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Hoërskool Pietersburg het steeds ‘n goeie kans om sy weg oop te speel na die halfeindronde in die Skild-afdeling van die SDC Noordvaal Cup.

Volg al die SDC Noordvaal Skild-aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Om dit te vermag moet die Pieties egter Saterdag vir Hoërskool Lichtenburg weg van die huis troef. Dit op sigself is ‘n reuse taak, aangesien die Liggies ‘n ander gedierte is op tuisbodem.

Die Skild-afdeling beloof om op sy interessantste te wees in die pylvak, nadat die vorige sewe rondes reeds uiters opwindend was.

Dit is nie slegs die Pieties wat in hul oorblywende twee wedstryde wil uittroon nie, met Heidelberg Volkskool en Hoërskool Die Anker wat ook werk het om te doen met die vierde posisie op die puntelys wat nog geensins ‘n uitgemaakte saak is nie. Die Anker kom Saterdag tuis in Brakpan teen die voorlopers, Hoërskool Montana, te staan, terwyl Volkies gasheer speel vir ‘n omgekrapte Hoërskool Secunda in Heidelberg.

Lichtenburg se afrigter, Michael Bondesio, moes ‘n paar veranderinge aanbring aan die span wat die vorige week met 20-23 teen Secunda vasgeval het. Haker, Juan van Rhyn, skuif weer na vaskopstut om die beseerde Duan Kruger te vervang, met David Passetti wat tussen Van Rhyn en loskopstut, Ruben Pretorius, op haker sak.

Die Pieties toon slegs een verandering, met regtervleuel, Armand Venter, wat die kragmeting misloop en deur Elkan Esterhuyze in die gevaarlike Pietie-agterlyn vervang word.

Die Monties beklee na hul sege oor Hoërskool Ben Vorster in Tzaneen weer die eerste plek op die puntelys. Daar is egter net ‘n twee-punt verskil tussen hulle (25) en die Liggies (23), wat beteken dat Monties Saterdag móét wen om bo te bly.

‘n Gekweste Die Anker, na sy nederlaag van 26-29 teen Hoërskool Piet Retief, sal egter nie ‘n vulletjie in Brakpan wees nie, vernaam met die wete dat hy, hoewel in die vyfde plek op 20, slegs vyf ligapunte agter die Monties is. Die Buffels (19) het self nog een wedstryd oor en is slegs een punt agter die span van Brakpan.

Volkies moet hul laaste rondomtalie-wedstryd teen Secunda met ‘n bonuspunt wen om enigsins nog ‘n kans te staan om die halfeindronde te haal. Die span van Heidelberg pronk ook met 29 ligapunte, maar kom te staan teen ‘n Secunda-span wat oorloop van selfvertroue, selfs al moet hy sonder staatmaker-senter, Bismarck Jansen, en oopkantflank, Sifiso Hlungwane, klaarkom.

Jansen word deur Alberto Volschenk in die middeveld vervang, terwyl Avon Smith Hlungwane se plek aan die kant van die skrum inneem.

Hoërskool Hugenote van Springs hoop dat tuisveldvoordeel in sy laaste wedstryd van die seisoen, teen Hoërskool Piet Retief, ‘n eerste sege in vanjaar se reeks kan oplewer.

Die spanne: 

Hoërskool Lichtenburg t. Hoërskool Pietersburg om 12:30 in Lichtenburg

Lichtenburg: 15 Xander Blom, 14 Thatu Seabo, 13 WJ Liebenberg, 12 Oratile Sekoto, 11 Kuzi Mupudzi, 10 Luan Snyman, 9 Rea Motsusi, 8 KG Legodi, 7 Tiaan Booysen, 6 Ruan Kroëse, 5 Darius Lombard, 4 George Bingudza, 3 Juan van Rhyn, 2 David Passetti, 1 Ruben Pretorius.

Pietersburg: 15 Ryno Mienie, 14 Elkan Esterhuyze, 13 Zuhan Labuschagne 12 Siya Mahlangu, 11 Keanu Potgieter, 10 Juan Randall, 9 Celliers van der Merwe, 8, FC Smith, 7 Juan Jansen van Vuuren, 6 Andru de Beer, 5 Ludke Pienaar, 4 Brent Vorster, 3 Stephan Jansen van Rensburg, 2 Ziahn Lombaard, 1 Krissie Swanepoel.

Die Anker t. Montana om 12:20 in Brakpan: 

Die Anker: 15 Ethan Minnie, 14 Dyllon le Roux, 13 Arno Krugel, 12 Edrick Pienaar, 11 Jonothan Jordaan, 10 Danie Smit, 9 Troy Joubert, 8 Ruben Herbst, 7 Markus Herbst, 6 Byron van Zyl, 5 Jaydon Steenkamp, 4 Marco Groenewald, 3 Xavier Momberg, 2 Rico Goosen, 1 Branden Sauerman.

Montana: 15 Marq de Villiers, 14 Dixie Sethuga, 13 Luan Barnard, 12 Hendrew Schoeman, 11 Dirk Coetzee, 10 Rubel Bester, 9 Braam Schutte, 8 Ulrich van Biljon, 7 Dieter Scheepers, 6Ashton Vorster, 5 Kyle Bronkhorst, 4 Eric Potgieter, 3 Aiden Vorster, 2 Juan Theunissen, 1 Joseph Wilkonson.

