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Nog nét een oorwinning.

Dit is al wat Ligbron Akademie nodig het om sy plek in die halfeindrondes van die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Plaat-afdeling te bespreek.

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

Die span van Ermelo beklee tans die vierde plek, met 22 ligapunte, twee punte voor Hoërskool Oos-Moot (20) in die vyfde plek.

Die Liggies, wat ietwat van ‘n wipplankseisoen beleef het, kom Donderdagmiddag teen Hoërskool Zwartkop in Centurion te staan – ‘n moeilike uitdaging aangesien dit die Zwarries se laaste wedstryd vir die seisoen, en boonop tuis, is. Daarbenewens verwelkom die Woeries van hul staatmakers terug van besering.

Die ywerige steelkantflank, Leonard Lotriet, keer terug, met die harde Logan Knott wat terugskuif van flank na sy gunstelingposisie op slot om die Zwarrie-skrum te versterk. Agterlangs draf Andre Marx op regtervleuel uit in die plek van Luan Isaacs.

Die Liggies pak die tog aan met ‘n onveranderde span. Die gevaarlike duo van Anele Ngwenya (heelagter) en Neo Zwane (regtervleuel) sal dus weer in Centurion in aksie sal wees om die Zwarries met hul venynige teenvalle te teister.

Hoërskool Oos-Moot moet sy kragmeting met Hoërskool Kempton Park Donderdagmiddag in Kempton Park wen en hoop dat die Zwarries hom ‘n guns in Centurion bewys. Indien dit die geval is, sal die span van die Moot na die halfeindronde deurdring.

Dit sal egter ook nie maklik wees om in Kempton Park te seëvier nie. Soos Hoërskool Montana vroeër vandeesweek weer gewys het, speel tuisveldvoordeel, asook die emosie van ‘n laaste wedstryd vir die seisoen, ‘n reuse rol. Boonop is die span van Pretoria dikwels deur die beseringspook geteister.

Na ‘n paar taktiese skuiwe het hulle egter hul ritme herwin en bly die Oosies steeds ‘n gedugte span. Dewron Aford, wat die nr. 15-trui vir 10 verruil het, se spelpeil het sedertdien opgetel, terwyl Ruwan Allen, wat truie met Aford geruil het, self gevaarliker lyk op heelagter.

Voorlangs het flank en kaptein, Wade Williams, sy beste vorm herwin en sy aanvalsvernuf komplementeer die fisieke teenwoordigheid van agsteman, Deon Badenhorst.

Die Kempies se agsteman, Preston Smith, staan egter nie ‘n duit terug nie en beskik, nes Williams, oor die nodige ervaring ná ‘n tweede seisoen op eerstespanvlak. Hy sal brand om sy skoolloopbaan vir die Kempies op ‘n hoë noot af te sluit.

Die besoekers sal uiters gedissiplineerde spel moet lewer met Kempton-senter, Tiaan Delport, se visier wat heel seisoen reg ingestel is. Delport kan enige oortreding in die opposisie se halfgebied in punte omskep.

Die spanne:

Donderdag: 

Zwartkop t. Ligbron Akademie om 16:30 in Centurion

Zwartkop: 15 Justin Julies, 14 Andre Marx, 13 Milton Naudé, 12 Luan Williams, 11 Zulu Mona, 10 Luhardt Booyens, 9 Kyle Koopman, 8 Brian Smith, 7 Leonard Lotriet, 6 Adriaan Janse van Vuuren, 5 Logan Knott, 4 Abri Visser, 3 Brogan Ackerman, 2 Migael Lindeque, 1 Julian Lubbe.

Ligbron Akademie: 15 Anele Ngwenya, 14 Neo Zwane, 13 Siyanda Dennison, 12 Lethi Ngwenya, 11 Bandile Thanjekwayo, 10 Divan van Jaarsveld, 9 Renier van Staden, 8 Janco Claasen, 7 Jurgens Bezuidenhout, 6 Lusanda Nkosi, 5 Jaco van Wyk, 4 Tiaan Botha, 3 Devan Scheepers, 2 Marnus Marx, 1 Sabelo Nhlapo.

Hoërskool Kempton Park t. Oos-Moot om 17:50 in Kempton Park

Kempton Park: 15 Stian de Villiers, 14 Christiaan Kloppers, 13 Tian Aucamp, 12 Tiaan Delport, 11 Ettienne Stroebel, 10 Marko Opperman, 9 Ryan Smith, 8 Preston Smith, 7 Eric Steele, 6 JP Barnard, 5 Luan Schreuder, 4 Louis Mouton, 3 Zander Luckay, 2 Deon Mulligan, 1 JP Coetzee.

Oos-Moot: 15 Ruwan Allen, 14 Drew Williams, 13 Ivan van Wyk, 12 Jeandre Venter, 11 Tapiwa Rwafa, 10 Dewron Aford, 9 David Joubert, 8 Deon Badenhorst, 7 Wade Williams, 6 Bertus van Dyk, 5 Jaydon Botha, 4 Connor de Jager, 3 Christian Smith, 2 Brydon Jordaan, 1 Mike Notnagel.

