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Die Sandveld en Oos-Vrystaat ligas het verlede Saterdag hul onderskeie halfeindrontes gehou.

Die vier spanne wat deur is na die twee eindstryde toe sal dan ook teen mekaar speel in die halfeindstryd van die Vrystaat Platteland Liga.

Die Sandveld-liga eindstryd vind Saterdag plaas by die Griffons Stadion waneer Wilgerivier vir Hoopstad aanpak.

Die Oos-Vrystaat liga eindstryd tussen Vrede en Ficksburg vind plaas te Vrede op dieselfde dag.

Verlede jaar se kampioene, Vrede, lyk goed ingerig om hul titel te verdedig na hulle een van die sterkste uitdagers, Ladybrand, met 24-12 kon wegsien in die halfeindstryd.

Hul haker, PJ Botha, en senter, Nkosana Lesolang, kon twee drieë elk druk teen die span van Ladybrand.

Ficksburg kon die ander plek in die eindstryd boek nadat hulle met 19-0 met Paul Erasmus afgereken het.

Retief is sonder ‘n wedstryd deur na die eindstryd in die Oos-Vrystaat B-liga, waar hulle dan vir Harrismith sal kry na die laasgenoemde se oorwinning van 27-22 oor Marquard.

Hoopstad kon vir Bothaville met 36-21 wen in die Sandveld-liga se halfeindronde en hul losskakel, Arrie Ferreira, was weereens een van hul uitblinkers.

Wilgerivier het Henneman met 38-15 oorkom in hul halfeindstryd. Hul skrumskakel, Marnus Swart, was twee keer agter Henneman se doellyn om te help om hul plek in die eindstryd te boek.

Winburg is die Sandveld B-Liga kampioene na ‘n 38-27 Sege teen Salomon Senekal in die eindstryd. Hul losskakel, Khetso Mokhati, het ‘n groot rol gespeel in daardie wedstryd deur om ‘n drie te druk en met vier van sy vyf doelskop pogings te slaag.

Winburg het vroeg die jaar al gelyk soos ‘n span met ‘n plan toe hulle vir Wessel Maree met 22-15 kon klop in hul eerste wedstryd van die seisoen.

Winburg en Henneman pak mekaar dan Saterdag in die Sandveld-uitspeelrondte aan.

Die spanne is: 

Wilgerivier t. Hoopstad om 14:40:

Wilgerivier: 15 Jonty Graaff, 14 JF Reyneke, 13 Thlompo Motsapi, 12 Marnus Swart, 11 Ernst Richter, 10 Wian Muller, 9 Tiaan Hattingh, 8 Jean-Pierre Prinsloo, 7 Ruan Mayer, 6 JD van den Berg, 5 Tom van der Walt, 4 Juan de Klerk, 3 Zernich van Zyl, 2 Louis de Villiers, 1 Gerhart Venter.

Hoopstad: 15 Busi Mfebe, 14 Edward Graham, 13 Hennie Barnard, 12 Abrie van Zyl, 11 Michael Steyn, 10 Arrie Ferreira, 9 Marco Wolfaardt, 8 Adam Barnard, 7 AB Muller, 6 Jurgens Human, 5 Christiaan Liebenberg, 4 Juan Dreyer, 3 Hano Botha, 2 AP Meyer, 1 Pieter Vosloo.

Vrede t. Ficksburg om 14:40:

Vrede: 15 Awie Viljoen, 14 Henco Crouse, 13 Skosana Lesolang, 12 Wynand Engelbrecht, 11 Nichaelin Patrick, 10 Ewan Luus, 9 Charl Cilliers, 8 Wikus Fourie, 7 Nathan Venter, 6 Thabang Motaung, 5 Theo van Zyl, 4 Du Toit Neethling, 3 Paul du Plessis, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Adriaan Mostert.

Ficksburg: 15 Robert Ntholi, 14 Bokang Ntsala, 13 Khotso Potloane, 12 Lefa Lehalehale, 11 Bokamoso Kgang, 10 Ernest Makhele, 9 Thlonolofatso Matlotlo, 8 Lebo Lehohla, 7 Karabo Morobe, 6 Thato Chaka, 5 Heimerich Meyer, 4 JJ Nell, 3 Molibeli Theoha, 2 Juandré Steenkamp, 1 Thabo Mafane.

Ander bepalings:

o. 19 – 13:20 – Retief t. Harrismith; 10:50 – Winburg t. Henneman.

 

 

Kempton Park, who’s currently sitting in second place in the SDC Noordvaal Cup Plate-division, will look to stay on track to secure a home Semi-final when they travel to Pretoria to take on Zwartkop on Saturday.

Kempton started of well after the holiday break and put together a comprehensive team performance to beat Hoërskool Middelburg 39-19 last week. The men from Kempton ran in five tries at home to seal the deal. Although, it was inside centre, Marco Opperman, who had his kicking boots on with a 100% success rate from the tee. Joshua Meyer makes another appearance in the familiar position at fullback and will look to continue his purple patch on attack when they take on the Zwarries.

Upfront, the loose trio from Kempton, have been a menace in the competition thus far. Milano Hattingh (blindside flank) and Preston Smith (eightman) will look to bring the physicality.

The Zwarries’ struggle for continuity continued last week with a loss against Montana on home soil. Waldo Smit has been a shining light at 9 for the men from Pretoria and will once again look to capitalize on any weaknesses in the Kempton defence sniping around the fringes. Smit has been well supported by Denilson Metcalfe (right wing) and Kyle Blignaut (outside centre) with both being strong ballcarriers out wide for the Zwarries.

Upfront Leonard Lotriet (blindside flanker) will look to counter the physical loose trio from Kempton and give back some of their own medicine. Lotriet has been instrumental in lighting the fire among the big men in the trenches.

Motana will travel to Middelburg to face Hoërskool Middelburg on Saturday.

The Monties’ finally got some rhythm against Zwarries last week and looked a different outfit after the break. Their ever-present hooker, Christiaan Coetzee would like to put in another big shift upfront to lead his side to what might be somewhat of an upset if they can come out on top on Saturday.