Heidelberg Volkskool t. Hoërskool Secunda om 12:30 in Heidelberg 

Heidelberg Volkskool (moontlik): 15 Theuns van der Merwe, 14 Pieter Greyling, 13 Tritstan Munro, 12 Vaughn Steynvaart, 11 JV Badella, 10 Marco Botha, 9 Hein Oelofse, 8 Juandré Pretorius, 7 Klaas Venter, 6 Jaco Botha, 5 Jano Dietrechsen, 4 Werner Grobler, 3 Dean Last, 2 Henru Coetzer, 1 Reuben Bothma.

Secunda: 15 Dillon Grundlingh, 14 Ryan Lottering, 13 Alberto Volschenk, 12 Armand Underhay, 11 Damian de Beer, 10 Alonzo Blakenberg, 9 JD van Coller, 8 Renier Combrink, 7 Zander van der Merwe, 6 Avon Smith, 5 JC Olivier, 4 Mickey Jordaan, 3 MC Vosloo, 2 Jarred Davies, 1 Nathan Erasmus.

Hoërskool Hugenote van Springs t. Hoërskool Piet Retief om 12:30 in Springs

Hugenote (Springs): 15 Musa Mahlangu, 14 Kyle de Klerk, 13 Anzani Netshiongolwe, 12 Tovan Prinsloo, 11 Christiaan Basson, 10 George Lucas, 9 Jaco Coetzer, 8 Tristan de Beer, 7 Migael Swart, 6 Henlo Meyer, 5 Zirk Naudé, 4 Zander Janse van Vuuren, 3 Franko Neuhoff, 2 Luan Pretorius, 1 Luan Smith.

Piet Retief: 15 Owethu Shabalala, 14 De Klerk Ferreira, 13 Bubele Ngubane, 12 Gilles Van der Meulen, 11 Vuyani Tshabalala, 10 Kyle Stock, 9 Domenic Coetzer, 8 Marnus Thomas, 7 SJ van Barneveld, 6 Lethu Hlope, 5 Abongwe Maduna, 4 Harold Gevers, 3 Sfundo Mayisa, 2 Mario de Oliveira, 1 Waynne Mitchell.

Hoërskool Transvalia , na sy eerste seisoen in die Beker-afdeling van die SDC Noordvaal Cup, en Hoërskool Waterkloof, pak mekaar Saterdag, in Pretoria, in ‘n stryd om oorlewing.

Volg al die SDC Noordvaal Beker-aksie regstreeks op SuperSport Schools – (www.supersportschools.com) 

Dit is ‘n kritieke dag vir albei skole, aangesien die Klofies hulself tans tweede laaste en op die drumpel van relegasie na die Plaat-afdeling bevind. Daar is egter steeds lig in die tonnel vir altwee skole.

Die verskil tussen die Klofies se algehele puntestand en dié van Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen, wat die vyfde plek beklee, is slegs ses ligapunte. Dit beteken dat nie minder nie as vyf skole steeds gevaar staan om gerelegeer te word, insluitende ook Hoërskool Rustenburg en Menlopark.

Die feit dat slegs twee punte vir Valia en die Klofies, in onderskeidelik die agtste en negende plek op die puntelys, skei, maak Saterdag se stryd in Pretoria des te meer interessant.

Boonop het die besoekers van Vanderbijlpark nóg ‘n kans om die halfeindronde te haal. Dus sal ‘n sege oor die Klofies goud werd wees voor Valia in sy laaste groepwedstryd teen ‘n omgekrapte Hoërskool Noordheuwel te staan kom.

Valia is vasberade om die bordjies te verhang nadat hy in die vorige kragmeting met Klofies verlede jaar naelskraaps met 25-30 die aftog op sy tuisveld  moes blaas.

Valia-breier, Lloyd Greeff, moes vandeesweek verdere veranderinge aan sy span aanbring, met heelagter Lorenzo Flynn wat deur Dave Mtizi vervang word. Voorlangs laat haker, Wihandré Kruger, ‘n taamlike leemte en sal Jonathan Roets moet uithaal en wys om Kruger se skoene vol te staan teen ‘n gedugte teenstander in Klofies se Ruan Jacobs.

Daar is steeds onsekerheid oor die beskikbaarheid van Klofies se agsteman, Marko Kok, nadat hy verlede week se wedstryd teen Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool misgeloop het weens ‘n beenbesering wat hy teen die Nories opgedoen het.

In Mbombela draf die matrieks van Hoërskool Nelspruit die laaste keer as Rhinos uit, wanneer hulle vir Hoërskool Dr EG Jansen in Mpumalanga verwelkom. Die Nellies is ongelukkig reeds gerelegeer en sal aanstaande jaar in die Plaat-afdeling meeding.

Kaptein Vaughn van Zyl en sy span is nietemin steeds oorgehaal om die Jansies te laat werk vir ‘n oorwinning. Die Jansies het, nes Valia, ook nog ‘n kans om ‘n plek in die halfeindronde los te slaan, terwyl hulle terselftertyd hul ook in dieselfde benarde posisie as die Nellies bevind.

