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In their final match of the term, Woodridge College travels from Thornhill to Gqeberha with their sights set on victory when they battle Pearson High School on Friday night.

The clash takes place at 18:00 on Pearson’s Top Astroturf.

Catch all the hockey action around the country LIVE on SuperSport Schools.

Woodridge, after a promising start to the season, will enter the clash as the underdogs, but they have a point to prove.

Coach Herman Kitshoff’s side has built on the pre-season momentum they accrued during the two Belgotex tournaments, namely the Greg Beling, in East London, and the Easter Tournament, in Cape Town. At the Easter tournament, they finished a commendable seventh in the 40-team field.

Since then, they’ve produced quality performances in victories over Union High School (3-1), and Victoria Park (2-1).

The side, has, however, tasted defeat at the hands of York High (1-3), Collegiate Girls’ High (0-1), and Pearson (0-3).

“The season has been very positive so far,” Kitshoff told SuperSport Schools Plus this week.

“We were able to take the preseason momentum into the regular season and have only really had to tweak minor things. I’m blessed with a great squad that catches onto coaching tips quickly and almost instinctively adjusts to different scenarios during games.

“Being a three-term school, the fear is always that the long April holiday will break preseason momentum, but this has, fortunately, not been an issue.”

Coach Kitshoff, as it typical in schools, has had to build new combinations with a young team this year.

He has only five matric learners in the lineup, but, he said, they’ve helped the junior players fit into and adjust to the system.

“It’s a very new team this season,” he explained. “The five matrics in the side have been incredible in leading by example and in creating a team environment that encourages a growth mindset and a joy in playing hockey.

“Our captain, Jemma (Maartens), and vice-captains, Kirsty (Price), and Emilee (Tinderholm) have been extraordinary in this sense, leading on and off the field with humility and dedication.”

Pearson will pose a serious challenge for Woodridge on Friday night.

The Gqeberha side is playing some of its best hockey, and last weekend played to a 3-3 draw away at DSG Makhanda.

The previous week, they defeated Framesby 2-0 in the semi-final of the u18 EP Knockout Cup, and they won both of their encounters on the road vs York High (4-1), and Outeniqua (2-1) in George.

“It’s always exciting to play a top side, like Pearson. They’re superbly coached and conditioned,” Kitshoff said.

“We always prepare well for them, and our girls enjoy the challenge they pose. We have tended to play our best hockey against tough opposition, like Pearson and Collegiate, and will be looking to do the same on Friday.

“We will be focusing on improving on the previous two performances. This is our focus, the systematic upward curve in all areas. We also may have one or two tricks up our sleeve for the derby,” he concluded.

Other matches

DSG Makhanda, after sharing six goals in a thrilling draw with Pearson last weekend, faces Clarendon on Saturday.

The East London school is coming off a nervy 3-2 win over Cambridge High School last weekend, and they’ll need to sharpen up on their attack and defence if they’re to claim victory.

The clash in East London will be broadcast live on SuperSport Schools DStv Channel 216.

In another clash in the coastal city, Stirling High School, after a weekend off, hosts Hudson Park on Saturday morning.

Hudson is brimming with confidence after beating Queenstown Girls’ High 2-0 last weekend in Komani.

Westering will also be in action, taking on Kingswood College.

Eastern Cape fixtures

Friday, 31 May 

18:00 – Pearson High School vs Woodridge College

Saturday, 1 June

10:00 – Clarendon vs DSG Makhanda
11:00 -Westering High School vs Kingswood College
13:00 – Stirling High School vs Hudson Park

Fichardtpark se breker-slot, Jaco Grobbelaar, het die SA keurders se aandag vanjaar gegryp met sy onvermoeide werktempo op die veld. Dit is waneer mens met hom gesels dat dit duidelik word hoe volwasse sy uitkyk op die lewe is, en presies hoe hard hy werk om sy drome te laat realiseer.

“Ek hou van die gesegde, ‘Pressure is a privilege’” sê Grobbelaar oor die druk wat jong spelers op die topvlak ervaar, “Jy moet maar net goed voorberei, jy moet reg wees vir die wedstryd of die situasie wat opkom. As jy weet jy het alles gedoen wat jy kan om voor te berei is dit nie meer in jou hande nie, dan moet jy net jou beste gee en dit sal goed gaan. Dan is dit ook belangrik om jou identiteit te vind, want dit gaan nie altyd goed gaan nie. Jy kan nie sê rugby is jou lewe nie, rugby gaan nie altyd daar wees nie so jy kan nie net daarop staat maak om gelukig te wees nie.” 

Die Fichies het’n droomseisoen beleef die jaar. Hulle het onlangs die Wesgrow Sentrale Sportreeks titel verower  en kon ook geskiedenis maak deur om hul eerste SA Skole speler ooit in Jaco op te lewer.

Die groot slot is gekies as deel van die SA Skole groep wat teen Engeland en Frankryk meegeding het nadat hy vir die Vrystaat Cravenweekspan uitgestaan het in George by die nasionale jeugweek gedurende die skoolvakansie.

Grobbelaar het geen tyd gemors as deel van sy nuwe span nie, en kon in hul opwarmingswedstryd teen die SA A span reeds ‘n drie agter sy naam kry. 

Hy kon toe ook ‘n merkwaardige jaar in sy lewe op ‘n hoë noot af sluit, deur om as speler van die wedstryd genoem te word in die Suid Afrikaners se 33-19 sege oor Engeland.

Sy SA o.18 verpligtings het egter beteken dat Grobbelaar nie kon deelmaak van die Fichardtpark-span wat in die Kovsiestreekkompetisie se Shimla-liga halfeindstryd teen Hoërskool Upington die knie moes buig met 53-19 nie

Ons het met hom gesels na die opwarmingswedstryd in Julie.