Middelburg will have other ideas after their loss last weekend and will look to capitalize on home ground advantage to keep their hopes alive for a semi-final spot. Ronin van Niekerk has been instrumental for his side thus far with his remarkable work rate and will once again aim at being the rock in Monties’s shoe at ruck time.

HTS Middelburg will still be hurting from their one-point loss against the table toping Rustenburg last week but will take tremendous positives from that as they still search for that elusive first victory in the division this season when they face Klerksdorp in Middelburg on Saturday.

Both teams have struggled throughout the competition with Klerksdorp also searching for their first win thus far.

Transvalia will face a tough ask when they take on the table toppers from Rustenburg on Saturday. The men from Vander Bijl are currently sitting in third position and a victory away from home could somewhat ease their path to secure a home semi-final. Rustenburg are still unbeaten and playing at home will make the ask so much tougher for Transvalia.

The teams:

Zwartkop vs Kempton in Pretoria at 12:30:

Zwartkop: 15 Johnathan Wilson, 14 Denilson Metcalfe, 13 Kyle Blignaut, 12 Zander Farmer, 11 Declan Grobler, 10 Kieraan Krotz, 9 Waldo Smit, 8 Ian van der Westhuizen, 7 Leonard Lotriet, 6 Adriaan Janse van Vuuren, 5 Nathan van Aswegen, 4 Johan van Heerden, 3 Brogan Ackerman, 2 Reagan Smith, 1 Xavier Boikano.

Kempton: 15 Joshua Meyer, 14 Andre du Plessis, 13 Marko Opperman, 12 Tiaan Delport, 11 Tian Aucamp, 10 Zander de Jongh, 9 Ryan Smith, 8 Preston Smith, 7 Milano Hattingh, 6 Ruben Turketti, 5 Luann Schreuder, 4 Divan Francis, 3 Adrian Labuschagne, 2 Brendon Gerber, 1 Zeke Shaw.

Hoërskool Middelburg vs Montana in Middelburg at 13:30 :

Middelburg: Mthokozisi Yende, 14 Swelihle Sibiya, 13 Smiley Sibande, 12 Luke Geldenhuys, 11 Blessing Hamandishe, 10 Crawford Joubert, 9 Simtha Maseko, 8 Kaylin Maputha, 7 Tyrell Isaacs, 6 Ronin van Niekerk, 5 Rogan van der Walt, 4 Wandisa Mthobeni, 3 Tebogo Nkosi, 2 Fumani Chuake, 1 Shuan Marx.

Montana: 15 Divan Nel, 14 Joshua Fouche, 13 Liam de Villiers, 12 Roald Matthee, 11 Ryan Nel, 10 Rigard van Rensburg, 9 Ewan Korb, 8 Ivaan Koltzow, 7 Devan van der Merwe, 6 Eduard Retief, 5 Justin Herbst, 4 Hein du Preez, 3 Divan Nel, 2 Luan Theunissen, 1 Rico Heroldt.

HTS Middelburg vs Klerksdorp in Middelburg at 12:40 :

HTS Middelburg: TBC

Klerksdorp: 15 Brink von Wielligh, 14 Asif Sumara, 13 Lebogang Wageng, 12 Leonard Bevan, 11 Papino Maluleke, 10 Decon Loots, 9 Izak Nienaber, 8 Pedri Snyman, 7 Vuyo Msagala, 6 Kobus de Waal, 5 JJ Nel, 4 Heinrich Hovener, 3 Liam Pretorius, 2 Janu de Wet, 1 Juan-dre Botha.

Rustenburg vs Transvalia in Rustenburg at 12:30 :

Rustenburg: 15 Lorenzo Snyers, 14 MC Smit, 13 Adriaan Liebenberg, 12 Awie Alberts, 11 Zulu Khumalo, 10 Jayden Meyer, 9 Nathan van Aswegen, 8 Adrian Young, 7 Sybrandt Byleveld, 6 GJ Steenberg, 5 Pedri Human, 4 PJ Engelbrecht, 3 Carlo van Wijk, 2 Zander Steenkamp, 1 Werner Kinnear.

Transvalia: 15 Danie Grobler, 14 Zintle Motsomai, 13 Siya Khambula, 12 Brandonlee Smit, 11 Ruben Claasen, 10 Duan du Toit, 9 Anro Nagel,8 Anro Labuschagne, 7 Xander Mchniel, 6 Wynand Stols, 5 Dane Beytel, 4 Victor Brits, 3 Stiaan Breedt, 2 Junior van Wyngaardt, 1 Arne Botes.

 

Stellenberg travel to George to take on Outeniqua as the host’s centenary season nears its end.

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When these two teams met last year, Stellenberg were victorious with 27-17. After a strong performance against Rondebosch Boys’ High, which they won by 20-17 last week, the Jade Brigade hopes to repeat the previous year’s success on Saturday.

The Kwaggas have had an amazing season as they’ve celebrated their 100th year and they’ve been phenomenal on their home turf, with their only defeat in George coming against Grey College in a 19-17 thriller in April. Their only other loss this season came at the Absa Wildeklawer Festival in Kimberley when Garsfontein beat them 19-8.

Last weekend, they played host to an in-form Paarl Gimnasium and defended valiantly in difficult conditions to hold the Paarl juggernaut to a 10-all draw.

One of the areas in which the hosts had the upper hand in that game was the ability shown by JT Strydom (fullback) and Andrew Stopforth (flyhalf) to adapt their kicking game to the conditions, with Strydom’s conversion and penalty goal ultimately saving his team as both of Paarl Gimnasium’s tries remaining unconverted.

Strydom has been exemplary at fullback all season and represents Outeniqua in the SA Schools A team after his performance for SWD at the Craven Week which was hosted by his school during the holiday.

Stellenberg’s centre, Ruben Thompson, played on the wing against Rondebosch Boys’ High, from where he scored all 20 points for his team with two tries, two conversions and two penalties last weekend. He will definitely be one to watch in the squad from Bellville.