Die besoekers van Boksburg het die seisoen nie watwonders afgeskop nie, maar met die aanvang van die Noordvaal-reeks skielik na ‘n ander span begin lyk. Dit is waarskynlik omdat hulle na hul sterkpunte teruggekeer en die puntemasjiene, Deshean Pietersen en Otlatleng Zulu, hul voete begin vind het.

Dit het die terugvegpoging tot gevolg gehad wat tans aan die Arende die vyfde plek op die puntelys besorg met 18 ligapunte, slegs drie agter die ligblouspan van Vanderbijl se 21.

Die spanne: 

Waterkloof t. Transvalia om 13:30 in Pretoria

Waterkloof (moontlik): 15 Tiaan Posthumus, 14 Gustav Mienie, 13 Meyer Pretorius, 12 Dylan Botha, Jaiden Badenhorst, 10 Ronan Bastiaanse, 9 Jacobus van den Berg, 8 Dawid Prinsloo, 7 Phillip Mans, 6 Hugo Dercksen, 5 Heinrich Naude, 4 Codi Binneman, 3 Jedri Swart, 2 Ruan Jacobs, 1 Alexander Elliott.

Transvalia: 15 Dave Mtizi, 14 Dihan Crause, 13 Danté Oosthuizen, 12 Declan Hattingh, 11 Tumi Moloi, 10 Jay-Dee Maree, 9 Bernard van Dyk, 8 Wynand Stolz, 7 Caylin Mcluaghlin, 6 Juan Bischoff, 5 Christiaan Liebenberg, 4 Daniel Kazambo, 3 Gerhard Rossouw, 2 Jonathan Roets, 1 Vusi Morathi.

Hoërskool Nelspruit t. EG Jansen om 12:30 in Mbombela

Nelspruit (moontlik): 15 Jean Erasmus, 14 Kamo Monkwe, 13 Ruben Greeff, 12 Rian Botha, 11 Tinyiko Silubane, 10 John Duncan, 9 Liam Pringle, 8 Vaughn van Zyl, 7 Vian Louw, 6 Dhandré van Wyk, 5 André Smit, 4 Jason Cogill, 3 Gert Cloete, 2 D’Angelo Roberts, 1 Christiaan Viljoen.

EG Jansen: 15 Deshean Pietersen, 14 Otlatleng Zulu, 13 Christopher Combrink, 12 Nathan Delport, 11 Jordan van der Westhuizen, 10 Juan van Aswegen, 9 Joseph Diesel, 8 Slade Mowbray, 7 Jaco Engelbrecht, 6 Craig Lightfoot, 5 Breyton Kruger, 4 Jacques van Tonder, 3 Deveraux Wideman, 2 Marco Ventura, 1 Ruan Rossouw.

The Springboks wrapped up their two-week conditioning camp in Johannesburg on Thursday, where they continued to put in the hard yards for the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, and the excitement among the three Junior Springbok World Rugby U20 Championship winners was etched on their faces after what they described as an opportunity of a lifetime.

 Bathobele Hlekani, Cheswill Jooste, and Haashim Pead were invited to train with the senior team for the last two weeks in line with Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’ plans to continue building squad depth and nurturing the young talent for the future, and both the coach and players were pleased with what they gained from the experience.

“It was fantastic to have Bathobele, Cheswill, and Haashim with us, and it was impressive to see their enthusiasm and the way they grabbed the opportunity with both hands on and off the field,” said Erasmus.

“We were very pleased with the way they slotted into the training sessions and used the time to interact with the Springbok players and learn from them, even though we made it clear that there was no pressure on them to grasp all our structures and systems. It was rather an opportunity for them to experience how we operate in the team and to expose them to what is required to perform at this level, and they certainly embraced the opportunity.

“It was good to see how they took the time to understand our structures, and how they used this chance to engage with the players on a one-on-one basis.”

Erasmus added: “They all have bright futures, and we hope the experience they gained, and the lessons learned will set them in good stead, as they look to further develop their careers and strive to reach this level in the coming years.”

Reflecting on the occasion, the three Junior Boks said it inspired them immensely to keep giving their best and that it motivated them even more to make the step-up to this level.

“The past two weeks with the Boks have been incredible,” said Jooste, who still played for the SA U18s last year.

“As a Junior Bok, it was a privilege to be among the best, and although it was tough, I learned a lot. I walk away with new insights, more confidence and an even greater hunger to grow.

“It was particularly memorable for me to be inspired and motivated by the players I look up to and who are already where I’d like to be. They didn’t only share their knowledge, but also their energy and spirit of unity.

“I’d like to thank everyone who made this experience possible. I am truly grateful for every lesson, every tip, and every piece of encouragement. This is just the beginning.”

Pead, who was in his second season with the Junior Boks this year, echoed these sentiments and said the experience has been “amazing”.

“I’ve learnt valuable lessons, and the experience I gained will truly go a long way,” said Pead, who was second on the list of top try scorers at the World Rugby U20 Championship.

“Thanks to the coaches and players. I believe I have grown in the last two weeks, and with these high standards, it definitely motivated me to give my absolute best so that I can reach the level they are at.

“I’m truly grateful for this opportunity and I hope that there many more of these to come in the future. It made me realise that anything is possible if you put your mind to it. I’ll certainly take all the lessons and apply it to my game, and hopefully I’ll keep growing and become a better rugby player and human being.”