With the 15-man rugby season in KwaZulu-Natal now completed, the Sevens scene in the province hots up this weekend at the Glenwood Sevens.

Glenwood, Northwood, Durban High School (DHS), Vryheid Landbou, Pinetown Boys’ High and Maritzburg College will all be in action for a first time in 2024 in the u17 competition.

They’ll be joined by Clifton College, Kearsney College, Hilton College, St Charles College, Westville Boys’ High and Michaelhouse, who were part of the Saints Sevens last weekend.

At the Pietermaritzburg event, Westville came from behind to beat St Charles in the final. That made them back-to-back winners after they defeated Michaelhouse in the Clifton Sevens’ final on 21 July.

Westville featured an u17 team at both events, so they’ll be a settled unit ahead of Saturday’s competition. Some of the other sides played their u18 teams in the previous two events, so their makeup will change, which will make the competition less predictable.

Then, speaking of unpredictability, one has to factor in the schools playing a tournament for the first time this year. Among the first timers on Saturday are a number of schools that enjoyed impressive seasons, including DHS and Northwood, who produced the top two 1st XVs in KZN.

Last season, DHS took the title, edging out Westville 21-19 in the final.

Sixteen teams will contest the u17 tournament, while 12 will battle it out in the u15 age category.

Last weekend, Michaelhouse won the Saints Sevens, beating Westville in the final, while Clifton surprised some and narrowly missed out on the title-decider on points’ difference.

The additions of Glenwood, DHS, Northwood, Maritzburg College and Esikhawini should certainly spice up the u15 competition.

Westville won the u15 Glenwood Sevens title last year, outplaying DHS 31-12 in the final.

You can catch the action in person or tune in on DStv Channel 216 or watch online on SuperSport Schools.

U17 POOLS

Pool A: Glenwood, Clifton, Kearsney, Hilton 2
Pool B: Northwood, Hilton, Westville, Kearsney 2
Pool C: DHS, Vryheid Landbou, St Charles, Michaelhouse 2
Pool D: Maritzburg College, Pinetown, Michaelhouse, Northwood 2

FIXTURES

Pitch One

08:30 – Glenwood vs Clifton
08:50 – Kearsney vs Hilton 2
09:10 – DHS vs Vryheid Landbou
09:30 – St Charles vs Michaelhouse 2

10:00 – Northwood vs Kearsney 2
10:20 – Westville vs Hilton College
10:40 – Maritzburg College vs Northwood 2
11:00 – Michaelhouse vs Pinetown Boys’ High

11:30 – Glenwood vs Kearsney
11:50 – Vryheid Landbou vs Michaelhouse 2
12:10 – Clifton vs Hilton 2
12:30 – DHS vs St Charles

Semi-finals

13:30 – A4 vs B4 (Shield semi-final)
13:50 – A3 vs B3 (Bowl semi-final)
14:10 – A2 vs B2 (Plate semi-final)
14:30 – A1 vs B1 (Cup semi-final)
14:50 – C1 vs D1 (Cup semi-final)

Finals

15:10 – Winner A4 vs B4 (Shield final)
15:30 – Winner A3 vs B2 (Bowl final)
15:50 – Winner A2 vs B2 (Plate final)

16:10 – Winner CS1 vs Winner CS2 (u15 Cup final)

16:30 – Winner A1 vs B1 (Cup final)

Pitch 2

08:30 – Northwood vs Hilton
08:50 – Westville vs Kearsney
09:10 – Maritzburg College vs Pinetown
09:30 – Michaelhouse vs Northwood 2

10:00 – Glenwood vs Hilton 2
10:20 – Kearsney vs Clifton
10:40 – DHS vs Michaelhouse 2
11:00 – St Charles vs Vryheid Landbou

11:30 – Hilton vs Kearsney
11:50 – Pinetown vs Northwood
12:10 – Northwood vs Westville
12:30 – Maritzburg College vs Michaelhouse

Semi-finals

13:30 – C4 vs D4 (Shield semi-final)
13:50 – C3 vs D3 (Bowl semi-final)
14:10 – C2 vs D2 (Plate semi-final)

U15 POOLS

Pool A: Maritzburg College, Westville, Esikhawini
Pool B: Glenwood, Hilton, Clifton
Pool C: Northwood, Kearsney, Hilton 2
Pool D: DHS, Michaelhouse, St Charles

FIXTURES

Pitch 3

08:30 – Michaelhouse vs St Charles (D2 vs D3)
08:50 – Kearsney vs Hilton 2 (C2 vs D3)
09:10 – Hilton vs Clifton (B2 vs B3)
09:30 – Westville vs Esikhawini (A2 vs A3)
09:50 – Northwood vs Hilton 2 (C1 vs C3)
10:10 – DHS vs St Charles (D1 vs D3)
10:30 – Maritzburg College vs Esikhawini (A1 vs A3)
10:50 – Glenwood vs Clifton (B1 vs B3)
11:10 – DHS vs Michaelhouse (D1 vs D2)
11:30 – Northwood vs Kearsney (C1 vs C2)
11:50 – Glenwood vs Hilton (B1 vs B2)
12:10 – Maritzburg College (A1 vs A2)