The Kwaggas’ star flanker, Jeffwin Wesso, is not available for this game, as he is on his way to Trinidad and Tobago, where he will be competing at the Commonwealth Youth Games as part of the SA U18 Sevens team.

Ruart Curlewis takes his place at the side of the scrum.

The loose forwards may have a telling role to play in this match, and the visitors will be expecting another big shift from their flanker, Marco Ferreira.

Ferreira holds the Stellenberg record for most tries in a single match after crossing the white line six times in their 60-5 romp against Parel Vallei in June this year.

Outeniqua beat Parel Vallei by a similar margin (59-6) in their first match of the season.

Judging by their performance from last week though, Outeniqua will not be giving away any easy tries and Stellenberg will need to be at their best to contain the likes of the Kwagga wingers, JJ Daters and Ashwen Damons, who have been phenomenal all year.

This fixture produces a thrilling competition every year and this meeting is set to be another great advertisement for South African schools rugby.

The teams are:

Outeniqua vs Stellenberg at 13:30:

Outeniqua: 15 JT Strydom, 14 JJ Daters, 13 Luca Potgieter, 12 Estiaan Cronje, 11 Ashwen Damons, 10 Andrew Stopforth, 9 Jamil Pretorius, 8 Brendon Gouws, 7 Dewald Gerber, 6 Ruart Curlewis, 5 Jayden Potgieter, 4 Michael Cronje, 3 Juan Kleinhans, 2 Nathan Smith, 1 Ruan Swart.

Stellenberg: 15 Dehan Neethling, 14 Liam Smith, 13 Estian Steyn, 12 Ruben Thompson, 11 Stefan Roux, 10 Tyron Labuschagne, 9 Clyde Frieslaar, 8 Dale du Toit, 7 Marco Ferreira, 6 Alex Schoeman, 5 Corne Bruwer, 4 Zian Erasmus, 3 Herman Lubbe, 2 Almero Keizer, 1 Niel de Beer.

Other fixture:

13:10 – Hoërskool Punt vs Bredasdorp.

 

Maritzburg College and Pretoria Boys High School are racking up the fixtures and more importantly the wins this year with an impressive volume of games. Saturday will be the 18th game for both schools, and it should be quite the encounter. 

To add even more ante to the event, it will serve as a rematch. Maritzburg won the first game, defeating Pretoria Boys High on their home turf. This time round, Maritzburg will be hosting. 

Maritzburg has earned 12 wins so far against top competition from around the country. In their last game, they took a massive victory over Affies, ending the game at 50-31. 

Maritzburg’s successful season was evident through their representation on the Sharks Craven Week side. Seven of their players made the squad, namely, Phiwayinkosi Khubeka, Sasha Kadira, Luyanda Kunene, Elbie Mouton, Aiden Botha, Kuhle Mthimkulu and Jake Jansen. In addition to this, Kunene and Khubeka were selected for the SA Schools side.

Pretoria currently has 11 seasonal wins, meaning this game could bring them and College to a tie or put Maritzburg one more game ahead. 

Pretoria was represented by Kitso Mokoena and Ntsako Ndhlovu on the Bulls Craven Week side. 

Another game to look out for is Northwood vs Durban High School, also taking place this Saturday. 

DHS has secured their position as one of the best rugby schools in KZN, and the country, in 2023.

Six of Durban High School’s players were selected for the Sharks Craven Week side, those being Christian Everitt, Simphiwe Ngobese, Hopewell Ntshangase, Weinrich Basson, Maurice Willemse and Zingce Simka. Ngobese was selected for the SA Schools side, Everitt was selected for the SA Schools ‘A’ side and Ntshangase was selected for the SA u18 Sevens squad. 

Northwood was represented by Vuyo Gwiji on the Sharks Craven Week side; Gwiji was subsequently selected for the SA Schools ‘A’ side. Siyanda Nkosi, of Northwood, was selected for the SA U18 Sevens squad. 

When the Knights and DHS take the field on Saturday, it will be both schools’ final fixture of 2023. This game will also serve as a rematch. Durban won the first encounter on their turf, while Northwood will be hosting on Saturday.

The teams: 

Maritzburg College vs Pretoria Boys’ High in Pietermaritzburg at 14:00: 

Maritzburg College: 15 Luyanda Kunene, 14 Langelihle Makhathini, 13 Ayrton van der Linde, 12 Swelihle Mbatha, 11 Colm Reardon, 10 Luc du Toit, 9 Rhett Quinn, 8 Sasha Kadira, 7 Kevin Ayliffe, 6 Travis Walton, 5 Jake Jansen, 4 Bohlale Maphisa, 3 Aiden Botha, 2 Elbie Mouton, 1 Phiwayinkosi Kubheka. 

Pretoria Boys’ High School: 15 Kyle Hezlett, 14 Itu Baloyi, 13 Christopher Smith, 12 Rickus Wessels, 11 Ntsako Baloyi, 10 Keethan Fitz, 9 Joshua Naude, 8 Etienne du Preez, 7 Stephen Adams, 6 Thapelo Mphela, 5 Tshepiso Shikhibana, 4 Randy Muzungu, 3 Ofentse Moeng, 2 Shaun Schurmann, 1 Kitso Mokoena. 

Northwood vs Durban High School in Durban at 19:30: 

Northwood School: 15 Ramutuku Sikhakhane, 14 Kwenzo Dlamini, 13 Siyanda Nkosi, 12 Cade Latham, 11 Nokutenda Gunda, 10 Keith Chirwa, 9 Graeham de Swardt, 8 Siyanda Mabuza, 7 Enzo van Niekerk, 6 Alu Nte, 5 Vuyo Gwiji, 4 Ethan Macey, 3 Phiko Zuka, 2 Luthando Makula, 1 Reuben Vos. 

Durban High School: 15 Bandile Zama, 14 Ntando Mavuso, 13 Amahle Mazibuko, 12 Hlumelo Madikane, 11 Maurice Willemse, 10 Deano Boesak, 9 Florensen Ockhuis, 8 Sibusiso Mahlangu, 7 Siseko Mani, 6 Dale Hendrike, 5 Weinrich Basson, 4 Sima Hlabisa, 3 Simphiwe Ngobese, 2 Christian Everitt, 1 Siyanda Dlamini. 

