Twee bepalings in die Sedibeng-liga is onlangs afgehandel toe Heidelberg Volkskool teen Hoërskool Driehoek te staan gekom en Dr Malan met Hoërskool Transvalia kragte gemeet het.
Heidelberg Volkies het hul besoek aan Driehoek met groot selfvertroue aangepak en verskeie oorwinnings regdeur die ouderdomsgroepe behaal. Hul spanne het deur die bank beïndruk met hul samespel en afronding op die baan.
Die o.19A- en o.17A-span het altwee oortuigende oorwinnings behaal, met die eerstes wat met 32-11 geseëvier het. Driehoek het wel in die o.14A-afdeling daarin geslaag om met 11-11 gelykop te speel, wat hul veerkragtigheid en veggees tentoongestel het.
Die wedstryde tussen Transvalia en Dr Malan het ook vir hope opwinding gesorg. Die eerstes was in ‘n nek-aan-nek-stryd gewikkel wat uiteindelik met 28–28 gelykop geëindig het.
Transvalia het die botoon gevoer in die o.17A- en o.16A-afdeling, terwyl Dokkies met puik strategiese spel die oorhand in die o.15A- en o.14A-wedstryd bewerkstellig het.
HS Transvalia vs HS Dr Malan (6 Mei 2025) o.19A: Transvalia 28, Dr Malan 28 o.17A: Transvalia 25, Dr Malan 12 o.16A: Transvalia 27, Dr Malan 11 o.15A: Transvalia 12, Dr Malan 25 o.14A: Transvalia 13, Dr Malan 22
After a busy start to the season, where teams played in festivals and tournaments, the province’s best will now shift their attention to league and derby matches.
The first weekend back promises a tasty menu of treats, including several big matches between some of the country’s top-performing sides.
Paarl Gimnasium, after becoming the winner of the inaugural Belgotex Sport Girls Hockey Challenge last weekend, heads to Stellenbosch for a Friday night showdown with HMS Bloemhof.
Gim started the season slowly under coach Danelle van Zyl, but they have come alive in recent weeks and they’re playing an attractive brand of winning hockey.
Before the Girls Challenge, they visited Bloemfontein, where they faced Eunice High School and Oranje Meisieskool.
Coach Van Zyl’s side carried that momentum into the Girls Challenge and dominated their opponents on their way to the final. After cruising through the pool competition, they defeated Rustenburg Girls’ High 3-0 in the quarterfinals.
It was tighter in the semi-finals, where they edged out St Mary’s DSG, Kloof, 2-1. They, then, claimed the title with a 3-2 penalty shootout win over Herschel Girls School after regulation time in the title game had ended with the sides level at 0-0.
That’s all in the past, though, and this Friday will see them come up against a hurting Bloemhof side.
They suffered a 1-2 loss against Parel Vallei and placed third at the All Girls’ Festival, after a 1-0 victory over last year’s champion, Afrikaanse Hoër Meisieskool, in their last outing.
Rhenish lost 2-3 on penalties to Collegiate Girls’ High in the final of the All Girls’ Festival. They’ll be aiming to bounce back against Herschel. Photo: Rhenish Girls’ High School on Facebook.
They’ll be keen to reacquire the momentum they built up at the St Mary’s Waverley Festival, and a win over Paarl Gim would be exactly what the doctor ordered.
While those sides do battle, another clash of top teams will see Rhenish Girls’ High School, led by coach Chris Gerber, hosting Herschel Girls School.
Rhenish has been outstanding this whole season, but they came up short of their goal of winning the title at St Mary’s Waverley and instead ended joint-third with Eunice.
It was a similar story at the All Girls’ Festival, where they fell at the final hurdle, going down 2-3 on penalties against Collegiate Girls’ Highafter regulation time in the final had ended at 2-2.
It’s the in-season derby games where Rhenish tends to come alive, though, but they’ll face a stiff challenge from a high-flying Herschel side.
Captained by Hannah Henderson, Herschel has taken many by surprise this season. They’re a team not to be underestimated. After taking home silver at the Girls Hockey Challenge, they’ll fancy their chances against Rhenish.
In other matches around the province, Rustenburg Girls plays Durbanville, and Paarl Girls’ High meets Somerset College.
Springfield Convent School will make the trip to Paarl to face La Rochelle, while Parel Vallei will aim to continue their fine form against St Cyprian’s School.
