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Grey-kollege se sewesspan het vanjaar skoonskip gemaak.

Die skool van Bloemfontein se o.17-span is die naweek as die onbetwiste nasionale kampioen op die Twizza Hoërskole Sewesreeks se Kampioen van Kampioene-toernooi op die velde van Camp Discovery gekroon. 

Grey het die Hoër Jongenskool Paarl in die eindstryd met 21-18 verslaan om die kroon te dra. Net na die eindstryd het ‘n tipiese hoëveld donderstorm uitgesak. 

Die span van die Rosestad het van die begin af spiere gebult en dit was duidelik dat indien iemand die kroon wil dra hy eers vir Grey sou moes verslaan. Hy het die Hoërskool Rustenburg (52-0) en Noordheuwel van Krugersdorp (42-5) behoorlik in sy twee groepwedstryde kaf gedraf. 

Grey se o.15-span is ook as nasionale kampioen by Camp Discovery gekroon. 

Noordheuwel, wat vanjaar in twee van die Twizza Hoërskole Sewesreeks se toernooie konning gekraai het, het slegs teen die uiteindelike kampioen die knie gebuig. Grey het Noordheuwel het 31-7 in die halfeindronde verslaan. 

Paarl Boishaai het sy plek in die eindstryd met ‘n oorwinning van 28-14 oor Helpmekaar-kollege van Johannesburg bespreek. Nories het Helpies in die uitspeelwedstryd om die derde posisie met 21-14 geklop om die toernooi as die beste van noord van die Vaalrivier af te sluit. 

Verlede jaar se kampioen, Paul Roos Gimnasium van Stellenbosch, moes met die titel as kampioen van die Plaat-afdeling tevrede wees. Hy het teen Paarl Boishaai met 15-24 in die kwarteindronde vasgeval. Grey het in sy kwarteindstryd vir Kempton Park met 53-7 verniel.

Helpmekaar het sy plek in die halfeindronde met ‘n sege van 22-14 oor Waterkloof bespreek. Noordheuwel het vir Noord-Kaap van Kimberley met 19-5 in die ander kwarteindstryd verslaan. Grey het Noord-Kaap in School Sports se Kampioen van Kampioene-toernooi vroeër vanjaar met 35-10 in die eindstryd verslaan. 

Die Twizza Hoërskole Sewesreeks met Darryl Weir aan die stuur beloof om in 2019 na nog hoër hoogtes te groei. Weir was destyds by die organisering van die suksesvolle @lantic-reeks betrokke. 

Al die uitslae: 

Groep A: Waterkloof 20, Diamantveld 12; Hoër Jongenskool Paarl 32, Diamantveld 5; Hoër Jongenskool Paarl 24, Waterkloof 17.

Groep B: Helpmekaar 33, Maritzburg College 17; Helpmekaar 26, Paul Roos Gimnasium 19; Paul Roos Gimnasium 36, Maritzburg College 5.

Groep C: Noordheuwel 26, Rustenburg 21; Grey-kollege 52, Rustenburg 0; Grey-kollege 42, Noordheuwel 5.

Groep D: Kempton Park 15, Noord-Kaap 12; Glenwood 24, Kempton Park 19; Noord-Kaap 31, Glenwood 21. 

KWARTEINDRONDE – Beker: Hoër Jongenskool Paarl 24, Paul Roos Gimnasium 15; Helpmekaar 22, Waterkloof 14; Grey College 53, Kempton Park 7; Noordheuwel 19, Noord-Kaap 5. 

HALFEINDRONDE – Bowl: Diamantveld 21, Maritzburg College 12; Glenwood 19, Rustenburg 7. Plaat: Paul Roos Gimnasium 24, Waterkloof 19; Kempton Park 22, Noord-Kaap 21. Beker: Hoër Jongenskool Paarl 28, Helpmekaar 14; Grey-kollege 31, Noordheuwel 7. 

UITSPEELWEDSTRYDE – 7/8: Waterkloof 40, Noord-Kaap 0; 3/4: Noordheuwel 21, Helpmekaar 14.

EINDRONDE – Skild: Rustenburg 15, Maritzburg College 10. Bowl: Glenwood 17, Diamantveld 12. Plaat: Paul Roos Gimnasium 41, Kempton Park 5. Beker: Grey-kollege 21, Hoër Jongenskool Paarl 18.

Daar is geen wegkruipplek op vanjaar se Hoërskole Sewesreeks se Kampioen van Kampioene-toernooi wat in samewerking deur Twizza aangebied word. Die toernooi vind soos verlede jaar net noord van Pretoria op die velde van Camp Discovery plaas. 

Al die wedstryde sal regstreeks op DigiTV.co.za gebeeldsend word. 