 

Eldoraigne will look to cause an upset when they travel to Brakpan on Saturday for their SDC Noordvaal Cup Bowl clash against a very strong Die Anker team.

Eldoraigne got some continuity going after the break beating Wesvalia in a cliff hanger last week, coming out on top 24-23.

Die Anker on the other hand just kept going where they stopped beating Merensky, who managed to beat Eldoraigne in the first fixture of the season, by a whopping 63-10.

Die Anker has been unstoppable coming out on top in all their Bowl division fixtures thus far. Their fullback and player of the match from last week, Damien Muller, will be in action again this weekend and will certainly look to continue his brilliant run of form. Muller crossed the whitewash twice last week with some remarkable runs from the back, showing his clean pair of heels.

Up front it will be the lock pairing in Ruben Herbst and Reagan Pretorius to look out for as the look to set the stage again with their imposing physicality among the big men. The pair has impressed with some good performances throughout the season, Herbst’s probably coming from last week against the light blues as he also contributed ten points to his team’s total.

Eldoraigne certainly have the necessary fire power upfront to match Die Anker’s physicality, with their stalwart lock, Myburgh van Wyk, returning after a shoulder injury. Together with Anroux du Plessis on the side of the scrum, the battle upfront promises to be a spectacular one.

At the back the points machine from last week, Reynier Kidson, takes up the berth in the ten jersey again this week, looking to continue his good kicking form and to neutralize the threat in the form of his opposite number, Benton Giessing.

Pietersburg will travel to Klerksdorp to face off against Wesvalia in their first Noordvaal fixture after the break. The team from Limpopo proved too good for Potch Gimmies in an unofficial warm up match last weekend, beating the side from Potch 20-18.

Wesvalia fell just short of putting a cat amongst the pigeons with their narrow defeat against the Eldo’s last weekend. Looking at results and the recent from both teams this promises to be another nail bitter.

Dr. Malan travels to Tzaneen to face a wounded Merensky side, but the light blues will be a horse of a different colour in their own back yard. Going unbeaten on home soil thus far, the light blues will look to capitalize on that advantage in search of redemption. Dr. Malan on the other hand, has not won in the bowl division so far and will look to add more salt in the wounds with a victory away from home.

The teams:

Die Anker vs Eldoraigne in Brakpan at 12:20:

Die Anker: 15 Damien Muller, 14 Marcel Engelbrecht, 13 Duhan du Plessis, 12 Branden Crous, 11 Christiaan Nell, 10 Benton Giessing, 9 Danie Smit, 8 Hanru Pienaar, 7 Divan du Plooy, 6 AJ Roux, 5 Reagan Pretorius, 4 Ruben Herbst, 3 Daniel du Toit, 2 Dihan de Villiers, 1 Buks Britz.

Eldoraigne: 15 JP Meyer, 14 Hendru van Zyl, 13 Marchand Nel, 12 Ivan Vermeulen, 11 Rynardt Gelderblom, 10 Reynier Kidson, 9 Donnevin Naude, 8 Johan Coetsee, 7 Anroux du Plessis, 6 Divan de Jager, 5 Myburgh van Wyk, 4 Shane Henery, 3 Willie Diffenthal, 2 Wickus Diffenthal, 1 Jayden Niehaus.

Wesvalia vs Hoërskool Pietersburg in Klerksdorp at 12:30: 

Wesvalia: 15 Marno Dreyer, 14 Teboho Sekonyela, 13 Deon Viljoen, 12 Philip Janse van Rensburg, 11 Werner Kruger, 10 Richardt van Heerden, 9 Justin Ludick, 8 Hanre Venter, 7 Hennoh Visser, 6 Francois Dumond, 5 Marco Dreyer, 4 Vian Botes, 3 Koos Kleynhans, 2 Juniot Kuhn, 1 Heinrich Jansen van Vuuren.

Pietersburg: 15 Dian van Tonder, 14 Devon Janse van Rensburg, 13 Heno van Zyl, 12 Wian Terblanche, 11 Neil Smith, 10 Vincent Luckhoff, 9 Divan Brown, 8 Henre Venter, 7 Reuben Weyer, 6 Keegan Baker, 5 Dewan Gobey, 4 Jayden de Bruyn, 3 Floris Venter, 2 Dewald de Beer, 1 Jan-Hendrik Venter.

Merensky vs Dr. Malan in Tzaneen at 12:30:

Merensky: 15 Caleb Mokglaotse, 14 Clifford Ledwaba, 13 Klokke Mohlala, 12 Ulrich Mare, 11 Mahlatse Semosa, 10 Byron Hendricks, 9 Dirk de Nysschen, 8 Waldie Haasbroek, 7 Tian Viljoen Krugel, 6 Hardus Terblanche, 5 Zander Heydenrych, 4 Luan Verster, 3 Tirelo Mashapa, 2 Ruan Marcos, 1 Divan Pietersen.

Dr. Malan: 15 Collyn Fouche, 14 Ethan Williams, 13 Andreas Botha, 12 Francois van Niekerk, 11 Dante Morat, 10 Dian van der Berg, 9 JP Kinghorn, 8 Juan Jardin, 7 Xander Boshoff, 6 JJ Bester, 5 Clayton Button, 4 Liam Giacomozzi, 3 JT Swart, 2 Duhan Rheeder, 1 Kananelo Mtlambo.

Paarl Boys’ High look to bounce back against Bishops this weekend before the big Paarl derby.

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Daniel van der Merwe (centre), Rubin Dames (flanker) and their SA Schools eighth man, Divan Fuller, are back to bolster the Boishaai team after missing out last week.

Jameel de Jongh (winger) and JC Mars (fullback) have been chosen for the SA Schools team alongside Fuller after they starred for the Western Province at the Craven Week in George this year.