Wynberg Girls’ High goes up against Stellenberg High School, and Fairmont High will tackle DF Malan.
WESTERN CAPE GIRLS FIXTURES
Friday, 9 May
16:00 – Rhenish vs Herschel 16:40 – La Rochelle vs Springfield Convent School 17:20 – Hoërskool Punt vs Hoërskool Outeniqua 18:40 – Rustenburg Girls’ High vs Durbanville 18:55 – Paarl Girls’ High vs Somerset College 19:00 – Fairmont High vs DF Malan 19:15 – Bloemhof vs Paarl Gimnasium 19:30 – St Cyprian’s School vs Parel Vallei
Saturday, 10 May
10:00 – Stellenberg High School vs Wynberg Girls’ High
Die SDC Noodvaal Cup se Beker-afdeling skop Saterdag af met ‘n reusestryd tussen 2024 se kampioen en naaswenners, wat beloof om die toeskouers vir die volle 70 minute in hul stoele vasgepen te hou.
Hoërskool Garsfontein en Hoërskool Waterkloof pak mekaar Saterdagmiddag vir die eerste keer sedert verlede jaar se eindstryd, toe die Garsies hul stempel as een van die die voorste spanne in dié kompetisie afgedruk het met ‘n uiteindelike oorwinning van 36-30, om vir die tweede agtereenvolgende jaar as die “Beker-Bere” gekroon te word.
Albei spanne was in aksie by die onlangse Absa Wildeklawer-toernooi, waar hulle, volgens die hoë standaarde wat deur die onderskeie afrigtingskorpse gestel word, gemengde welslae behaal het.
Die Bere het segeloos van Kimberley teruggekeer, maar moes welliswaar teen heelwat strawwer kompetisie, naamlik Grey-kollege en Oakdale Landbou, sake uitspook. Hul gelykopuitslag teen die Bulle van Riversdal sou nietemin bemoedigend vir Garsies gewees het.
Hulle het ook indrukwekkend vertoon teen Grey, met ‘n bereidwilligheid om aanskoulike hardlooprugby te speel. Dit behoort vir afrigters, Johan du Plessis en Sylvester Booysen, heelwat moed te gee met die oog op van vanjaar se titeljag in die Noordvaal-reeks.
Wildeklawer het egter sy tol geëis, met die Bere wat noodgedwonge drie veranderinge moes aanbring. Dit sluit in slot, Wihan Bezuidenhout, wat ‘n beduidende leemte laat en deur Derik Potgieter in die nr. 5-trui vervang word.
Die Klofies moes self in hul laaste wedstryd in Kimberley met ‘n gelykopuitslag van 17-17 teen Hoërskool Stellenberg tevrede wees, maar is ook stelselmatig besig om ritme te herwin. Dit is verál die kookwaterspel wat agsteman, Marko Kok, in Kimberley gelewer het wat verblydend sal wees vir die Blou Golf se ondersteuners.
Kaptein, Ronan Bastiaanse, is ook vinnig besig om sy voete op losskakel te vind, wat vir die Garsies ‘n bedreiging kan inhou en ‘n yslike tweestryd met die Bere se generaal, Joshua Gouws, behoort af te gee. Gouws se verspreiding skep heelwat geleenthede vir die gevaarmanne aan sy buitekant, soos regtervleuel, Junaide Stuart.
In Johanneburg is Helpmekaar Kollege reeds vroeg in ‘n maak-of-breek-stryd gewikkel met Hoërskool Noordheuwel. Die Helpies, met reeds twee wedstryde agter die rug, is steeds op soek na ‘n eerste sege in vanjaar se kompetisie, terwyl die Blues daarop uit sal wees om hul reeks met ‘n oorwinning af te skop. Noordheuwel word reeds as ‘n sterk aanspraakmaker op ‘n plek in die halfeindronde beskou.
Helpies moet egter nie gering geskat word nie. Hul vertonings by Wildeklawer sou beslis ‘n hele paar ander spanne regop laat sit het.
Die stryd tussen die twee agterste driehoeke kan straks die verskil tussen wen of verloor beteken. Onder leiding van die ervare Ty Ax (Helpies-kaptein), het vleuels, Xander van Niekerk en Francois Tonkin, na hoogste versnelling oorgeskakel, terwyl Nories se linkervleuel, Jayden Steyn, deurgaans beïndruk met sy kragtige lopies en oorvloed vaart.