Hlekani, who also played for the Junior Boks last year, cherished every moment of the camp, and thanked the Springboks for the opportunity.

“It was very special, and I learned a lot from the forwards as well as the coaching staff,” said Hlekani.

“The last two weeks have allowed me to improve the techniques I was lacking in, and the intensity of the training sessions were very high, which was great for us.

“I’ll definitely take what I learned and use it to improve my game, and hopefully we’ll get another opportunity like this in future. I’m going to keep pushing, stay hungry, and hopefully one day I’ll be part of this squad.”

The Springboks returned home on Thursday afternoon to spend time with their families, and will reassemble in Johannesburg on Sunday, where their focus will squarely be on trying to begin their Castle Lager Rugby Championship campaign on a strong note against Australia in the hope of defending the title they won last season for the first time since 2019.

The Tests against Australia, in Johannesburg on 16 August and in Cape Town on 23 August, will be followed by back-to-back matches against New Zealand in Auckland and Wellington (on 6 and 13 September respectively), before wrapping up their campaign with Tests against Argentina in Durban and London (on 27 September and 4 October). Tickets for the local Tests are available from Ticketmaster.

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Urban Academy, in Gqeberha, has made massive strides on the football field in recent seasons, and, from Friday to Sunday, they’ll host their annual Super Soccer Schools Tournament.

Since the start of the season, Urban Academy has been in outstanding form.

A highlight was their performance at the Kearsney Soccer Tournament, where they went through the entire tournament without conceding a goal in open play. Their only defeat occurred in the final, where they lost to the defending champions, Pinetown Boys’ High, 3-1 from the penalty spot.

Since that match, the Urban Academy team has regrouped and continued to improve their already exemplary record.

On Friday, the Super Soccer Schools Tournament kicks off, with Urban Academy being joined by, among others, George Campbell, Bridge House, Westview High School, Victoria Park High, Chapman High, and Linkside High, with competition taking place for both girls and boys.

Boys’ Competition

Group A: Herzlia High, Curro Century, Westview High, De Kuilen High
Group B: Alexandra Road, George Campbell, Alexandra High, Ndzondelelo High
Group C: Strelitzia High, Urban Academy, Bridge House, Ethembeni Enrichment High

Girls’ Competition

Group A: Chapman High, South Peninsula, Urban Academy, Herzlia High
Group B: Alexander Road, Victoria Park, Linkside High, Bergvliet High

Friday, 8 August

Boys’ Fixtures

Field 1

Game 1 – 09:00 – Herzlia High vs Curro Century
Game 7 – 12:00 – Herzlia High vs Westview High
Game 9 – 13:00 – Alexandra High vs Alexander Road
Game 13 – 15:00 – Herzlia High vs De Kuilen High
Game 15 – 16:00 – Urban Academy vs Bridge House High

Field 2

Game 2 – 09:00 – Westview vs De Kuilen High
Game 8 – 12:00 – George Campbell vs Ndzondelelo High
Game 12 – 14:00 – Strelitzia vs Ethembeni Enrichment

Girls’ Fixtures

Field 1

Game 3 – 10:00 – Chapman vs South Peninsula
Game 5 – 11:00 – Linkside vs Bergvliet
Game 11 – 14:00 – Chapman vs Herzlia High

Field 2

Game 4 – 11:00 – Urban Academy vs Herzlia High
Game 6 – Alexander Road vs Victoria Park
Game 10 – 13:00 – Victoria Park vs Bergvliet
Game 14 – 15:00 – Linkside vs Alexander Road
Game 16 – 16:00 – Herzlia vs South Peninsula

Saturday, 9 August 

Boys’ Fixtures

Field 1

Game 17 – 09:00 – Alexander Road vs George Campbell
Game 19 – 10:00 – Bridge House vs Ethembeni Enrichment
Game 23 – 13:00 – Curro Century vs Westview
Game 27 – 14:00 – Ethembeni Enrichment vs Urban Academy
Game 29 – 15:00 – Curro Century vs De Kuilen

Field 2

Game 18 – 09:00 – Alexandra High vs Ndzondelelo High
Game 20 – 10:00 – Strelitzia vs Urban Academy
Game 24 – 12:00 – Alexander Road vs Ndzondelelo High
Game 28 – 14:00 – Strelitzia vs Bridge House
Game 30 – 15:00 – George Campbell vs Alexandra High

Girls’ Fixtures

Field 1

Game 21 – 11:00 – Victoria Park vs Linkside
Game 25 – 13:00 – Alexander Road vs Bergvliet

Field 2

Game 22 – 11:00 – South Peninsula vs Urban Academy
Game 26 – 13:00 – Chapman vs Urban Academy