When these two teams met last year, De Jongh scored a brace as Boishaai conquered Bishops 29-7 on the Piley Rees field.

The last time Diocesan College beat Paarl Boys’ High was in 2014 when Cornel Smit and Tristan Leyds who currently play for the Stormers,  were in the Bishops team as they beat Boishaai 10-0 in a 40-minute match at the Schools Day in Newlands, later that year Boishaai set the records straight, beating Bishops 36-3 in Paarl.

Though the powerhouse from Paarl had the most players in the WP Craven Week team of any school this year and they have been electric at times this season, another unexpected 26-22 loss last weekend to Boland Landbou marked their fourth defeat of the season, which will not be up to the high standards they set for themselves at the prestigious school.

With the squad effectively back to full strength, reeling after last weekend’s upset, Boishaai will be a difficult beast to tame on Saturday.

Diocesan College has been the in-form team in the southern suburbs this season, their SA Schools scrumhalf, Hassiem Pead, their SA Schools A fullback, Gilermo Mentoe, and Aidan Norris (eighth man) performed very well alongside many of the Paarl Boys’ High players as part of the WP team at the Craven Week.

All new friendships forged over the holiday will be put aside on Saturday when the two teams take to the field, however.

For Bishops, this is a chance to add a big name to what has already been a strong season, and for Boishaai it is an opportunity to bounce back and make a statement before the big Paarl derby on the 5th of August.

Paarl Gimnasium are also in action on Saturday when they host Rondebosch Boys’ High.

The Gimmies have been the in-form team in the South this year. Their only loss came against Grey College early in the season (33-12), and they were held to a 10-all draw against Outeniqua in George last weekend.

Apart from those two games they have been able to overcome every opponent they have faced this year.

Tazreeq Moerat starts at flyhalf, instead of his regular fullback position from where he has created many of his side’s scoring opportunities this season, as Gimmies are managing a small injury to their SA Schools flyhalf, Kyle Smith.

The home team will also be looking to send a message before the Paarl derby and though Rondebosch have been impressive this year, they will need their best performance of the season for a chance to upset Paarl Gim.

Their task is made even more difficult with their Craven Week hooker, Justin Amos, being unavailable for this weekend’s match.

Rondebosch are coming off the back of a disappointing defeat in a closely fought match against Stellenberg (20-17).

They showed great character in their 12-7 defeat away to Paarl Boys’ High earlier in the season, but that will not make this weekend’s task any less daunting as they face one of the top three teams in the country.

SACS host a Boland Landbou team that will be flying high after their victory against Boishaai last weekend.

The hosts are still without their stalwart prop and captain, Ali Osman-Bosch, due to injury but they played well to contain Durbanville to a 22-all draw last weekend.

Durbanville was the first team to get the better of Paarl Boys’ High this season when they beat them 26-25 early on in the season.

For Boland Landbou, their playmaker flyhalf, Retagan van Rooi, will be one to watch on Saturday.

Hans Verster (flanker) and Cilliers Viljoen (hooker) will have a big role to play as well, and they have shown how effective they can be at ruck time.

SACS’ centre pairing of Daniel Dayaram and Raashied Conrad was solid last week and Boland Landbou will be keeping an eye on them.

The teams are:

Paarl Boys’ High vs Diocesan College at 12:50:

Paarl Boys’ High: 15 JC Mars, 14 Scott Nel, 13 Bryan Burger, 12 Daniel van der Merwe, 11 Jameel de Jongh, 10 Ruan van Willing, 9 Juan Loots, 8 Divan Fuller, 7 Chris Nel, 6 Rubin Dames, 5 Michael Versfeld, 4 Neil Hansen, 3 Alfie Holm, 2 HB Odendaal, 1 Michael Pretorius.

Diocesan College: 15 Wayden Moses, 14 Ayanda Bonoyi, 13 Wa-Keem Fortuin, 12 Nic Allison, 11 Lucca Mynhardt, 10 Shaywan Blanckenberg, 9 Hassiem Pead, 8 Aidan Norris, 7 Tapiwa Nkumanda, 6 Alex Smith, 5 CJ Gordon, 4 Zach Willemse, 3 Nashe Chahwahwa, 2 Merlin Fransman, 1 Richard Horton.

Paarl Gimnasium vs Rondebosch Boys’ High at 12:15:

Paarl Gimnasium: 15 Enzo Labuschagne, 14 Freek de Kock, 13 Hennie Otto, 12 Kobus Blanckenberg, 11 Pieter-Nel du Plessis, 10 Tazreeq Moerat, 9 Dawid Kotze, 8 Nicus van Coller, 7 Louw du Toit, 6 Adrúan Kotze, 5 Marco Steyn, 4 Danio Botha, 3 Nicholas Crous, 2 Dean Louw, 1 Xander Mynhardt.

Rondebosch Boys’ High: 15 Dylan Miller, 14 Juma Amissi, 13 Nic Molyneux, 12 Matthew Malherbe, 11 Ethan Gordon, 10 David Simon, 9 Cameron Whitson, 8 Ryan du Rand, 7 Sunday Mailoni-Burns, 6 Alutha Wesi, 5 Tom Barnard, 4 Carl Geddie, 3 Zev Schapiro, 2 Tom van Wyk, 1 Nic Swier.

SACS vs Boland Landbou at 12:10:

SACS: 15 Aya Machuli, 14 Jack Benade, 13 Daniel Dayaram, 12 Raashied Conrad, 11 Ilitha Ntinini, 10 Rayaan Solomons, 9 Seth Bradford, 8 Niche Koopman, 7 Ben van Coller, 6 Richard Skeeles, 5 Khwezi Ndlovu, 4 Zach Kennedy, 3 Ikhona Maxegwana, 2 Alex Pybus, 1 Tumelo Noah.

Boland Landbou: 15 Lyle Lewis, 14 Wehan Lume, 13 Ruan Jongsma, 12 Albie Bester, 11 Enslin Claasen, 10 Retagan van Rooi, 9 Turlon Adams, 8 AJ van der Merwe, 7 Alru Gous, 6 Hans Verster, 5 Ruan Viviers, 4 Karst Smits, 3 Christoff Etzebeth, 2 Cilliers Viljoen, 1 Malcolm Lamont.

