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Western Province XV made it two from two for the Western Cape over the Free State with a thorough 37-18 victory on the second day of this year’s Grant Khomo Week, at St Alban’s College in Pretoria.

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

The WP outfit found their spark in the second half, scoring 27 points to Free State’s three, having trailed 10-15 at the break. Danté Davids, the Capetonians’ nippy fullback, did most of the damage, rounding off twice for a brace of tries, of which one could’ve been voted try of the day.

Left wing, Liam Phillander, also touched down, while inside centre, Divan Meyer, kept the scoreboard ticking with his boot. Meyer was again deadly accurate from the kicking tee, succeeding with four conversions and three penalties for a personal contribution of 17 points.

The battle between the two packs was a sight to behold. Although on the losing side, Free State’s big men fought valiantly on defence and put in some big hits, with especially openside flanker, Dylan Stassen, keeping Province on their toes in the loose.

On the Baloyi Field, the Leopards bagged their first victory of the tournament, comfortably seeing off traditional rivals, the Valke, 39-15. Right wing, Karabello Kgamanyane, scored twice once his backline got on the front foot, while lock, Daniel Schoeman, stoked the flames upfront to lay the platform for Kgamanyane and the rest of the back division.

Lukhanyo Dauwa‘s brace sealed the Purple People Eaters’ second victory on the trot, as the Griffons walloped Border 38-17 in the second game on the Moshate Field. It was clear from the start that the side from Northern Free State weren’t going to make it easy for Border. Through offensive defence, they turned opportunities into points, in the end making the win look rather comfortable.

The Golden Lions and the Limpopo Blue Bulls both kept their opponents scoreless while running rampant in the opening encounters of the second day. The side from Gauteng amassed 43 points against Boland, stamping their authority through early forwards dominance and flyhalf, Ndzalama Mbhalathi, once again dictating matters superbly at the back.

Limpopo’s forwards also enjoyed the upper hand as they laid the foundation for their lethal backline to run riot in their 60-0 romp against Border Country Districts. Speedster Cohen Koopman exploited the dominance to run in two of Limpopo’s 10 tries.

Scorers: 

Moshate Field: 

Western Province XV 37 (10) – Tries: Danté Davids (2), Derrick Groenewald, Liam Philander. Conversions: Divan Meyer (4). Penalties: Meyer. Free State 18 (15) – Tries: Dylan Stassen, Hloni Mathafeng. Conversion: Zachary Walburgh. Penalties: Walburgh (2).

Griffons 38 (30) – Tries: Lukhanyo Dauwa (2), Rico Aucamp, Jayden-Daniel Bienas. Conversions: Theuns van Rensburg (3). Penalties: Van Rensburg (2), Henno Kruger. Border 17 (5) – Tries: Zim Deleki, Kamva Matebese, Phethuxolo Sebe. Conversion: Josh Wilkie.

Golden Lions 43 (17) – Tries: Russel Mgiba (2), Ray-Nathin van Kolver, Hanco van Geelen, Keegan McCarthy, Andries van der Merwe, Chrisandro Flemmer. Conversions: Ndzalama Mbhalathi (4). Boland 0. 

Baloyi Field: 

Leopards 39 (25) – Tries: Karabello Kgamanyane (2), Daniel Schoeman, Semi Nero, Lerato Matlaisane, Ruben van Heerden. Conversions: Johann von Moltke (3). Penalty: Von Moltke. Valke 15 (15) – Tries: Conor Louw, Jerado Tafel. Conversion: Bokang Mabina. Penalty: Tafel.

Limpopo Blue Bulls 60 (36) – Tries: Cohen Koopman (2), Xander Deysel, Regardt Els, Phomolo Shubane, Ndzalo Makhubela, Lehlogonolo Letlabola, Edwin Matola, Milan Le Roux, Tshepo Makgoi. Conversions: Junaid Stevens (3). Johan van Biljon (2). Border Country Districts 0. 

Namibia 43 (29) – Tries: Mias Nieuwoudt (2), Drikus Maartens (2), Janco Esterhuizen, Joshua Platt, Cayleb Buys. Conversions: Platt (3). Matthew Raubenheimer. Iqhawe XV 26 (7) – Tries: Likamva Thumani (2), Abdul Isaacs, Kabelo Motlharo. Conversions: Darren Cloete (2), Luthando Marangxa.

Western Province extended their winning run while the Blue Bulls and Sharks battled to a thrilling draw in the second round of the FNB U16 Grant Khomo Week in Pretoria on Wednesday.