Sunday, 10 August

Boys’ Fixtures

Quarterfinals 

Field 1

Game 33 – QF1 – 09:00 – A1 vs 3rd (1st)
Game 35 – QF3 – C1 vs A2

Field 2

Game 34 – 09:00 – QF2 – B1 vs 3rd (2nd)
Game 36 – 10:00 – B2 vs C2

Semifinals 

Semifinal 1: Field 1

Game 38  – 12:00 – QF1 Winner vs QF2 Winner

Semifinal 2: Field 2

Game 39 – 12:00- QF3 Winner vs QF4 Winner

Bronze Playoff/3rd Playoff 

Field 1

Game 41 – 14:00 – SF1 Loser vs SF2 Loser

Final 

Field 1

Game 42 – 15:00 – SF1 Winner vs SF2 Winner

Girls’ Fixtures

Semifinals 

Semifinal 1: Field 1

Game 31 – 08:00 – A1 vs B2

Semifinal 2: Field 2

Game 32 – 08:00- A2 vs B1

Bronze Playoff/3rd Playoff

Field 1

Game 37 – SF1 Loser vs SF2 Loser

Final 

Field 1

Game 40 – SF1 Winner vs SF2 Winner

16:30 – Prize Giving

Renowned for delivering exhilarating football action, the 21st annual St David’s Marist Inanda Challenge is poised to captivate spectators from Friday, 8 August, to Sunday, 10 August.

Catch the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools

The event, one of South Africa’s premier youth football tournaments, takes place at St David’s, in Sandton, and is proudly sponsored by Nedbank. It was first played in 2003.

Mike Thiel, the Executive Headmaster of St David’s Marist Inanda, described the Challenge Cup as an event that transcends being a football tournament only. It serves as a celebration of youth excellence, discipline, and unity, he said.

“As a Marist school, we believe in nurturing well-rounded young people through sport, academies, and service,” he added.

In a recent press statement, Thiel said the event offers a platform for growth, connection, and pride in every participating school and player.

“We are honoured to welcome our guests and to continue building a legacy that goes beyond the pitch,” he said.

The tournament expands in 2025 to include an u12 competition, which lifts the overall number of competing teams to 38. The u19 Challenge Cup features 16 teams. There are 16 sides in the u15 division, and six teams in the u12 section.

Bradley Ireland, the Deputy Head of Extra Curricular at St David’s, said in a statement that the school was excited to add a junior component to the tournament.

“The growth of the tournament reflects our commitment to inclusive development from a young age,” he said. “The Challenge Cup continues to embody the values of Marist education – teamwork, humility, and striving for excellence – on and off the pitch.”

The Head of Group Sponsorship and Events at Nedbank, Elvin Smith, said that Nedbank is committed to unlocking South Africa’s potential through investment in youth development and education.

“The Challenge Cup echoes our belief that sport has the power to transform lives, shape futures and foster inclusive communities. Supporting this tournament allows us to stand alongside young athletes, educators, families, and society at large in building a future that reflects the best of what South Africa can achieve,” Smith explained.

The lineup for the u19 Challenge Cup includes Jeppe High School for Boys, Hilton College, the 2024 winners Grey College, and the 2023 champions, Brebner High School, and St Stithians, the winners of the Nedbank Grey College Soccer Tournament in 2023 and 2024.

Grey College, who won the u15 category in 2022, returns to compete in the age group again.

Supporters, families, and football enthusiasts are invited by St David’s as the Challenge Cup presents a festive, family-oriented environment, highlighting the strength of school sports and the influence of community.

u19 Pools

Pool A: Clifton College, Grey College, Hilton College, Jeppe High School for Boys
Pool B: Brebner High, Marist Brothers Linmeyer, St Alban’s College, St Stithians College
Pool C: King Edward VII, Michaelhouse, St Andrew’s College, St John’s College
Pool D: Norkem Park High, St Benedict’s College, St David’s Marist Inanda, St Peter’s College

Friday, 8 August, u19 Fixtures

La Valla Oval: Field A

08:00 – Grey College vs Clifton College
10:20 – St David’s vs St Benedict’s
12:40 – St Stithians vs Marist Linmeyer
15:00 – St David’s vs St Peter’s

La Valla Oval: Field B

08:00 – St Stithians vs Brebner
10:20 – St John’s vs St Andrew’s
12:40 – Grey vs Hilton
15:00 – St John’s vs KES

Grier Oval: Field C

08:00 – St Alban’s vs Marist Linmeyer
10:20 – Norkem Park vs St Peter’s
12:40 – Jeppe vs Clifton
15:00 – Michaelhouse vs St Andrew’s

Gier Oval: Field D

08:00 – Jeppe vs Hilton
10:20 – Michaelhouse vs KES
12:40 – St Alban’s vs Brebner
15:00 – Norkem Park vs St Benedict’s

