 Elroe Smit, 1 Xolani May.

Hoërskool Bultfontein: 15 Tumi Moahludi, 14 Isaiah Garbers, 13 Abraham Greyling, 12 Janro Struwig, 11 Aboubacer Gaya, 10 Jedri Janse van Rensburg, 9 Tshepiso Mohatalle, 8 Eddie Buys, 7 Marnitz Dannhauser, 6 Eduan Janse van Rensburg, 5 Braam Madden, 4 Ian Erasmus, 3 Cicel Stevens, 2 Werbrand Swart, 1 Righardt Ardenodorff. 

Hendrik Potgieter vs Ladybrand om 09:10

Hendrik Potgieter: 15 Breyton Read, 14 Denver Jacobs, 13 Jandré van Niekerk, 12 Sterling Batties, 11 Tumi Pholoane, 10 Cedric Booysen, 9 Atlehang Momela, 8 Divan van der Bank, 7 Bin Laden Macholo, 6 Unathi Ngeyakhe, 5 Kallie Erasmus, 4 Sam Landman, 3 Attie Melato, 2 Janco Roberts, 1 Pieter Jacobs.

Ladybrand: 15 Bokang Sehloho, 14 Bradley Phillips, 13 Kgosi Tladi, 12 Itumeleng Monyatsi, 11 Calvin Lambrechts, 10 Tebello Kabi, 9 Justin Haakonsen, 8 Franco van Heerden, 7 Anjo Michals, 6 Mpho Moeletsi, 5 Daniël Knot, 4 Lebo Marunye, 3 Callum Roy, 2 Mareon Maré, 1 Ronaldo Martins.

Marquard vs Sentraal III om 10:45 op die B-veld

Marquard: 15 Neo Ramabodu, 14 Bijan, 13 Tsepiso Mokone, 12 Prince Selikane, 11 Tshepang Lekhase, 10 Boitumelo Nkhatho, 9 Gift Shabangu, 8 Thlokomelo Roelane, 7 Renang Shelile, 6 Prince Utete, 5 Mustafa Leisa, 4 Keketso Seeta, 3 Tumisang Ramotete, 2 Thabo Mokonyane, 1 Keketso Monye.

Sentraal III: 15 Zander Britz, 14 Lee-Yagin Arendse, 13 Henco Smith, 12 JP Pretorius, 11 Pat Cloete, 10 Ruan van Niekerk, 9 Johan van der Merwe, 8 Sarel Taljaard, 7 Stephan de Lange, 6 Robert van Eeden, 5 Steven Smith, 4 Damian van Zyl, 3 AJ Senekal, 2 Marnus Earle, 1 Van Zyl Hetzel.

Grey College will still make some experiments during their first outing of the season against Hoërskool Trio of Kroonstad during President Steyn’s annual Hester van der Walt Sports Day just outside Bloemfontein.

This Saturday it will be the 30th time that President Steyn will host this sports day. It will be the kick-off of the winter sport season in the central region.

Don’t miss out on the action on Supersport Schools. Register now to make sure you catch every moment. 

It will be the first time that these two schools meet on the rugby field with Trio taking to the rugby field for the first time in their existence in 2022, while Grey College has a prodigious rugby record since its founding back in 1855.

Grey will still use the matches during the day as trials as some of their senior players are still competing in the various summer sports they offer. They have also opted to pick players Jean-Henri Smit (flanker), JJ Theron (Nr. 8), Ian van der Merwe (flyhalf) and Martin Botha (wing) on the bench.

All four represented Grey’s First XV in 2022 and will without a doubt probably be the stalwarts within the group for this year.

As such, we can expect to see heavy rotation from the bench as the boys all look to make an impression when Grey College’s second stringer, Cherries, take on Louis Botha.

After playing their first game ever at this very festival only a year ago, in which Trio suffered a 3-20 loss to Jim Fouché, the boys from Kroonstad continued to grow throughout the season, getting to play Jim Fouché again in the Kovsie League’s Shimla-final, winning that game 22-19. 

Trio will be looking to repeat the success of their remarkable debut season, but face their toughest challenge to date.

While Grey may still be in their trial period, make no mistake, they will not be coming into this match unprepared and will be looking to show Trio and the rest of South Africa that they are once again able to rank among the best rugby schools in the world. 