The second day of the tournament delivered its fair share of drama, with the Limpopo Bulls, Golden Lions, Namibia, Griffons, Leopards, WP XV, Griquas, Eastern Province and WP claiming victories at St Alban’s College.

The Griffons, Griquas and both WP teams extended their winning runs, while the hosts and the Sharks drew 29-29.

The WP XV fired late against Free State to secure an emphatic 37-18 win, with fullback Dante Davids scoring two tries and flyhalf Divan Meyer – the tournament’s leading point-scorer (32) – kicking four conversions and three penalty goals.

The clash between the Bulls and Sharks lived up to the hype, with Sharks wing Lisa Sijadu scoring two late tries to ensure that his side came away with a draw. If not for a couple of missed conversions, the KwaZulu-Natalians would have recorded their second win of the tournament.

After scoring 55 points against Free State in their opening fixture, WP were made to fight for a 29-21 win over SWD on day two.

Meanwhile, the Lions bounced back from a first-round loss to claim an impressive 43-0 win over Boland, with flyhalf Ndzalama Mbhalati kicking four conversions to extend his tournament tally to 23 points.

The Griffons recorded their second win when they beat Border 38-17, while Griquas rallied to beat Zimbabwe 40-25.

The final round of the FNB U16 Grant Khomo Week will be staged at St Alban’s College in Pretoria on Friday, 4 July.

 FNB U16 Grant Khomo Week day two results (Wednesday 2 July):
Limpopo Blue Bulls 60 (36) Border Country Districts 0 (0)
Golden Lions 43 (17) Boland 0 (0)
Namibia 43 (29) Iqhawe XV 26 (7)
Border 17 (5) Griffons 38 (30)
Leopards 39 (25) Valke 15 (15)
WP XV 37 (10) Free State 18 (15)
Zimbabwe 25 (15) Griquas 40 (14)
Sharks 29 (12) Blue Bulls 29 (15)
Pumas 15 (10) EP 27 (24)
WP 29 (14) SWD 21 (7)

 Issued by SA Rugby Communications

The Blue Bulls and Western Province were among the big winners in the second round of the FNB U18 Girls Week in Johannesburg, while the Golden Lions made another statement in the FNB U16 Girls Week.

 The Lions, Boland, Bulls and WP remain unbeaten after two rounds of the U18 tournament, while Griquas, Free State and the Valke have opened their respective accounts after securing important wins on day two.

Griquas rebounded from a 52-0 loss to Zimbabwe to beat the Limpopo Blue Bulls 17-7, while Free State showed similar determination, after they fought back from a 12-point deficit to down the Leopards 20-12.

Fresh off a 79-7 win against the Valke, WP turned in another emphatic performance against Zimbabwe, with No 12 Endinalo Fihla scoring four tries in the 36-5 victory.

Meanwhile, Border Country Districts, the Pumas, Border, the Lions and WP extended their winning runs in the U16 tournament.

The Leopards bounced back from their 88-0 loss to WP in the opening round to beat the Valke 15-0, while outside centre Sarrendar Chauke scored four tries in the Limpopo Blue Bulls’ 22-0 win against Griquas.

After putting 62 points past the Valke on day one, the Lions turned in another dominant display in their 57-0 hammering of SWD. Fullback Khanya Makhudu scored a hat-trick while flyhalf Alice Ncube kicked six conversions.

The third and final round of both tournaments will be staged at Queens High School in Johannesburg on Friday, 4 July.

FNB U18 Girls Week day two results (Wednesday 2 July):

Griquas 17 (0) Limpopo Blue Bulls 7 (7)
Pumas 5 (5) Boland 20 (5)
SWD 5 (5) Blue Bulls 27 (22)
EP 5 (0) Golden Lions 12 (12)
Leopards 12 (12) Free State 20 (0)
WP 36 (17) Zimbabwe 5 (0)
Valke 22 (7) Griffons 12 (0)
Border 6 (0) Sharks 0 (0)

 FNB U16 Girls Week day two results (Wednesday 2 July):

Border Country Districts 17 (12) Zimbabwe 14 (14)
Leopards 15 (10) Valke 0 (0)
KwaZulu-Natal 12 (0) Pumas 15 (10)
Boland 5 (0) Border 22 (17)
Griffons 0 (0) Blue Bulls 22 (0)
Limpopo Blue Bulls 22 (15) Griquas 0 (0)
Golden Lions 57 (43) SWD 0 (0)
WP 14 (14) EP 7 (0)

 

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Dit sal ‘n spreekwoordelike geval van “Ouboet” teen “Kleinboet” wees wanneer die eindstryd van die VKB Stedelike-week Donderdagmiddag op Piet Geyer-park in Reitz afskop.