13:10 – 1st A vs 2nd B (Cup quarterfinal)
13:30 – 1st B vs 2nd A (Cup quarterfinal)
13:50 – 1st C vs 2nd D (Cup quarterfinal)
14:10 – 1st D vs 2nd C (Cup quarterfinal)

Pitch 2

14:30 – 3rd A vs 3rd B
14:50 – LCQ1 vs LCQ2

Pitch 3

14:30 – 3rd C vs 3rd D
14:50 – LCQ3 vs LCQ4

Pitch 2

15:10 – W Cup Quarterfinal 1 vs W Cup Quarterfinal 2 (Cup semi-final)

Pitch 3

15:10 – W Cup Quarterfinal 3 vs W Cup Quarterfinal 4 (Cup semi-final)

Pitch 2

15:30 – Loser Bowl semi 1 vs Loser Bowl semi 2 (Shield final)
15:40 – Winner Bowl semi 1 vs Winner Bowl 2 (Bowl final)
16:10 – Winner Plate semi 1 vs Winner Plate semi 2 (Plate final)

Pitch 1

16:10 – Winner Cup semi 1 vs Winner Cup semi 2 (Cup final)

The Results | Day 1 

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In a highly anticipated first round meeting, Maritzburg College faced off against Glenwood High School in the Cowie Cup.

It’s been an outstanding season for the Green Machine, who won the KZN High Schools Football Association’s 2nd term title and recently captured the Primo Big 10 for a first time. On their way to the Primo Big 10 title, they also twice beat Maritzburg College 2-1, the first time in pool play and the second time in the semi-finals, coming from behind to win on both occasions.

Glenwood had the advantage of playing at home in their Cowie Cup showdown, but it was College who won the game, scoring a decisive 3-0 victory in Durban.

The Red, Black and White‘s reward is a second-round match against Kloof High School, who were forced into a penalty shootout with Bechet Secondary after the team’s finished regulation time at 1-1. Kloof then won it 5-4 from the spot.

The reigning champions of the Cowie Cup, Port Shepstone High School, progressed to the second round of the easy way, with a walk-over versus their opponent, Crawford La Lucia.

Port Shepstone, who will face Redwood in the second round, captured the 2023 title with a tightly contested 2-1 win over Carter High School.

That victory showed off Sheppies’ character as they rallied to record a come-from-behind victory. After conceding a goal within the first ten minutes of the match, Langa Mtshali brought the south coast side level. Then, man of the match, Sisanda Malishe, delivered a pinpoint cross from a corner, which Thamsanqa Njakazi turned into a goal with a stunning header to seal the win.

In an eye-catching result, Westville Boys’ High overran Durban High School (DHS), winning 7-2.

1st Round Results

Kloof (5) 1-1 (4) Bechet
Glenwood 0-3 Maritzburg College
Carter w/o vs Sastri
Newcastle BYE
New Forest 1-0 Queensburgh
Thomas More BYE
Durban Academy 2 -1 St Nicholas
Westville 7-2 DHS
Alexandra 3-0 Ashton Ballito
Ixopo 2-0 Hillcrest
Waterfall 0-2 Curro Salt Rock
Northwood BYE
Port Shepstone w/o vs Crawford La Lucia
ML Sultan 0-1 Redwood
Amanzimtoti BYE
Empangeni 5-0 Birdswood

2nd Round Fixtures

Kloof vs Maritzburg College
Carter vs Newcastle
New Forest vs Thomas More
Durban Academy vs Westville
Alexandra vs Ixopo
Curro Salt Rock vs Northwood
Port Shepstone vs Redwood
Amanzimtoti vs Empangeni

Just when Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sports School‘s fortunes appeared to be on the up, following a hard-fought draw at home to the table-topping and dominant Mamelodi Sundowns, things took a quick step back a week later.

Up against second placed Kaizer Chiefs at Naturena Village, coach Mpho Motala‘s side took on coach David Mathebula‘s charges and were handed a 0-2 defeat. 

A week later, Motala’s troops experienced a further dip in their fortunes, going down 1-2 to Wits Junior at Marks Park, which was only the second win of the season for the bottom-of-the-table club.

Heading into round 22 on the weekend, something had to be done in the Pretoria-based side. They needed a victory to get their campaign back on track. At times during the season, they have shown an ability to be a contender, and they needed to tap into that form.

Motala gathered his players together to prime them for the challenge of a dangerous TS Galaxy side, which has consistently featured in the top five of the league standings. Then, Rosina’s captain Neo Baloyi led the way, setting the example for his team-mates to follow.