This clash will therefore undoubtedly, be one of the most exciting fixtures of the day.

Fichardtpark face Wesvalia just after lunch. The Wesvalia boys from Klerksdorp will be looking to avenge the 29-3 loss they suffered when they last met the Fichies in 2022.

This match would provide Fichies with some much-needed preparation before they face Hoërskool Diamantveld of Kimberley next week in the main match of their own sports day. The match against Diamonds will also be a Wesgrow League encounter.

Fichies’ halfback pairing of Devanté Claassen (scrumhalf) and Dailen Geldenhuys (flyhalf), could keep Wesvalia busy on Saturday.

Hentie Cilliers travel from Virginia to come to meet Bloemfontein locals Jim Fouché on the Gonval Store Park grounds.

Hentie Cilliers make the most of their visit to the City of Roses by bringing along the full complement of their rugby age-grade programs as their u14s, u15s and u16s also face their opposite Jim Fouché teams on the B-field later in the day.

JF will be looking to continue building on the success they experienced in the previous season. Their eighthman, Calvin Bolt, flanker Stefan Venter and lock CJ Raath will keep Henties busy in the trenches. 

Zastron and Ficksburg will both be making the two-hour drive to Bloemfontein to meet each other on the B-field. Ficksburg should be the favourites for this meeting, but that will only fuel the Zastron boys to make a statement during their game. 

The teams are:

Grey College vs Hoërskool Trio at 16:10:

Grey College: 15 Vincent Wolhuter, 14 Benito Goeda, 13 Ronaldo Duarte, 12 Pieter van der Merwe, 11 Johan Goosen, 10 Heinz Stockenström, 9 Christiaan van der Westhuizen, 8 Keegan Scholtz, 7 David du Toit, 6 Liam Santos, 5 Schalk du Plessis, 4 Marno Stopforth, 3 Jean Erasmus, 2 Liam van Wyk, 1 Ranon Fouché.

Hoërskool Trio: 15 Jaco Steyn, 14 Louis Boshoff, 13 Haaron Kabeya, 12 Charlton Basson, 11 Thuto Kekane, 10 Byron Biennas, 9 Ethan Smith, 8 Ewald Tolmay, 7 Tapiwa Mavheje, 6 JD Kirstein, 5 Pieter van Schalkwyk, 4 Henco Kriek, 3 Anrhu Mulder, 2 Heinrich Loubser, 1 Juandré Vorster.

Fichardtpark vs Wesvalia at 13:50:

Fichardtpark: 15 Pule Motsilili, 14 Edward Mpinga, 13 Duan Viviers, 12 Dandré van der Merwe, 11 Janco Mollentze, 10 Dailen Geldenhuys, 9 Devanté Claassen, 8 Erick Klopper, 7 Wian Pienaar, 6 Jan-Nel du Plessis, 5 Nathan Dodd, 4 Jaco Grobbelaar, 3 Nathan Swanepoel, 2 Jaco Jansen van Rensburg, 1 Luhan du Plessis.

Wesvalia: 15 Chad Hofmeyr, 14 Teboho Sekonyela, 13 Xander Smit, 12 Philip Jansen van Rensburg, 11 Werner Kruger, 10 Richardt van Heerden, 9 Deon Viljoen, 8 Hanré Venter, 7 Francois Dumond, 6 Wian Calitz, 5 Vian Botes, 4 Marco Dreyer, 3 Heinrich Jansen van Vuuren, 2 André Taute, 1 Koos Kleynhans.

Louis Botha vs Cherries at 12:40:

Louis Botha: 15 Ayanda Qinisa, 14 Unathi Frans, 13 Thabiso Majoro, 12 Phelile Katse, 11 Babongkile Mafantere, 10 Sipho Dzingwa, 9 Oratile Maphile, 8 Mogomotsi Mokunyane, 7 Sakhekile Mzamo, 6 Kwanda Tokwe, 5 Rapeo Finger, 4 Ofentse Tholometsi, 3 Daniel Tjimbundi, 2 Neo Mothibeli, 1 Tshiamo Senoamadi.

Cherries: 15 Alzeadon Felix, 14 Pretorius Ekeji, 13 Hanré du Plessis, 12 Niko Schoeman, 11 Ruben Cilliers, 10 Pharrell van Wyk, 9 Erich Visser, 8 Marcel Coetzee, 7 Juliun Cosmo, 6 Wehan Voges, 5 Juan Venter, 4 Arno van der Merwe, 3 Danie Kruger, 2 Dian Venter, 1 Nathan Jansen van Rensburg.