Die Vrystaat Arende het hul plek bespreek deur vir KwaZulu-Natal o.18 naelskraaps met 23-17 te troef, terwyl Griffons Platteland vir die Westelike Provinsie Noordelike Voorstede met 28-12 verslaan het om sy plek teen die Vrystaat te bespreek.

Dit beteken voorts dat daar vanjaar ‘n nuwe kampioen by dié week gekroon sal word. Verlede jaar se kampioen, die KwaZulu-Natal Wildebeeste, is nie by vanjaar se toernooi in aksie nie.

Die Arende se sege kan in ‘n groot mate toegeskryf word aan losskakel, Hanco Nel, wat 13 van die Vrystaters se 23 punte aangeteken het met twee doelskoppe en drie strafdoele, terwyl haker, Xander de Beer, voor in die koor was op die aanval. Die voorryman was vir die addisionele 10 punte verantwoordelik met twee kuiers agter die opposisie se doellyn.

Vir die span van KZN het skrumskakel, Jurgens Pretorius, die meeste skade aangerig met ‘n tweekuns aan drieë en behoort hy ‘n sleutelrol te vervul wanneer sy span Donderdag teen die Blou Bulle in die hoofvoorwedstryd te staan kom.

Die Perses se losskakel, Andries De Wet-Steyl, was self in die kol met twee doelskoppe en drie strafdoele in sy span se sege oor die Kapenaars. Oopkanflank, MJ Hattingh, se gewoeker in die los is beloon met twee drieë, wat uiteindelik die verskil tussen die spanne beteken het, terwyl agsteman, Wian Visser, ook prominent was met die bal in hand. Die Griffons se los-duo sal beslis ‘n vername rol speel in Donderdag se eindstryd teen die Arende.

Vir die Blou Bulle o.17, aangevoer deur Hoërskool Garsfontein se Lourenz de Jager, het losskakel, Willie Pieterse, die dag met sy stewel oorheers om ‘n oorwinning van 31-27 oor die Western Cape Disas te beklink. Pieterse het twee doelskoppe, twee strafdoele en twee skepdoele deur die pale gejaag vir ‘n persoonlike bydrae van 16 punte, meer as die helfte van sy span se totaal.

Hoewel die span van die Kaap tweede beste daarvan afgekom het, het hy nietemin steeds vier keer agter die Blou Bulle se doellyn gaan draai.

Puntemakers: 

Vrystaat Arende 23 (17) – Drieë: Xander de Beer (2). Doelskoppe: Hanco Nel (2). Strafdoele: Nel (3). KwaZulu-Natal o.18 17 (12) – Drieë: Jurgens Pretorius (2), Gerber Diedricks. Doelskop: Diedricks.

Blou Bulle o.17 31 (27) – Drieë: Ewald van Niekerk, Jaap Stolp, Reagan Blignaut. Doelskoppe: Willie Pieterse (2). Strafdoele: Pieterse (2). Skepdoel: Pieterse (2). Western Cape Disas 27 (13) – Drieë: Francois de Villiers, Wade Wilfred, Yanick Mwamba, Jaydon Adrie Steenkamp. Doelskoppe: Steenkamp, Rioscoe Julius. Strafdoel: Junior Louw.

Griffons Platteland 28 (22) – MJ Hattingh (2), Wian Visser. Doelskoppe: Andries de Wet Steyl (2). Strafdoele: De Wet Steyl (3). Westelike Provinsie Noordelike Voorstede XV 12 (5) – Drieë: Haddon Plaatjies, Joen Davids. Doelskop: Plaatjies.

Namibië 14 (14) – Drie: Derick Bezuidenhout. Strafdoele: Sergio Pamplin (3). Barbarians 13 (10) – Drieë: Pieter Nel, Joubert Flores. Strafdoel: Nolan du Plooy.

UXI Invitational XV 43 (3) – Drieë: Ntando Radebe (2), Lwandile Nzama, Ethan Haywood, Gerhard Jacobs, Logan Reece, Alex Jankowity. Doelskoppe: Haywood (4). Zululand 13 (6) – Drieë: Fezile Luhlongwane. Doelskop: Okuhle Gumede. Strafdoel: Gumede (2).