“Donderdag (die eerste wedstryd) was baie spesiaal gewees, beslus ook ‘n hoogtepunt in my loopbaan so vêr. Die SA Skole groep is regtig ‘n baie lekker klomp ouens. Die gees is goed en dis lekker om die verskillende persoonlikhede van reg oor die land te leer ken en te sien hoe hulle dinge doen. Jy leer so baie, as mens en nie net oor rugby nie, so dit was regtig ‘n ongelooflike ervaring die week.” vertel Jaco oor sy debuut en die groep spelers.

Grobbelaar se insluiting in die span is die kersie op die koek vir Fichardtpark wat al vele sukses hierdie seisoen behaal het, en wel verdiende beloning vir hul hardwerkende slot wat ‘n kernrol speel in sy span se sukses. Jaco sê hul doelwit is om die Bloemfonteinse stadsliga te wen. Sedert ons met hom gesels het kon die Fichies na die skoolvakansie bou op hul momentum met ‘n goeie 41-17 sege oor Goudveld en ‘n 29-27 oorwining teen Witteberg, waarvoor hulle hard moes werk.

Jaco het in albei daardie wedstryd agter die doellyn gaan kuier om met sy goue-vorm van die seisoen voort te sit, voordat hy in moontlik sy laaste wedstryd in die Fichie-trui ‘n driekuns van drieë kon aanteken in die Vrystaat-liga halfeindstryd teen Sentraal.

“Ons beleef regtig ‘n ongelooflike seisoen. Ek is baie trots en bevooreg om deel daarvan te wees. Die kameraadskap onder die manne is regtig baie goed die jaar. Mnr Jaco Kotze, ons direkteur van rugby, werk baie hard om ‘n trotse Fichardtpark kultuur te skep by die skool.”

Volgende jaar sluit Jaco dan by die Blou Bulle junior-groep aan terwyl hy Bcom Bestuursrekeningkunde gaan swot. Ons het vir hom gevra hoe hy voel oor die groot stap. Die liefde vir syfers loop skynbaar net so sterk soos die liefde vir rugby in sy gesin. Sy pa, Hannes Grobbelaar, is ‘n rekenmeester en sy suster, Alida, swot tans Akturiële Wetenskap by Pukke.

Hy skerts “Ek sien baie uit om te gaan, maar dit gaan beslis ‘n groot aanpassing wees. Ek’t nog altyd in die huis gebly en my ma (Attela) se kos geëet, so dit sal ‘n groot aanpassing wees.”

Steeds, dit is ‘n droom wat waar word vir die jong slot van Bloemfontein om by die span wat hy nog sy lewe lank ondersteun aan te sluit.

Hy vertel: “Ek was nog altyd ‘n Blou Bul ondersteuner, my Pa het my so groot gemaak. Ek onthou in kleuterskool was ek baie ontsteld as ek nie elke dag my Blou Bul trui kon dra nie omdat dit eers moet gewas word.”

Dit verg uitsonderlike talent om raakgesien te word in ‘n span wat nie gereeld onder die grootste name in skolerugby genoem word nie, maar Jaco sê dat hy die perfekte ondersteuningstelsel in Fichardtpark gevind het.

“Ek is ‘n baie trotse Fichardtparker, die gemengde skool se atmosfeer is vir my lekker en ek het onderwysers hier wat in my geglo het, selfs al het ek partykeer nie in myself geglo nie. As dit nie vir my Alma Mater was nie sou ek nie kon bereik het wat ek die jaar bereik het nie. Net die manier hoe almal mekaar ondersteun maak my baie trots om te sê ek is in Fichardtpark.”

Hy is al van laerskool af by die skool in Bloemfontein, maar hy vertel dat sy liefde vir rugby al voor dit ontstaan het.

“Ek het begin met Bulletjie-rugby, toe ek ses jaar oud was. Ek het aanvanklik in die laerskool agsteman gespeel want ek was die vinnigste, maar toe word ek bietjie swaar.”

Hy is nog altyd ‘n begaafde atleet en het hierdie jaar nog op nasionale vlak met hamergooi kompeteer.

“In die laerskool het ek aan omtrent alles deelgeneem, maar in die hoërskool raak tyd bietjie min, so ek het net aangehou met atletiek en rugby. Op laerskool het ek eers hekkies gehardloop, en toe later oorgeskuif na die veld-items. Die jaar was ek met hamergooi derde by die SA’s in Germiston gewees. Die atletiek en die rugby het egter ook begin bots, met ons sportdag vroeër in die jaar moes ek eintlik ook by ‘n atletiekbyeenkoms in Sasolburg deelneem, maar ek het toe besluit rugby is belangriker vir my toekoms.”

Dit was dan ook die regte besluit, want Jaco onthou daardie wedstyd as een van die hoogtepunte in ‘n jaar met soveel groot oomblikke vir hom en sy span.

“‘n Oomblik wat vir my sal uitstaan is ons oorwinning by ons eie sportdag hierdie jaar (33-27 teen Diamantveld). Dit was ‘n ongelooflike wedstryd met lekker baie toeskouers.”

Dit is egter nie net met sport waarmee Grobbelaar uitblink nie. Hy is ook ‘n kranige student en behaal tans ‘n onderskeiding in al agt sy vakke met ‘n voorkeur vir veral wiskunde.

“Akademies was ek nog altyd sterk. My sussie het my al van voor skool af geleer, sy was in die middae my juffrou en het my sommer voor skool al met wiskunde gehelp.”