Saturday, 9 August, u19 Fixtures

La Valla Oval: Field A

10:00 – St David’s vs Norkem Park
11:20 – St Peter’s vs St Benedict’s

La Valla Oval: Field B

10:00 – St Stithians vs St Alban’s
11:20 – Marist Linmeyer vs Brebner

Gier Oval: Field C

10:00 – St John’s vs Michaelhouse
11:20 – KES vs St Andrew’s

Quarterfinals 

La Valla Oval: Field A

15:00 – QF4 – A2 vs D1

La Valla Oval: Field B

15:00 – QF3 – C1 vs B2

Gier Oval: Field C

15:00 – QF2 – C2 vs B1

Gier Oval: Field D

15:00 – QF1 – A1 vs D2

Sunday, 10 August, u19 Fixtures 

Semifinals

La Valla Oval: Field A

09:00 – SF1 – Winner QF1 vs Winner QF2

La Valla Oval: Field B

09:00 – Winner QF3 vs Winner QF4

Gier Oval: Field C

09:00 – SF3 – Loser QF1 vs Loser QF4

Final: Position 1 and 2

La Valla Oval: Field A

13:50 – Winner SF1 vs Winner SF1

Bronze/Position 3 and 4

La Valla Oval: Field B

13:50 – Loser SF1 vs Loser SF2

Position 5 and 6

Gier Oval: Field 

13:50 – Winner SF3 vs Winner SF4

Position 7 and 8

Gier Oval: Field D

13:50 – Loser SF3 vs Loser SF4

HARARE: Bayanda Majola claimed an impressive four-wicket haul, but it was not enough for South Africa u19 (SA u19) as they were edged out by five wickets against Bangladesh u19 in their last round-robin match of the Youth One-Day International (YODI) Tri-Series in Harare on Wednesday.

The seamer claimed four for 29 in an excellent 10 overs, with his strikes initially leaving Bangladesh in heaps of trouble chasing 148, before they recovered to chase down the target with a little over 20 overs to spare.

Earlier, it was Majola’s fast-bowling compatriot Bandile Mbatha who had to bail out his side with a top score of 39 – helping them recover from 45 for five to reach 147 all out in 37.2 overs at the Harare Sports Club.

Paul James struck 33, but the rest of the line-up faltered, with Sanjid Mozumder bagging four for 39. But after slipping into deep trouble at 68 for five early in the chase on account of Majola’s magic, Samiun Basir (52* off 36 balls, 6 fours, 3 sixes) hit an unbeaten half-century to lead the recovery and steer his side home.

The result means Bangladesh has now beaten the South Africans two out of three times in the competition to date, though the two are scheduled for one more showdown in the final on Sunday.

And Malibongwe Maketa‘s side will be determined to end well, particularly with the bat, against the Junior Tigers.

Adnaan Lagadien did the best amongst the recognised batters with 16, while Jorich van Schalkwyk (5), captain Jason Rowles (4), Kamogelo Phiri (1) and Daniel Bosman (8) were all dismissed for single figures.

Vihan Pretorius (18) helped James take the score from 45 for five to 82 for five, before the latter and Mbatha added 34 for the seventh wicket. Samiun Basir (2/23) then helped clean up the tail and SA were all out with 12.4 overs to spare.

Majola and James (1/23) ran riot early on to put their side on top by the 18th over.

However, Basir’s dashing half-century, together with MD Abdullah‘s unbeaten 20 carried their side to victory through an unbroken 80-run stand.

SA U19 Men’s Squad – Youth ODI Tri-series against Zimbabwe U19 and Bangladesh U19

Muhammad Bulbulia (captain, KZN Inland), Jason Rowles (captain, Lions), JJ Basson (Lions), Daniel Bosman (Western Province), Dayalan Boyce (Dolphins), Paul James (Western Province), Enathi Khitshini (Garden Route Badgers), Adnaan Lagadien (Western Province), Bandile Mbatha (Dolphins), Armaan Manack (Lions), Bayanda Majola (Dolphins), Kamogelo Phiri (Lions), Vihan Pretorius (Titans), Ntando Soni (Warriors) and Jorich van Schalkwyk (Titans).

YODI Tri-series Fixtures

Friday, 25 July – 09:15
Zimbabwe U19 lost to South Africa U19 by 278 runs – Sunrise Sports Club, Harare

Saturday, 26 July – 09:15
South Africa U19 lost to Bangladesh U19 by 1 wicket – Sunrise Sports Club, Harare

Monday, 28 July – 09:15
Zimbabwe U19 lost to Bangladesh U19 by 91 runs – Harare Sports Club, Harare

Tuesday, 29 July – 09:15
Zimbabwe U19 lost to South Africa U19 by 107 runs – Harare Sports Club, Harare

Thursday, 31 July – 09:15
Bangladesh U19 lost to South Africa U19 by 5 wickets – Harare Sports Club, Harare

Friday, 01 August – 09:15
Zimbabwe U19 lost to Bangladesh U19 by 8 wickets – Harare Sports Club, Harare

Monday, 04 August – 09:15
Zimbabwe U19 lost to South Africa U19 by 226 runs – Harare Sports Club, Harare

Wednesday, 06 August – 09:15
South Africa U19 lost to Bangladesh U19 by 5 wickets – Harare Sports Club, Harare

Friday, 08 August – 09:15
Zimbabwe U19 vs Bangladesh U19 – Harare Sports Club, Harare

Sunday, 10 August – 09:15
Number 1 vs Number 2 – Harare Sports Club, Harare

Issued by: Cricket South Africa – Corporate Communications

The Guschkie Top Schools hockey tournament gets underway on Thursday, at Grey College, in Bloemfontein.

Northwood, who went back-to-back as champions in 2023 and 2024, will not be defending their title. They’ll be down in the Western Cape, facing Paul Roos Gimnasium and SACS.

Grey College, the runner-up to the Knights in the past two years, will be focused on taking full advantage of their home turf.

They’re in Pool A where they’ll face their local rivals, St Andrew’s School (Saints), Hoërskool Garsfontein, Hoërskool Montana, Worcester Gimnasium, and Hoërskool DF Malan.