Paul Roos Gimnasium van Stellenbosch gaan sukkel om sy titel as kampioen suksesvol te verdedig. Die span van die Eikestad sal ‘n sterker span na die toernooi moet stuur as die een wat aan die Marius Schoeman-toernooi en die School Sports Kampioen van Kampioene-toernooi deelgeneem het, indien hy weer vanjaar die trofee omhoog wil hou. 

Paul Roos is saam met Helpmekaar-kollege en Maritzburg College in Groep B geloot. Helpies kan vir ‘n verrassing of twee op die toernooi sorg. Sy haastige Christiaan Bezuidenhout kan met sy vaart ‘n hele paar verdedigers besig hou. Die vlugvoetige Tiaan Botes behoort genoeg ruimte vir Bezuidenhout aan die buitekant te skep.  

Die twee grootste aanspraakmakers op vanjaar se titel sal Grey-kollege van Bloemfontein en die Hoër Jongenskool Paarl wees. Paarl Boishaai het Paul Roos en Grey tydens die Marius Schoeman-toernooi om die titel uitgestof om sy plek vir die Kampioen van Kampioene te bespreek. Dit is veral Boishaai se Javier Farmer wat fyn deur die span se teenstanders dopgehou sal moet word. 

Dit is jammer dat die twee beste spanne in die noorde van die land, Monument van Krugersdorp en Garsfontein van Pretoria, nie op die toernooi in aksie sal wees nie. Monnas het gekwalifiseer deur as kampioen van die Noordvaal-toernooi gekroon te word, maar het besluit om nie aan die Kampioen van Kampioene-toernooi deel te neem nie. 

Die toernooi by Camp Discovery beloof egter steeds om een van die voorste toernooie vanjaar op skolevlak te wees. Spanne vanuit die noorde soos Noordheuwel, Waterkloof en Rustenburg is nie spanne wat sonder handskoene aangepak kan word nie. 

Grey is saam met Noordheuwel en Rustenburg in Groep C geloot. Noordheuwel het in twee van die Hoërskole Sewesreeks se toernooie die septer geswaai. 

Paarl Boishaai is in die Blou Groep (Groep A) saam met Waterkloof en Diamantveld. In Groep D is Glenwood van Durban, Noord-Kaap en Kempton Park saam geloot. Al die groepwedstryde vind Vrydag plaas, terwyl die uitspeelwedstryde op Saterdag beslis sal word. 

Die Groepe is: 

Groep A: Hoër Jongenskool Paarl, Waterkloof, Diamantveld. 

Groep B: Paul Roos Gimnasium, Maritzburg College. Helpmekaar. 

Groep C: Grey College, Noordheuwel, Hoërskool Rustenburg. 

Groep D: Glenwood, Noord-Kaap, Kempton Park. 

Die bepalings is: 

Vrydag, 19 Oktober 2018 

Veld A – 16:00: Noord-Kaap vs Kempton Park; 16:20: Maritzburg College vs Helpmekaar; 16:40: Grey College vs Rustenburg; 17:00: Hoër Jongenskool Paarl vs Diamantveld; 17:20: Glenwood vs Noord-Kaap; 17:40: Paul Roos Gimnasium vs Maritzburg College. 

Veld B – 16:00: Noordheuwel vs Rustenburg; 16:20: Waterkloof vs Diamantveld; 16:40: Glenwood vs Kempton Park; 17:00: Paul Roos Gimnasium vs Helpmekaar; 17:20: Grey College vs Noordheuwel; 17:40: Hoër Jongenskool Paarl vs Waterkloof.

Eastern Province took top honours in the Carfind.co.za Iqhawe Week at the Bill Jardine Stadium in Johannesburg on Thursday as they defeated the Golden Lions 18-10 in a competitive final match, which brought down the curtain on an exciting 2018 tournament.

The boys from the Eastern Cape started the clash strongly with a try by Serue Serue and penalty goal by Wessie Odendaal earning them an 11-0 lead.

Hosts, the Golden Lions, bounced back with intent after the break, as they retained possession and ran hard on attack, and it paid off as they managed to reduce the deficit to 11-10 late in the match thanks to converted try by Mzwandile Dube and a penalty goal.

The home side had an opportunity to force their way into the lead with another penalty goal, but the attempt was unsuccessful.

Eastern Province, in turn, held their nerve late in the match with Serue crossing the tryline for the second time on the stroke of fulltime, which sealed the victory for them.

The Griffons delivered a strong second-half showing to outplay Griquas 40-17 after the teams entered the break level at 12-12. Such was the high quality of their attack they scored six tries, with Marcus Stols contributing a brace, while Daniel Crouwkamp kept the scoreboard ticking with five conversions.