Jim Fouché vs Hentie Cilliers at 11:30:

Jim Fouché: 15 Christiaan Strydom, 14 IJ Jonker, 13 Heinrich Hattingh, 12 Altus du Plessis, 11 Dillon Calitz, 10 Hanko Botha, 9 Tristan van der Walt, 8 Calvin Bolt, 7 Stephan van Rooyen, 6 Stefan Venter, 5 SW van der Merwe, 4 CJ Raath, 3 Wianru van den Berg, 2 Ian Nel, 1 Bernard Labuschagne.

Hentie Cilliers: 15 Andisile Mentz, 14 Obakeng Chupologo, 13 Paballo Motlolosi, 12 Bongumusa Ngidi, 11 Ashwon Mellen, 10 Paseka Mokoena, 9 Meguel Davids, 8 Taula Valter Veale, 7 Tfhopine Nthamntubo, 6 Owen Posholi, 5 Gift Gubai, 4 Anzani Melupi Mokhotu, 3 Bongani Alfred Maduna, 2 Jose Sebia, 1 Lerato Mabona.

Zastron vs Ficksburg at 12:40 on the B-field

Zastron: 15 Khutle Mdladlamba, 14 WG Rautenbach, 13 Kamo Masiloane, 12 Juandre Beukes, 11 Mawethu Maqudela, 10 Lecha Leballo, 9 Rheinico Nel, 8 CJ Bouwer, 7 Martin Naude, 6 Frans Botha, 5 GD Bruwer, 4 Markus Allersthon, 3 Derick Bouwer, 2 Christin du Toit, 1 Jan Adrian Grobler.

Ficksburg: 15 Robert Ntholi, 14 Bokomosa Kgang, 13 Lefa Lehalehale, 12 Khotso Potloane, 11 Deacon Vollenhoven, 10 Ernest Makhele, 9 Tlonolofatso Matlotlo, 8 Lebo Lebohla, 7 Karabo Morobe, 6 Thato Chaka, 5 Retabile Montsho, 4 Damian Holliday, 3 Molibeli Theoha, 2 Juandre Steenkamp, 1 Thabo Mafane.

A hat-trick by Ryan Harcourt-Baldwin catapulted Jeppe High School for Boys into the final of this year’s Johnny Waite Knockout tournament.

Harcourt-Baldwin finished the T20-clash against King Edward VII with bowling figures of 4/12. The semi-final between the two teams where played at

He removed Kian Hilton (3), Cameron Smith (0) and Fyaaz Vawda (0) in succesive deliveries in the tenth over to make KES stumble from 45/4 to 45/7.

Harcourt-Baldwin was deservedly named Man-of-the-Math for his efforts with ball in hand. He received some assistance from Luke Cannon (3/14).

Jeppe will face Helpmekaar-kollege in the final of this prestigious tournament.

Jeppe reached 101 before being bowled out against KES with Tshepo Stafa (25) and Jaydon Brooker (25) making valuable contributions. David Teeger (2/15) and Lesedi Shole (2/15) was the pick of King Edward VII’s bowling attack.

Helpies defeated St David’s Marist by six wickets in the other semi-final. It was two allround performances by Henricus Meyer and Tjaart Mentz that helped their side into the final.

St David’s were restricted to 95/8 in their allotted 20 overs with Tjaart Mentz (2/7) and Henricus Meyer (2/26) causing most of the damage. Henno Steyn (2/12) also troubled the batsmen from St Davids.

Meyer (34*) and Mentz (30) also got their team past the target with their batting contributions.

It is the first time in the history of the Johnny Waite Knockout competition that Helpmekaar has qualified for the final. To top it all off their u16 side will face King Edward VII in the age-group final.

Summarised Scorecards: 

Jeppe High School for Boys 101 (Tsepho Stafa 25, Jaydon Brooker 25; David Teeger 2/15, Lesedi Shole 2/15, Cameron Smith 2/16, Callum Ritchie 2/21); King Edward VII 80 (Jordan Smith 17, Rowan Kourie 17; Ryan Harcourt-Baldwin 4/12, Luke Cannon 3/14). Jeppe High School for Boys won by 21 runs.

