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St Andrew’s School continued their recent run of success against Grey College by scoring an emphatic 76-run victory at Grey on Friday in a 50-overs-a-side clash.

Saints‘ skipper Reuben van Aarde opted to bat first after winning the coin flip, and his top-order batsmen came through for him.

Opening batsman Naudé Botha anchored the winnings with an outstanding innings of 92 from 97 balls, which included 13 fours.

He enjoyed strong support from Jonathan Hickley, who struck five fours in his 45 from 65 deliveries, while Grové du Preez almost matched Hickley’s contribution, making 43 from 55 balls, including three fours.

The captain, Reuben van Aarde, added a useful 21 towards the end of the Saints’ innings, helping his side to total 250 all out after their 50 overs.

St Andrew’s might have made significantly more had their star batsman, FG Botha, who has enjoyed a scintillating season, not been run out for 10.

Jano Venter led the Grey attack with a return of 3/37 from nine overs. Juan Maree did a tidy job, claiming 2/27 in eight, and Sicelo Matayi picked up 2/48 in eight.

Grey’s reply ran into early trouble, with Pieter Smit caught behind by Naudé Botha for a duck off the bowling of Cullen Kakora, Divan Bezuidenhout bowled by Erhard Behrens for six, and Daniel Hattingh, who was outstanding on Grey’s tour of the Western Cape, also falling victim to Barends for only one.

Henru de Wet and Christian Kind put a stop to the slide, with both making half-centuries. The captain, De Wet, made 53 from 84 balls, with three fours and a six, while Kind sent six balls to the boundary and one over it in compiling 59 from 81.

Once they were dismissed, though, Grey’s challenge fell away. Jaco Prinsloo and Albert Liebenberg made it into the teens, but there was little output from the other batsmen, and Grey tumbled to 174 all out.

While FG Botha might have missed out with the bat, you can’t keep a good man down and he made his mark with the ball, snaring 3/31 from his 10 overs of leg spin.

Three bowlers chipped in with two wickets apiece. Opening bowlers, Cullen Kakora and Erhard Barends captured 2/19 from 6.1 overs and 2/33 from 10 respectively, while Nikhil Sukraj, also with leg spin, knocked over 2/27 in seven.

Scores

St Andrew’s School 250/10 (Naudé Botha 92, Jonathan Hickley 45, Grové du Preez 43, Johan Liebenberg 21, Jano Venter 3/37, Juan Maree 2/27, Sicelo Matayi 2/48); Grey College 174/10 (Christian Kind 59, Henru de Wet 53, FG Botha 3/31, Cullen Kakora 2/19, Nikhil Sukraj 2/27, Erhard Barends 2/33). St Andrew’s School won by 76 runs.

After Friday’s action at the Reef Cup Water Polo Tournament just two girls’ teams, Reddam House Bedfordview and Hellenic Academy boast wins from all four of their starts.

The hosts, St Stithians, remain unbeaten, but they were also held to a 3-3 draw by Beaulieu College.

The prestigious annual tournament runs through until Sunday.

Reddam House Bedfordview enjoyed a solid opening day, on Thursday. Playing in Pool A, they opened their challenge with a smooth 12-1 victory over the Tournament Invitation Side. In their next outing, they were extended by Zimbabwe’s Falcon College but came away with an 8-6 win.

On Friday, they followed through with a 12-4 win over Maris Stella and a 10-4 defeat of St Dominic’s. That was St Dom’s only loss in pool play.

Meanwhile, Pool B produced some of the most interesting results. The opening day twice produced 3-3 draws, between Pretoria High School for Girls and Rand Park, and Woodridge and Kingsmead. The latter two won their other three games, including against Durban Girls’ College, who might have been expected to top the pool.

There was some high scoring in Pool C, including a 20-0 win for St Peter’s College over Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool (Affies), and a 15-0 win for Hellenic Academy over Parktown High School for Girls. The Zimbabweans also thumped Affies 19-1.

Although they were pushed harder on Friday, Hellenic recorded successive victories by four goals each, beating St Peter’s 10-6 and Crawford College Lonehill 8-4.

In Pool C, the hosts and the defending champions, St Stithians, established themselves as the team to beat, but their record wasn’t perfect. After a six-goal win over Reddam House Umhlanga, a 21-2 romp against Steyn City, and a 19-0 whitewash of Reddam House Helderfontein, they shared the spoils with Beaulieu College.

Meanwhile, in the boys’ tournament, Durban High School (DHS), Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool (Affies), Michaelhouse, and St David’s Marist Inanda are the pace-setters after the first two days of competition. All four have won four out of four

In Pool A, DHS registered their first win by beating Reddam House Bedfordview 13-6. They followed that with a 14-3 defeat of Grey College. Their smooth run continued on Friday with a convincing 15-0 blanking of Beaulieu College, but St Alban’s College extended School before the Durban boys won 5-4.

Affies powered their way to an 18-4 win over Parktown Boys’ High in their Pool B opener and they dealt KwaZulu Natal’s Maritzburg College a 14-5 loss. On Friday, Affies beat Falcon College 15-6 and outlasted St Benedict’s College 8-6.

Michaelhouse came out guns blazing on the first day, easing to a 14-1 win over their provincial rivals, Glenwood High. In their second game, they overpowered Rand Park High School 25-1. On Friday, their dominance continued with a 14-2 success against Steyn City and an 11-6 win over Woodridge.

In Pool D, the Vides Water Polo Tournament champions, St David’s Marist Inanda, were seldom extended in racking up four victories. They downed St Peter’s 16-4, Hellenic Academy 10-4, Reddam House Umhlanga 19-2, and Reddam House Helderfontein 17-1 to make a clear statement that they’re the top dogs in the group and a serious title threat.

The tournament continues on Saturday with St Dominic’s facing Durban Girls’ College, followed by Woodridge against Falcon College.

St Alban’s and Maritzburg College kick off the boys’ action. The games will run through into the evening.