The Leopards made their presence felt from the outset against Border as they build up an encouraging 24-5 halftime lead and built on this in the second half to increase their try tally to five for a comprehensive 31-12 victory. Isaac Muchanga scored a brace and Bukho Ngxakamba kicked three conversions to steer the team to victory.

The Sharks were in solid form against Boland, and made good use of their try-scoring opportunities as they touched down three times and backed this up with a good kicking performance to earn a 25-7 victory. Boland tried hard to force their way into the match, but they could only breach the defence once.

Western Province also finished their campaign on a winning note by defeating the Pumas 23-10 as they outscored the Mpumalanga outfit three tries to one. Mandiluve Matsoyiyane scored two of the Capetonians tries, while Coun-lee Koekman slotted over a conversion and two penalty goals.

A brace by the Valke’s Keagan Kochs and a solid defensive display paved the way for their 21-5 victory against Free State. The first half was tight, with the Valke talking a narrow 7-5 lead but they crossed the chalk twice more after the break, and managed to shut out the boys from Bloemfontein.

The clash between the Blue Bulls and SWD was gripping, with the Pretorians’ edging their way to a 22-17 victory thanks to more accurate goal kicking. Both sides scored three tries, but Byron Jansen’s extra conversion and penalty goal proved to be the difference on the scoreboard.

Carfind.co.za Iqhawe Week day three results (Thursday, 4 October):

Boland 7-25 Sharks

Free State 5-21 Valke

Blue Bulls 22-17 SWD

Griquas 17-40 Griffons

Western Province 23-10 Pumas

Border 12-31 Leopards

Golden Lions 10-18 Eastern Province

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Wie gaan die kroon as die eerste kampioen van School Sports 7’s se Kampioen van Kampioene-toernooi? Die toernooi vind vandag en more op die velde van Pirates in Greenside, Johannesburg plaas. 

Die drie groot aanspraakmakers op dié titel behoort Paul Roos Gimnasium, Grey-kollege en Glenwood te wees. Die skool van Stellenbosch het verlede die titel as nasionale kampioen gedra toe hy as kampioen van die Hoërskole Sewesreeks by Camp Discovery gekroon is. Twizza is as borg by albei die reekse betrokke. Paul Roos sal ook later vanjaar probeer om sy titel van die Hoërskole Sewesreeks te verdedig.

Paul Roos sal op Pirates teen HTS Middelburg, HTS Daniël Pienaar en die Hoërskool Pietersburg in sy drie groepwedstryde te staan kom. Paul Roos het sy plek in die toernooi bespreek deur Stellenberg in die eindstryd van die WP-toernooi te verslaan. Die span van die Eikestad word deur die bekwame Ian Campbell-McGeachy gebrei. Spelers van Paul Roos om dop te hou is Kade Wolhuter en Jarrod Cairns. 

Vrystaat oftewel Grey-kollege in Vrystaat-klere is verlede week as kampioen van Saru se o.17 interprovinsiale toernooi in Potchefstroom gekroon. Al die spelers in die span is leerlinge van Grey gewees. Die span van die Rosestad behoort dus ook ‘n sterk aanslag op die titel te loots. Die span word deur Bobby Joubert gebrei wat voorheen ook die Westelike Provinsie se provinsiale sewesspan afgerig het. 

Grey kom teen HTS Drostdy, Noord-Kaap en die Hoërskool Grens in sy drie groepwedstryde te staan. Hou gerus vir Pachal Ekeji, Ian Small-Smith en Lesley Botha van die Bloemfonteiners dop. Glenwood spog altyd met ‘n sewesspan om mee rekening te hou. Hy sal teen Lichtenburg, Hentie Cilliers en Birchleigh in sy groepwedstryde te staan kom. 

Hoewel die toernooi in samewerking met die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolerugby-vereniging (SASRV) aangebied word, is al die voorste sewesspanne van elk van die unies nie in aksie in die toernooi nie. Die 15 kampioene van die onderskeie provinsiale toernooie wat aangebied is, het vir die Kampioene-toernooi gekwalifiseer. Die reeks is egter in sy babaskoene en het reeds in die eerste jaar gewys dat hy die potensiaal het om tot die grootste reeks in die land te groei.  

Van die groot sewesspanne wat nie vanjaar op die toernooi in aksie sal wees nie is – Garsfontein, die Hoër Jongenskool Paarl, Monument, Goudveld-Hoërskool en Ben Vorster van Tzaneen. Garsies het vir die toernooi gekwalifiseer, maar het besluit om te onttrek. Oos-Moot neem in Garsfontein se plek deel en behoort ‘n paar spanne te verras. 