St David’s Marist 95/8 (Matthew West 29, Gomolemo Phiri 22; Tjaart Mentz 2/7, Henno Steyn 2/12, Henricus Meyer 2/26); Helpmekaar-kollege 97/4 (Henricus Meyer 34*, Tjaart Mentz 30, Kyle Swanepoel 22; Gomolemo Phiri 2/14, Boago Gaoraelwe 2/20). Helpmekaar-kollege won by six wickets.

Article by Zane Louw and Hannes Nienaber

Cricket lovers in Pretoria is in for one final treat before the schoolboy cricket season comes to a halt.

The annual Independent Schools’ Cricket Festival (ISCF) will be hosted by St Alban’s College from 23 to26 February in the Jacaranda City.

Catch all the matches live on SuperSport Schools – Register Now.

All of the top cricketing private schools from South Africa as well as Zimbabwe will be in action. The format of the first three days will be limited overs while the teams will finish on Sunday with a T20 encounter.

St Alban’s College will face St John’s College of Harare in their opening match on Thursday at the picturesque TC Mitchell Oval. Another match at St Alban’s Baloyi Oval will also produce some classy cricket with Hilton College and Bishops of Cape Town taking each other on.

The hosts will also face Uplands College, Kearsney College and Bishops during the festival.

The match to watch on Saturday is probably the one between St John’s College of Johannesburg against Michaelhouse. The match will take place on St John’s Mitchell Oval in the City of Gold.

On Sunday the T20 clash between St Stithians College and Hilton College on the former’s Dlamini Oval could produce some highlights.

The fixtures for the festival are: 

Thursday, 23 February 2023 

St Alban’s College vs St John’s College (Harare) – TC Mitchell Oval
Hilton College vs Diocesan College – Baloyi Oval
St Andrew’s College vs St George’s College (Harare) – Murray Oval
Michaelhouse vs Titans Invitational XI – Tuks Oval
St David’s Marist vs Woodridge College – Tuks II
St Stithians College vs Clifton – Tuks III
St Andrew’s School vs Kearsney College – Tuks IV
Cornwall Hill College vs Helpmekaar-kollege – Van der Byl Oval
Kingswood College vs St John’s College – Parke de Terrace
St Benedict’s College vs Uplands College – Lands End

Friday, 24 February 2023

St Alban’s College vs Uplands College – TC Mitchell Oval
St Stithians College vs Kearsney College – Baloyi Oval
Woodridge College vs Clifton – Murray Oval
St Andrew’s School vs Kingswood College – Tuks Oval
Michaelhouse vs St Andrew’s College – Tuks II
Diocesan College vs Helpmekaar-kollege – Tuks III
Cornwall Hill College vs St John’s College – Van der Byl Oval
St David’s Marist vs St George’s College (Harare) – Parke de Terrace
Hilton College vs Titans Invitational XI – Lands End

Saturday, 25 February 2023 

St Alban’s College vs Kearsney College – TC Mitchell Oval
St Benedict’s College vs Clifton – Baloyi Oval
Uplands College vs St John’s College (Harare) – Murray Oval
St John’s College vs Michaelhouse – Mitchell Oval, St John’s
St Stithians College vs Kingswood College – Dlamini Oval
St David’s Marist vs Diocesan College – La Valla
St Andrew’s School vs Titans Invitational XI – McGregor
Cornwall Hill College vs Hilton College – Van der Byl Oval
Woodridge College vs St George’s College (Harare) – Parke de Terrace
Helpmekaar-kollege vs St Andrew’s College – Lands End

Sunday, 26 February 2023 

St Alban’s College vs Diocesan College – TC Mitchell Oval
St George’s College (Harare) vs Uplands College – Murray Oval
St Benedict’s College vs Kingswood College – Baloyi Oval
Cornwall Hill College vs Kearsney College – Van der Byl Oval
St John’s College (Harare) vs Clifton – Parke de Terrace
St Andrew’s School vs Helpmekaar-kollege – Lands End
St David’s Marist vs Michaelhouse – La Valla
Woodridge College vs Titans Invitational XI – McGregor
St John’s College vs St Andrew’s College – Mitchell Oval, St Johns
St Stithians College vs Hilton College – Dlamini Oval

Grey College had what they would consider a mixed 2022 season.