RESULTS – GIRLS

Thursday, 27 February

Pool A
Reddam Bedfordview 12-1 Tournament Inv.
St Dominic’s 6-3 Falcon College
Tournament Inv. 8-6 Maris Stella
Reddam Bedfordview 10-8   Falcon College
St Dominic’s 18-6 Maris Stella

Pool B
Woodridge 6-0 Pretoria HSG
Durban Girls’ College 2-5 Kingsmead
Pretoria HSG 3-3 Rand Park
Woodridge 3-3 Kingsmead
Durban Girls’ College 17-2 Rand Park

Pool C
Crawford Lonehill 6-8 St Peter’s
Hellenic Academy 15-0 Parktown
St Peter’s 20-0 AHMP
Crawford Lonehill 9-6 Parktown
Hellenic Academy 19-1 AHMP

Pool D
Beaulieu College 13 -4 Reddam Helderfontein
St Stithians 10-4 Reddam Umhlanga
Reddam Helderfontein 8 -10 Steyn City
Beaulieu College 9-9 Reddam Umhlanga
St Stithians 21-2 Steyn City

FRIDAY, 28 FEBRUARY

Pool A
Falcon College 12-8 Maris Stella
St Dominic’s 7-4 Tournament Inv.
Reddam Bedfordview 12-4 Maris Stella
Falcon College 6-6 Tournament Inv
Reddam Bedfordview 10-4 St Dominic’s

Pool B
Kingsmead 11-1 Rand Park
Durban Girls’ College 12-3 Pretoria HSG
Woodridge 16-2 Rand Park
Kingsmead 12-0 Pretoria HSG
Woodridge 5-3 Durban Girls’ College

Pool C
Parktown 14-5 AHMP
Hellenic Academy 10-6 St Peter’s
Crawford Lonehill 13-2 AHMP
Parktown 8-14 St Peter’s
Crawford Lonehill 4-8 Hellenic Academy

Pool D
Reddam Umhlanga 18-5 Steyn City
St Stithians 19-0 Reddam Helderfontein
Beaulieu College 16-2 Steyn City
Reddam Umhlanga 17-4 Reddam Helderfontein
St Stithians 3 -3 Beaulieu College

RESULTS – BOYS

Thursday, 27 February

Pool A
DHS 13-6 Reddam Bedfordview
St Alban’s 19A 7-0 Grey College
Reddam Bedfordview 12-8   Beaulieu College
DHS 14-3 Grey College
St Alban’s 13-3 Beaulieu College

Pool B
St Benedict’s 10-2 Falcon College
Affies 18-4 Parktown Boys’
Falcon College 3-12   Maritzburg College
St Benedict’s 18-3 Parktown Boys’
Affies 14- 5 Maritzburg College

Pool C
Woodridge 9-5 Steyn City
Michaelhouse 14-1    Glenwood
Steyn City 14-4 Rand Park
Michaelhouse 25-1    Rand Park

Pool D
Reddam Helderfontein 13-7 Reddam Umhlanga
St David’s Marist 16-4 St Peter’s
Reddam Umhlanga   3-14 Hellenic Academy
Reddam Helderfontein 6-11 St Peter’s
St David’s Marist 10-4 Hellenic Academy

Friday, 28 February

Pool A
Grey College 8-3 Beaulieu College
St Alban’s 7-4 Reddam Bedfordview
DHS 15-0 Beaulieu College
Grey College 10-4 Reddam Bedfordview
DHS 5 -4 St Alban’s

Pool B
Parktown Boys’ 6-13  Maritzburg College
Affies 15-6 Falcon College
St Benedict’s 7-5 Maritzburg College
Parktown Boys’ 6-12  Falcon College
St Benedict’s 6-8 Affies

Pool C
Glenwood 14  -7 Rand Park
Michaelhouse 14-2  Steyn City
Woodridge 16-8 Rand Park
Glenwood 5-5 Steyn City
Woodridge 6-11 Michaelhouse

Pool D
St Peter’s 7-9  Hellenic Academy
St David’s Marist 19-2 Reddam Umhlanga
Reddam Helderfontein 6-13 Hellenic Academy
St Peter’s 8-2  Reddam Umhlanga
St David’s 17  – 1 Reddam Helderfontein

FIXTURES

Saturday, 1 March

Girls

07:50   G41: PO 5-12 (A2/B3): St Dominic’s vs Durban Girls
07:50   G42: PO 5-12 (B2/A3): Woodridge vs Falcon College
08:40   G43: PO 5-12 (C2/D3): St Peter’s vs Reddam Umhlanga
08:40   G44: PO 5-12 (D2/C3): Beaulieu College vs Crawford Lonehill
10:20   G45: PO 13-20 (A5/B4): Maris Stella vs Rand Park
10:20   G46: PO 13-20 (A4/B5): Tournament Inv. Vs Pretoria HSG
10:20   G47: PO 13-20 (C5/D4): AHMP vs  Steyn City
11:10   G48: PO 13-20 (C4/D5): Parktown vs Reddam Helderfontein
12:00   G49: QF1 (A1/W43): Reddam Bedfordview vs W43
12:50   G50: QF2 (W44/B1): W44 vs Kingsmead
12:50   G51: QF3 (W41/C1): W41 vs Hellenic Academy 19A
12:50   G52: QF4 (D1/W42) : St Stithians vs W42
13:40   G53: PO 17-20 (L45/L47): L45 vs L47
14:30   G54: PO 17-20 (L46/L48):L46 vs L48
15:20   G55: PO 9-12 (L43/L41): L43 vs L41
15:20   G56: PO 9-12 (L44/L42):L44 vs L42
16:10   G57: PO 13-16 (W47/W45) :: W47 vs W45
17:00   G58: PO 13-16 (W46/W48) : W46 vs W48
17:50   G59: SF1 (W50/W49) :W50   vs W49
17:50   G60: PO 5-8 (L50/L49): L50 vs L49
17:50   G61: PO 5-8 (L52/L51): L52  vs L51
18:40   G62: SF2 (W52/W51): W52   vs  W51