Voorlangs word heelwat verwag van die ligbloues se haker, Clinton Agu, wat reeds fyn dopgehou word deur die SA Skole-keurders. Sy woeligheid in die vastelos kan vir die Helpies heelwat hoofbrekens besorg.
DSG Makhanda had a solid showing during the St Stithians Easter Hockey Festival in Johannesburg earlier this year. Photo: DSG Makhanda
The highly demanding and frantic festival season in schoolgirls’ hockey has finally taken a back seat, and teams can indulge in derby games for the next two months.
Some of the Eastern Cape’s top girls’ sides will return to action this weekend, intent on staking a claim to being the province’s best.
There are several juicy matches on the cards, but the clash of the weekend is, undoubtedly, the meeting between Pearson High School and DSG Makhanda, which takes place in Gqeberha on Saturday morning at 11:45.
Both sides have played entertaining hockey this season, and their recent form makes for an interesting showdown at Pearson’s Top AstroTurf.
The hosts contested the inaugural Belgotex Sport Girls Hockey Challenge, in Paarl over the past weekend. There, coach Anton Peltenburg‘s charges impressed and captured the bronze medal after defeating St Mary’s DSG, Kloof, 2-1 in the third-place playoff.
Despite missing out on a chance to play for gold, coach Peltenburg and his staff will be pleased with their team’s performances and will rally behind them to maintain their momentum against DSG.
Their skipper, Annemi De Villiers, will be crucial in midfield, while goalkeeper Rebecca Haswell will need to bring her A-game between the posts.
While the hosts are brimming with confidence, DSG Makhanda will enter the clash with a point to prove after recently returning from their tour of The Netherlands, which took place from 21 April to 5 May.
Coach Geowynne Gamiet’s troops showcased class and performed well against some tough and tricky opposition. In six matches, they recorded five wins, four of them convincingly, beating Eemvallei Hockey Club 3-2, MHC De Reigers 5-1, Nuenen Hockey Club 6-3, Helmond Hockey Club 6-1, and Hoekschewaard Hockey Club 5-2.
Before heading abroad, DSG, also, impressed at the St Stithians College Easter Hockey Festival where they won four of their five matches after playing to a goalless draw against Saints.
With both Pearson and DSG firing on all cylinders, Saturday morning’s clash should deliver thrilling entertainment. That was what was dished up the last time the sides met in Makhanda, with that match ending in a 3-3 draw.
In other matches taking place in Gqeberha, Hoërskool Framesby hosts Hudson Park while Collegiate Girls’ High welcomes Union High on their Reunion Weekend.
Woodridge College heads to George to face York High, and Nico Malan has a date with Port Alfred High School.
In East London, Stirling High faces double duty. On Friday, they go up against Merrifield College before taking on Hangklip High School on Saturday.
EASTERN CAPE GIRLS’ FIXTURES
Friday, 9 May
17:00 – Collegiate Girls’ High vs Union High 17:00 – Stirling High School vs Merrifield College
Saturday, 10 May
09:50 – Framesby vs Hudson Park 10:40 – York High vs Woodridge College 11:10 – Nico Malan vs Port Alfred 11:45 – Pearson High vs DSG Makhanda 12:15 – Stirling High vs Hangklip
Bishops will have to bring their A-game when they take on SACS at the Woodlands AstroTurf on Friday Night. Photo: Bishops [Diocesan College]on Facebook.“How many goals do they think SACS will score against Bishops?” was one of the questions posed to me by a supporter during the Standard Bank Hibbert Shield, in Gqeberha, over the past weekend.
That question came on the back of a disappointing campaign for Bishops [Diocesan College] after they ended the tournament in 13th place while their opponents this Friday, SACS lifted the Hibbert Shield after beating Paarl Gimnasium 6-3 in the final.
It was an interesting question because, currently, SACS is on a different level, and Bishops is going through growing pains with a young and inexperienced squad.
In Gqeberha, the boys in blue and white, led by coach Sam Holmes, ran rampant, scoring a whopping 31 goals in six matches.
Bishops, meanwhile, struggled to get going and their inconsistent performances resulted in them missing out on a quarterfinal spot after they finished last in a very tightly contested Pool D, behind Parel Vallei High School, Durban High School (DHS), and Hoërskool Garsfontein, who went on to make the semi-finals.