While they played some exceptional rugby, coming away with big wins over the likes of Waterkloof, Outeniqua and Paarl Boys’ High, and making it all the way to the final of the World Schools Festival in Thailand.

Yet, because of the extremely high expectations they have for themselves, Grey will be disappointed by losses to Paarl Gimnasium and Paul Roos, as well as the loss in the final of the World Schools Festival to a very impressive team from Hamilton Boys’ High, New Zealand. 

Despite this, you can rest assured that Grey is as prepared as ever to defend their reputation as one of the most prestigious rugby factories, not only in South Africa but in the world.

Coach Jannie Geldenhuys returns for his third year at the helm, with the backing of his management team in Tiaan Liebenberg and Wian du Preez (forward coaches), Tewis du Bruyn and Helgard Muller (backline coaches), Inus Keyser (strength and conditioning), Jaco Colyn (physio) and Putu Pretorius (manager).

The team management got wealth of experience with Liebenberg, Du Preez and Muller all representing the Springboks as players in their career.

This star-studded coaching team will look to instill the same winning attitude and brand of “Grey-rugby” which has brought the school so much success over the years. 

The team will be bolstered by the experience of six players – Jean Erasmus, Ranon Fouché, Jean-Henri Smith, Marno Stopforth, JJ Theron and Martin Botha who all featured in the first team squad in 2022. 

That said, all the players who made it to the final of the World Schools Festival in Thailand last year will still be available for selection as the matrics did not join the squad for that tournament. 

On top of that, Grey also has the luxury of being able to select from a pool of a staggering 13 players who competed at the Grant Khomo Week in 2022.

Emile McGear, Heindrich Theron, Pieter van der Merwe, Dian Venter, Danie Kruger, Marcel Coetzee, Liam Santos, David du Toit, Philip Mclaren, Renalo Duarte, Pretorius Ekeji, Alzeedon Felix and Mokgaotsi Mosiane all move up to the senior age-grade this year, and will be looking to make an impact. 

Continuing Grey’s long tradition of generational rugby excellence, Jean-Hendri Smith, Heindrich Theron and Handre du Plessis will all be looking to follow in their fathers’ footsteps as Phillip Smith, Louis Theron and Abrie du Plessis all left their mark on South African rugby in their own right.

Smith represented the Springboks in 5 matches between 1997 and 1998. 

Grey College will take to the field for the first time in 2023 at the President Steyn Sports Day on the 25th of February. 

Grey will be travelling to compete in the NMI Toyota Menlyn North/South tournament where they will get an opportunity to redeem themselves on neutral ground against Paarl Gimnasium who handed them their first defeat in 2022. 

After that, Grey will meet Garsfontein at the 2023 ABSA Wildeklawer festival in Kimberley for what promises to be one of the toughest games of the season in a true clash of the titans.

On May 20, Affies will be travelling to face Grey in Bloemfontein where the teams will be competing to write the next chapter in a rivalry that began 100 years ago when the two sides first met in 1923 (Grey won that first encounter 7-0).

Grey will be looking to end their season on a high as they host Oakdale Landbou and Paul Roos Gimansium for their final two inter-schools of the year.

Oakdale held Grey to a 17 – 17 draw in Riversdale in 2022 and Grey were dealt a devastating blow by Paul Roos in the Markotter Stadium in Stellenbosch when the two sides last met. 

Expect a highly motivated Grey side, who are unaccustomed to losing once, let alone twice, to show up for these encounters to round off what promises to be an absolutely thrilling season. 

You can follow Grey’s season on SuperSport Schools.

Register now to make sure you don’t miss a moment of the action. 

Grey College fixtures for 2023: 

[ninja_tables id=”13476″]

Verlede jaar was dit reeds duidelik na die eerste ronde wedstryde in die NWU 16-reeks dat die gort behoorlik gaar sou wees.

Die Hoërskool Piet Retief het vir Pionier van Vryheid met 17-10 verslaan. Dit was die span van Vryheid se eerste nederlaag sedert die eindstryd van 2016 teen die Hoërskool Vryburg (5-57) in die reeks.

Piet Retief het uiteindelik die titel verower toe hy die Hoërskool Wolmaransstad in die eindstryd met 27-23 in Potchefstroom die loef afgesteek het. Die verdedigende kampioen sal vanjaar sy titel teen Pionier in Vryheid afskop.