Boys

07:00   G41: PO 5-12 (A2/B3) : St Alban’s vs Maritzburg College
07:00   G42: PO 5-12 (B2/A3): St Benedict’s vs Grey College
07:00   G43: PO 5-12 (C2/D3): Woodridge vs St Peter’s
07:50   G44: PO 5-12 (D2/C3): Hellenic Academy vs Steyn City
08:40   G45: PO 12-20 (A5/B4): Beaulieu College vs Falcon College
09:30   G46: PO 12-20 (A4/B5): Reddam Bedfordview vs Parktown Boys’
09:30   G47: PO 12-20 (C5/D4): Rand Park vs Reddam Helderfontein
09:30   G48: PO 12-20 (C4/D5): Glenwood vs Reddam Umhlanga
11:10   G49: QF1 (A1/W43): DHS vs W43
11:10   G50: QF2 (W44/B1): W44 vs Affies 19A
12:00   G51: QF3 (W41/C1): W41 vs Michaelhouse 19A
12:00   G52: QF4 (D1/W42): St David’s Marist vs    W42
13:40   G53: PO 17-20 (L45/L47): L45 vs L47
13:40   G54: PO 17-20 (L46/L48): L46 vs L48
14:30   G55: PO 9-12 (L43/L41): L43 vs L41
14:30   G56: PO 9-12 (L44/L42): L44 vs L42
15:20   G57: PO 13-16 (W47/W45): W47 vs W45
16:10   G58: SF1 (W50/W49): W50 vs W49
16:10   G59: PO 13-16 (W46/W48): W46 vs W48
17:00   G60: SF2 (W52/W51): W52 vsW51
17:00   G61: PO 5-8 (L50/L49): L50  vs L49
18:40   G62: PO 5-8 (L52/L51): L52  vs L51

The highly anticipated King Edward VII (KES) Water Polo Tournament delivered some eye-opening results and exciting water polo on Friday in Johannesburg.

Now into its 42nd edition, the prestigious event has welcomed many of South Africa’s best water polo-playing schools to the Mark Stevens Aquatic Centre.

The action continues into Sunday, 2 March, and the action is LIVE on SuperSport Schools.

On an interesting day that delivered close results, thrilling encounters, and top-class water polo, only five teams – Rondebosch Boys’ High, Bishops, South African College High School (SACS), Kearsney College, and Hilton College – were unbeaten just two matches into the tournament.

The Western Cape trio, who are drawn in different groups, were impressive, with SACS causing early shockwaves. Coach Devon Card‘s side has been in shaky form in 2025 and underperformed in the recently concluded SACS Nite Series. They had to put their early season woes aside heading into the KES Tournament, and they did that in emphatic style.

In their opening match, they thumped Pretoria Boys High 13-4 before stunning St John’s College 14-9.

Aidan Turrell, who has been in fine form in front of goal, scored four times against St John’s, while Jandro Rojo-Ross netted seven goals and Ben Bigara scored a brace. Luca Orgill completed the scoring to seal the win for his side.

Rondebosch and Bishops were also in good form on the opening day but were made to work hard for their wins.

Defending champions, ‘Bosch scored a whopping 21 goals in their two matches. They edged out Selborne College 8-6 before sneaking past Jeppe High School for Boys 13-12.

Bishops, meanwhile, dominated their opener, beating Northwood School 14-5, but they were taken to penalties in their second match by St Stithians College.

It had ended 8-8 after regular time, but Bishops survived by the skin of their teeth, winning 3-2 in the penalty shootout.

Kearsney and Hilton College also introduced themselves in style at the Mark Stevens Aquatic Centre.

They were the top KwaZulu-Natal performers after Northwood, Westville, and Clifton found the going tough on the opening day.

Kearsney breezed past Westville, cruising to a 15-8 win in their opener. Thomas Francke scored four goals and was joined on the scoreboard by Thomas Aylward and skipper James Pohl, who both scored hattricks. Levi Thom and Luca Sandri also struck twice each as Kearsney won comfortably.

In their second match, coach Nicholas Rodda’s troops weren’t at their best. Still, they managed to grind out a hard-fought 12-11 victory over KES.

Their provincial counterparts, Hilton, were in rampant form. Coach Paul Martin‘s boys are playing like a team with a point to prove, and they scored 26 goals while conceding only three.

Hilton began their tournament impressively by blanking St John’s College 8-0. Then, in their second match, they overpowered Pretoria Boys High 18-3.

They’re tied for the top spot in Pool D with SACS, with both teams on six points. They’re set to do battle early on Saturday afternoon for first place in the group ahead of the knockout stages.

Another big result on Friday was a 3-2 win on penalties for Jeppe against Clifton College after the sides had shared an 8-8 draw.

The second day’s action will kick off bright and early with a clash between St Andrew’s College and Bishops at 07:00.

DAY 1 RESULTS

St Stithians College 7-6 St Andrew’s College
Kearsney College 15-8 Westville
Selborne College 8-6 Rondebosch
Hilton College 8-0 St John’s College
Bishops 14-5 Northwood
KES 10-9 Paul Roos
Clifton College (2) 8-8 (3) Jeppe
SACS 14-2 Pretoria Boys High
Bishops (3) 8-8 (2) St Stithians
Paul Roos 7-5 Westville
Selborne College 9-6 Clifton College
SACS 14-9 St John’s College
St Andrew’s 7-3 Northwood
Kearsney 12-11 KES
Rondebosch 13-12 Jeppe
Hilton College 18-3 Pretoria Boys High

Day 2 fixtures

07:00 – St Andrew’s vs Bishops; 07:50 – Kearsney vs Paul Roos; 08:40 – Clifton vs Rondebosch; 09:30 – St John’s College vs Pretoria Boys High; 10:20 – St Stithians vs Northwood; 11:10 – KES vs Westville; 12:00 – Jeppe vs Selborne College; 12:50 – SACS vs Hilton College; 13:40 – 3rd Pool A vs 4th Pool B (Plate Quarterfinal 1); 14:10 – 3rd Pool B vs 4th Pool A (Plate Quarterfinal 1); 14:40 – 3rd Pool C vs 4th Pool D (Plate Quarterfinal 1); 15:10 – 3rd Pool D vs 4th Pool C (Plate Quarterfinal 1); 15:40 – 1st Pool A vs 2nd Pool B (Cup Quarterfinal 1); 16:30 – 1st Pool B vs 2nd Pool A (Cup Quarterfinal 2); 17:20 – 1st Pool C vs 2nd Pool D (Cup Quarterfinal 3); 18:10 – 1st Pool D vs 2nd Pool C (Cup Quarterfinal 4); 19:00 – Plate Playoff; 19:30 – Plate Playoff; 20:00 – Cup Playoff; 20:30 – Cup Playoff.