Dit is natuurlik steeds harde werk, maar hy sê hy geniet die balans. “Dit vereis baie dissipline en opofferings, maar ek geniet elke oomblik van dit. Na ‘n harde oeffeningsessie geniet ek dit om weer op ‘n stoel te kom sit voor die boeke. Ek is maar bietjie van ‘n perfeksionis so dit is vir my belangrik om akademies ook goed te presteer.”

Oor sy rugbyheld vertel hy ook laggend, “Eben Etzebeth is natuurlik my gunsteling speler, ek sal graag so fisies soos hy wil wees, en so ‘n paar arms sal ook help.”

 

Cape Town bragging rights will be on the line on Friday evening, when all four of the southern suburbs’ top guns go at it, with South African College High School (SACS), Bishops Diocesan College, Wynberg Boys’ High, and Rondebosch Boys’ High taking to the turf to battle for supremacy.

Rondebosch takes a short trip to face Bishops on the Woodlands Astroturf at 18:30. An hour later, Wynberg hosts SACS.

Catch all the action LIVE on SuperSport Schools.

Bish/Bosch Derby

The clash between Bishops and Rondebosch Boys’ High, commonly known as the Bish/Bosch derby, has the potential to be a humdinger.

Bishops are, undeniably, the favourites, while Rondebosch might be a little underdone, which is unfortunate, because there have been signs of significant progress in a season that has become somewhat stop/start for coach Waseem Domingo‘s side.

Bishops, under Ryan Julius, have enjoyed a strong season and they remain undefeated in the Western Cape. A solid defence has underpinned their campaign. The creation of goal scoring opportunities has not been in short supply either, but they’ll be keen to improve their finishing rate.

In their biggest challenge of the season thus far, against SACS, the teams shared a 1-1 stalemate. Bishops would probably feel they should’ve won it, based on the opportunities they created.

Their recent form has been consistent and impressive. In their past three matches, they’ve scored 17 goals and conceded only one, beating Stellenberg High 6-1, Paarl Boys High 6-0, and Fairmont High School 5-0.

Bishops will, however, be without their coach for Friday’s showdown. Julius is on national duty for South Africa and is set to play in the second edition of the FIH Hockey Nations Cup in Poland.

They will, as usual, though, turn to their core performers, who include James Grieve, Joshua Mettler, and captain Robert Veldtman, to steer their merry ship.

Rondebosch began their league season on a massive high, defeating Paul Roos Gimnasium 1-0. However, the last time they played a full match was three weeks ago, when they delivered a spirited performance in a 2-2 draw with Paarl Gimnasium.

Since then, unfortunately, their two most recent fixtures, against Curro Durbanville and Paarl Boys’ High, were called off.

Key players to look out for in the ‘Bosch side include their skipper Hilton Lima, Noah Heath, and Jamie Hundermark.

Wynberg vs SACS

Wynberg Boys’ High hosts a dangerous SACS’ side after being handed a heavy defeat last time out against Paul Roos Gimnasium.

Ben Wiley‘s boys made the trip to Stellenbosch hoping to cause an upset, but PRG was dialled in and ruthless from the first whistle to the last, powering their way to a 7-1 victory.

There’s no let-up for Wynberg against SACS, who have made a strong case for being the number one team in South Africa again.

Under the guidance of Sam Holmes, SACS has been in superb form, losing only once all season. That defeat, 5-6 on penalties, came at the hands of Paul Roos in the final of the Hibbert Shield in Gqeberha at the beginning of May.

Since then, they’ve been dominant, outplaying PRG 6-2 in their derby meeting, following the Hibbert Shield, smashing Stellenberg High 11-1, and blanking DF Malan 8-0.

SACS should feel confident ahead of the clash, remembering how they romped to an 11-1 win in 2023. The lineups, though, have changed considerably, so it’s a blank slate for both teams.

If SACS is successful on Friday, Litha Kraai, Reece Theunis, Cohen Williams, and skipper Stéphan Meyer will surely have plenty to do with it. They’re a deep, well-drilled unit, which has remained largely intact after an outstanding u16 season together in 2023, and the threats come from all angles.

For Wynberg, their focus will be about defensive composure, absorbing SACS’ best shots, and bouncing back. Dayle Gertson, Zachary Gibbon, Ethan Lee, and Jordan Paulsen are quality players, but they will need to be on their games if they’re to challenge SACS.

TEAMS
(updates will be made if there are changes)

Bishops Diocesan College: Mu’aath Ganief (GK), Adam Diggle, Thomas Malan, Albert Steyn, Carl Van Wyngaarden, Robert Veldtman (Capt), Andrew Betty, James Grieve (Vice-capt), Thomas Ludlam, Joshua Mettler, Andrew Raubenheimer (Vice-Capt), Christopher Gray, David Handley, Harry Morgan, Bryn Parry

Rondebosch Boys’ High: Marley Musasa (GK), Thomas Gordon, ⁠Joshua Beattie, ⁠Hilton Lima (c), ⁠Nathan Ball, ⁠Noah Heath, ⁠Raeeq Daniels, ⁠Daniel Powell, Anam Nkohla, Jamie Hundermark, Martin Barnard, Cade Miller, Jasper Southwood, Imaad Martin, Oliver Roach.

Wynberg Boys’ High: Zach Raizenberg, Dayle Gertson, Daniel Rightford, Liam Kleintjies, Caleb Schilder, Jonty Albrecht, Jordan Paulsen, Ethan Lee, Seth Trantraal, James Burger, Dayyaan Brown, Ethan Daniels, Zach Alexander, Beni Hansen.