Die twee spanne sê mekaar vanjaar ook in die Puma-liga die stryd aan met die kragmeting wat in die Jack Botes-stadion in Piet Retief beslis sal word.

Soos gewoontlik is Ferrum van Newcastle en Volksrust saam met Piet Retief en Pionier in ‘n groep geloot.

Daar is vanjaar ook ‘n nuweling in die reeks met Hans Strijdom van Mookgophong (voorheen Naboomspruit) wat sy toetrede tot die reeks maak. Die Hansies kan in Groep C sterk teenstand van Bekker van Magaliesburg, Riebeeckrand en die Leeuwenhof Akademie te wagte wees.

Hans Strijdom behoort egter ‘n sterk aanspraakmaker op vanjaar se titel te wees. Hoërskool Overvaal is die span wat moes plek maak vir die nuwelinge van Mookgophong.

In Groep D sal Wolmaransstad, Vryburg, Fochville en Schoonspruit van Klerskdorp mekaar die stryd aansê. Wollies het verlede jaar in die eindstryd vasgeval en ook in die Noordvaal-trofee (Afdeling 3) tot in die halfeindronde gevorder.

Die Hoërskool Vryburg het die Noordvaal-titel in Afdeling 3 met Die Wilgers van Pretoria gedeel na die twee spanne met 15-elk gelykop in die eindstryd gespeel het. Die Wilgers het die vorige week vir Wollies met 24-20 uitgeskakel.

In Groep A sal Oosterland van Secunda, Stoffberg van Brakpan, Pretoria-Noord en Delmas onder mekaar uitklaar wie ‘n kans gaan staan vir die NWU 16-titel in die uitspeelrondes.

Die bepalings is (tuisspanne eerste vermeld): 

25 Februarie 2023

Oosterland vs Stoffberg
Pretoria-Noord vs Delmas
Piet Retief vs Pionier
Ferrum vs Volksrust
Leeuwenhof vs Bekker
Hans Strijdom vs Riebeeckrand
Schoonspruit vs Wolmaransstad
Fochville vs Vryburg

4 Maart 2023 

Stoffberg vs Delmas
Oosterland vs Pretoria-Noord
Pionier vs Ferrum
Volksrust vs Piet Retief
Riebeeckrand vs Leeuwenhof
Bekker vs Hans Strijdom
Schoonspruit vs Fochville
Wolmaransstad vs Vryburg

11 Maart 2023 

Pretoria-Noord vs Stoffberg
Delmas vs Oosterland
Piet Retief vs Ferrum
Pionier vs Volksrust
Bekker vs Riebeeckrand
Leeuwenhof vs Hans Strijdom
Fochville vs Wolmaransstad
Vryburg vs Fochville

It seems the 2022 rugby season was truly a watershed moment for Hoërskool Garsfontein‘s rugby programme.

Garsies have appointed two former Springboks Morné Steyn and Jaco Kriel to bolster their already impressive coaching team. Steyn was announced to be the kicking coach, while Kriel would focus on the breakdowns.

Another two appointments within the coaching staff for the season is Russel Winter (Blue Bulls forward coach) and WJ Strydom (former Blitzbok). Winter will be helping out as the lineout consultant of the Bere, while Strydom who was appointed as a teacher at the school in 2022 are handling the position specific skills within the team.

The team of 2022 made huge inroads as the team fifth on most ranking systems and produced historic victories over Affies (20-19) and Paul Roos Gimnasium (21-18). Their first encounter against Paarl Boys’ High (19-all) also ended in a draw.

Steyn is still playing for the Bulls and represetend the Springboks in 68 test matches in which he scored 742 points of which two penalties 12 years apart for series victories over the British & Irish Lions stands out.

Steyn is himself a product of Sand du Plessis in Bloemfontein. This his first real step into coaching could be the start of a new career. Two old Sannies Franco Smith and Dawie Theron is currently coaching the Glasgow Warriors and Docomo Red Hurricanes respectively.

All three of them played for Sannies’ first team under Smith’s father, Abé Smith.

Kevin Buys will once again return as the Garsie Bere’s scrum consultant after helping the team’s pack of forwards to be one of the best units come scrum time in 2022.