Milnerton vs DF Malan at 11:15:

Milnerton: 15 Keegan Wood, 14 Carl Moatshe, 13 Morgan Lodewyk, 12 Frank Hitimana, 11 Qhamani Mangele, 10 Devon Damons, 9 Raqeeb Kapery, 8 Liberty Nyashanu, 7 Cole Wegewarth, 6 Ethan Wilson, 5 Matthew Gabriel, 4 Keenan Togni, 3 Khanyisa Tafeni, 2 Keagan Harding, 1 Liam Ross.

DF Malan: TBC

Paul Roos visit Wynberg Boys’ High on Saturday looking to continue on their excellent run of form of late.

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Last year Paul Roos beat Wynberg Boys High 32-17, when Jurenzo Julius, who stood out for the U20 Springboks this year, was part of the Paul Roos squad.

Wynberg Boys High kicked off the term with a strong showing against Melkbosstrand last weekend to win 63-0, but they face a side from Stellenbosch who have been on top form in their last games. Paul Roos have won their previous four games against quality opposition, beating Oakdale (27-15), SACS (26-7), Paarl Boys’ High (35-17) and Rondebosch Boys’ High (27-7).

The visitors are without their lively centre, Samuel Badenhorst, for this match. Badenhorst has travelled with the SA U18 Sevens team to Trinidad and Tobago where they will be representing the country at the Commonwealth Youth Games.

They still hold many threats with the likes of Keenan Stoffels (fullback), Lee-Jay Petersen (flyhalf), Zeke January (scrumhalf) amongst their ranks in the backline and their big, agile forwards like Reuben Kruger (eighth man), Andreas Oosthuizen (flanker) and Riley Norton (lock) who can carry the ball well but also dominate the contact points.

Norton, who is only in grade 11 this year, represents Paul Roos in the SA Schools rugby team as well as the SA u18 cricket team where he was selected as a non-travelling reserve.

The hosts are bolstered by the return of their SA Schools eighth man, Xola Nyali, who was unavailable last week.

Nyali, along with his captain, Xolela Hoyi (winger) and Aden da Costa (flanker) are the Wynberg boys to watch out for on Saturday, as they have been among the top performers for their side consistently all season.

The visitors play against Boland Landbou in the Agter-Paarl next weekend before ending the season with the traditional inter-schools against Grey College in Bloemfontein.

Charlie Hofmeyr and Robertson are also affected by the U18 Sevens team’s departure for the Commonwealth Youth Games.

Charlies face Hermanus this weekend without their star-flyhalf, Luan Giliomee, and Robertson takes on Overberg sans Bernardo Diedericks, their centre with the lightning-quick feet.

The teams are:

Paul Roos vs Wynberg Boys’ High at 12:20:

Paul Roos Gimnasium: 15 Keenan Stoffels, 14 Keehan Etson, 13 Hugo Coetzee, 12 Phillip Groenewald, 11 Marco Odendaal, 10 Lee-Jay Petersen, 9 Zeke January, 8 Reuben Kruger, 7 Jean-Luc Joubert, 6 Andreas Oosthuizen, 5 Riley Norton, 4 Truspe Schoeman, 3 Ryan Jack, 2 Christian de Villiers, 1 Oliver Reid.

Wynberg Boys’ High: 15 Matthew Ould, 14 Matteo Pascoe, 13 Brandon Ashburner, 12 Amier Adams, 11 Xolela Hoyi, 10 Yaqeen Ahmed, 9 Sange Mbuto, 8 Xola Nyali, 7 Aden da Costa, 6 Jarryd Jackson, 5 Michail Kasfikis, 4 Montgomery Loggenberg, 3 Luqobo Makwedini, 2 Nicholas van Schalkwyk, 1 Aidan Reid.

Charlie Hofmeyr vs Hermanus at 13:20:

Charlie Hofmeyr: 15 Lawrence Jantjies, 14 Matthew Syster, 13 Kyle Swartland, 12 Phillip du Plessis, 11 Deolyn Isaac, 10 Ronwil Frans, 9 Izha-Vin van Wyk, 8 Johan Coetzee, 7 Wilmar Winterbach, 6 Tyron Davids, 5 Le Roux Groenewald, 4 Benja Muller, 3 Duran Shiba, 2 Connor Baron, 1 Niquin Pietersen.

Hermanus: 15 Kyle Lewis, 14 Neo Faro, 13 Joshwin November, 12 Lukas de Vries, 11 Lucian Louw, 10 Chad van der Merwe, 9 Christable Nutt, 8 Robbie Louw, 7 Pete van Deventer, 6 Vincent Bischoff, 5 Bernard Joubert, 4 Dries le Roux, 3 Yasindiso Mpakama, 2 Daneel van Rooyen, 1 Ruan Higgs.

Hoërskool Vredendal vs Piketberg at 13:20

Hoërskool Vredendal: 15 Wian van Zyl, 14 Branwill Aries, 13 Theunis Roux, 12 Calvin du Toit, 11 Jaydon Volmer, 10 Derrick van der Westhuizen, 9 Thydrin Lott, 8 Benré  de Waal, 7 Hansie Coetzee, 6 Eduard Kellerman, 5 Christivan Fryer, 4 AJ Botha, 3 Dayle Rademeyer, 2 Franco van Zyl, 1 Ewald Goosen.

Piketberg: 15 Donaldo Mdabuli, 14 De Wet Carstens, 13 Redowin Boois, 12 Gelermore Barron, 11 AJ George, 10 Altino Perdo, 9 Requin Lesch, 8 MJ Strydom, 7 Jacques Loubsher, 6 Zander Jordaan, 5 Janco Botha, 4 Jasper Smit, 3 Stephan Britz, 2 Erasmus Mouton, 1 Zack Caldo.