SACS: Noah Venter (GK), Jo le Roux, Aiden Hughes, Dave Versfeld, Nick Paxton, Kevin Oosthuizen, Stéphan Meyer (c), Zac Redfern, Litha Kraai, Reece Theunis, Cohen Williams, Regan Wille, Cole Allam, Matthew Jones, Mike Mthunzi, Matthew Lassen, Connor van der Schuyff.

Western Cape fixtures:

Friday, 31 May 2024:

17:30- Fairmont High vs Curro Durbanville
18:30- Bishops Diocesan College vs Rondebosch Boys High
18:45- DF Malan vs Stellenberg High
19:00- Brackenfell High vs Fish Hoek
19:30- Wynberg Boys High vs SACS

Saturday, 1 June 2024:

10:00- Langa Hockey Club vs Westerford High

 

Die Vrystaatse o.18-rugbyspan se hele beginspan vir die Stadio Cravenweek vir hoërskole kom vanjaar uit Grey-kollege. In totaal het die rugbyfabriek 19 spelers in die voorlopige groep van 24 spelers waarop die keurders besluit het.

Die Cravenweek vind vanjaar op die Ras van Rooyen-veld van Monument in Krugersdorp plaas. Die Vrystaters kom Saterdag in hul eerste losmaker teen die Griffons se Akademie-span in Bloemfontein te staan. Die Blikore kom in hul eerste kragmeting van die Cravenweek vanjaar teen die Perses se uitsoekspan te staan.

Die binnesenter, Pieter van der Merwe, asook die losskakel, Alzeadon Felix, is die enigste twee spelers wat verlede jaar ook vir die Vrystaat op die toernooi in George in aksie was.

Van der Merwe het verlede jaar die SA Skole A-span gehaal en sal sonder twyfel sy oog op ‘n SA Skole-baadjie hê.

Daar kan ook vanjaar geskiedenis gemaak word met Burgersdorp se Abcotile Pate wat in die span is. Hy sal die eerste speler wees wat buite die Vrystaatse provinsie skoolgaan sedert die ontstaan van die Cravenweek in 1964 om die Vrystaat te verteenwoordig.

Burgersdorp vanuit die Oos-Kaap neem van vanjaar af vir die eerste keer in die Vrystaatse liga deel.

Die Vrystaters word deur Bobby Joubert (Grey College) afgerig, met Corné Erasmus (Jim Fouché) en Moekoa Bolofo (Louis Botha) as sy hulpafrigters. Voughan Casling (Grey College) is die spanbestuurder.

Die spanne is: 

Craven Week: 15 Donelle Hendricks (Grey College), 14 Pretorius Ekeji (Grey College), 13 Ethan Adams (Grey College), 12 Pieter van der Merwe (Grey College), 11 Siyabonga Kenny (Grey College), 10 Alzeadon Felix (Grey College), 9 Philip McLaren (Grey College), 8 Liam Santos (Grey College), 7 Julian Cosmo (Grey College), 6 Xander Smit (Grey College), 5 AJ Meyer (Grey College), 4 Heinrich Theron (Grey College), 3 Danie Kruger (Grey College), 2 Liam van Wyk (Grey College), 1 Dian Venter (Grey College). Plaasvervangers: 16 Emile McGeer (Grey College), 17 Tserilitso Shongwe (Louis Botha), 18 Kutlwano Tukulu (Louis Botha), 19 Buko Mlali (Fichardtpark), 20 Kwanda Tokwe (Louis Botha), 21 Sherwin Buys (Grey College), 22 Toriq Schambreel (Grey College), 23 Abcobile Pate (Burgersdorp), 24 Theko Montjane (Grey College).

19 Grey College | 3 Louis Botha | 1 Fichardtpark | 1 Burgersdorp

Academy Week: 15 Heinz Stockenström (Grey College), 14 Phiwe Mkunjane (Louis Botha), 13 Thristan Maree (Grey College), 12 Junior Titoti (Fichardtpark), 11 Ruben Cilliers (Grey College), 10 Okuhle Dyani (Burgersdorp), 9 Bernard Wessels (Grey College), 8 Marcel Coetzee (Grey College), 7 David du Toit (Grey College), 6 Lisakanya Taba (Burgersdorp), 5 Peter Tembo (Fichardtpark), 4 Renier Grobler (Grey College), 3 Marinus Oosthuizen (Grey College), 2 MJ Hattingh (Fichardtpark), 1 Zaine van Zyl (Fichardtpark). Plaasvervangers: 16 Itumeleng Mokhati (Jim Fouché), 17 Hloni Mkhwane (St Andrews), 18 Molaoa Oregolele (Louis Botha), 19 Temba Nomganga (Louis Botha), 20 Mokoena Rapeo (Louis Botha), 21 Pule Motsilili (Fichardtpark), 22 Jan-Hendrik van der Linden (Grey College), 23 Rorisang Masoeu (Grey College).

10 Grey College | 5 Fichardtpark | 4 Louis Botha | 2 Burgersdorp | 1 Jim Fouché | 1 St Andrews

Rhino Week: 15 Bendré Vermaak (Jim Fouché), 14 Jannie de Waal (Landboudal), 13 Darius Erwee (Grey College), 12 Hanro Marais (Jim Fouché), 11 Benjamin van der Berg (Grey College), 10 Breyton de Wee (Jim Fouché), 9 Hanru Hugo (Landboudal), 8 Franco Oberholzer (Jim Fouché), 7 Adem Nieuwoudt (Grey College), 6 Tian Fourie (Grey College), 5 Claude Steyn (Grey College), 4 Qian Moller (Jim Fouché), 3 Regard Scheepers (Landboudal), 2 Luan Booysen (Landboudal), 1 David Hayidakis (Grey College). Plaasvervangers: 16 Marno Smit (Fichardtpark), 17 Henco Diederichs (Grey College), 18 JG Badenhorst (Grey College), 19 JC van Niekerk (Jim Fouché), 20 Chris Strauss (Landboudal), 21 Duard Bester (Jim Fouché), 22 SJ Coetzee (Sentraal), 23 Adrian de Necker (Jim Fouché), 24 Simeon de Klerk (Landboudal), 25 Clement van Tonder (Grey College).