Free State powerhouses, Eunice and Sekondêre Meisieskool Oranje were unbeaten after Friday’s action at the Balling Hockey Festival in Bethlehem.

The festival kicked off with two games on Thursday and then hit full throttle on Friday, with 10 matches being played at the Voortrekker Astro and New Horizon College.

On Thursday evening, St Anne’s recorded a narrow 3-2 victory over the hosts, Voortrekker, after an entertaining end-to-end encounter that offered spectators insight into what to expect over the next three days.

The Wykeham Collegiate (TWC) registered their first victory of the festival, shortly afterwards, with a 4-2 win over Union High School.

Coach Morne Odendaal believes his St Anne’s side is on a path to becoming one of the best teams in the country and they showed their intentions to achieve that status with a second win in as many matches when they overcame Sasolburg 2-0. They were aiming to make it three in three. However, they ran into an inspired Oranje outfit and went down 0-1.

Oranje’s victory over St Anne’s came on the back of a high-scoring 5-3 win over Menlopark as Gys van Schalkwyk‘s charges opened with successive victories.

Eunice enjoyed their Friday outings, scoring four goals and conceding none. Coach Nika Coertzen’s side produced polished performances against TWC and St John’s DSG, winning those contests 3-0 and 1-0 respectively.

Menlopark was given a good run for their money when they took on St Mary’s DSG Kloof. They bounced back from their defeat against Oranje to emerge with a 3-2 win from a hotly contested afternoon clash. The Pretoria school showed their mettle by hanging on to win despite successive games against two top-ranked outfits.

Voortrekker bounced back from their loss to St Anne’s in the festival opener and held their own when they went up against Noordheuwel and Our Lady of Fatima, with both matches finishing in 1-1 draws. They will be eager to improve on those showings to give their supporters something to cheer when they go up against Menlopark on Saturday.

Spectators can also look forward to a mouthwatering contest between Eunice and St Mary’s Kloof on Saturday morning.

RESULTS

Thursday

St Anne’s 3-2 Voortrekker
TWC 4–2 Union

Friday

Witteberg 4-1 Union
St Anne’s 2-0 Sasolburg
Eunice 3-0 TWC
Oranje 5-3 Menlopark
Oranje 2nd XI 2-2 St Dominic’s
Goudveld 0-8 St John’s DSG
Noordheuwel 1-1 Voortrekker
Oranje 1-0 St Anne’s
St Mary’s Kloof 2-3 Menlopark
Monument 0-1 TWC
Our Lady of Fatima 1-1 Voortrekker
Eunice 1-0 St John’s DSG

Fixtures

Saturday, 1 March

06:30 – St Anne’s vs Goudveld
07:25 – Sasolburg vs St Dominic’s Boksburg
08:20 – Oranje 1 vs St John’s
09:15 – Eunice vs St Mary’s DSG Kloof
10:10 – Our Lady of Fatima vs Monument
11:05 – TWC vs Goudveld
12:00 – Voortrekker vs Menlopark
12:00 – Orange 2 vs Union (New Horizon)
12:55 – Noordheuwel vs Witteberg
12:00 – Oranje 2 vs Union
13:50 – Eunice vs Our Lady of Fatima
14:25 – Goudveld vs Sasolburg (New Horizon)
14:45 – St John’s DSG vs Menlopark
15:40 – Monument vs Oranje 1
16:35 – BVHS vs TWC
16:50 – Witteberg vs St Dominic’s Boksburg (New Horizon)
17:30 – Noordheuwel vs St Mary’s Kloof

Sunday, 2 March

06:30 – Union vs St Dominic’s Boksburg
06:30 – Oranje 2 vs Witteberg (New Horizon)
08:10 – Our Lady of Fatima vs Oranje 1
09:05 – Sasolburg vs Monument
10:00 – St Dominic’s vs St John’s
10:55 – Eunice vs Noordheuwel
11:50 – TWC vs Menlopark
12:45 – Oranje 1 vs St Mary’s Kloof
14:25 – Oranje 2 vs Goudveld

Two age group events – u14 and u16 – will be run concurrently with the u19 competition with most matches being played at New Horizon College.

Die Leeus van die Hoërskool Fichardtpark se Leeus se tande sal reeds Saterdag met sy eerste jagtog baie skerp moet wees.

Die eersterugbyspan van die Fichies kom vanjaar in die hoofwedstryd van dié skool se jaarlikse sportdag teen die Hoërskool Diamantveld van Kimberley te staan. Vanjaar se 23ste Fichardtpark Sportdag word deur Standard Bank geborg.

Volg al die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools (www.supersportschools.com).

Die twee spanne ontmoet mekaar ook later vanjaar in die Wesgrow-reeks. Dié ontmoeting sal op 24 Mei weer op die Fichies se hoofveld plaasvind.

Hoewel die Fichies se twee afrigters, Zandré Pienaar en André-Pierre Burger, nie te veel van hul kaarte reeds met die kragmeting op die tafel sal wil sit nie, sal hul steeds ‘n hele paar planne in plek hê om die Leeus van 2023 na te doen.

Fichardtpark se eerstespan het in 2023 se hoofwedstryd van hul sportdag vir ‘n reuse opskudding gesorg deur vir Diamantveld met 33-27 die loef af te steek.

Diamonds sal egter nie weer so maklik verras word nie. Die span vanuit die Diamantstad word vanjaar deur Philip Molnar en Bok Markram gebrei. Die span het wel ook die kennis van George Whitehead asook Oloff Bergh tot sy beskikking.

Die tweestryd in die middelveld tussen die tuisspan se Junior Titoti en Diamonds se Jonathan Harding beloof om een van die hoogtepunte van die kragmeting te wees.

Indien die Fichie Leeus se agttal sy sterte in die lug kry, kan die voorrymanne, Marko van der Westhuizen en Justin van Eyssen, baljaar in die vastelos.