The Pretoria team conceded a goal, but Baloyi grabbed a hattrick to guide his team to an upset victory. With the win came a three-place jump in the standings, with Rosina rising from 14th place to 11th place ahead of matchday 23.

Baloyi’s outstanding performance was highlighted by a spectacular long-range free kick, which the skipper deposited into the top right-hand corner, sending the commentators searching for superlatives and the spectators into rapturous cheers.

His other goals were also from set pieces, with one of them being a spot kick.

“We played really good opponents. They were really organised,” coach Motala told SuperSport Schools Plus after his charges’ much-needed 3-1 victory over TS Galaxy.

“But I thought we had a good plan. We held our lines defensively.

“I thought we could’ve scored a lot of goals, especially on the wings. I’m happy for the boys, they fought really hard.” he said.

RESULTS

Kathorus Hyper Academy 1-7 Kaizer Chiefs
Mamelodi Sundowns 2-0 Jomo Cosmos
Panorama FC 0-1 Highlands Park
Randburg AFC 0-1 Wits Junior
Remember Elite Sport Academy 1-1 Tuks
Rosina Sedibane Modiba Sports School 3-1 TS Galaxy
School of Excellence 3-1 SuperSport United
Sevens Academy 1-2 East Rand Athletic Club 

Die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Skild-afdeling wag steeds in spanning om te sien wie ná hierdie week se aksie die vierde posisie op die puntelys sal beklee.

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

Daar is steeds drie spanne wat die vierde posisie, en sodoende ‘n plek in die halfeindrondes, kan behaal.

Die stryd tussen Hoërskool Secunda en Heidelberg Volkskool Saterdagmiddag in Secunda is straks die belangrikste in hierdie wedloop. Die span van Mpumalanga beklee tans die vierde posisie met 19 ligapunte, terwyl die Volkies twee posisies verder af in die sesde plek lê.

Die tuisspan benodig dus slegs ‘n sege terwyl die Volkies maksimum ligapunte uit die wedstryd sal wil kry, aangesien Hoërskool Ben Vorster in die vyfde posisie bokant hulle is.

Die afrigtingspan van Secunda het twee veranderinge aan die span, wat in die doodsnikke met 31-32 teen Hoërskool Wesvalia vasgeval het, aangebring. Martin Pretorius mis uit met Nathan Berman wat sy plek op regtervleuel inneem, terwyl MC Vosloo vir Stefan Bezuidenhout op vaskopstut vervang.

Die Volkies, wat verlede naweek naelskraaps met 38-41 teen Hoërskool Pietersburg vasgeval het, het slegs een verandering gemaak, met Theuns van der Merwe wat terugkeer op regtervleuel in die plek van Stefan Botha. Voorlangs wag daar ‘n klipharde tweestryd tussen die agstemanne, Joshua Munro van Volkies en Secunda se kaptein, Bakkies Bezuidenhout.

Hoërskool Lichtenburg staar ‘n enorme uitdaging in die gesig. Die span van Noordwes reis Donderdag na Limpopo om Hoërskool Pietersburg die stryd aan te sê, voor hulle Saterdag oor die berg koers kies na Tzaneen, waar Hoërskool Ben Vorster vir hulle inwag.

Die Liggies, danksy ‘n onoorwonne seisoen op tuisbodem, lê tweede op die puntelys en sal ten minste een van hul twee oorblywende wedstryde wil wen om sodoende ‘n tuishalfeind te verseker.

Die Buffels, daarenteen, moet met ‘n bonuspunt wen en verder hoop dat Volkies sonder ‘n bonuspunt in Secunda wen, indien hulle vierde wil eindig. Die tweestryd tussen die Liggies se uitstaande buitesenter, Dundre Dempers, en die Buffels se staatmaker in die nr. 13-trui, Tihandre Reyneke, behoort deurslaggewend te wees, terwyl vaskopstut, JJ Jonker, een van die Liggies se voorste driedrukkers, moeilik gestuit word naby die doellyn.

Verlede jaar se Bowl-finaliste, Hoërskool Wesvalia en Hoërskool Die Anker, kruis vir die eerste keer sedert laasjaar se eindstryd weer swaarde. By daardie geleentheid het die span van Brakpan met 37-28 koning gekraai, maar die Klerksdorpers is vanjaar gunstelinge om Donderdagaand die pyp te rook. Albei spanne het reeds vir die halfeindronde gekwalifiseer.

Die Wessies se Franco Dumond skuif weens ‘n besering van slot na oopkantflank om by die ander Dumond, Francois Dumond, aan die kant van die skrum aan te sluit. Hulle is uitstekend op dreef, maar Ruben Herbst, die span van Brakpan se agsteman en kaptein, staan vierkantig in hul pad met sy klipharde dryfspel en dodelike duikslae.

Tyron Hand en Hoërskool Hugenote van Springs wil graag hul seisoen op ‘n hoë noot afsluit teen die onvoorspelbare Hoërskool Jeugland in Kempton Park. Die Hugies het ‘n teleurstellende tweede helfte van die seisoen beleef en gevolglik van voorlopers in die reeks na sewende gedaal.