The boys, coached by Ryan Julius, who was not present at the Hibbert Shield due to work commitments, will now have a crack at giving their season a huge boost when they face SACS in a Hyundai Friday Nite Lights clash at the Woodlands AstroTurf, in Cape Town.
“After a bit of a setback at Hibbert Shield, we are relying on the strength of our culture and unity to pull us back,” Julius told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“It’s going to be another demanding week, similar to the Paul Roos game, where I thought we were unlucky not to get a draw. It came down to small margins and, as a coaching staff, we have to try and figure out what those small margins are.”
Before heading to the Hibbert Shield, Bishops suffered a hard-fought 2-3 loss against Paul Roos Gimnasiumon home soil, with Harry Morgan and James Robb-Quinlan scoring for the hosts.
Free-scoring SACS presents a different challenge, and they head into the contest off a 9-1 victory on Stellenberg High School in a mid-week game.
Julius knows exactly what will be required from his charges. He explained: “The idea for this week is to play without fear. The boys need to be tactically sharp because SACS is a well-oiled team but, as a coach, I’m optimistic, and confident in my boys.
“We are going to play SACS to compete and to win. We need to make sure we are well-prepared and looking forward to the game.
“I think we are in a lovely position in terms of the underdogs’ mentality, and we are looking forward to taking the game to SACS and being tactically sharp.”
The meeting between the sides will also be a history-making moment with SuperSport Schools set to broadcast from the Woodlands AstroTurf for the first time. This means spectators will be able to watch the game live on DStv Channel 216, on the SuperSport Schools App, and the SABC Plus App. Pushback is at 19:00.
DF Malan goes up against Fairmont High School, while Hoërskool Punt hosts Hoërskool Outeniqua, in Mossel Bay. Hoërskool Durbanville faces Reddam House Durbanville in a league clash.
WESTERN CAPE FIXTURES
Friday, 9 May
18:00 – Hoërskool Durbanville vs Reddam House Durbanville 18:40 – Hoërskool Punt vs Hoërskool Outeniqua 19:00 – Bishops vs SACS 19:10 – Paul Roos Gimnasium vs Paarl Gimnasium 19:10 – Rondebosch Boys’ High vs Stellenberg High School 20:10 – Paarl Boys’ High vs Grey College 20:15 – DF Malan vs Fairmont High School
After going down to Hillcrest High in the second round of the Mancosa KZNHSFA Second-Term League, the defending champion, Glenwood High, returned to winning ways with a tight 1-0 win over Empangeni High. Photo: Brad Morgan.
The third round of the Mancosa KwaZulu-Natal High Schools Football Association (KZNHSFA)Coastal and Inland A Leagues, saw top dogs, like Glenwood High School, return to winning ways, rebounding from a recent defeat to Hillcrest High.
Glenwood, after going down 0-2 to Hillcrest, showed their champion spirit in a hard-fought win over Empangeni High on Tuesday.
It was an important win for Glenwood, the winners of the Coastal A-League in 2023 and 2024, especially after they finished 10th at the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament, which did not meet their usual standards.
On Wednesday, Green Machine coach, Khaya Mgwengwe, told SuperSport Schools Plus that his team could have produced better results in Kimberley.
“We are proud of the work the boys put in under very difficult situations,” he said. “They had a tough schedule, playing three games in a space of six hours. That wasn’t easy.
“The competition was good. We lost only one game but won only one out of four, as well. So, there is a sense we could have done better. We certainly had opportunities to do so.
“It’s a trip we look forward to every year. We’re starting to prepare better for it, as well. It’s only a matter of time before we start making real noise there,” he added.
After quickly refocusing, Glenwood faced newly promoted Empangeniwho were eager to create an upset on Tuesday. Glenwood, though, rose to the challenge, determined to rectify their previous setback.
A goal from Ukwazi Dludla sealed the win against Empangeni as Glenwood picked up three points.
Mbuso Gumede from Glenwood High collecting a man of the match award from Kimberley Boys’ High Headmaster Xolile Taba following his impressive shift against Paul Roos Gimnasium during the group stages of the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament. Photo. Glenwood High School on Facebook.
They’re currently fourth in the standings. Port Shepstone High leads the way, followed by Westville Boys’ High and Hillcrest High. Sheppie has a full haul of nine points after three wins on the trot
Mgwengwe told SuperSport Schools Plus that Tuesday’s victory over Empangeni High was important for Glenwood in many ways.