In die eerste kragmeting van die dag sal die Hoërskool Bultfontein teen die Hoërskool Hopetown te staan kom. Die twee spanne sal nie veel vanmekaar af weet nie, maar kan met opwindende spel die dag aan die gang kry.

Die Bulties het in sy eerste kragmeting van die seisoen teen Wolmaranstad met 7-27 die onderspit gedelf. Bultfontein se skakelpaar, Lucraine Wyngaardt (skrumskakel) en Johan Erasmus (losskakel), sal sy sleutelspelers wees.

Die spanne is: 

Fichardtpark Leeus vs Diamantveld om 16:10: 

Fichardtpark: 15 Unati Ntuli, 14 Ze Mathese, 13 Divan Martens, 12 Junior Titoti, 11 Robert Popham, 10 Pule Motsilili, 9 JM Rensburg, 8 Lenro Kruger, 7 Janco Dorfling, 6 Josh Neson, 5 Dian Visagie, 4 Buko Mlali, 3 Marko van der Westhuizen, 2 Tjaart Botha, 1 Justin van Eyssen.

Diamantveld: 15 Clinton Brits, 14 JL Fortuin, 13 Jaco Beukes, 12 Jonathan Harding, 11 Driaan Jacobs, 10 Duran Makoni, 9 Ruben van der Linde, 8 Enrique Boshoff, 7 Jayden de Klerk, 6 Louis Fourie, 5 MG van Greuning, 4 Zuan Rautenbach, 3 Dian Ellis, 2 Jaydrian Jacobs, 1 Bernard Daniels.

Bultfontein vs Hopetown om 08:00: 

Bultfontein: 15 Handro Conradie, 14 Cristo Mabitso, 13 Caden Storm. 12 Bradley Tesmore, 11 Antonio Pullen, 10 Johan Erasmus, 9 Lucraine Wyngaardt, 8 Thalefo Thobedi, 7 Abrie Oosthuizen, 6 Attie Becker, 5 Dian Smit, 4 JW Coetzee, 3 Zak Knoetze, 2 Johan Steenkamp (kaptein), 1 Christian Wolmarans.

Hopetown: 15 Kabelo Poni, 14 Gerrit Klok, 13 Gino Jood, 12 Charl Bosman, 11 Robin-Lee Eland, 10 Troidan Pienaar, 9 Faithden Jantjies, 8 Henré Wiid, 7 Gums Nhlapo, 6 Hennie Ntlama, 5 Rolando Prins, 4 Josef Maringa, 3 Maxwell Mhlokwa, 2 Jaco Barnard, 1 Eden Wiid.

Die rugbyseisoen het nog skaars afgeskop of Mbombela kan reeds regskuif vir ‘n liplekker-stryd Saterdag tussen Hoërskool Nelspruit en Hoërskool Middelburg in die hoofstad van Mpumalanga.

Volg al die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com)

Daar heers taamlike opgewondenheid by Hoërskool Nelspruit om te sien wat die nuwe direkteur van rugby en eerstespan-afrigter, Ryno Luus, met ‘n uiters ervare Rhinos-span beplan. Luus sit met hope talent in die seniorgroep, waarvan die meerderheid reeds verlede jaar reeds vir die Rhinos in aksie was.

Die Nellies het verlede seisoen, vernaam in die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Beker-afdeling, hul stem dik gemaak met tuisseges oor Hoërskool Garsfontein en Hoërskool Monument, waarin verál agsteman, Vaughn van Zyl, en die blitsige Tinyiko Silubane ‘n reuse aandeel gehad het en albei is weer vanjaar beskikbaar.

Cravenweek-skrumskakel, Liam Pringle, is ook weer op sy pos in die nr. 9-trui, terwyl binnesenter, Rian Botha, volg in die spore van ouboet, WJ Botha, wat in 2024 gereeld op stut diens gedoen het. Die jonger Botha is een van slegs twee o. 17-spelers wat in die Rhinos se beginspan uitdraf, met steelkantflank, Vian Louw, die ander jongeling.

Die Middies se skrumskakel, Keabetswe Nkgadima, sal sorg vir ‘n opwindende tweestryd met Pringle. Nkgadima was in 2024 reeds een van die Middies se uitblinkers. Oopkantflank, CW Hanekom, versterk die span van Middelburg se pak met sy fisieke benadering en behoort geen duit terug te staan vir Van Zyl in die onderonsies voorlangs nie.

Hoërskool Rustenburg, wat gasheer speel vir Hoërskool Trio, beskik self oor ‘n aantal sterre wat weer die bekende groen trui oor die kop trek. Cravenweek-heelagter, Lorenzo Snyers, is een so ‘n staatmaker, terwyl die fisieke Hendré Robinson in die middeveld wag op die besoekers van Kroonstad.

In Klerksdorp beloof die tweestryd tussen Hoërskool Wesvalia en Witteberg se binnesenters om die vonke te laat spat. Die Wessies se Fafa Calitz, wat ‘n groot aandeel in sy span se geskiedkundige 2024-veldtog gehad het, sal sy hande vol hê met die besoekers se onderkaptein, Sedwin Gysman. Voorlangs behoort Witteberg se kaptein, Pieter Nel, die vuur onder sy pak aan te steek.

Hoërskool Transvalia reis na Alberton waar hy met Marais Viljoen kragte meet, terwyl Montana vir Hoërkool Kempton Park in Pretoria verwelkom. Albei vriendskaplike wedstryde dien as proewe en dus sal die spanne toegelaat word om deurgaans plaasvervangers in te span.

Die spanne:

Hoërskool Nelspruit t. Hoërskool Middelburg om 13:30 in Nelspruit: 

Hoërskool Nelspruit: 15 Jean Erasmus, 14 Jordan Pretorius, 13 Ruben Greeff, 12 Rian Botha, 11 Tinyiko Silubane, 10 John Duncan, 9 Liam Pringle, 8 Vaughn van Zyl, 7 Vian Louw, 6 Prosper Chillone, 5 André Smit, 4 Ethan Esterhuizen, 3 Gert Coetzee, 2 D’Angelo Roberts, 1 Lindani Ndlela.