Noord-KwaZulu-Natal 36 (17) – Drieë: Samukelo Nthombeki (2), Seluleko Mvelase, Snakho, Jean Theron, Anthony Byrnes. Doelskoppe: Josh Jordaan (3). Diamante 12 (7) – Drieë: William Bloem, Anele Mosweu. Doelskop: Liam Botha.

Die bepalings vir Donderdag 3 Julie: 

09:00 – Diamante t. Westelike Provinsie Noordelike Voorstede XV
10:25 – NKZN o.17 t. Zululand Rhinos
11:50 – UXI Sport School Invitational t. Barbarians
13:15 – Westelike Provinsie Disas t. Namibië
14:40 – Blou Bulle o.17 t. KwaZulu-Natal o.18
16:05 – Vrystaat Arende t. Griffons Platteland

Scorers: 

Western Province 29 (14) – Tries: Luka van der Westhuizen, Ziyaad Jappie, Jake Dave, Ridah Johnson. Conversions: Dave (3). Penalty: Dave. South Western Districts 21 (7) – Tries: Reese Lewaa, Penalty Try (2).

Eastern Province 27 (24) – Tries: Entle Ngcaba (2), Selunathi Mfundisi. Conversions: Nathan Trytsman (3). Penalty: Trytsman (2). Pumas 15 (10) – Tries: Menzi Siyaya, Lihle Nkadimeng. Conversion: Kgontse Masilela. Penalty: Masilela.

Blue Bulls 29 (15) – Tries: Reuben Smith, Kyle van Staden, Ethan Williams, Keegan Fourie. Conversions: Smith (3). Penalty: Liam de Jager. Sharks 29 (12) – Tries: Lisa Sijadu (2), Elgenio Oersen, Mojalefa Mogale, Lwanzo Vyambwera. Conversions: Daniel Miskey (2).

Griquas 40 (14) – Tries: Stephan Fourie (2), Jay-Dee Isaacs, Lee-Marquin Cronjé, Keanu Miles, Hanco Klopper. Conversions: Cronjé (4), Isaacs. Zimbabwe 25 (15) – Tries: Nicholas Mangwiro, Mukudzei Chisi, Miguel Mavera, Tafara Gara, Liam Britten.

Western Province XV 37 (10) – Tries: Danté Davids (2), Derrick Groenewald, Liam Philander. Conversions: Divan Meyer (4). Penalties: Meyer. Free State 18 (15) – Tries: Dylan Stassen, Hloni Mathafeng. Conversion: Zachary Walburgh. Penalties: Walburgh (2).

Leopards 39 (25) – Tries: Karabello Kgamanyane (2), Daniel Schoeman, Semi Nero, Lerato Matlaisane, Ruben van Heerden. Conversions: Johann von Moltke (3). Penalty: Von Moltke. Valke 15 (15) – Tries: Conor Louw, Jerado Tafel. Conversion: Bokang Mabina. Penalty: Tafel.

Griffons 38 (30) – Tries: Lukhanyo Dauwa (2), Rico Aucamp, Jayden-Daniel Bienas. Conversions: Theuns van Rensburg (3). Penalties: Van Rensburg (2), Henno Kruger. Border 17 (5) – Tries: Zim Deleki, Kamva Matebese, Phethuxolo Sebe. Conversion: Josh Wilkie.

Namibia 43 (29) – Tries: Mias Nieuwoudt (2), Drikus Maartens (2), Janco Esterhuizen, Joshua Platt, Cayleb Buys. Conversions: Platt (3). Matthew Raubenheimer. Iqhawe XV 26 (7) – Tries: Likamva Thumani (2), Abdul Isaacs, Kabelo Motlharo. Conversions: Darren Cloete (2), Luthando Marangxa.

Golden Lions 43 (17) – Tries: Russel Mgiba (2), Ray-Nathin van Kolver, Hanco van Geelen, Keegan McCarthy, Andries van der Merwe, Chrisandro Flemmer. Conversions: Ndzalama Mbhalathi (4). Boland 0. 

Limpopo Blue Bulls 60 (36) – Tries: Cohen Koopman (2), Xander Deysel, Regardt Els, Phomolo Shubane, Ndzalo Makhubela, Lehlogonolo Letlabola, Edwin Matola, Milan Le Roux, Tshepo Makgoi. Conversions: Junaid Stevens (3). Johan van Biljon (2). Border Country Districts 0. 

Are underdog stories not the most inspiring ones? Eastern Province beat Western Province in the unofficial final for the second year in a row and was the only side to go unbeaten at the 2025 LSEN Week.