Robertson vs Overberg at 13:10:

Robertson: 15 Brad-Leigh Cookson, 14 Ruwan Stevens, 13 Ryan Fortuin, 12 Séan-Douglas Cedras, 11 Mullan Burger, 10 Craig Rossouw, 9 Kyle Cedras, 8 Luke Davids, 7 Helgard Bruwer, 6 André Gelderblom, 5 Zackira Carolus, 4 Denzell Eyssen, 3 Petrus Coetzee, 2 Petrie van Dyk, 1 Stephen Kent.

Overberg: 15 Hayden Witbooi, 14 Yuen Henson, 13 Franco Saayman, 12 Rinus Beukes, 11 Franco Griessel, 10 Ulrin Benjamin, 9 Kiyan Burger, 8 Leon Botha, 7 James Badenhorst, 6 Qwin Boshoff, 5 Nassen Zadiel, 4 Rory Hess, 3 Rodan Olifant, 2 Morne Wessels, 1 Logan Tobias.

Montagu vs Langenhoven Gimnasium at 12:15:

Montagu: 15 Adrian Opperman, 14 Chad Lottering, 13 Liam Pekeur, 12 Jenovan Soldaat, 11 Raywon Minnaar, 10 Linden de Silva, 9 Udo Windvogel, 8 Mattwin Christoffels, 7 Jacobus Geldenhuys, 6 Rossouw Kriel, 5 Casré Husselman, 4 Caleb du Toit, 3 Ewan Coetzee, 2 Nande Hwlatika, 1 CJ van der Walt.

Langenhoven Gimnasium: 15 Tamrin Pietersen, 14 Jade Janse van Rensburg, 13 William Ferguson, 12 Jaco Pretorius, 11 Sinclair Lottering, 10 Natayniel Fillies, 9 Jayden Arends, 8 Charles Jacobs, 7 Janes Labuschagne, 6 Keith van Zyl, 5 Michael Smit, 4 Jayden-Lee Tiemie, 3 Ruan Victor, 2 Stephan Cloete, 1 Marco van Zyl.

Other fixtures:

U19 – 08:30 – Melkbosstrand vs Tygerberg; 12:00 – Kasselsvlei vs Bosmansdam.

Luané Smith van Hoërskool Waterkloof is gekies om deel te wees van die span wat vir Suid Afrika gaan verteenwoordig in die Statebond Jeugspele. Ons het met haar gesels om haar beter te leer ken.

Smith speel netbal al vandat sy 5 jaar oud is. Sy het ‘n passie vir netbal. ”Ek sal eerder internasionale wedstryde kyk as ander YouTube video’s en natuurlik is netbal lekker.’’

Wanneer sy na die internasionale spelers kyk en sien wat hulle kan doen motiveer dit haar om ook sulke vaardighede te verbeter.

Luané sal na skool graag aanhou met netbal maar sy gaan ook onderwys studeer

Haar raad vir jonger meisies is dat ‘’niks wat regtig die moeite werd is maklik kom nie – jy moet aanhou werk daarvoor en nooit vergeet waar jou talente vandaan kom nie.’’

Smith se roetine voor ‘n wedstryd is haar eie snit lys waarna sy luister terwyl sy ook bid.

‘n Interessante feit oor Luané is dat dit vir haar ‘n moeilike keuse sal wees om te kies tussen ‘n goeie koppie koffie en netbal.

Die Statebond Jeugspele vind plaas van 4 tot 11 Augustus in Trinidad en Tobago.

Grey College captain, Roan Janse van Rensburg believes his side are in for another tough clash when they travel down to meet Grey High School in the battle of the Grey’s in Gqeberha this coming weekend.

Van Rensburg, who has been instrumental in the Grey side this season will be hoping for a polished performance when he leads out his troops at the Rectory Astro against an in-form Grey High side on Friday night.

The traveling side will also be looking to bounce back after they succumbed to a shocking (3-2) defeat against Fichardtpark during the week.

In an interview with SuperSport Schools during the week, the skipper said his side are relishing the opportunity of coming up against one of the best schools in the country.

“It’s always special travelling down to PE (Gqeberha). It is always a tough game but when know your whole school stands behind you it gives us the motivation to fight till the end,” he said.

“There have been ups and downs (this season), but we’ve kept our heads high, and we’ve grown stronger as a team.”

“We’ve stayed together through the tough times and there were times where we reached our full potential.”

Van Rensburg is among a list of players from Grey that represented the Southern Free State team in the recently concluded SASHOC u18 tournament hosted in Bloemfontein.

However, the provincial team couldn’t quite get going in the tournament as they finished in 10^th spot. Despite that disappointment, Van Rensburg finished the tournament as second top goal scorer with seven goals and earned himself a spot in the SA ‘A’ team, an honour he will embrace for the rest of his life.

“IPT (SASHOC) was a big challenge for the Southern Free State hockey team, but we never gave up. I feel we improved as players, and it is always a great privilege to represent the province,” he said.

“It was also a great privilege to be selected in the SA team. I couldn’t have done it without the Sothern Free State team. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the opportunity to play as a team, but it would have been great fun to play.”

The Skipper believes that If you have a dream you have to believe it otherwise it will just stay dream. His dream this weekend will be to beat Grey High and return to the Free State with bragging right. Besides that, the youngster and his side will also be playing for the pride of the team, as he looks to lead by example and leave the Grey College jersey in a better place.

The action between Grey High Schools and Grey College kicks off at 18:55 on Friday.

In other fixtures in the Eastern Cape, Selborne College will host Queens in an epic FNB Classic Clash fixture on Saturday morning.

Stirling will take on Hudson Park, while Dale College welcome Makhand’s St Andrews to King Williams Town.

The teams:

Grey College:  Roan Janse van Rensburg (Captain), Eben Joubert, Gerrie Greyling, Jayden Leech, Jordan Verster, Wian du Plooy, Duncker Hohls, Dayne Kitching, Samu Lephoto, Luke Mosala, Dunrich Hoffmann, AC Delport, Handre van Staden, MJ Bam, Botha Barnard, Ayanda Ngxaki.