Hoërskool Middelburg: 15 Lesego Rakale, 14 Bulelani Mcira, 13 Jaco Truter, 12 Lungelo Maseko, 11 Zanempilo Mahlangu, 10 Buhle Mphanhlaza, 9 Keabetswe Nkgadima, 8 Henco Jansen van Rensburg, 7 Khensani Buthelezi, 6 CW Hanekom, 5 Jabu Mathebula, 4 Wihan Jordaan, 3 Dewald du Toit, 2 Roux Grobler, 1 Wian Olwagen.

Hoërskool Rustenburg t. Trio om 13:30 in Rustenburg:

Hoërskool Rustenburg: 15 Lorenzo Snyers, 14 Raqiel Jaftha, 13 Jonré Jefthas, 12 Hendré Robinson, 11 Wes van Loggerenberg, 10 Wade Daivey, 9 Adriano George, 8 Donnie Moster, 7 Dirk Huisamen, 6 Pieta Niemandt, 5 Evan van Heerden, 4 Tristan Myburgh, 3 Ockert Grobler, 2 Xavier Steenkamp, 1 Carel Schoonraad.

Trio: 15 D’Marco Bason, 14 Randolph Burrows, 13 Kyle Kruger, 12 Adams Tyron, 11 Darius Job, 10 Jayden Windvogel, 9 WJ van Niekerk, 8 Dian Serfontein, 7 Killian Kriek, 6 Franco De Wet, 5 Danie Fourie, 4 Richardt Joubert, 3 Cade Swanepoel, 2 Myburgh Jacobs, 1 Janru Janse van Rensburg.

Hoërskool Wesvalia t. Witteberg om 13:30 in Klerksdorp:

Wesvalia: 15 Wilson Letholi, 14 Kea Bereng, 13 Jeandré Snyman, 12 Fafa Calitz, 11 Martin Bierman, 10 Eduard Dreyer, 9 Barry Niemand, 7 Franco Dumond, 6 Qeuwen Fourie, 5 JP Hatting, 4 Deacon Kath, 3 Charl du Preez, 2 Fanie Linde, 1 Ulrigh du Preez.

Witteberg: 15 Qlin Booyse, 14 Donay Williams, 13 JC van Rhyn, 12 Sedwin Gysman, 11 Kenyon Morat, 10 Tshepo Motloung, 9 Christiaan de Boer, 8 Daniel Meintjies, 7 Adieu Cramford, 6 Divan Marais, 5 Jacques Jordaan, 4 Pieter Nel, 3 Mila Oersen, 2 Rico van Vuuren, 1 Cobus Labuschagne.

Ander wedstryde:

12:20 – Marais Viljoen t. Transvalia; 12:25 – Montana t. Hoërskool Kempton Park.

Ahead of their meeting on the Hart-Davis Oval on Saturday, Hilton College and Michaelhouse met on the Pietermaritzburg Oval in the final of the Tuskers 100-baller. When last they met in one of the shorter formats of the game, Hilton won by 19 runs in the Clifton T20 Tournament. Victory went their way again on Thursday.

Michaelhouse had performed well at the Independent Schools Cricket Festival, thanks to their improved batting form, so it was little surprise that when ‘House skipper Ethan Muir won the toss he elected to bat first. The Balgowan boys made a good start.

Muir and Victor North cruised to 23 from only 15 balls, with the captain getting after the Hilton bowlers, before North was caught by Ben Erasmus off Luke Campbell for six.

Muir and Ben Heuer advanced the total to 39, but Muir was then caught by Luke Wilson off Sechaba Gude for an aggressive 25 from 14 balls, which had included five fours.

Heuer and Nicholas Baker added 28 for the third wicket, but the scoring slowed, with their runs coming from 36 deliveries. Baker was run out for 13 and Graydon Leslie and Radhesh Jhilmeet were then kept in check, scoring only nine runs between them from 24 balls.

Off the second last ball of the innings, Heuer was run out for the innings’ top score of 41. He had smashed two sixes and struck a four while facing 37 deliveries.

Leg-spinner David Hill undermined Michaelhouse’s pursuit of runs, picking up 1/10 from his 20 balls, while Benoit Rey did a fine job, too, conceding only 13 runs from 20 balls.

Ben Erasmus gave Hilton a decent start to their reply, but, after making 10 from 11 balls, he was bowled by Luke Mitchell, with the total on 12. James Ogilby, who has been on a good run of form, managed only nine on this occasion before he was LBW to Jean-Luc Rey, which reduced Hilton to 33/2 from 39 deliveries.

Six runs later, Alex Pitman was on his way for 17, caught and bowled by Cameron Jones. Hilton was on 40/3, with 52 balls remaining. The contest was finely poised.

Fortunately for the black and white, they found in Robert Burman, batting at five, the man for the moment. Together with Jayden Roux, he guided Hilton to a seven-wicket win, with four balls to spare.

Burman struck an unbeaten 36 from 28 balls, with three fours and a six, and broke open a nail-biting contest by striking Rendani Nonge for a six, 11 deliveries from the end of their 100 balls. That big blow released the pressure that had been growing.

Roux finished with 19 not out from 24, and did a good job of rotating the strike. His partnership with Burman produced 58 runs from 48 balls.

Luke Mitchell was the pick of the Michaelhouse bowlers, capturing 1/9 from 20 deliveries, while Jean-Luc Rey was very nearly as economical, claiming 1//11 from his 20.

SCORES

Michaelhouse 97/5 (Ben Heuer 41, Ethan Muir 25, David Hill 1/10, Sechaba Gude 15); Hilton College 98/3 (Robert Burman 36*, Jayden Roux 19*, Luke Mitchell 1/9, Jean-Luc Rey 1/11). Hilton College won by seven wickets.

Die twee nuwelinge in vanjaar se NWU Prestige-reeks skop hierdie naweek die langverwagte 2025-rugbyseisoen af.

Volg al die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – (www. supersportschools.com)

Bergsig Akademie, wat nie nét ‘n nuweling in die Prestige-reeks is nie maar ook in die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Bowl-afdeling, kry sy veldtog saam met die groot honde onderweg met ‘n strawwe kragmeting teen Heidelberg Volkskool.