Vrystaat Arende: 15 Marius Etzebeth (Landboudal), 14 Devan Maartens (Fichardtpark), 13 Sinethemba Mkolambi (Burgersdorp), 12 Riaan Benadé (Grey College), 11 Ayanda Qinisa (Fichardtpark), 10 Henco Truter (Landboudal), 9 Hendrik Jonker (Sentraal), 8 Juhan van der Westhuizen (Landboudal), 7 JW Stone (Jim Fouché), 6 Neo Mothibidi (Louis Botha), 5 Mogomotsi Mokonyane (Louis Botha), 4 Francke Fourie (Landboudal), 3 Nathan Swanepoel (Fichardtpark), 2 Marnus Earle (Sentraal), 1 SW van der Merwe (Jim Fouché). Plaasvervangers: 16 JT Laney (Grey College), 17 Daniel Tjimbundi (Louis Botha), 18 Wianco Ludike (Landboudal), 19 Christiaan Oosthuizen (Burgersdorp), 20 Jaco Venter (Landboudal), 21 Craven Crause (Landboudal), 22 Divan Vorster (Landboudal), 23 Divan Roux (Grey College), 24 Steven Smith (Sentraal).

A Tuesday night meeting of the Clifton College and Durban High School (DHS) 1^st XIs appeared, on paper, to be a routine kind of fixture. With seven players in the KZN Coastal u18A side, including their captain Lethabo Bogacwi, who made SA Schools last year, and Lumi Matwele, who made the SA u17 side, expectations were that DHS would roll to a comfortable victory. But that’s not what happened.

Clifton, for the record, doesn’t have any players in the Coastal u18A or u18B teams, although, with only four grade 12 boys in their squad, their provincial reps are to be found at the u16 level. Still, it was a tough task that awaited coach Calvin Price‘s charges at the Riverside Sports Club, under lights.

In the first half, DHS edged the possession stakes, but they didn’t do much to challenge Clifton in the final third of the field. The home side kept their defensive structure and also put in sure tackles to blunt the DHS danger.

An injury to Lumi Matwele didn’t help DHS, but Clifton had done a good job of managing him before he left the field with an ankle injury. Afterwards, he said he expected to be able to face Michaelhouse on Saturday.

Meanwhile, Clifton counterattacked at pace – they have some exciting and confident ball-carriers – and they moved the ball swiftly up the field, winning the first two penalty corners of the contest, while creating some other fair chances.

At halftime, though, the sides were level at 0-0.

With four minutes left in the third chukka, Clifton won a penalty corner. As they were about to take it, the floodlights went out. It was, possibly, an issue with a timer. It took about 15 minutes to restore them.

From the PC, Ryde Brisset was just wide of the right-hand post. It was a close escape for DHS, but the break had done them good. Their intensity had increased. Playing with a sense of urgency, they took the game to Clifton.

Early in the fourth chukka, they laid siege to the Clifton goalbox, but goalkeeper Georg Wolhuter stood tall, pulling off two fine stops in quick succession, before, with help from his defenders, eventually clearing the danger. Wolhuter was outstanding throughout, commanding his area well and making sound decisions.

Still, the Horseflies kept setting the pace. At the same time, there was a sense of growing confidence in the Clifton ranks that they could keep DHS at bay.

They did more than keep DHS at bay, they struck with three minutes to play, with another flowing counterattack creating an opportunity for Jason Adams, who made no mistake and buried the chance.

With time running short, DHS launched a series of attacks, but Clifton’s defence was sound. Then, just as the final whistle was about to be blown, Clifton was penalised for hitting the ball away after the whistle, and the umpire indicated a penalty corner.

The DHS players lined the edge of the circle. Out came the push, as the Clifton players on the halfway line raced back to help defend, but they weren’t needed. A low drag flick was deflected high and wide, well clear of Wolhuter’s goalbox, and the boys in black had scored an unexpected but not undeserved victory.

“I’m very chuffed,” declared Clifton’s coach Calvin Price after the game. “That’s a quality side, a very good side. Keegan [Hezlett] has done exceptionally well with them.

He continued: “That’s the character that I want from the start. Getting a victory against a quality side like that, I couldn’t be happier for the boys. It’s all [because of] them. Very chuffed.”

Price said Clifton’s defensive discipline had paid off: “We tried something with our press, and I think we did exceptionally well. It worked out. Patience! And very solid tackling.”

Commenting on the game, his DHS counterpart Keegan Hezlett said: “Credit to Clifton. They defended really well. I think their goalkeeper had an exceptional game, and they were a threat on the counterattack. They also had their chances.”

The way Clifton approached the game was not unexpected, he said, but DHS were not at their best in the first half.

““I think we were poor at using the outside areas, and the T-point zones in the D. We tried to force a lot of ball down the middle of the park and, even if you get past one guy, the next guy picks up the scraps, or gets a touch and the next defender picks it up,” Hezlett said.

“After the little break in the third quarter, I think we were very good for the last part of the game. We used those outside areas, and we moved the ball, and then when you are pushing so hard for a goal, you leave yourself vulnerable to the counterattack.”