Die spanne: 

Saterdag: 

Hoërskool Secunda t. Heidelberg Volkskool Saterdag om 12:20 in Secunda

Secunda: 15 Damian de Beer, 14 Nathan Burham, 13 Ryan Erasmus, 12 Bismarck Jansen, 11 Brink la Grange, 10 EJ Venter, 9 Jarno Haarhoff, 8 Bakkies Bezuidenhout, 7 Zander Scheepers, 6 Divan Mulder, 5 Renier Combrink, 4 Zac Loock, 3 MC Vosloo, 2 Rico Schoeman, 1 Nathan Erasmus.

Heidelberg Volkskool: 15 Kevin Oormeyer, 14 Theuns van der Merwe, 13 Marco Botha, 12 Dean Last, 11 Tiaan Holloway, 10 Kayle Venter, 9 Hein Oelofse, 8 Joshua Munro, 7 Daniel Monro, 6 Pedrie Roets, 5 Christopher Makgongoane, 4 Fourie Jacobs, 3 Botshelo Motsepe, 2 Janco Coetzer, 1 Samukelo Mgwenya.

Ben Vorster t. Hoërskool Lichtenburg om 12:20 in Tzaneen

Ben Vorster (moontlik): 15 Potsho Selowa, 14 Migel Makhubipetsi, 13 Tihandre Reyneke, 12 Aza Mabe, 11 Damian Bye, 10 Nkateko Ngoveni, 9 Stiaan du Randt, 8 Ewald Kirstein, 7 Joshua van der Mescht, 6 Chifu Banda, 5 Lourens Harmse, 4 Raluano Ramano, 3 Makondolele Musekene, 2 Christopher Janse van Vuuren, 1 Thabang Nkuna.

Lichtenburg: 15 Rea Motsusi, 14 Lukie Benson, 13 Dundre Dempers, 12 Oratile Sekoto, 11 Tirell Schalkwyk, 10 Luan Snyman, 9 Willem van Niekerk, 8 Abrie Coetzee, 7 Tiaan Booysen, 6 Kgolagano Legodi, 5 John Kleynhans, 4 GJ Malan, 3 JJ Jonker, 2 Juan van Rhyn, 1 Donovan Rosato.

Jeugland t. Hugenote (Springs) in Kempton Park

Jeugland: 15 Thando Ngomane, 14 Lehlonolo Somo, 13 Sinenhlanhla Ndlovu, 12 Alec Mohlala, 11 Oregopotse Shilubane, 10 King Agbonzo, 9 Kenneth Morka, 8 Jaden Kleyn, 7 Joseph Ngomo-Ngomo, 6 Letlala Relebohile, 5 Shamma Nsenda, 4 Sharon Nsenda, 3 Khumo Maime, 2 Siyanda Mbanjwa, 1 Lesego Moitse.

Hugenote (Springs) (moontlik): 15 George Lucas, 14 Ruan van Biljon, 13 Vian van Dyk, 12 Dylan Nel, 11 Musa Mahlangu, 10 Corne Pretorius, 9 Thanyani Mokiri, 8 Hendrik Eybers, 7 Tyron Hand, 6 Arne Marais, 5 Xavier Ungerer, 4 Anthony Smith, 3 Henre Oosthuizen, 2 Luan Pretorius, 1 Franko Neuhoff.

Donderdag:

Wesvalia t. Die Anker Donderdag om 18:30 in Klerksdorp

Wesvalia: 15 Rickardt van Heerden, 14 Justin Adams, 13 Xander Smit, 12 Philip Janse van Rensburg, 11 Fafa Calitz, 10 Eduard Dreyer, 9 Chad Hofmeyer, 8 Hanre Venter, 7 Francois Dumond, 6 Franco Dumond, 5 Aiden Jacobz, 4 Wessel Sewenster, 3 Bernard Swanepoel, 2 Junior Kuhn, 1 Ulrigh du Preez

Die Anker: 15 Paul Schutte, 14 Ruan Smith, 13 Sean Schoeman, 12 Branden Crous, 11 Jonathan Jordaan, 10 Danie Smit, 9 Troy Joubert, 8 Ruben Herbst, 7 Xander Fraser, 6 Duvan Booyens, 5 Brendan van Lutterveld, 4 Gerhard Oosthuizen, 3 Damian Boshoff, 2 Siya Shongwe, 1 Zander Nell.

Hoërskool Pietersburg t. Hoërskool Lichtenburg om 17:30 in Polokwane

Pietersburg: 15 Celliers van der Merwe, 14 Brydan Retief, 13 Hanno van Zyl, 12 Siya Mahlangu, 11 Zuhan Labuschagne, 10 Vincent Luckhoff, 9 Divan Brown, 8 Hardus Otto, 7 Tiaan Vermeulen, 6 Keegan Baker , 5 Juan Jansen van Vuuren, 4 Etienne van Jaarsveldt, 3 Floris Venter, 2 Dewald de Beer, 1 Will Hawken.