Paarl Boishaai is vroeër vanjaar as kampioen van die Marius Schoeman-toernooi gekroon wat deur Paarl Gimnasium aangebied word. Meeste van die voorste spanne wat die naweek in die Goudstad in aksie is, was ook op dié toernooi in aksie. Monument van Krugersdorp is vir die tweede jaar in ‘n ry vanjaar as kampioen van die Noordvaal Sewestoernooi gekroon.

Monnas het nie aan die Leeus se kwalifiserende toernooi deelgeneem nie omdat hulle daardie naweek aan die Marius Schoeman-toernooi deelgeneem het. Randburg het Helpmekaar verras om as kampioen van die Goue Leeus gekroon te word. 

Die Groepe is:

Groep A: Paul Roos Gimnasium, HTS Middelburg, HTS Daniël Pienaar, Pietersburg.

Groep B: Grey-kollege, HTS Drostdy, Noord-Kaap, Hoërskool Grens.

Groep C: Glenwood, Lichtenburg, Hentie Cilliers, Birchleigh.

Groep D: Oakdale Landbou, Oos Moot, Randburg.

Dieter Swanepoel has been promoted to the position of Western Province senior provincial assistant coach, while Gurshwin Rabie will take care of the WP Provincial Academy and also serve as provincial U19 boys head coach.

Both appointments have been from 1^st October 2018.

Swanepoel was the World Sports Betting Cape Cobras’ strength and conditioning coach from 2011 to 2015 and during that period was part of the South African Emerging side for one tour and the South African ‘A’ side as the strength and conditioning coach on three tours. He has served as the strength and conditioning coach for the Western Province senior provincial team for the past three years and has worked under Salieg Nackerdien and Faiek Davids at senior provincial level.

His formal coaching career of a team took off last year when he coached Montrose Cricket Club (they won the league’s T20 competition).

He played schools cricket for the WP U17 team but was plagued by injuries during his young career. He played club cricket for a few years, finishing his player career at Montrose cricket club.

His most memorable cricket moment came when they (Bergvliet High School first team) beat Bishops on their home ground (He picked up a 3-wicket haul in the game).

Swanepoel has a diploma in sports conditioning as well as a diploma in coaching science, through ETA. He has a CSA level two coaching certificate and is currently in the process of completing his CSA level three coaching certificate this season.

“The highlight of my career was representing the Cape Cobras and working with players who he looked up to as heroes growing up and also representing the SA ‘A’ side in his capacity as strength and conditioning coach,” Swanepoel said.

“My goal in my new role as the Assistant coach is to grow and learn as much as I can, whilst assisting the head coach Paul Adams, and together with the team working hard towards having a successful season and help players develop their games to push for higher honours,” said Swanepoel.

“Dieter has been with the (Western Province) squad for a few years and has unofficially fulfilled the dual role as assistant and strength and conditioning coach,” said Clinton du Preez, cricket services manager of the Western Province Cricket Association (WPCA).

“He has built up quite a bit of experience under the leadership of Faiek Davids and Salieg Nackerdien. He will fit in perfectly with Paul Adams to take the (WP) team to the next level.

“Dieter is a very hardworking individual with much drive and passion to excel. He always wants the best for every player,” Du Preez remarked.

Rabie (35) said he was stunned to learn of his appointment because he thought there were more experienced candidates than he.

He enrolled in a level-three coaching course and completed it in 2016/2017.

A former Western Province, former South Western District and Warriors fast bowler, Rabie said a highlight was when he debuted for WP in January 2008.

He also captured 8-60 for South Western District against North West, a career-best five-wicket haul. In 92 first-class matches, he captured 331 wickets.

His body told him at the end of the 2016/2017 season that it was time to retire from first-class cricket.

His greatest goal is to propel Western Province to the top as the finest U19 team in the country.

He also wants to teach the boys important life skills and the pathway to greater growth, while warning them against the pitfalls that prevent boys from reaching their highest goals.

“I want to give back to the game and teach the boys a greater love for cricket,” Rabie said.

His next assignment is to prepare the boys for the Western Province/Boland weekend on 23^rd and 24^thNovember, when the Western Cape derbies take place.

Die Wildeklawer-juniortoernooi beloof om volgende jaar die grootse sedert sy ontstaan in 2012 te wees. Van die 20 spanne wat vir die hooftoernooi (o.19-spanne) genooi is, het 17 hul junior-spanne se deelname vir die toernooi bevestig.

Dié getal kan tot 18 groei indien Dr. EG Jansen van Boksburg se eerstespan ‘n uitnodiging vir die hooftoernooi van 2019 in die plek van Paul Roos Gimnasium ontvang. Die skool van Boksburg se juniors sal wel volgende jaar aan die junior-toernooi deelneem. 