While they might have been regarded as underdogs in 2024, with a second title in succession, they have shed that tag and replaced it with top dogs.

In a tight contest, it was level at 3-3 at halftime and too close to call.

Eastern Province, though, played with a burning desire to repeat as the unofficial champs, and they pulled it off by the smallest of margins – a single point. It was 11-10 when the final whistle blew.

Western Province had given a good account of themselves, but it was Eastern Province who jumped with joy. Their flyhalf Zaynodeen Bennie was named the man of the match.

Free State also ended their tournament on a high note, defeating the Sharks 46-10.

Maluti Hoogland eighthman, Rato Ramanotsi, rampaged his way through the Sharks’ defence for a brace of tries, which helped him earn the man of the match accolade.

The Blue Bulls also made a strong closing statement when they outplayed the Griffons 41-14.

Magalies’ eighthman, Marthinus Bester, bested the defence on two occasions and received the man of the match award.

The Lions were the bigger cat against the Pumas, romping to a 40-5 victory.

Goudwes tighthead prop, Sbongakonke Ngcobo, muscled his way over the line twice to leave no doubt that he was a deserved man of the match.

South Western Districts and the Valke played their hearts out in a dazzling 33-29 victory for the Western Cape side.

Van Kervel blindside flank and SWD captain, Quintin Visser, was a perfect four out of four from the kicking tee, a crucial contribution in a tight game, and was named the man of the match.

Wellington SOS flyhalf, Shagan Philander, once again proved influential in Boland’s narrow 32-28 triumph over the Leopards. He scored a try, a penalty and two conversions to take home the man of the match award.

After the last match, a 23-player SA Special Schools squad was named. It included 13 Eastern Province players, seven from Western Province, two from the Valke, and one Boland representative.

SA Special Schools Squad 

1. Liam Allen (Western Province)
2. Jean McEwan (Western Province)
3. Luciano Byneveldt (Eastern Province)
4. Rajh Felix (Eastern Province)
5. Rigen Chigosie (Valke)
6. Shaundre Pienaar (Eastern Province)
7. Chandley Jacobs (Western Province)
8. Jordan Derrocks (Eastern Province)
9. Gavin Armoed (Eastern Province)
10. Yusuf Hannibal (Western Province)
11. Najmee Hajie (Boland)
12. Uvern Adams (Eastern Province)
13. Marcos Lubaco (Western Province)
14. Rylan Hawkins (Eastern Province)
15. Ralton Rhode (Western Province)
16. Andre Barnard (Eastern Province)
17. Liza Tetani (Eastern Province)
18. Ayema Mbotya (Eastern Province)
19. Kaydon Kerspuy (Eastern Province)
20. Siya Mangali (Westen Province)
21. Elario Forbes (Eastern Province)
22. Thinus van Willing (Valke)
23. Zaynodeen Bennie (Eastern Province)

Scorers

Free State 46 (29) – Tries: Ruben van Aswegen (2), Rato Ramanotsi (2), Thabiso Motsoeneng, Nomario Jannetjies, Duncan Montgomery, Obinna Sandys. Conversions: Nomario Jannetjies (2), Ruben van Aswegen; Sharks 10 (5) – Tries: Ayabonga Nqopiso, Hayden Oroschin.

Blue Bulls 41 (22) – Tries: Marthinus Bester (Captain) (2), Blessing Dhlamini, Lefa Nsibane, Reitumetse Mbele, JT Johnston, Sphiwe Mokau. Conversions: Juandre Marias, Reitumetse Mbele, Denzil Coetzee; Griffons 14 (0) – Tries: Nyombe Hlahla, Ricardo Chatwind. Conversions: Nyombe Hlahla (2).

Lions 40 (7) – Tries: Sbongakonke Ngcobo (2), Jeremiah Joshua, Timothy Nortman, Lwazi Dlamini, Donovan Jansen van Vuuren. Conversions: Timothy Nortman (5); Pumas 5 (0) – Tries: Mongezi Qometa.

SWD 33 (21) – Tries: Brendan-junior Kasanya (2), Sakhie Dyani, Wayden Heyns, Ambrace Africa. Conversions: Quintin Visser (Captain) (4); Valke 29 (10) – Tries: Rigen Chigosie (2), Thinus van Willing (2), Liyema Songinzi. Conversions: Ompile Dubase, Pieter le Roux (Captain).