Greys campaign starts against Worcester Gim at 10:00 on Thursday morning. Then, they’ll face DF Malan at 16:00. With successive victories, the Bloemfontein boys could place themselves in a strong position to challenge for the title.

Saints, meanwhile, will open the tournament bright and early at 08:00 with a very interesting match-up against Hoërskool Garsfontein. The Pretoria side has enjoyed a solid season, which included a fourth-place finish at the Hibbert Shield. They’ll bear watching.

St Andrew’s, meanwhile, will be back out on the turf against DF Malan at noon. Worcester Gim and Garsfontein meet at 14:00.

Victories on the opening day will be crucial for teams’ prospects of challenging for the title.

Pool B features Paarl Gimnasium, Die Hoërskool Menlopark, Hoërskool Eldoraigne, Hoërskool Jim Fouché (JF), and Somerset College.

Paarl Gim appears to be the team to beat. Earlier in the season, they made it through to the final of the Hibbert Shield, the toughest tournament in the country, and later held SACS, to their only draw of the season thus far. Gim also beat Grey College 4-2 in Bloemfontein in April. That makes them serious title contenders.

Gimmies open their campaign against Menlopark before facing a familiar foe in Somerset College. Menlo will return to the pitch at 15:00 for a showdown with Eldoraigne, another Pretoria side whose national profile is growing.

Bloemfontein’s Jim Fouché, another school whose hockey programme has made big strides in recent years, tackles Somerset College at 17:00.

The action concludes with the playoffs on Saturday, starting at 09:00 with the ninth-place playoff. The other placement games will follow until the final, at 13:00, after which a new champion will be crowned.

FIXTURES

Thursday, 7 August

Pool A

08:00- Saints v Garsfontein
10:00- Worcester v Grey
12:00 – DF v Saints
14:00 – Garsfontein v Worcester
16:00 – Grey v DF

Pool B

09:00 – Paarl Gim v Menlo
11:00 – Eldo v JF
13:00 – Somerset v Paarl Gim
15:00 – Menlo v Eldo
17:00 – JF v Somerset

Friday, 8 August

Pool A

08:00 – Saints v Worcester
10:00 – Garsfontein v Grey
12:00 – Worcester v DF
14:00 – Saints v Grey
16:00 – DF v Garsfontein

Pool B

09:00 – Paarl Gim v Eldo
11:00 – Menlo v JF
13:00 – Eldo v Somerset
15:00 – JF v Paarl Gim
17:00 – Somerset v Menlo

Saturday 9, August

9:00 – Play off (9/10)
10:00 – Play off (7/8)
11:00 – Play off (5/6)
12:00 – Play off (3/4)
13:00 – Final

Die Shaw-broers van Hoërskool Hans Moore, Kenan en Aiden Shaw, het die afgelope Saterdag, 2 Augustus, hul skool se krieketrekordboeke herskryf.

Dié twee het die eerste stel broers geword wat elk, in dieselfde wedstryd vir die Mories, ‘n honderdtal kon aanteken.

Die span van Benoni het in ‘n opwarmingswedstryd teen Midstream College in Centurion te staan gekom. Die kragmeting was ter voorbereiding van Midstream se promosie-relegasie-wedstryd teen Hoërskool Centurion later in die seisoen, nadat hy vroeër vanjaar bo aan die C-afdeling van die jaarlikse Finsbury-reeks geëindig het.

Indien Midstream die promosie-stryd wen, sal hy na die B-afdeling opskuif, waar hy weer met spanne soos die Mories, Hoërskool Zwartkop, Potchefstroom Gimnasium en Hoërskool Monument sal meeding.

Midstream het verlede Saterdag teen Hans Moore die loot gewen en besluit om eerste te boul. Dit was ‘n besluit wat reeds vroeg dividende gelewer het, danksy Wian de Bruin wat drie vroeë deurbrake met die bal bewerkstellig het.

Sy twee paaltjies in die vierde beurt, insluitende die van die gevaarlike Xavier Coetzee (5), het die Mories op 22/3 laat wankel. De Bruin het sy dag met syfers van 3/63 in nege beurte afgesluit.

Dit het egter vir Shaw-broers oorgehaal om die langsteel behoorlik in te lê. Aiden, ook die Mories se paaltjiewagter, het eerste stelling ingeneem by die kolfkampie en saam met kaptein, Adrian Watson (28), die skade begin herstel, voordat Kenan by hom aangesluit het.

Albei broers het van meet af aan die bal besonder skoon getref en dit was verál Kenan wat die wilgerlat na willekeur geswaai het. Hy het van slegs 102 balle, sewe viere en ses sesse grens toe gejaag vir sy onoorwonne 126*, terwyl Aiden die ankerrol gespeel het met ‘n bestendige 124 vanaf 128 aflewerings. Laasgenoemde se beurt het 11 viere en een ses ingesluit, voordat hy deur Barto Oosthuizen (2/42) terug kleedkamer toe gestuur is.

Die broers se vennootskap van 158 lopies het die Mories in staat gestel om ‘n reuse-totaal van  327/7 in hul toegelate 50 beurte op die telbord te plaas.