“It was a disappointing result the week before against a very good Hillcrest side,” he admitted. “We needed the win more than the performance. We are still in the running in the standings. We couldn’t afford to lose more points,” he explained.
Mgwengwe said Tuesday’s clash was tough. “Our boys are still recovering [from the Absa Wildeklawer Tournament], so we knew the performance wasn’t going to be there.
“We needed the attitude to be on point. We were proven correct. Empangeni played hard and played well. They were stronger in challenges than us. They got numbers around the ball and made it difficult.
“Honestly speaking, I think a draw would have been a fair result.”
He also praised the effort of the Zululand side, saying: “We tried to use our set plays but Empangeni stood firm. I believe they will still have a say in what happens at the end of the season.”
As the defending champion, there is a target on his team’s back, Mgwengwe said.
“We have won this competition two years in a row and been in three of the last four finals. We are aware that most teams probably give more against us, but we enjoy that. It is not something we as a coaching team talk about,” he said.
“We have a group of players who are different from what we have had before. Our job is to put them together and try to get the best results we can.
“Most importantly, we want them to enjoy putting on the first team jersey because one day you will never put it on again. That in itself is enough motivation for the boys,” he concluded.
In other Coastal A-League matches played on Tuesday, Westville Boys’ High School decisively defeated Hillcrest 3-0, with Nkanyezi Mkhungo scoring twice and Dayyan Fudu contributing the third goal.
Port Shepstone stayed on the winning path with a tight 1-0 win over Northwood.
The Durban school has made a stuttering start to the season and, after three matches, they have yet to earn a point. With few opportunities remaining, the Knights will have to be focused on winning and nothing less.
Bechet and Pinetown ended their match in a 1-1 stalemate.
In the Inland A-League, the table is starting to take on a familiar shape. Maritzburg College leads the way after accumulating seven points from three matches. They are closely followed by the defending champion, Carter High School, who occupy second with five points.
Maritzburg College underwhelmed at the Absa Wildeklawer Soccer Tournament and exited in the group stages. They were chasing a change of fortune on Tuesday. They got it with a convincing victory over Ixopo Secondary School, on Barns Field.
Ixopo suffered a tough defeat, losing 1-3 to the Red, Black, andWhite, with Malachi Momple netting a goal for the winners, Mazithi Qasha converting a penalty for College, and Nzolo Ngcemu rounding off the goal-scoring for College.
In a key contest, Carter High School secured a 2-1 victory over Edendale Technical High School, with goals from Adunyiswe Sibiya and Babalo Ntlasantsana, while Manelisi Shezi netted a consolation goal for Edendale.
In other fixtures of the Inland A-League, Alexandra High School secured a 1-0 victory over Linpark, thanks to a goal from Brooklyn Williams.Newton also secured a 1-0 victory over Haythorne Secondary School.
Note: More Mancosa KZNHSFA Coastal and Inland League matches will take place on Thursday, 8 May, and Friday, 9 May. They will be streamed on the SuperSport Schools App and DStv Channel 216.
Newton 1-0 Haythorne
Maritzburg College 3-1 Ixopo Secondary School
Carter High School 2-1 Edendale Technical High School
Alexandra High School 1-0 Linpark
Forthcoming Fixtures
Coastal B: Thursday, 8 May
Venue: Queensburgh High School
Field 1
15:10 – Amanzimtoti vs Redwood
16:15 – Ashton Ballito A Team vs New Forest
Field 2
15:10 – Sastri College vs Queensburgh High School
16:15 – Durban High School vs Grosvenor
Coastal C: Friday, 9 May
Venue: Queensburgh High School
Field 1
15:10 – George Campbell vs Canaan College
16:15 – Durban Academy vs Ashton Ballito B Team
Field 2
16:15 – Birdswood vs Brettonwood
Inland B: Thursday, 8 May
Venue: Alexandra High School
Field 1
15:10 – Alexandra High School B Team vs Northbury
16:15 – Thornhill vs Maritzburg Christian School
Field 2
15:10 – Riverwood College vs ML Sultan
16:15 – Heritage Academy vs Maritzburg College B Team
Inland C: Friday, 9 May
Venue: AB Jackson
15:10 – Maritzburg College C Team vs Newton B Team
16:05 – Umvuzo vs Michaelhouse
Dale College skipper, Sibongisile Nzima will aim to inspire his side to their first big victory of the season. Photo: Shot by Shani Photography
When Dale College scored a controversial 3-2 victory over Queen’s College at the Chris HarkerAstroTurf in Komani last year, many in the Border region said it was a fluke.