Boland 32 (19) – Tries: Giwaan Isaacs (2), Shagan Philander, Lorenzo Harmse, Gabriel Smith. Conversions: Shagan Philander (2). Penalties: Shagn Philander; Leopards 28 (15) – Tries: Reamogetse Gaje (2), Michael Cloete (2). Conversions: Boeta Johnson. Penalties: Boeta Johnson (2).

Eastern Province 11 (3) – Tries: Kaydon Kerspuy. Penalties: Zaynodeen Bennie (2); Western Province 10 (3) – Tries: Jaydon September. Conversion: Yusuf Hannibal. Penatlies: Yusuf Hannibal.

The draw for the Durban leg of South Africa’s leading youth football tournament, the Engen Knockout Challenge, took place on Monday at The Pavilion Hotel, in Durban.

The event brought together representatives from Engen, SAFA eThekwini, participating clubs, and local football stakeholders.

The provincial tournament takes place on 3 and 4 July.

The boys’ division will see a new champion crowned, while three-time champions, Durban Ladies, will try to add a fourth title to their impressive achievements.

This year’s tournament is the 22nd Engen Knockout Challenge. The event started in 2003.

Speaking at the launch, Engen Knockout Challenge Ambassador and former professional goalkeeper, Brighton Mhlongo, urged the young talent to seize the moment provided by Engen.

“The tournament gives you more than just game time, it gives you purpose, exposure, and pressure,” said Mhlongo. “It’s your moment to rise, to grow, and to show what you’re made of.”

Echoing Mhlongo’s sentiments, Engen Communications Manager, Gavin Smith, highlighted the tournament’s lasting impact and the vision behind 2025’s campaign message: “The Engen Knockout Challenge has become a trusted space for young talent to rise,” he said.

“This year’s message, ‘It’s Your Moment, Future Diski Legends’, speaks to every player with a dream.

“We’re proud to offer a platform that not only scouts talent but also builds confidence, character, and hope. Fans can expect top football, but also moments that remind us why this tournament matters beyond the pitch.”

ENGEN KNOCKOUT CHALLENGE DURBAN DRAW 

Western Province A turned up the heat, scoring nine unanswered goals across two games to march to the top of Pool B at the u18 SASHOC National Week on Tuesday.

Coach Natalie Esteves‘ charges posted wins over Border A and Northern Gauteng A at St Anne’s DSG, in Hilton, on Tuesday, which shot them to the top of Pool B, with three wins from three matches.

“The girls are playing together nicely, connecting their passes well,” Esteves said after their second match of the day, a tough fixture against Northerns.

Before that assignment, Province routed Border 7-0. Thimna Waka and Khanya Moore led the way, scoring twice each, while Chelsey McGregor, Emma Hibbert, and Sarah Ashbolt also scored.

Hibbert, who was on the scoresheet in Province’s first match, opened the scoring with a penalty corner conversion in the fourth minute. Then, Waka and Moore added further goals in the 15th and 17th minutes to put Province into a comfortable lead early in the second chukka.

McGregor and Ashbolt struck in the 41st and 42nd minutes to swell Western Province’s lead to 5-0 before Moore and Waka put the match to bed with strikes in the 47th and 60th minutes.

In the afternoon, Western Province carried that good form into their contest against a well-drilled Northern Gauteng A.

“The scoresheet doesn’t show how tough it was. Northerns didn’t make things easy for us,” Esteves told Supersport Schools Plus.

The sides tested each other’s defences in a goalless first half. Early in the second stanza, Moore broke the deadlock with a penalty corner conversion in the 36th minute. Camryn Corner, then, doubled the Western Province advantage with a field goal four minutes later.

The back-to-back wins leave Province as one of two unbeaten sides in the girls’ competition, the other being Eastern Province A, in Pool A. Esteves is not, however, letting her team’s fruitful run lull the side into a false sense of security.

“Tournament hockey is funny. There is no room to feel comfortable. Tomorrow, we go up against our B side, which has some good players, so we will need to produce a good performance,” she said.

KZN Coastal A and Northerns are in second and third place after the second day’s play. Both have two wins from three outings. Coastal began the day with a 0-1 loss to their neighbours, KZN Inland A, in the morning, but they bounced back with a 5-0 battering of Border A.

Jenna-Leigh Freese led the scoring with a brace, and then Nicola Forbes, Zezethu Kunene, and Jamie da Silva added a goal each.

Northerns, on the other hand, won on Tuesday morning, beating Western Province B 2-1, courtesy of goals from Amogelang Motlatle and Thato Dimpe, while Ilke van der Merwe scored for the Capetonians.