POTCHEFSTROOM – Potchefstroom Volkskool het daarin geslaag om Merensky in hul spore te stuit.

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

Die Potchefstromers het vergoed vir hul nederlaag teen Potchefstroom Gimnasium verlede week, met ‘n naelskraapse oorwinning van 24-22 oor een van die gunstelinge in SDC Noordvaal Cup se Bowl-afdeling, Merensky Landbou Akademie.

Volkies se sege het nié alleen hul kanse om die afdeling se uitspeelrondes te haal lewendig gehou nie, maar ook die res van die wedloop in die Bowl-afdeling wawyd oopgeblaas.

Die Potchefstromers het hul tuisvoordeel ten volle benut om te kapitaliseer daarop dat die Brahmane van Tzaneen vir die tweede agtereenvolgende week ver moes reis.

Volkies se beweeglike pak, met die lostrio bestaande uit Dewald Groenewald, Christoff Nel en Henre Nel, aan die spits, het gewoeker in die los én vastelos.

Christoff Nel, wat reeds sy hand die week vantevore teen die Gimmies opgesteek het, was nogmaals uitstaande. Sy hoë werkverrigting en energieke lopies met die bal het sy span deurgaans op die voorvoet geplaas en ook aan hom ‘n tweekuns besorg.

Losskakel, Johandré Maree, se korrelwerk pale toe was uit die boonste rakke. Maree het ál drie sy span se drieë verdoel en ook met ‘n strafdoel geslaag.

Sy Merensky-eweknie, Byron Hendricks, het egter gewys hoekom die Limpopo Blou Bulle-keurders weer hul vertroue in hom gestel het as losskakel van die Cravenweekspan. Hendricks se vermoë om spel te lees en dikteer laat dit altyd lyk asof hy oor hope tyd op die bal beskik.

Dit stel ook sy vlugvoetige binnesenter, Maritz Meintjies, in staat om bal op die voorvoet te ontvang, en die Volkies moes dikwels bontstaan wanneer Meintjies op loop gesit het.

In Centurion het Hoërskool Eldoraigne se Drake daarin geslaag om hul derde sege vanjaar te behaal. Die Drake moes nietemin hard spook teen ‘n begeesterde Hoërskool Randburg om met telling van 23-17 as oorwinnaars uit die stryd te tree.

Die besoekers se pak was uiters fisiek, en het die Eldos se pak onder taamlike druk geplaas in die eerste helfte. Met ‘n rustydagterstand van 9-14 wat hulle in die gesig gestaar het, het die tuisspan se skakelpaar, bestaande uit JP Meyer en Darren Bruwer, besluit om die besoekers met taktiese skopwerk te laat omdraai en in hul gebied vas te pen.

Oopkantflank, Cameron Killian, het ook meer prominent in die vastelos begin vertoon en dikwels, soos ‘n wafferse Heinrich Brüssow van ouds, omgekeerde balbesit begin bewerkstellig om die momentum in die Drake se guns te help swaai.

Potchefstroom Gimnasium het na nóg ‘n dominante vertoning koning gekraai teen Hoërskool Piet Retief in Potchefstroom.

Die tuisspan het van meet af die toon aangegee voorlangs, wat aan die agterlyn meer as genoeg geleenthede gegee het om die bal lug te gee. Gimmies se Cravenweek-vleuel, David Ndlala, het die situasie, en spasie, uitgebuit om twee keer agter die besoekers se doellyn te gaan kuier.

Hoërskool Dr. Malan het na ‘n rotsvaste vertoning op verdediging daarin geslaag om die besoekers van Brits, Hoërskool Wagpos, met 19-0 te verslaan.

Puntemakers: 

Potchefstroom Volkskool 24 (10) – Drieë: Christoff Nel (2), Juhan Geldenhuys. Doelskoppe: Johandré Maree (3). Strafdoel: Maree. Merensky 22 (8) – Drieë: Ethan Maritz, Heinrich Lubbe, Maritz Meintjies. Doelskoppe: Byron Hendricks (2). Strafdoel: Hendricks.

Eldoraigne 23 (9) – Drieë: Darren Bruwer, Tristan Lee. Doelskoppe: JP Meyer (2). Strafdoele: Meyer (3). Randburg 17 (14) – Drieë: Herman Goosen, Duncan Beavan. Doelskoppe: Hendri Oosthuizen (2). Strafdoel: Oosthuizen.

Potchefstroom Gimnasium 41 (17) – Drieë: David Ndlala (2), Elrich Bosch, Jaco Nel, Toks Gerber, Jhanco de Beer, Louerens Jacobs. Doelskoppe: Jhanco de Beer (3). Piet Retief 24 (3) – Drieë: Siphosethu Sibisi, Vuyani Tshabalala, Langelihle Ntuli. Doelskoppe: Owethu Tshabalala (3). Strafdoel: Tshabalala.

Dr. Malan 19 – Drieë: Willem Taylor, Luka Pretorius, Anthony Botes. Doelskoppe: Luka Pretorius (2). Wagpos 0.

Ander spanne: 

o.16: Potchefstroom Volkskool 32, Merensky 18; Randburg 36, Eldoraigne 12; Potchefstroom Gimnasium 33, Piet Retief 19; Wagpos 52, Dr. Malan 7.

o.15: Merensky 15, Potchefstroom Volkskool 8; Eldoraigne 26, Randburg 0; Piet Retief 55, Potchefstroom Gimnasium 5; Dr. Malan 14, Wagpos 3.

o.14: Potchefstroom Volkskool 20, Merensky 12; Eldoraigne 8, Randburg 5; Piet Retief 21, Potchefstroom Gimnasium 14; Dr. Malan 17, Wagpos 5.