Die Volkies behoort vanjaar weer ‘n krag te wees aangesien sy droomgroep vanjaar o. 17 is. As o. 16’s, is dié span die vorige drie jaar as Noordvaal-kampioen gekroon.

Boonop het hulle ook vir 28 agtereenvolgende wedstryde in die kompetisie koning gekraai, wat ‘n stewige grondslag bied vir die Volkies se eerste span. Voorts maak ysters, soos slot, Juan de Villiers, ook hul terugkeer vir ‘n tweede jaar van eerstespan-rugby.

Tristan Munro volg in sy ouer tweelingbroers, Daniel en Joshua Munro, se voetspore, maar anders as hulle, draf hy in die agterlyn uit. As losskakel was die jong Munro verlede jaar ‘n skitterende skakel in die goed geoliede o.16-masjien.

Die span van Rustenburg, onder leiding van die gesoute hoofafrigter, Martin Pelser, blyk van krag tot krag te gaan. Hy was die afgelope twee jaar ‘n vername krag in die Noordvaal se tweede afdeling.

Die Dos Santos duo, Paulo en Alzandro Dos Santos, is albei terug om die Arende vir nóg ‘n jaar te verteenwoordig. Eersgenoemde neem sy verkose posisie op skrumskakel in, terwyl laasgenoemde van linkervleuel na heelagter skuif om die Volkies met gevaarlike teenaanvalle te toets.

Hoërskool Wagpos durf die “Goliat” uit Oos-Rand, Hoërskool Die Anker, op sy tuisveld in Brakpan aan.

Die Anker se Danie Smit, wat in 2024 sy naam op skrumskakel gemaak het, draf vanjaar op losskakel uit en is ook as onderkaptein, terwyl die vurige agsteman, Ruben Herbst, weer voor draf. Sy broer, Markus Herbst, kry sy kans op oopkantflank in die eerste span kry, met hul neef, Edrick Pienaar, wat op binnesenter uitdraf.

In Potchefstroom sê Potchefstroom Volkskool vir die onvoorspelbare Hoërskool Pietersburg die stryd aan. Die span van Potch se Lorenzo Louw, wat verlede jaar meestal in die middeveld diens gedoen het, sal die Pieties in sy eerste wedstryd van die jaar op losskakel toets.

Louw en die res van die Volkie-agterlyn sal egter op hul hoede moet wees vir Pieties se binnesenter, Siya Mahlangu. Mahlangu het, nes Louw, reeds ‘n jaar se ondervinding op eerstespanvlak en is uiters gevaarlik met bal in hand.

Die spanne:

Bergsig Akademie t. Heidelberg Volkskool om 12:30 in Rustenburg:

Bergsig: 15 Alzandro Dos Santos, 14 Kiabetswe Daile, 13 Bradley Stonhouse, 12 Dan Bogopane, 11 Heinrich Krugel, 10 Carlo de Jager, 9 Paulo Dos Santos, 8 Stephan Harmse, 7 Thatano Bagwase, 6 Christian de Abreu, 5 Martin Pieterse, 4 Jacques Viviers, 3 Dylan Smith, 2 Marnus Dercksen, 1 Thabang Machubene.

Heidelberg Volkskool: 15  Marco Botha, 14 Douw Beukes, 13 Juandre Pretorius, 12 Armin Stiemie, 11 Jason Brits, 10 Tristan Munro, 9 Hein Oelofse, 8 Jaco Botha, 7 Eduard Roets, 6 Klaas Venter, 5 Jano Dietreschsen, 4 Juan de Villiers, 3 Werner Grobler, 2 Henru Coetzer, 1 Dean Last.

Die Anker t. Hoërskool Wagpos om 12:20 in Brakpan:

Die Anker: 15 Paul Schutte, 14 Dullon le Roux, 13 Arno Krugel, 12 Edrick Pienaar, 11 Jonothan Jordaan, 10 Danie Smit, 9 Jean Blignaut, 8 Ruben Herbst, 7 Jaydon Steenkamp, 6 Markus Herbst, 5 Brenden van Luuterverld, 4 Gerhard Oosthuizen, 3 Xavier Momberg, 2 Rico Goosen, 1 Branden Sauerman.

Wagpos: 15 AJ Nieman, 14 Franco Dippenaar, 13 Pieter Steenkamp, 12 Heinrich Wiehanh, 11 Arrie Joubert, 10 JG Olckens, 9 Myburg Henning, 8 Hendrik de Jager, 7 David van Breda, 6 Dian Coetzee, 5 Dilan Strauss, 4 Wian Botha, 3 Markus Schramm, 2 Adriaan Venter, 1 Armant Botha.

Potchefstroom Volkskool t. Hoërskool Pietersburg om 12:30 in Potchefstroom:

Potchefstroom Volkskool: 15 Anro Nel, 14 Theunis Nel, 13 Hennie Pretorius, 12 River Samuals, 11 Juan Fourie, 10 Lorenzo Louw, 9 Juhan Geldenhuys, 8 Johannes Lombaard, 7 Marlu du Preez, 6 Wian Victor, 5 Stef Schoeman, 4 Joshua van der Westhuizen, 3 De Waal Coetzer, 2 Louis Fourie, 1 AB Brink.

Hoërskool Pietersburg: 15 Ryno Mienie, 14 Armandt Venter, 13 Basson Wolmarans, 12 Siya Mhlangu, 11 Keanu Potgieter, 10 Juan Randell, 9 Celliers van der Merwe, 8 Ludke Pienaar, 7 Juan Janse van Vuuren, 6 Andru de Beer, 5 Pieter Jordaan, 4 Brent Vortser, 3 Stephan Janses van Rensburg, 2 Zihan Lombard, 1 Krissie Swanepoel.

Soos die effense byt in die lug en reuk van varsgesnyde rugbyvelde die 2025 rugbyseisoen aankondig, het die tyd aangebreek vir die jaarlikse NWU Sportreeks om af te skop.

Volg al die aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com)

Hoër Tegniese Skool Middelburg heet die gevaarlike Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen van Boksburg op sy tuisveld welkom vir wat beloof om ‘n taai stryd af te gee.