Lichtenburg: 15 Rea Motsusi, 14 Lukie Benson, 13 Dundre Dempers, 12 Oratile Sekoto, 11 Tyrell Schalkwyk, 10 Luan Snyman, 9 Willem van Niekerk, 8 Abrie Coetzee, 7 Tiaan Booysen, 6 Kgolagano Legodi, 5 John Kleynhans, 4 GJ Malan, 3 JJ Jonker, 2 Juan van Rhyn, 1 Donovan Rosato.

Die strewe na tuishalfeindstryde in die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Bowl-afdeling behoort van Donderdag af ‘n verbete armdruk af te gee.

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

Hoërskool Eldoraigne, Merensky Landbou Akademie en Potchefstroom Volkskool staan ál drie nog ‘n kans om met seges hierdie week ‘n tuishalfeind te verseker en het ál drie reeds, saam met Potchefstroom Gimnasium, tot die semi-finale deurgedring.

Die Ligbloues van Tzaneen reis Saterdag na Centurion waar hulle vir die Drake op hul tuisveld moet aandurf. Die Drake bevind hulself tans tweede op die puntelys met 24 ligapunte, terwyl die Plasies derde lê met 22 punte.

‘n Sege is derhalwe vir elkeen van die allergrootste belang.

Die twee spanne het onderskeidelik slegs een verandering elk aangebring vir die groot stryd. Die Plasies se staatmaker, Ulrich Mare, maak sy terugkeer op buitesenter en vervang vir Jens Bezuidenhout, wat na een week terug in die beginspan homself weer op die krukkelys bevind.

Die Drake verwelkom die geharde MC Scheepers terug op slot. Scheepers, wat verlede naweek se stryd teen die Gimmies van die bank af moes waarneem, ruil plekke met SW Liebenberg, wat ‘n impak van die bank sal wil maak.

Die tweestryd tussen die skrumskakels beloof om heelwat aksie op te lewer. Die Plasies se JD Boshoff, wat vanjaar by die Akademieweek in aksie was, is goed op dreef en hou ‘n taamlike bedreiging in vir die Drake om die afbreekpunte. Die Drake se Darren Bruwer sal oudergewoonte sy agterlyn van uitstekende diens voorsien en ook die besoekers se agterste driehoek op hul tone hou met sy uitgeslape skopwerk.

Potchefstroom Volkskool, in die vierdie plek op die puntlys met 22 ligapunte, moet tuisveldvoordeel optimaal benut om sy kragmeting met Hoërskool Wagpos met ‘n bonuspunt probeer wen, ten einde ‘n buitekans te staan vir ‘n tuishalfeind.

Sedert sy skuif van flank na senter het Volkies se staatmaker, Christoff Nel, die veld nog verder aan die brand gespeel en in sy laaste twee wedstryde vier drieë, waarvan drie verlede naweek teen Hoërskool Dr. Malan, gedruk. ‘n Soortgelyke vertoning hierdie slag kan deurslaggewend vir sy span wees.

Hoërskool Piet Retief is oorgehaal om sy eerste seisoen in die Bowl-afdeling op ‘n hoogtepunt af te sluit wanneer hy Vrydagmiddag teen Hoërskool Dr. Malan op die Jack Botes-stadion in Piet Retief te staan kom, hoewel albei spanne reeds uit die wedloop is om die uitspeelrondes te haal.

Die klipharde Christiaan Pienaar keer terug na sy gunstelingposisie op agesteman nadat hy, as gevolg van ‘n besering, op binnesenter moes uithelp in sy span se nederlaag van 24-27 teen Merensky. Aphiwe Khumalo skuif van buite- na binnesenter om plek te maak vir Owethu Nkosi, wat in die nr. 13-trui sal uitdraf.

Om die Dokkies te klop sal geen maklike taak wees nie, met die span van Meyerton wat die laaste twee weke gewys wat in hulle steek, en dit teen sterk kompetisie. Hulle het tot die bittereinde geveg teen Merensky (28-38) en Potch Volkies (28-33).

Dit is verál die gevaarlike duo, Luka Pretorius (heelagter) en Dian van den Berg (losskakel), wat groot gevaar inhou, met Van den Berg wat waarskynlik oorloop van selfvertroue ná sy driekuns teen die Volkies verlede naweek.

Die spanne: 

Vrydag:

Eldoraigne t. Merensky om 13:00 in Centurion

Eldoraigne: 15 JP Meyer, 14 Manie Buitendag, 13 Ivan Vermeulen, 12 Kevin Earle, 11 Hendru van Zyl, 10 Elmar Olivier, 9 Darren Bruwer, 8 Jayden Niehaus, 7 Justin Meintjies, 6 Cameron Killian, 5 Rikus Rheeder, 4 MC Liebenberg, 3 Jaco Fourie, 2 Marnus Prinsloo, 1 Wihan White

Merensky: 15 Ashten Demos, 14 Andreas Honiball, 13 Ulrich Mare, 12 Maritz Meintjies, 11 Heinrich Lubbe, 10 Byron Hendricks, 9 JD Boshoff, 8 Hardus Terblanche, 7 PG Botes, 6 Corne Swanpoel, 5 Lukas Pieterse, 4 Ruan Marcos, 3 Tirelo Mashapa, 2 JJ Goosen, 1 Ethan Maritz.