Die juniortoernooi sal in 2019 uit 54 spanne uit 18 skole bestaan. Die 18 skole se o.14-, o.15- en o.16-spanne sal in Kimberley in aksie wees. 

Paul Roos Gimnasium sal volgende jaar Suid-Afrika op die jaarlikse Sanix-toernooi in Japan verteenwoordig. EG Jansen was nog by elk van die vorige tien Wildeklawers in aksie en hulle behoort volgende jaar weer ‘n gedugte span in die veld te stoot. Framesby wat die vorige twee jaar aan die Sanix-toernooi in Japan deelgeneem het, behoort ook in aanmerking kom om die leemte wat Paul Roos los te vul.  

Al die wedstryde van die juniortoernooi sal op Kimberley Boys’ High se geskiedkundige velde gespeel word. Die o.19-toernooi se bepalings is ook in ag geneem met die opstel van die juniortoernooi se wedstryde. In totaal sal 11 van die 18 wedstryde tydens die toernooi tussen dieselfde twee skole as die eerstespan-wedstryd wees. 

Die bepalings is: 

Donderdag, 2 Mei 2019 

Helpmekaar vs Noord-Kaap
Waterkloof vs Oakdale Landbou
Affies vs HTS Drostdy
Garsfontein vs Diamantveld
Monument vs Grey-kollege
Glenwood vs Hoër Jongenskool Paarl
Paarl Gimnasium vs Transvalia
EG Jansen vs Stellenberg
Menlopark vs Outeniqua

Saterdag, 4 Mei 2019 

Affies vs Hoër Jongenskool Paarl
Transvalia vs Stellenberg
Oakdale Landbou vs Menlopark
Waterkloof vs Diamantveld
Garsfontein vs Glenwood
Grey-kollege vs Helpmekaar
Paarl Gimnasium vs EG Jansen
Outeniqua vs Noord-Kaap
Monument vs HTS Drostdy

Die Vrystaat is die nuwe kampioen van Saru se interprovinsiale sewesreeks na hy die gemaklik met Oostelike Provinsie (38-21) in die eindstryd op die Fanie du Toit-stadion in Potchefstroom afgereken het.

Dit is die derde keer wat die Vrystaters as nasionale kampioen gekroon word. Hulle het in 2012 en 2016 ook dié titel verower.

Vrystaat het teen rustyd reeds ‘n gerieflike voorsprong van 33-0 opgebou en die koel was toe feitlik reeds deur die kerk. Die enigste vlekkie op die Vrystaters se toernooi was sy nederlaag van 17-47 teen die Goue Leeus in sy laaste groepwedstryd op die eerste dag.

Dit was van die begin af duidelik op die tweede dag dat die Vrystaters ‘n gedugte span is. Hy het die verdedigende kampioen, die Westelike Provinsie, met 26-17 in die kwarteindronde uitgestof.

Die Streeptruie was na die eerste dag sonder twyfel die gunsteling om weer vanjaar die kroon te dra. Hulle moes uiteindelik met die titel as kampioen van die Plaat-afdeling tevrede wees.

WP het die Leeus met 24-19 in die eindstryd van dié afdeling geklop. Die Vrystaat het in die halfeindronde vir die Griffons met 19-7 getroef, terwyl die Oostelike Provinsie die Blou Bulle met 29-14 in die ander halfeindstryud uitgeskakel het.

Die Vrystaters se Lesley Botha en Paschal Ekeji het albei ‘n puik toernooi beleef. OP se Siviwe Zondani het onder die voorste spelers in sy span getel.

Die Goue Leeus se Christiaan Bezuidenhout sou indien daar ‘n Speler van die Toernooi aangewys sonder ‘n sterk aanspraakmaker op dié titel gewees het. Hy het die toernooi as die voorste driedrukker met sewe drieë afgesluit.

Al die uitslae:

Groep A: Western Province 42, SA LSEN 5; Blue Bulls 29, Pumas 12; Western Province 17, Pumas 5; Blue Bulls 31, SA LSEN 12; Pumas 24, SA LSEN 10; Western Province 31, Blue Bulls 5.

Groep B: Sharks 33, Limpopo Blue Bulls 12; Eastern Province 35, South Western Districts 12; Eastern Province 17, Sharks 14; South Western Districts 47, Limpopo Blue Bulls 12; South Western Districts 17, Sharks 14; Eastern Province 33, Limpopo Blue Bulle 29.

Groep C: Griffons 22, Valke 19; Valke 26, Boland 22; Griffons 22, Boland 14.