League contenders Kaizer Chiefs, in second, and TS Galaxy, in fifth, dropped points over the weekend, which allowed Mamelodi Sundowns to widen the gap at the top of the standings in the under-19 division of the Gauteng Development League (GDL).

Chiefs hosted league newbies East Rand Athletic Club at Naturena on Saturday. They needed a victory to close the gap on ‘Downs, a team that remains unbeaten in the division.

Instead, the Soweto giants had to settle for a 1-1 draw, losing two vital points in their challenge for league honours.

At George Lea Park, TS Galaxy hosted Remember Elite Sports Academy (RESA) in a highly anticipated matchup. The contest might have ended in a 2-2 draw, but it certainly did not disappoint as the players from both outfits put their bodies on the line during the clash.

Sometimes, they put too much into it, which led to the referee sending off Thembinkosi Mlangeni in the second half following a bad tackle. He also showed yellow cards to Tumelo Miya, Thapelo Bukhali and Hlafelo Nkosi.

Completing the top five in the standings are the “Lions of the North“, Highlands Park, who lie third, while SuperSport United occupies fourth place.

Highlands Park welcomed coach Tebello Kheswa‘s NWU Vaal FC to Balfour Park and emerged victorious, claiming a 1-0 win, to continue a sparkling turnaround after a slow start to the season for the defending champions.

SuperSport United, meanwhile, had a doubleheader on the weekend, taking on Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sports School (RSMSS) on Saturday and Jomo Cosmos on Sunday.

Goals from Tumelo Machete, Tshepo Mahlatsi and the reliable Manelisi Mazibuko saw SuperSport beat Rosina 3-0 before sharing a draw with Cosmos on Sunday.

While three of the other top five teams dropped points, coach Surprise Moriri’s ‘Downs continued on their clinical way. Despite playing at Joburg City, they struck three times in the first half.

Chuene Moabelo successfully converted from the penalty spot while further goals from Matlhogonolo and Ntokozo Siquba saw the Brazilians finish the first half 3-1 in front.

An assist from Molemo Seemela in the second half was met with precision by Bennet Mokoena to see ‘Downs record a 4-2 victory, their 13th of an unbeaten season.

In other games, Sevens Academy drew 2-2 against the struggling School of Excellence on Sunday.

Tuks lost 0-1 at home to Randburg AFC, while Panorama FC sank Wits Junior to the bottom of the log with a 3-1 defeat.

Kathorus Hyper Academy beat Jomo Cosmos 2-0 to conclude the 14th round of league action.

The KwaZulu Natal Inland girls’ u18 team heads to the 2024 edition of the annual SASHOC Inter Provincial Tournament, which takes place in Bloemfontein from 16-21 June, intent on improving on their 2023 campaign, which saw them losing in the semi-finals against Boland, following an outstanding showing in the preliminary rounds.

They finished third in the end, but Inland led the way in the final third, proving themselves to be the most clinical outfit in the tournament, while also scoring more goals than any other team.

Their attack was headed by Emily Watson, who found the back of the net five times. She was tied with Taheera Augousti, Emily Macquet, and Gabriella Tait as the leading scorers of the tournament.

Of the 15 goals scored by the KZN Inland team, 13 came in the pool stage, where they won three, lost one, and drew one, on their way to topping Pool B.

This year’s team will not have Wilson’s services. She matriculated last year. However, they still have her erstwhile strike partner, Ella Shuttleworth. The St Anne’s learner found the back of the net four times in 2023.

The 17-year-old is not the only experienced member of this year’s squad. Amy Fletcher and Rebecca Macquet, who each scored once last year, are back in the side, too.

“The selection process for the Inland team was both lengthy and challenging with the amount of talent,” Morne Odendaal, the KZN Inland u18 head coach, said.

“Most players have been a part of the setup for the last couple of years. There are a few players who are unfortunate not to be in the A team but will play a significant role in the B team,” he added.

Odendaal takes over the coaching reins from Mathew Binnington. The St Anne’s head coach is aiming to build on the foundation laid by Binnington and has high ambitions for his side. He has also recruited some of the best brains in schoolgirls’ hockey to help him realise his vision.

His assistant coach is Gyster van Schalkwyk, the Oranje Meisies’ first team coach, and the team’s technical analyst is Brad Brook, Menlopark‘s Director of Hockey.

“Gyster will be focusing on our attacking play and counterattacks, while Brad will be responsible for our defensive structure and counter cover,” Odendaal explained.

KZN Inland’s logistics will be handled by Lelo Ntombela, the Cowan House Head of Sport, who is in the set-up as the team manager.

When asked about their brand of play, Odendaal said his charges would be adopting a value and principle-based coaching approach. “We aim for our players to be comfortable on the ball and confident in their actions,” he explained.

“We are focusing on seamless combinations within the team. You can expect a lot of grit at the back, seamless movement in the middle, and X-factor upfront,” he said.

U18 KZN Inland Squad: Amy Fletcher (Epworth), Ella Shuttleworth (St Anne’s), Emily Wilson (The Wykeham College – TWC), Erynne Marais (TWC), Genevieve McDonald (St John’s), Jade Kelly (St Anne’s), Jasmine Kelly (St Anne’s), Juliette Maskell (St Anne’s), Kgabiso Morafo (St Anne’s), Lamia Amod (St John’s), Leboga Molale (GHS), Lebone Sibiya (St Anne’s), Nyanyiso Khoza (GHS), Rebecca Macquet (St John’s), Shanaé Ogilvie (GHS), Siyamthanda Majikijela (GHS).