Donderdag:

Potchefstroom Volkskool t. Wagpos om 15:30 in Potchefstroom

Potchefstroom Volkies: 15 Diaan van der Merwe, 14 Wikus van Aswegen, 13 Hennie Pretorius, 12 Christoff Nel, 11 Lorenzo Louw, 10 Johandre Maree, 9 Juhan Geldenhuys, 8 Dewald Groenewald, 7 Marlu du Preez, 6 Henre Nel, 5 Konrad Pretorius, 4 Altus de Jager, 3 Danie Strydom, 2 Louis Fourie, 1 Jaco van der Merwe.

Wagpos (moontlik): 15 JG Olckers, 14 Christiaan du Plessis, 13 Frans Burger, 12 Dian Coetzee, 11 Franco Dippenaar, 10 AJ Nieman, 9 Arrie Joubert, 8 David van Breda, 7 Antonio Galvan, 6 Du Toit van Deventer, 5 Nathan Louw, 4 Jean Senekal, 3 Marcelle Gruidelingh, 2 Tristan van der Westhuizen, 1 Armant Botha.

Vrydag: 

Hoërskool Piet Retief t. Dr. Malan om 12:40 in Piet Retief

Piet Retief: 15 Langelihle Ntuli, 14 Mashilo Kgathla, 13 Owethu Nkosi, 12 Aphiwe Khumalo, 11 Vuyani Tshabalala, 10 Owethu Shabalala, 9 Thomas Ferreira, 8 Christiaan Pienaar, 7 Melo Xulu, 6 SJ van Barneveld, 5 Tiaan Korff, 4 Vusi Nhleko, 3 Louis Grobler, 2 Jandre van Deventer, 1 Sfundo Mayisa.

Dr. Malan: 15 Luka Pretorius, 14 Flippie Blignaut, 13 Andreas Botha, 12 Dillon Gouws, 11 Khamohelo Legae, 10 Dian van den Berg, 9 Herman du Plessis, 8 Juan Jardin, 7 JJ Bester, 6 JT Swart, 5 Anthoni Botes, 4 Enrico van Zyl, 3 Franco Barns, 2 Bernard Benson, 1 Devan Fouché.

The 2024 Guschkie Top Schools Hockey Tournament bursts into action early on the morning of Thursday, 8 August, with top high school and primary school teams taking to the turf.

Grey College hosts the 1st XI event, which will be played on the Grey College and Eunice AstroTurfs. A majority of the games, including the final, take place at Grey.

Tournament Director and Director Hockey at Grey, Wayne Coetzee, said in a welcome message: “It is a great privilege for Grey College to be hosting all the participating schools. The Guschkie tournament has become an important end to the hockey season, and it gives us all an opportunity to showcase the talents that were developed during the season.

“The spirit of the Guschkie tournament encourages fairness, sportsmanship, and comradeship. The boys must go out and form lasting friendships, which can affect their lives.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the organisers of the tournament, and to thank all the coaches and managers for giving up your precious time to help develop your men,” Coetzee said.

The tournament opens with a doubleheader on Thursday morning, with Worcester Gimnasium taking on DF Malan in an all-Western Cape clash at Grey, while Northwood, the defending champions, open their title defence at Eunice against St Andrew’s School.

Northwood beat Grey 2-0 in last year’s final. James Read, who was named the Defender of the Tournament, returns as captain of the Knights this time around.

Eldoraigne, whose hockey programme is ascending, face a tough task when they meet the hosts in the day’s third match.

Grey has enjoyed a strong season. They were victorious in all of their pre-season matches and then almost went unbeaten through the Tony Godding Festival losing only to St Andrew’s College on the final day.

They’ve been in good form and recently triumphed over their high-flying rivals, Grey High School, winning 1-0 in Bloemfontein.

After the Guschkie Tournament, they will have one more assignment on their schedule and it’s a tough one, taking on Paul Roos Gimnasium in Stellenbosch next week.

Somerset College will begin their challenge with an 11:00 game against Menlopark.

The second day of the tournament will see eight matches, including the quarterfinals, being played. Then, on Saturday, the event will conclude with the final being played under the lights at 17:30.