Groep D: Golden Lions 43, Leopards 7; Free State 46, Griqualand West 0; Golden Lions 27, Griqualand West 24; Free State 38, Leopards 12; Golden Lions 47, Free State 17; Griqualand West 21, Leopards 15.

KWARTEINDRONDE – Bowl: Luiperds 19, Pumas 12; SA LSOB 31, Griekwas 0; Limpopo Blou Bulle 31, Boland 14. Beker: Vrystaat 26, Westelike Provinsie 17; Griffons 19, Suidwestelike Distrikte 12; Blou Bulle 22, Goue Leeus 12; Oostelike Provinsie 21, Valke 17.

HALFEINDRONDE – Skild: Pumas 31, Boland 26; Griekwas loslooitjie. Bowl: Luiperds 14, Limpopo Blou Bulle 12; Sharks 24, SA LSOB 7. Plaat: Westelike Provinsie 26, Suidwestelike Distrikte 12; Goue Leeus 43, Valke 36. Beker: Vrystaat 19, Griffons 7; Oostelike Provinsie 29, Blou Bulle 14.

EINDSTRYDE – Skild: Pumas 24, Griekwas 7. Bowl: Sharks 19, Luiperds 14. Plaat: Westelike Provinsie 24, Goue Leeus 19. Beker: Vrystaat 38, Oostelike Provinsie 21.  

Eastern Province is truly the whipping boys of the 2018 edition of the SA Rugby u21 Championship. They’ve conceded for the third time in five outings a defeat by more than a hundred points. Western Province trampled them by 173-0 at the Despatch Rugby Club in the biggest victory ever in the national u21 competition. 

The previous record was held by the Blue Bulls when they whipped EP by 149-13 earlier in this year’s competition. WP scored a total of 27 tries in the rampage on Friday. No. 8, Muller Uys and winger Tumi Mogoji both crossed the tryline five times. Flanker Gift Dlamini was the only other player who managed to complete a hat-trick of tries. 

Fullback, Joshua Vermeulen, converted 19 of his side’s tries for a personal contribution of 38 points. Eastern Province has conceded 610 points in total in their five matches to date.  

The Sharks recorded a 44-28 victory over the Free State in the other match in the competition on Friday. 

Scorers: 

Western Province 173 (85) – Tries: Muller Uys (5), Tumi Mogoji (5), Gift Dlamini (3), Lubelo Scott (2), Mujaahid Van Der Hoven (2), Sakoyisa Makata (2), Lomb Lombaard (2), Schalk Erasmus, Moegamat Kannemeyer, Abner van Reenen, Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, Ricardo Duarttee, Ryan Muller. Conversions: Joshua Vermeulen (19). Eastern Province 0. 

It would take an exceptional effort from the other teams at the Saru u17 Interprovincial Sevens tournament to dethrone the defending champions. Western Province. The annual tournament is hosted at the Fanie du Toit Stadium in Potchefstroom.

Western Province will face Free State in the first quarterfinal of the tournament tomorrow morning. Before Free State’s last match of the opening day against the Golden Lions it seemed that they were the main contenders to dethrone Western Province.

Western Province eased past the SA LSEN (42-5), Blue Bulls (31-5) and the Pumas (17-5) in their three pool matches. Gideon van Wyk, Javier Farmer and Tiaan Swanepoel were key players for the team from the Western Cape.

Free State impressed in their first two matches by beating Griqualand West (46-0) and the Leopards (38-12). The team from Bloemfontein’s Paschal Ekeji, Ian Small-Smith and Jacobus Cloete could feel happy with their performances on the day.

The Golden Lions however kept their best performance for this vital match and defeated the Free State convincingly by 47-17 to finish on top of Pool D. The Golden Lions struggled earlier against Griqualand West and only managed to secure a 27-24 victory thanks to a late try by Jaydian Petrus.

The Lions will face the Blue Bulls in their quarterfinal. The Lions’ Henco van Wyk and Christiaan Bezuidenhout impressed with their performances in Potchefstroom.

Eastern Province also impressed with their performances, but also struggled against the Limpopo Blue Bulls (33-29). South Western Districts finished second in Pool D and will face the unbeaten Griffons in the quarterfinals.

The Griffons only played two matches against Boland (22-14) and the Valke (22-19) on the opening day. Border withdrew from the tournament a day before. The withdrawal of Border is frowned upon as it withholds the players from a valuable opportunity.

Both Neil Powell (Blitzbok coach) and Marius Schoeman (SA Sevens Academy manager) attended the tournament.

Results:

Pool A: Western Province 42, SA LSEN 5; Blue Bulls 29, Pumas 12; Western Province 17, Pumas 5; Blue Bulls 31, SA LSEN 12; Pumas 24, SA LSEN 10; Western Province 31, Blue Bulls 5.