That’s because Dale’s captain, Sibongisile Nzima, in the opinion of some, struck the winning goal from outside the opponent’s circle.
After minutes of deliberating, the umpires awarded the goal, much to the dissatisfaction of the Queen’s supporters surrounding the turf.
A couple of months later, Queen’s visited Qonce, hunting revenge on Dale’s annual Pink Day in support of breast cancer. It was the final match of the season for both teams.
Again, the Komani side came out on the wrong end of the result, suffering their second straight loss against the boys in red and black, a narrow 0-1 defeat.
“Beating Queen’s twice last year was an excellent feeling because people doubted us,” Dale skipper Sibongisile Nzima told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“We had to prove them wrong. Last year we said, ‘Beating Queen’s the first time was so nice we had to do it twice’.
“It’s my last time playing Queen’s at home, as well as my last Reunion at Dale, so winning on Friday would certainly be memorable.”
When Nzima led Dale to those two victories against their biggest rivals in 2024, he co-captained the team with Amangile Songelwa.
Songelwa matriculated at the end of the year, and Nzima took over sole possession of the captain’s armband. It’s been a tricky season for Dale. They produced a mixed bag of results at both the Tony Godding Festival and the Founders Festival.
“We began the season with some good and bad results but, along the way, we developed some good chemistry among one other,” he reflected.
“With that being said, heading into this game against Queen’s, I am confident that the boys will show up.
“The Reunion is the biggest fixture on our calendar, with Old Dalians from around the world not only coming back to celebrate but to witness the great legacy they left behind.”
Dale was last in match action in late April when they took on Grey High School in Gqeberha and suffered a 1-5 loss.
Dale College has had the upper hand over Queen’s College for the past year. Photo: Shot by Shani Photography
Bouncing back in front of their passionate supporters will be the goal, and Nzima has identified areas he and his teammates need to work on in preparation for Friday’s match.
“I think we need to polish up our short corners and, if we execute every set piece we have practiced, then it will be a long day at the park for our rivals.
“‘Believe’ has been our motto for the year and going into this game with the right mindset and never giving up until the last whistle will surely give the College a game to remember.”
The reunion clash between Dale and Queen’s College takes place at the King AstroTurf and pushback is at 16:00.
Other Matches
The clash in Qonce will be followed by some mouthwatering fixtures elsewhere in the Eastern Cape.
In Gqeberha, Grey High School, on their Reunion Weekend, hosts Cape Town’s Wynberg Boys’ High, while Pearson welcomes St Andrew’s College.
Hoërskool Framesby is at home against Hudson Park High School, while Woodridge College travels to George to face York High School.
In East London, Selborne College has a break this weekend after their exertions at the Standard Bank Hibbert Shield, but Cambridge High hosts Merrifield College in a mid-week clash. Stirling High will be in action on both Friday and Saturday, taking on Merrifield before tackling Hangklip High School.
FIXTURES
Friday, 9 May
15:50 – Hoërskool Framesby vs Hudson Park High School 16:00 – Dale College vs Queen’s College 18:00 – Pearson High vs St Andrew’s College 18:15 – Stirling High vs Merrifield College 18:20 – Grey High School vs Wynberg Boys’ High 19:00 – York High vs Woodridge College
Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote credited Australia for staying in the fight and producing a gutsy second half performance to edge South Africa in their second-round Under-20 Rugby Championship clash at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Tuesday afternoon.
Australia overturned a 17-point deficit in a tactically astute second-half performance to beat the Junior Boks by 29-24 in a game of two halves. The visitors dominated territory after the break as they grew in confidence, while the Junior Boks failed to capitalise on their opportunities, especially in the first half.
After the Junior Boks scored two first half tries, Australia turned the tables in the second half by making good use of their scoring opportunities, while the hosts would want to look at their discipline and play at the breakdowns, especially after the break.
“We got pegged down in our own half after half-time, and a few turnovers gave them opportunities and momentum,” said Foote, whose team beat Argentina in the opening round last Thursday.
“I think Australia deserve a lot of credit for staying in the fight, they’re gutsy and did well at that. We turned over too much ball and the defensive pressure became big for us.