In the afternoon, Sinoxolo Mbekeni’s team was unable to repeat a winning showing against Western Province A.

Province will have a chance to solidify their position at the top of Pool B when they lock horns with Province B in a derby encounter at 11:45 on Wednesday morning.

Northerns will be put to the test when they go up against KZN Coastal A at 13:10. That tie could go a long way in determining who finishes second in the group.

The hosts, KZN Inland A take on Border at 14:35.

Results

Northern Gauteng A: 2 – Amogelang Motlatle, Thato Dimpe. Western Province B: 1 – Ilke van der Merwe.
Western Province A: 7 – Thimna Waka (2), Khanya Moore (2), Chelsey McGregor, Emma Hibbert, Sarah Ashbolt. Border A: 0.
KZN Inland A: 1 – Siphokazi Mpontshane. KZN Coastal A: 0
Western Province A: 2 – Khanya Moore, Camryn Corner. Northern Gauteng A: 0.
KZN Coastal A: 5 – Jenna-Leigh Freese, Nicola Forbes, Zezethu Kunene, Jamie da Silva. Border A: 0.

Eastern Province A extended their winning streak to three games in a row with a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the defending champions, Southern Gauteng A, in a Pool A contest at the u18 SASHOC National Week, played at Maritzburg College, on Tuesday.

The win strengthened Eastern Province A’s position at the top of Pool A.

“Today was a fight. Southern Gauteng brought the heat, and the girls had to dig deep to come away with a win. They performed as a team,” Geowynne Gamiet, the Eastern Province A coach, told Supersport Schools Plus.

Eastern Province’s captain, Abigail Holderness, is one of the few players who was part of their 2024 team. She’s been a standout, leading from the front, while letting her experience and hockey IQ do the talking for her on the Astro this year.

The DSG Makhanda learner has also been on the scoresheet in all three games of Eastern Province’s game, and has six goals to her name, the most by a player so far in the tournament.

In the first chukka of their showdown with Southerns, Holderness scored the opener, a penalty stroke, just before the end of the quarter. Kerrin Gillies doubled their lead with a penalty corner four minutes into the second chukka.

Amber Fairon cut Eastern Province A’s lead in half with a goal from a penalty corner in the 34th minute.

Trailing by a goal, Natasha le Roux‘s side exerted pressure onto Eastern Province and, as Gamiet put it, his charges had to dig deep.

Eastern Province didn’t sit back and wait for Southerns to attack them. They responded with forays of their own into the opposition half and they were rewarded when Kate Brennan restored their two-goal cushion with a field goal in the 53rd minute.

Southern Gauteng A refused to give up the fight and fought to the literal final second, as evidenced by their second goal, a well-worked move, which was finished by Keovaan Jansen just before the final whistle.

Boland A recovered from their 1-2 loss to Eastern Province A on Monday with a 3-0 win over Southern Gauteng B. Coach Chris Gerber’s side produced a clinical performance against coach Garth Neilson’s charges.

“The girls played with the with the right intensity throughout. They kept the ball nicely and controlled the game for long periods,” Gerber shared.

Leah du Plessis is one of the leading goal-scorers at the inter-provincial tournament with four goals in three outings and she put Boland ahead with a penalty corner conversion in the 12th minute.

“Leah works extremely hard on and off the ball. She also has a way of getting herself into great positions,” Gerber said.

Joné de Winnaar doubled the Boland lead with a strike in the 20th minute. Like the first one, De Winnaar’s goal also came from a penalty corner. Elré Oosthuizen scored her second goal of the tournament and Boland’s third in the 26th minute.

The Western Cape side’s success was as much the result of the forwards doing a great job up front as it was because of their sound defensive work. Gerber’s charges were solid at the back and fought hard in one-on-one situations.

“They stayed in the challenge for as long as possible,” Gerber explained. “They also manipulated space well and did a great job connecting with the midfielders and forwards.”

Boland has an opportunity to pick up a third win when they face Northern Gauteng B at 07:30 on Wednesday morning.

The two Southern Gauteng sides will square off in a derby away from home at 08:55, while Eastern Province A has a potentially tricky assignment against Southern Free State A at 10:20.

Results

Southern Free State A: 5 – Nthati Monyai, Georgia Kambanis, Xylia Choene, Bianca Rees-Gibbs, Quincley Norris. Northern Gauteng B: 0.
Eastern Province A: 3 – Abigail Holderness, Kerrin Gillies, Kate Brennan. Southern Gauteng A: 2 – Amber Fairon, Keovaan Jansen.
Boland A: 3 – Leah du Plessis, Joné de Winnaar, Elré Oosthuizen. Southern Gauteng B: 0

The Western Province (WP) and Southern Gauteng u18A teams maintained their unbeaten runs on Tuesday, the second day of the SASHOC National Week, at Maritzburg College, in Pietermaritzburg.