Bowden’s delivered another delicious serving of running rugby on Saturday as Westville Boys’ High staged a huge fightback to overcome a 15-point deficit and, eventually, win by 14 against Hilton College.

The visitors enjoyed success with their hit-it-up approach in the first half, with their forwards denting and driving the Westville defence backwards.

It brought them a 23-8 advantage, with Josh Grant and Xander Vorster going over for tries, while Xola Bakana punished the Griffin for their missteps, kicking confidently off the tee.

However, a long-range strike from Westville fullback Zekhethelo Siyaya in the 19^th minute sounded a warning to the visitors.

Right on halftime, Siyaya, again, was over for five, dotting down beneath the uprights to bring Westville to within eight at the break, trailing 15-23.

A smoothly executed lineout variation saw captain Chris Cloete hare his way down the left touchline to score in the corner five minutes into the second stanza, and the comeback was on.

In the 46^th minute, the teams were all square at 23-23. Soon after that, when a maul splintered, Jeshua Ferreira broke away and crashed over to give the home side their first lead of the game, and a conversion from the trusty boot of Unathi Mlotshwa took Westville seven points clear.

Hilton flyhalf Xola Bakana pulled three points back with drop goal, but Jabz Zulu‘s charges finished strongly to secure an impressive victory.

Jade-Will Koopman, out on the right wing, set up another try for the Griffin with some stunningly inventive play. It appeared as if he was boxed in on the right flank, but some sharp stepping and a 360-degree spin opened up space on the inside. With a long pass out to the left, he created a four-on-one overlap. One more pass and centre Michael Satade was over for a fantastic five.

A late penalty by Mlotshwa brought the scoring to an end as Westville’s strong momentum and exhilarating play delivered another win.

At Northwood, the hosts gave their old boys a much-enjoyed gift for their Old Boys’ Weekend with a tightly contested victory over Maritzburg College.

College got onto the scoreboard first, when James Slevin landed a penalty in the 22nd minute. Northwood responded with a penalty of their own right on the half-time whistle to level matters at 3-3.

The Knights took the lead early in the second half, bolstering their total by seven, but a penalty try to Maritzburg College brought the score to 10-10 with 20 minutes to play.

Late in the half, Northwood edged in front with another penalty. Then, a try right at the end sealed a 20-10 triumph for the hosts.

Kearsney College won on Dixon’s for the first time since 2013, when they held off Glenwood for a 25-22 victory.

Despite wet conditions, both teams showed a willingness to run the ball, but it was the visitors who settled down first, building up a 17-0 lead through a penalty from Cameron Veenstra and converted tries from Valentino Lenge and Connor McIntyre.

Lenge’s effort, when he cut back with perfect timing against the cover defence, was memorable as acres of space opened up and he sprinted clear to score.

Glenwood found a response just before half-time, with the forwards forcing their way over after camping on the Kearsney try line.

A penalty by Juan Viljoen took Glenwood to within seven points, but another Veenstra penalty took Kearsney up to 20 points.

A well-executed move from a five-metre penalty then put Glenwood in for another five points, and Viljoen’s conversion made it 20-17 in favour of the One-Stripe. But the gap was soon up to eight points as Kearsney created an overlap on the right and Qhamani Mlalandle burst over for five.

The Green Machine, with a sharp blindside move, made it a three-point game once more, but Kearsney held on for the victory.

It hasn’t been a vintage season for the boys from Botha’s Hill, but the record books will show that in 2024 they beat both Maritzburg College and Glenwood, and that is something worth celebrating.

SCORES

Westville Boys’ High 40 (15) – Tries: Zekhethelo Siyaya (2), Chris Cloete, Jeshua Ferreira, Michael Satade; Conversions: Unathi Mlotshwa (3); Penalties: Unathi Mlotshwa (3); Hilton College 26 (23) – Tries: Josh Grant, Xander Vorster; Conversions: Xola Bakana (2); Penalties: Xola Bakana (4).

Northwood 20 (3); Maritzburg College 10 (3)

Glenwood 22 (7); Kearsney College 25 (17)

Alakhe Mdluli, the captain of Glenwood High School delivered an outstanding performance in the KZN High Schools Football League’s Coastal Championship final at Queensburgh High School, to guide his team to a 1-0 victory over Westville Boy’s High School on Monday.

Mdluli’s remarkable display earned him a well-deserved man of the match award.

Not only did he contribute an assist for the winning goal, but he also posed a constant threat to Westville’s defence throughout the game.

It was also a second league title in succession for Glenwood and Mdluli, who was part of the team that won the league title in 2023.

During a post-game interview with SuperSport Schools, Mdluli deflected from his outstanding display, saying: “I am truly thankful to the Almighty for giving me the talent and ability to play this sport.”

Mdluli, who was in grade nine when he first represented Eswatini at u20 level, said the game was enjoyable but challenging, especially when Glenwood had to safeguard their advantage. Leading by example, he skilfully managed his offensive and defensive responsibilities.

Glenwood coach Khaya Mgwengwe provided his skipper with extra motivation when he pointed out to him that it would be his last time ever playing in the second term Coastal League. “I hard to put in a shift today,” Mdluli said.

Mateo Horstead, the former captain of Maritzburg College, who led the 2023 College team to a historic treble, graced the occasion with his presence. Currently, the midfield ace is showcasing his skills as a player for the u19 AmaZulu FC alongside Mdluli.

Commenting on the Durban club, Mdluli said: “Playing for AmaZulu, it’s challenging. We’re learning a lot. The league is finished, and we finished second on the log.”