“The number one thing to improve on is probably to look after our ball and making sure we don’t give it up too easily, as well as our discipline to not concede soft penalties.”
Junior Bok captain Riley Norton also emphasised the number of penalties conceded and the Aussies’ territorial advantage.
“I thought we had a great first half and I thought our game drivers were doing very well,” said Norton.
“In the second half we conceded some soft penalties at times and then we lost the territorial battle. These are valuable lessons for us before the World Rugby U20 Championship.
“We can go back and look at the positives and try to improve on the things we didn’t do well. It did not go our way today, but the boys are still positive, and we have one more game to play in the Championship, and we are excited for that.”
New Zealand scored 11 tries to three in their 75-21 victory over Argentina earlier on Tuesday, and Foote said they realise a big step up will be required when they take on their arch-rivals on Sunday.
“This will be a huge fixture for us – they play with a great tempo and have their tails up (after beating Argentina), so they will be great opposition,” said Foote.
“The team will be very highly motivated for the New Zealand match; we are playing at home, and facing New Zealand is just an amazing Test match in itself.”
After two rounds, New Zealand leads the standings with seven points, followed by Australia on six, South Africa on five, and Argentina on zero.
On Sunday, the Aussies and Pumitas cross swords at 14h00, while the final match is at 16h10 between the Junior Boks and the Kiwis. Tickets cost R20 and are available online from Webtickets or at the ticket office of the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Stefan Wiehahn in action for Paarl Gim against Clifton College in the quarterfinals of the Standard Bank Hibbert Shield in Gqeberha. Photo: Irma Ferreira SPORT & EVENT photography
The home of Stellenbosch University and Paul Roos Gimnasium (PRG) hockey, the Maties AstroTurf will come to a standstill when PRG welcomes rivals, Paarl Gimnasium, to the venue for a Hyundai Friday Nite Lights clash at 19:10.
Expect a pulsating clash between the Boland juggernauts as they go head-to-head for the provincial bragging rights for at least another year.
It’s been an interesting season so far for PRG and Paarl Gim, who both shone at the Standard Bank Hibbert Shield, in Gqeberha, over the past weekend.
In the Windy City, the rivals showcased their pedigree, played high-quality hockey, and proved why they should be considered among the best teams in the country.
Although they both came up narrowly short of the title, coaches Michael Baker, of PRG, and Jacques Grobler, of Paarl Gim, were surely proud of their teams’ efforts. Now, they’re aiming to build upon the momentum they generated at the tournament.
The last time they met, in May 2024, Paul Roos scored a nervy and scrappy 1-0 victory, courtesy of a Christo Swanepoel goal.
In that clash, both sides were far from convincing and played boring one-dimensional hockey, which deprived the spectators of the show that had been hyped in the week leading up to the showdown.
Based on the hockey they’ve played this season, it’s almost certain that won’t be the case this time around. Both units are firing on all cylinders and playing some eye-pleasing hockey. They’re ready to shine under the lights.
There is no outright favourite but reaching a Hibbert Shield final could put Gim ahead of their rivals in some people’s books. Countering that viewpoint is the fact that PRG’s penalty shootout loss to SACS was their first defeat of the season.
Paarl Gim has a formidable team that started the season slowly but has come alive in recent weeks. Led by Juan Swanepoel in the number 10 jumper, they’re playing an unconventional brand of hockey. Mostly, they’re defending deep and playing with pace and creativity on the counterattack, and they’ve scored plenty of goals.
Some of their early-season success can also be credited to their ability to convert penalty corners, with Stefan Wiehahn and John Coetzee the men entrusted with drag-flicking duty at the top of the D.
Defensively, Gim has been sound, and at the Hibbert Shield, Johannes Nieuwoudt, Philip du Preez, Gideon Cronje, and Coetzee combined effectively at the back.
Ruben Gouws will have a key role to play for PRG against Paarl Gim in Stellenbosch. Photo: Janco Saunders
That strong defensive system will need to be on its game against a fiery PRG side that’s hurting after falling short of defending the title they won in 2024.
Captained by Christo Swanepoel, who reached 100 games for his school in Gqeberha, PRG was aiming for three Hibbert Shield titles in succession, but they went down in a repeat of 2024’s final.
They weren’t at their best against Garsfontein but they got the job done. Now, they’re keen to give their supporters something to cheer about at their home Astro.