Die Rooi Bulle het in 2024 sy stempel afgedruk as een van die topspanne in die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Plaat-afdeling. Hulle het in die eindstryd met 24-24 gelykop gespeel teen Hoërskool Transvalia om die titel in dié afdeling te deel.

Hoofafrigter, Jano Venter, en die res van sy span het sedert hulle die leisels oorgeneem by die trotse rugbyskool in Middelburg ‘n reuse verskil gemaak.

Die Jansies was ook kookwater en het, onderleiding van Rudi Dames en sy afrigtingspan, ‘n hele paar groot kanonne van regoor die land die skrik op die lyf gejaag. Vanjaar bied ‘n gulde geleentheid vir die volgende generasie Jansies om hul merk te maak.

Daar rus ‘n taamlike verantwoordelikheid op die skouers van haker, Marco Ventura, as straks die span van Boksburg se mees ervare speler vanjaar. Ventura is verlede seisoen weens ‘n rits beserings reeds ‘n aantal keer deur Dames op oopkantflank ingespan, wat sy veelsydigheid beklemtoon.

Die skakelpaar bestaande uit JP Jooste (skrumskakel) en Jeandré Reynders (losskakel), wat albei verlede jaar vir die Jansies op die plaasvervangerbank diens verrig het, sal sleutelrolle vertolk op die aanval.

Die Rooi Bulle spog daarenteen met 16 spelers wat vanjaar weer hul stewels vir eerste span aantrek, waarvan Johnny dos Santos die grootste naam is. Dié binnesenter, wat in 2024 groot opslae regoor die land met sy kragtige barslopies en ongenaakbare verdediging gemaak het, voer vanjaar die Middelburgers aan.

Die klipharde Tercius Bezuidenhout maak ook sy terugkeer in die nr. 8-trui, terwyl die ervare WJ Enslin weer op heelagter diens doen. Die Rooi Bulle het ‘n verdere aanwins in Marinus Oberholzer. Oberholzer, wat op stut uitdraf, het verlede jaar die veld aan die brand gespeel vir Hoërskool Montana.

Die spanne:

HTS Middelburg t. Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen om 13:45 in Middelburg: 

HTS Middelburg: 15 WJ Enslin, 14 Kwnele Mkhize, 13 Jacques Greyling, 12 Johnny Dos Santos, 11 CJ Miller, 10 Nathan Janse van Vuuren, 9 Reece Botha, 8 Tercius Bezuidenhout, 7 Ethan de Kock, 6 Dewan Coetzee, 5 Griffin Devonish, 4 Janco Aucamp, 3 Marinus Oberholzer, 2 Hanro Terblanche, 1 Janco Botha.

EG Jansen: 15 Deshean Pieterson, 14 Jayden du Preez, 13 Chops Combrink, 12 Egan Pretorius, 11 Zulu Otlotleng, 10 Jeandré Reynders, 9 JP Jooste, 8 Slade Mowbray, 7 Jacques van Tonder, 6 Craig Lightfoot, 5 Breyton Kruger, 4 Clayton du Buisson, 3 Deveraux Weideman, 2 Marco Ventura, 1 Ruan Russouw.

Last weekend, Westville Boys’ High School triumphed in the Jenny Orchard Invitational Tournament, while Northwood School successfully retained the  St John’s College Basketball Tournament title.

Regular derby fixtures resume this weekend, with a doozy in Pietermaritzburg set to capture the spotlight.

Maritzburg College, who were edged out by Westville in the final of the Jenny Orchard Invitational, host Northwood in the Alan Paton Memorial Hall. It is going to be loud and intense.

The Red, Black, and White versus The Knights is not just one of the premier fixtures in KwaZulu-Natal, it is one of the premier fixtures in South Africa.

Both sides have enjoyed strong seasons and while Northwood, after going back-to-back in the St John’s Basketball Tournament, might be a slight favourite, they’re playing away from home and that could make a difference for College.

Northwood enters the contest full of confidence, after beating St John’s College 53-42 to lift the title in Johannesburg, yet they will be acutely aware of the threats posed by Maritzburg College. They’ll also be focused on avoiding a let-down after that stirring triumph.

Following their success at St John’s College, which celebrated the 20th anniversary of the largest schoolboy basketball tournament in Southern Africa, Northwood School a special visit from Basketball South Africa (BSA) President Sanele Mthiyane on Wednesday.

He arrived at Northwood with a generous donation of 60 basketballs from NBA Africa. The donation was warmly received by Northwood’s players and coach Kent VanderYacht.

After being pipped right at the end of the final of the Jenny Orchard Invitational, Maritzburg College will view Saturday’s showdown with Northwood as an ideal opportunity to record a statement victory. Expect fireworks!

The Jenny Orchard Invitational champions, Westville Boys’ High, face Glenwood on the weekend. It has been a tough season for Glenwood and an excellent one for Westville, so the chances of an upset of the Griffin are slim to none.

Kearsney College hosts St Charles College at The SportZone. Saints, as happens with teams in transition, has been somewhat unpredictable. They’ve played some good ‘ball, but were not at their best at the St John’s Basketball Tournament. Kearsney, on the other hand, has been running into better form, which has included a convincing win over Maritzburg College. An interesting battle awaits.

There’s plenty to play for when Hilton hosts Michaelhouse. The last time they met at Hilton, in late 2024, Hilton scored a narrow three-point win, 72-29.

In the other KZN clash of the weekend, Durban High School hosts Clifton College and will fancy their chances after beating Clifton 73-45 in the playoff for ninth at the Jenny Orchard Invitational.

In Johannesburg, St Stithians College faces St Benedict’s College on Friday evening, while St Alban’s College travels to Boksburg to face Christian Brothers’ College on Saturday, and St David’s Marist Inanda takes on St John’s College.

FIXTURES

Friday 

18:30: St Stithians College vs St Benedict’s College

Saturday 

Northwood vs Maritzburg College
Michaelhouse vs Hilton College
Westville Boys’ High vs Glenwood High School
St Charles College vs Kearsney College
Durban High School vs Clifton College
Christian Brothers College Boksburg vs St Alban’s College
St David’s Marist Inanda vs St John’s College