Pool B: Sharks 33, Limpopo Blue Bulls 12; Eastern Province 35, South Western Districts 12; Eastern Province 17, Sharks 14; South Western Districts 47, Limpopo Blue Bulls 12; South Western Districts 17, Sharks 14; Eastern Province 33, Limpopo Blue Bulle 29.

Pool C: Griffons 22, Valke 19; Valke 26, Boland 22; Griffons 22, Boland 14.

Pool D: Golden Lions 43, Leopards 7; Free State 46, Griqualand West 0; Golden Lions 27, Griqualand West 24; Free State 38, Leopards 12; Golden Lions 47, Free State 17; Griqualand West 21, Leopards 15.

Western Province will be the firm favourites to successfully defend their title as champions of the annual SARU u17 Sevens tournament. This year’s edition of the tournament will be held at the Fanie du Toit field in Potchefstroom. 

Other teams to watch out for is the Golden Lions, Blue Bulls, Free State and the Griffons. 

The teams: 

Blou Bulle: LT Viljoen (Oos-Moot), AJ Johnson (Garsfontein), H Rothman (Garsfontein), Keenan Wessels (Menlopark), Geraldo Flusk (Garsfontein), L Adams (Menlopark), Bjorn van Wyk (Affies), C Kamffer (Affies), Rowan Cloete (Garsfontein), R Damons (Overkruin), R de Lange (Oos-Moot), J Jacobs (Waterkloof). 

Boland: Keane Gelant (HTS Drostdy), Rowan Heneke (Swartberg), Gavin Armstrong (Langeberg), Leagan Jagman (Klein Nederburg), Antonio Vywer (Bredasdorp), Hugo Mostert (HTS Drostdy), Tristan Foroa (Bredasdorp), Wynand du Plessis (HTS Drostdy), Heindrich van Coller (HTS Drostdy), Nathan Engelbrecht (Hopefield), Elron McLeod (HTS Drostdy), Elmar Mkonsini (Swartberg). 

Border: Josh Jonas (Hudson Park), Jaylon Hamman (Dale College), Raiden Masters (Selborne College), Daniel Engole (Selborne College), Jonathan Gerber (Grens HS), Ronaldo Daniels (Grens HS), Romario Fields (Grens HS), Mzwamazizi Ngalo (Dale College), Daimon O’Connell (Selborne College), Marcello Flemmer (Hudson Park), Mbasa Jubisa (Dale College), Siyanda Tyakume (Hudson Park). 

Eastern Province: Siviwe Zondani (Grey High School), Litha Adam (Grey High School), Brendan Wilke (Framesby), Troy Delport (Marlow Landbou), Jordan Lombard (Kingswood College), Octavian Muller (Brandwag), Hlumelo Klaas (Grey High School), Terrance Goliath (Brandwag), Ambesa Zinzile (Marlow Landbou), Hannes Shemonday (HTS Daniël Pienaar), Cheldon Kapp (HTS Daniël Pienaar), Liyema Matyolweni (Grey High School). 

Free State: Lesley Botha (Grey College), Ian Small-Smith (Grey College), Sonwabo Sokoyi (Grey College), Sisonke Vumazonke (Grey College), JT Odendaal (Grey College), Pieter Joubert (Grey College), Jaco Cloete (Grey College), Joubert Schoeman (Grey College), Marcell Muller (Grey College), Ethan Liberty (Grey College), Paschal Ekeji (Grey College), Franco Knoetze (Grey College). 

Golden Lions: Izan Esterhuizen (Monument), Christiaan Bezuidenhout (Helpmekaar), Hennie du Randt (Monument), Marquin Uren (Monument), Herschelle Goodman (Monument), Henco van Wyk (Monument), Diego Swartz (Randburg), Dewald Holtzhausen (Monument), Tiaan Botes (Helpmekaar), Maurice Marks (Randburg), Jaydian Petrus (Randburg), Reuben Barnard (Monument). 

Griffons: Rian Olivier (Goudveld), Neil Harmse (Goudveld), Keke Morabe (Welkom Gimnasium), Haydn November (Hentie Cilliers), Dylan Smith (Goudveld), Jaime Heynes (Welkom Gimnasium), Juan-Roscoe Ruiters (Witteberg), Heinrich Cloete (Goudveld), Jaco Weideman (Goudveld), Marchant Jacobs (Welkom Gimnasium), Fernando Gelant (Witteberg), Marco Weideman (Goudveld). 