Asof die kolfaanslag nie genoeg was nie, het Kyle Wratten met die bal verdere sout in die wonde van Midstream gesmeer. Wratten het in die nege beurte wat hy geboul het, vyf paaltjies laat spat. Die indrukwekkendste feit betreffende Wratten se boulskof is dat hy in 54 balle ‘n merkwaardige 48 leë aflewerings afgestuur het, om met syfers van 5/8 te pronk.

Die jongeling, Keegan Gibson, was die silwerrandjie op die tuisspan se kolflys. As 15-jarige het hy die beurt teen die Fain Noordvaal-reeks se verdedigende kampioen geopen en 53 balle vir 21 lopies trotseer. Dit was ook sy span se hoogste individuele telling, met Midstream wat uiteindelik vir 61 lopies uitgeboender is.

Beknopte telkaart

Hans Moore 327/7 (Kenan Shaw 126*, Aiden Shaw 124, Adrian Watson 28; Wian de Bruin 3/63, Barto Oosthuizen 2/42); Midstream College 61 (Keegan Gibson 21; Kyle Wratten 5/8, Kenan Shaw 2/9). Hans Moore wen met 266 lopies. 

While some schools played late season rugby matches on the weekend, others accelerated into the football season. Some, still, had hockey fixtures to play, and, in KwaZulu-Natal, the Sevens Rugby season kicked off at the St Charles Sevens, in Pietermaritzburg.

Competition took place in the u17 and u15 age groups, with Westville Boys’ High A claiming the title from Pool A in the u17 competition, and Westville B matching that by lifting the Pool B crown.

At u15 age group level, it was Hilton College who edged out St Charles in Pool A, while the Pool B honours went the way of Westville. That made it three out of four for the Griffin.

Pool A of the u17 competition featured the hosts, St Charles College A, Westville A, Michaelhouse A, and Hilton College A.

Westville quickly seized the initiative with successive victories in the first two rounds, while Saints and Michaelhouse won once each, and Hilton suffered two tight losses.

Hilton cruised past St Charles in round three, and Michaelhouse upset Westville, but Westville had already done enough to set up a rematch with ‘House for the title, leaving St Charles and Hilton to meet again for third place.

Hilton repeated their win over Saints, claiming third place by a 36-14 margin. Michaelhouse, though, was unable to repeat their earlier success against Westville, who romped to a 24-5 victory.

In the u17 B competition. Westville B and Michaelhouse B made strong starts, brushing aside St Charles B and Howick High respectively. Both won in the second round again, which meant the final was already decided before they met in their last pool game.

In round three, Westville edged out Michaelhouse 14-12, while Howick scored a 29-14 win over St Charles.

The tables were turned in the third-place playoff, with Saints easing to a 27-5 win over Howick, but Westville got the better of Michaelhouse once more, winning the u17 B final 29-19.

St Charles shook up the u15A competition, beating Westville by five points in the first round before trouncing Michaelhouse 36-0 in their second outing. Hilton, meanwhile, beat the same opposition, scoring a 33-5 win over ‘House and a 26-12 win over Westville.

The third round of games was tightly contested, with Hilton holding on for a 28-22 win over Saints, and Westville sneaking by Michaelhouse 17-15.

In the u15A final, Hilton won another close game against St Charles, taking it 19-14. Michaelhouse placed third, winning 26-12 against Westville.

Westville, though, claimed the u15B title. They opened their campaign with a tough 15-5 win over St Charles, cruised to a 36-5 victory over Howick, and beat Michaelhouse 33-12 in their three pool games.

St Charles, after their loss to Westville, downed Michaelhouse 10-5 and won 12-7 against Howick to reach the title game.

It was yet another closely contested match for Saints in the final, but Westville won it 19-17 to take the Pool B honours.

Michaelhouse placed third after a 32-5 win over Howick High.

RESULTS

U17 Pool A

Round 1: Westville 22-7 St Charles, Michaelhouse 13-5 Hilton
Round 2: St Charles 28-15 Michaelhouse, Westville 22-19 Hilton
Round 3: Hilton 37-7 St Charles, Michaelhouse 21-15 Westville

3rd Place Playoff: Hilton 36-14 St Charles

Final: Westville 24-5 Michaelhouse

U17 Pool B

Round 1: Westville 36-5 St Charles, Michaelhouse 54-0 Howick
Round 2: Michaelhouse 48-0 St Charles, Westville 67-0 Howick
Round 3: Westville 14-12 Michaelhouse, Howick 29-14 St Charles

3rd Place Playoff: St Charles 27- 5 Howick

Final: Westville 29- 19 Michaelhouse

U15 Pool A

Round 1: St Charles 17- 12 Westville, Hilton 33-5 Michaelhouse
Round 2: St Charles 36-0 Michaelhouse, Hilton 26-12 Westville
Round 3: Hilton 28-22 St Charles, Westville 17-15 Michaelhouse

3rd Place Playoff: Michaelhouse 26-12 Westville

Final: Hilton 19- 14 St Charles

U15 Pool B

Round 1: Westville 15-5 St Charles, Michaelhouse 5 – 0 Howick
Round 2: St Charles 10-5 Michaelhouse, Westville 36-5 Howick
Round 3: Westville 33-12 Michaelhouse, St Charles 12-7 Howick

3rd Place Playoff: Michaelhouse 32-5 Howick

Final: Westville 19-17 St Charles