After a blistering opening day during which both sides registered ticks in the Pool A win column, maintaining their intensity and collecting three more points was the key item on their agendas on day two.

On Monday, WP weren’t at their best, but they still pulled off a 3-0 win over Boland B, while Southern Gauteng sneaked a 1-0 win over Eastern Province (EP).

Those victories left both sides with three points on the log overnight and they headed to the St Anne’s DSG lower AstroTurf, in Hilton, determined to bolster that points’ haul.

Province took on EP, who had suffered that loss to Southerns and also played to a goalless draw with KZN Inland A on Monday.

The boys from the Eastern Cape made a blistering start and opened the scoring in the sixth minute through their skipper, Athi Voigt.

That, however, woke up Province and they responded with goals in the ninth and 14th minutes through Ethan Daniels and Zachary Gibbon.

After the break, Province wrenched control of the contest from EP, and they were emphatic in their execution.

They allowed their opponents no leeway and played with vigour and flair to show why they’re one of the favourites to win the tournament.

Litha Kraai and Jo le Roux scored twice each before Mohlodi Maseko and Aidan Hughes completed the 8-1 drubbing in the final chukka.

While Western Province dominated Eastern Province, it was a tougher challenge for Southern Gauteng against KZN Inland A.

Inland A had played their double-header on day one, beating KZN Coastal B 2-0 before a goalless draw with Eastern Province in their second outing.

A win for either side on day two would position them well and open up a clear path to qualify for the semi-finals.

Gauteng was up for the task and found the back of the net in the first half through Juan Martin.

Martin, who is a regular drag flicker at his school, Jeppe High School for Boys, wasn’t tasked with drag flicking responsibilities on day one but he was called upon against Inland. He didn’t disappoint.

Gauteng doubled their tally in the third chukka when Aidan Blatch scored a brilliant field goal to take the match away from their opponents.

It was a much better team performance from the Southerns boys than their somewhat tepid showing on day one, and they gelled well as a unit and bossed the midfield battle. They did, however, have to rely on goalkeeper Khotso Mabona to pull off some fine saves to keep a clean sheet.

Nevertheless, they held on for a 2-0 win and will face Western Province A in a key showdown on day three at 08:55 high in confidence.

In another Pool A clash, Boland B picked up their first win of the tournament when they defeated KZN Coastal B 2-1.

Ryan van der Merwe and Noah Hendricks were the goal scorers for Boland, while Murray Wicks replied for the Coastal outfit.

Day 2 | Results and scorers 

Pool A

Southern Gauteng A 2: Aiden Blatch, Juan Martin. KZN Inland A 0.

Western Province A 8: Jo le Roux (2), Litha Kraai (2), Ethan Daniels, Zachary Gibbon, Mohlodi Maseko, Aidan Hughes. Eastern Province A 1: Athi Voigt.

Boland B 2: Ryan van der Merwe, Noah Hendricks. KZN Coastal B 1: Murray Wicks.

Pool B

Northern Gauteng A 3: Luken Brunette (3). Boland A 1: Seth Paterson.

Western Province B 5: Daniel Graser (2), Cameron Cordeiro, Charlie Naylor, Ryan Groenewald. Southern Gauteng B 0.

Southern Free State A 3: Nkhahle Sematlane (2), Waldo Koning. KZN Coastal A 3: Keegan de Jager (2), Bonga Maphanga.

Boland A 1: Christo Swanepoel. Southern Gauteng B 0.

Western Province B 2: Jacques van Dyk, Ryan Groenewald. KZN Coastal A 1: Keegan de Jager.

CLICK HERE TO SEE DAY 1 RESULTS

DAY 3 FIXTURES

Pool A @ Maritzburg College 

07:30 – KZN Inland A vs Boland B
08:55 – Western Province A vs Southern Gauteng A
10:20 – KZN Coastal B vs Eastern Province A
16:00 – Southern Gauteng A vs Boland B
17:25 – Western Province A vs KZN Coastal B

Pool B @ St Anne’s DSG

11:45 – Southern Free State vs Western Province B
13:10 – Northern Gauteng A vs Southern Gauteng B
14:35 – Boland A vs KZN Coastal A