Grey High School: Robbie Stow, Michael Molenaar, Adam Brown, Trenton Wood, Luke Tait, Marco Giaconi, Ben Ristow, Kian Cambier, Jack Brenan, Caden Skinnette, Noah Proctor, Blake Muller, Shaun Valentine, Grant Garner, Kaino Broadhurst, Xander Elkington, and Matthew Kingston.

Fixtures:

16:00– Stirling High School vs Hudson Park

16:00– Dale College vs St Andrews

18:55– Grey High School vs Grey College

Saturday 29 July: 

11:40 – Selborne College vs Queens College

The term “generational talent” often refers to a person who changes the perspective of a certain sporting code, the way the game is played, and how they are remembered when their time is up in a particular team.

That term certainly resonates with one player that has caught the eye of many schoolboy hockey enthusiasts in South Africa, and that name is Jaydon Brooker.

Brooker, who ploughs his trade for the Jeppe High School for Boys first hockey side is undoubtably one of the most skilled, committed, and talented schoolboy hockey players the country has ever produced.

The confident yet humble 18-year-old started his hockey career at Jeppe Prep, and switching to another school after his primary days was never a consideration. Instead, Brooker was set on carrying on the rich history and legacy left behind by those who came before him.

Described as a humble, selfless, and team player by one of his coaches, Lydon Smith, Brooker has since gone on to represent the men in black and white stripe for three years, making the provincial team and SA Schools side in the process.

His attacking flare and eye the game has made him a threat to be reckoned with, and this is evident with the 49 goals he has accumulated over the course of the current season.

In a long-awaited interview with SuperSport Schools, the SA prodigy outlined how his team have grown throughout the season, also mentioning the strides he’s taken in achieving his personal goals.

“I do think the team has improved this season, it’s been a good season for us despite the two losses against St Stithians College and St Johns, besides that it’s been a wonderful season,” he said.

“We have formed good relationships and learnt to accommodate one another, and we enjoy each other’s company on and off the field.”

“I must say, I do think we’re much better than we were last year, result wise.”

During the mid-year school break, Brooker was part of the team selected to represent the Southern Gauteng side at the annual SASHOC u18 tournament held in Bloemfontein this year.

Despite his side coming short in the final, losing to Western Province (3-1) after cruising in the group stages, Brooker finished the tournament as top goal scorer with 10 goals scored during the week.

To top it off, he received the player of the tournament accolade and was immediately selected to represent the South African u18 team which faced the SA U21’s in a two-match series at the same venue.

“The IPT (SASHOC) was one for the books,” he recalled.

“I’ll never forget it because I formed so many relationships with boys, I never thought I would. The hockey at Provincial level is not the same at schoolboy level, I must say. It’s a lot tougher because in schoolboy hockey there’s the odd one or two boys In a team that standout whereas in a provincial team there’s probably eight or nine good players in one team.”

“But yes, its competitive and you gain a lot, you learn a lot and it has made me a better player.”

Soon after finishing second in the Provincial tournament, Brooker was tasked with the challenge of shifting his focus to the SA Schools team that faced the SA u21 side.

The u21 side were using the series to prepare for their upcoming World Cup in Malaysia later this year. Brooker lined up against the likes of Ross Breytenbach, Damian Knott and one of the Cassiem brothers, Mustaphaa Cassiem.

He admits that playing in that level is a moment he will cherish for the rest of his life.

“It’s always wonderful playing for your country, I mean last year, I missed out – I thought I had the ability to make the SA Schools team last year already but unfortunately I didn’t because of how I performed at IPT,” added Brooker.

“Playing this year was really an experience I hope hockey players coming through the pipeline get to experience and cherish because like I’ve learnt a lot of things – the intensity is way more and it was good – I learnt a lot especially playing against the u21’s. That certainly made me a better hockey player.”

Brooker and his side will face King Edward this week, better known as KES in one of the most highly anticipated matches in the school’s calendar. The “brothers in motion” as he calls them will to look to replicate their emphatic (5-1) victory against Parktown Boys a week ago.

The home side will also be aiming for a double over their rivals after beating them (3-1) in the first match early this year.

The fixture will also see Brooker and other players in the side play their last fixture for the school against their old foes. History favours the hosts who haven’t lost to KES since 2014, however, Brooker says the team needs to stay calm and treat the match just like any other, despite the huge occasion.

“Playing KES is always nice; you get to play against your mates from a rival school, but it will be just another game and we shouldn’t think of the occasion even though its big,” he said.

“I mean this is the fixture that means the most to the old boys and the school – I understand the history behind it – this is one game we look forward to the most – but we shouldn’t overthink it.

“I’m really excited, I mean this will be some of the boys last one against KES, so we need to make the most of it.”

The action between Jeppe Boys and King Edward kicks off at 16:30 on Friday. Catch all the action on SuperSport Schools.

In other fixtures to look out for during the weekend, Affies will host Waterkloof while Pretoria Boys High travel to lock heads with Maritzburg College. Parktown Boys will be looking to end off the season with a win when they take on Garsfontein away from home.

The teams: 

Jeppe High School for Boys: Joshua Renders, Neo Chimanyi, Brent Johnson, Ryan Harcourt-Baldwin, Chaz Breytenbach, Kyle Jackson, Jaydon Brooker, Christian Steinmann, Miguel De Jesus, Diahn Alberts-Flynn, Ben Benjamin, Ethan Kapanda, Matthew Morudi, Tyrique Joseph, Biopelo Koloti.

King Edward VI: Dimitri Despotakis, Elam Tokwe, Fynn Campbell, Keabetse Seome, Qhayiya May, Ongopotse Pule, Michael Adamson, James Erasmus, David Teeger, Steven Gunn, Dante Peters, Kian Hilton, Tyler Ruckard, Oyena Qwabe, Benjamin Simon.

Fixtures:

16:30 – Jeppe Boys vs King Edward VI

Saturday 29 July:

10:20 – Affies vs Waterkloof
11:00 –Maritzburg College vs Pretoria Boys High
11:15 – Garsfontein vs Parktown Boys’ High