Sylvester Booysen, who was appointed as the new Director of Rugby at the end of last year, will take the lead in the coaching team with Johan du Plessis. The latter has been part of the coaching team since 2014 and been the head coach of the First XV from 2017.

Garsies have yet another tough fixture list this season as they will face Grey College and Outeniqua during Wildeklawer. Outeniqua is celebrating their centenary and have probably their best side since 2013.

The Bere would also have to travel to Affies to face without a doubt a wounded Wit Bulle.

The Bere who would once again play a part in this year’s first team is Demetri Erasmus (centre), Nicallen Gabrielsen (flyhalf), Abrie van der Westhuizen (flanker), De Wet Lottering (hooker), Zian Cilliers (scrumhalf), Zander Lourens (flanker), Leighton-Jon Cloete (prop), Divan Brits (flanker) and Heinrich Cloete (winger).

Garsfontein’s fixtures for 2023: 

[ninja_tables id=”13739″]

Fichardtpark will face Grey College’s second team in the final of the Free State SuperLeague T20 which will be played at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein.

The final will take place on Tuesday, 28 February 2023. It will without a doubt be a major experience for the players to play on one of the biggest cricket fields in the world.

Mangaung Oval is the third biggest cricket ground in the world.

Fichies booked their place in the final thanks to a seven-wicket victory over Jim Fouché on Monday. Their opening batsman Eben Botha (68) once again shined with a half-century as Willie Volschenk (42*) also weighed in with a more than valuable contribution.

Jim Fouché who batted first reached 142/4 in their allotted 20 overs thanks to a half-century by Adrian de Necker (54).

The semi-final between Grey College and St Andrews’ second teams was heavily affected by rain.

Saints batted first and reached 66/4 in their adjusted 12 overs with Matthew Simon (24) top-scoring. Grey reached the target with their opening batsmen, Simon Steyn (40*) and Pieter Smit (24*), seeing them home.

Summarised Scorecards: 

Jim Fouché 142/4 (Adrian de Necker 54, Extras 31, Arno Marais 25; Ulrich Campher 1/14); Fichardtpark 143/3 (Eben Botha 68, Willie Volschenk 42*; Kobus Wilken 1/6). Fichardtpark won by seven wickets.

St Andrew’s School II 66/4 (Matthew Simon 24; Muso Mokomela 3/10); Grey College II 70/0 (Simon Steyn 40*, Pieter Smit 24*). Grey College II won by ten wickets.

Lhuandré Pretorius of St Stithians College has been racking up the runs this season. He scored his seventh century for his school side this weekend against St David’s Marist on the Dlamini Oval.

Pretorius was in a devastating mood against St Davids as he scored an unbeaten 160 runs from a mere 141 deliveries. This helped Saints reach 273/5 in their allotted 50 overs.

Pretorius struck seven fours and 11 sixes in his innings. It was his second century against St David’s Marist this season as he recorded an innings of 166 in an earlier match between the two schools.

Pretorius’ other centuries came against Maritzburg College (140), Noordheuwel (119), Hilton College (109*), Lions Invitation XI (106) and St Andrew’s of Bloemfontein (104).

This does not include the unbeaten century (126*) Pretorius scored during Cricket South Africa’s Cubs Week in Stellenbosch for the Central Gladiators against the Coastal Conquerors.

The left-handed opening batsman will without a doubt be a force to be reckoned with if he continues his excellent form next season.

Saints won the match against St David’s comfortably by 180 runs. Pretorius was dropped twice in his innings. Tahseen Hanslo (60) also weighed in with a half-century.

St David’s was restricted to only 93 runs thanks to some excellent bowling by Olly Riley (4/16) and Kwena Maphaka (2/13).

Pretorius has scored 1 744 runs thus far in the season at an average of 69.76 runs per innings.

This week the semi-finals of the Johnny Waite Knockout competition will take place. Jeppe High School for Boys will take on King Edward VII, while Helpmekaar-kollege and St David’s Marist will face each other

Summarised Scorecards: 

St Stithians College 273/5 (Lhuandré Pretorius 160*, Tahseen Hanslo 60, Extras 25; Boago Gaoraelwe 3/33); St David’s Marist 93 (Sam Wearne 26; Olly Riley 4/16, Kwena Maphaka 2/13). St Stithians College won by 180 runs.