Griqualand West: Neil Schwartz (Diamantveld), Sello Maketlo (Diamantveld), Tracer Gous (Upington), Alnino Lorten (Noord-Kaap), Elzandro Fredericks (Noord-Kaap), Revano Muller (Noord-Kaap), Gladwinn Strauss (Duineveld), Jean Engelbrecht (Diamantveld), Devin Steenkamp (Noord-Kaap), Naidn Jaarts (Upington), Herman Visser (Duineveld), Rushane Alexander (Postmasburg). 

Leopards: Goodwin Nchocho (HTS Klerksdorp), Richard Champion (Lichtenburg), Leander Wiese (Klerksdorp), Aubrey Reynecke (Lichtenburg), Isrome Phatudi (Klerksdorp), Billy Jacobs (Potchefstroom Gimnasium), Wimpie Venter (Lichtenburg), Giovanni Pestana (Potchefstroom Gimnasium), Ruben Oosthuizen (Lichtenburg), Dirkie Pretorius (Wagpos), Lebo Thakholi (HTS Klerksdorp), Mosa Mathanjana (Wesvalia). 

Limpopo Blue Bulls: Sean Roulsten (Ben Vorster), Lennard Joubert (Ben Vorster), Renzo du Plessis (Ben Vorster), Junior Mizi (Piet Potgieter), Wiehann van der Kolf (Piet Potgieter), Brandon Cronjé (Pietersburg), William Mohlaloga (Piet Potgieter), Tendai Kgopa (Pietersburg), Franko Coetzee (Pietersburg), Jeandré Moos (Pietersburg), Taylor du Plessis (Pietersburg), Danie Potgieter (Merensky). 

Pumas: Johannes Maré (HTS Middelburg), Ricardo Schonfeldt (HTS Middelburg), Chyle van Zyl (HTS Middelburg), Franco van Rooyen (Nelspruit), Walter Visser (Ermelo), Cyle Visagie (HTS Middelburg), Sifiso Dlamini (Middelburg HS), Jackson Madiba (Steelcrest), Qhama Sinkila (Lowveld HS), Sakhile Mdluli (Rob Ferreira), Janrico Vermeulen (Nelspruit), Jan Joubert (Middelburg HS). 

SA LSEN: Tristan Schwartz (Agulhas SOS), Tsetse Kawaya (Westcliff), Kevin Ngwenya (Belvedere), Rivano Do-Amaral (Kempton Panorama), Sinethemba Damane (Westview), Chae Rouilon (Belvedere), Joshua Visagie (Westcliff), Chezlin Oosthuizen (Belvedere), Shadley Gertze (Agulhas SOS), Tiaan Botha (Die Ankerskool), Heinrich Arends (Agulhas SOS), Michael Williams (Westcliff).

Sharks: S Ndlovu (Northwood), C de Bruyn (Kearsney College), H Gouws (Glenwood), N Steyn (Glenwood), S Nela (Hilton College), M van Wyk (Glenwood), A Nzimande (Maritzburg College), F Slabbert (Glenwood), M Mkhize (Westville Boys’ High), N Makhaza (Northwood), G Akker (Westville Boys’ High), S Nkomo (Westville Boys’ High). 

South Western Districts: Johann Muller (Langenhoven Gimnasium), Vernon Paulo (Oakdale Landbou), Sybrand van Dyk (Oakdale Landbou), Dylan Smith (George High), Ashwin Botha (Oakdale Landbou), Alwich van der Linde (Oakdale Landbou), Tino Signe (Oakdale Landbou), Justin Wolmarans (Bridgeton Secondary), Michel Stemmet (Oakdale Landbou), Keaton Bush (Oakdale Landbou), Mattheus Fortuin (George High), Cleflo Witbooi (Oakdale Landbou). 

Valke: Franco Enslin (EG Jansen), Garren Morris (EG Jansen), Uli Wiese (Transvalia), Hope Ngoy (Birchleigh), Derik Bierman (Hugenote), Cameron le Vack, Louis de Bruyn (EG Jansen), Keagan Balfour (EG Jansen), Frederick Malgas (Heidelberg Volkskool), Kevin Viljoen (Vereeniging Gimnasium), Tiaan Venter (Kempton Park), Duan Bloem (EG Jansen). 

Western Province: Gideon van Wyk (Paarl Boys’ High), Eben-Ezer Tshimanga (Wynberg Boys’ High), Jarrod Cairns (Paul Roos Gimnasium), Tyler Bocks (Paarl Boys’ High), Brian Dosemba (Milnerton), Hedley Hadlow (Stellenberg), Bobby Alexander (Paarl Gimnasium), Henry Davids (Hamlets), Quan Horne (Paarl Boys’ High), Tiaan Swanepoel (Paarl Gimnasium), Javier Farmer (Paarl Boys’ High), Dalvon Blood (Rondebosch Boys’ High).