The last time PRG played in Stellenbosch, they were held to a thrilling 4-4 draw by Grey High School in one of the most entertaining matches so far this season.
They’ll need to be switched on from the first whistle to the last to get one over their rivals and it will all start at the back with Logan Lackay, Jeandre van Zyl, Danesh Titus, and Tylor Carter providing the platform for the Stellenbosch boys.
Swanepoel will be entrusted to lead his side from the midfield, alongside vice-captain, Seth Paterson, Ruben Gouws, and Nicholas Knoll.
PRG has scored goals for fun of late, and their attack has been given life by Callum van Oudtshoorn, Caleb Cilliers, and Matthew Cardoza.
Since arriving at the Stellenbosch school in 2024, Baker has faced Paarl Gim twice and came out on tops on both occasions, but he’ll be wary of the threats posed by this year’s team.
Little details matter: Justin Collins having a team talk with his Northwood players. Photo: Northwood.
A big week of action lies ahead for most of KwaZulu-Natal’s leading boys’ hockey teams. Two of the top sides travel to the highveld, while the rest have fixtures in familiar surroundings.
Clifton College hosts St Alban’s College on their Founders Weekend, with the first team clash happening at 11:15 on Saturday morning at the Riverside Sports Club, the home of Clifton Sport.
Coach Calvin Price‘s boys, after a strong showing at the Standard Bank Hibbert Shield, where they finished as the top-performing KZN side, will be aiming to provide great winning entertainment for their alumni and other spectators.
Last year, on their Founders Weekend, they faced St Charles College and walloped them 5-2. They’ll be hoping for another classy performance against their visitors from Pretoria.
Coach Mark Sanders’Maritzburg College has a date with Clifton’s victims from last year, St Charles. Collegeheads into the tie looking to build upon their last result at the Hibbert Shield, a 2-1 win over Selborne College. Sanders’ team achieved perfectly symmetrical results in Gqeberha – they won two, lost two, and drew two matches.
Last week, KearsneyCollege fought back to draw 1-1 with Northwood in a Friday Nite Lights match, in Durban. Coach Keegan Pearce‘s side showed plenty of heart against a dangerous Knights side. Pearce would welcome a similarly spirited showing against coach Nick Bérichon’s Michaelhouse team, which has quietly put together an impressive season.
Like Kearsney, Michaelhouse comes into the contest off the back of a 1-1 draw. They crossed swords with their arch-rivals, HiltonCollege, last Saturday and shared the spoils with coach Damian Kimfley’s well-oiled unit.
Hilton, meanwhile, takes on Pretoria Boys’ High at home in a derby. Earlier this season, they met at the Nomads Hockey Festival, in Johannesburg, and it took a late equaliser for Hilton to pull off a 2-2 draw.
Kimfley will hope that his side can apply the positives from their tie against Michaelhouse and walk away with a victory in front of their home fans.
Westville Boys’ High and Northwood head up to the highveld for derby encounters.
Coach Cam Mackay‘s young Westville side has taken a while to get into the swing of the season. However, they have shown flashes of brilliance and their form is on the up.
The Griffin finished in a respectable 10th place at the Hibbert Shield and will take confidence from their performances at Grey High School when they travel to meet King Edward VII(KES) in Johannesburg.
Coach Justin Collins’ Northwood burned a few chances in their 1-1 draw with Kearsney last Friday. Collins will hope that his charges are more clinical in the circle in their showdown against an in-form Jeppe High School for Boys team, in Johannesburg.
Besides the spurned opportunities against Kearsney, Collins was impressed by the way his charges acquitted themselves on the Astro.
Fans and followers of KZN boys’ hockey have an almost full buffet from which to choose. However, Durban High School(DHS) and coach Keegan Hezlett have the weekend off. They’ll be back in action in the new week.
Twee bepalings in die Sedibeng-liga is onlangs afgehandel toe Heidelberg Volkskool teen Hoërskool Driehoek te staan gekom en Dr Malan met Hoërskool Transvalia kragte gemeet het.
![Bishops will have to bring their A-game against SACS at the Woodlands AstroTurf on Friday Night. Photo: Bishops [Diocesan College]](https://ssschoolsplus.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Bishops-ready-for-SACS-400x266.jpg)
Junior Springbok coach Kevin Foote credited Australia for staying in the fight and producing a gutsy second half performance to edge South Africa in their second-round Under-20 Rugby Championship clash at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Tuesday afternoon.