FIXTURES 

Thursday

08:00 – Worcester Gim vs DF Malan
08:00 – Northwood vs St Andrew’s School (Eunice)
09:30 – Grey College vs Eldoraigne
11:00 – Somerset vs Menlopark
12:30 – Saints vs Worcester Gim
14:00 – DF Malan v Northwood
15:30 – Menlopark vs Eldoraigne
17:00 – Grey College vs Somerset College

FRIDAY

08:00 – St Andrew’s School vs DF Malan
08:00 – Menlopark vs Grey College (Eunice)
09:30 – Worcester Gim vs Northwood
11:00 – Somerset College vs Eldoraigne
13:30 – Quarterfinal 1 (A1 vs B3)
15:00 – Quarterfinal 2 (A3 vs B1)
16:30 – Quarterfinal 3 (B2 vs A4)
18:00 – Quarterfinal 4 (B4 vs A2)

SATURDAY

8:30 – Loser 2 vs Loser 4
08:30 – Loser 1 vs Loser 3
10:15 – Winner 1 vs Winner 3
12:00 – Winner 2 vs Winner 4
13:45 – 5th/6th playoff
13:45 – 7th/8th playoff (Eunice)
15:30 – 3rd/4th playoff
17:30 – Final

Dit is die lekkerte van skolerugby; ‘n span kan enigiemand anders klop op enige gegewe dag.

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

Dit is presies wat Dinsdagaand in Alberton gebeur het toe Hoërskool Alberton, danksy ‘n strafdoel deur Jaydon Mostert, die knoop met 18-17 teen Potchefstroom Gimnasium kon deurhak.

Daarmee het die Allies vir Gimmies hul eerste nederlaag in die SDC Noordvaal Cup se Bowl-afdeling vanjaar toegedien. ‘n Uitmuntende tweede helfte deur die tuisspan het die onoorwonne besoekers heeltemal onkant betrap.

Gimnasium, wat ‘n gerieflike voorsprong van 17-0 teen rustyd geniet het, het egter ietwat lusteloos in die tweede 35 minute voorgekom. Dit kon waarskynlik te wyte gewees het aan hul taai stryd teen Hoërskool Eldoraigne die afgelope naweek.

Dit neem egter geensins weg van die feit dat die Allies die oorhand geniet het na die omdraaislag nie. Slot, Kay-C Nel, was aan die spits van die aanslag, met sy kragtige dryfspel wat stelselmatig die momentum in die tuispan se guns geswaai.

Nel se onvermoeide werkverrigting het die res van die pak aangesteek met die gevolg dat hulle die afbreekpunte begin oordonder het, met steelkantflank, Luke Joubert, ‘n absolute doring in die vlees van die besoekers. Skrumskakel, Ayanda Ndaane, het agterlangs uitgeblink met sy dinamiese diens, terwyl hy die Gimmies ook deurentyd aan die raai gehou het om die losskrums, en dit het aan hom ‘n welverdiende drie besorg.

Vir die besoekers het heelagter, David Ndala, en haker, Jaco Nel, soos verwag uitgestaan. Ndala het oudergewoonte teenaanvalle geloods waarmee hy telkens die eerste twee verdedigers kon klop, terwyl Nel die oog gevang het met sy lopies in gebroke spel. Hulle het elkeen ‘n drie gedruk, maar is na rustyd vervang – waarskynlik met die oog op Gimmies se halfeindstryd wat wag.

Daarmee het Gimnasium heelwat woema ingeboet, en hoewel skrumskakel, Dian Smith, sy bes probeer het om momentum vir sy span te herwin, was die oormag in die tweede skof, vernaam voorlangs, nét teveel.

Puntemakers: 

Hoërskool Alberton 18 (0) – Drieë: Luke Joubert, Ayanda Ndaane, Kay-C Nel. Strafdoel: Jaydon Mostert. Potchefstroom Gimnasium 17 (17) – Drieë: David Ndala, Jaco Nel, Bart du Plooy. Doelskop: Ndala.

Ander spanne: 

o.16: Potchefstroom Gimnasium 17, Alberton 10.

o.15: Potchefstroom Gimnasium 12, Alberton 10.

o.14: Potchefstroom Gimnasium 69, Alberton 0.

When Pearson High School made the long trip from Gqeberha to the Western Cape to take on Parel Vallei in their annual exchange interschools match last weekend, their captain Zanike Coetzer achieved a rare milestone.

The clash against Parel Vallei was her final derby match, but it was also a special one as she won her 150^th first team cap.

Coetzer, who has been at Pearson since grade eight, started playing for the first side in her grade nine year, 2021.

“It felt amazing reaching 150 caps,” she told SuperSport Schools Plus. “I’ve been playing first team since grade nine, and I haven’t missed a single match. I knew I could make it, but getting there was quite stressful.

“The journey is always the best part and getting to 150 is just special. I’m also proud of my teammate and best friend, Nina (Ferreira), who will also reach 150 caps, so it’s been a journey.”

Before their big interschools clash, Pearson had produced a bag of mixed results, but they were confident after claiming victory in a shootout over Collegiate Girls’ High School in the final of the Eastern Province Girls League.

There were no goals in regulation time in that title-decider, but Pearson held their nerve to secure the trophy in the shootout.

They were, however, beaten 0-2 by Parel Vallei. Despite that disappointment, Coetzer said she was proud of her team’s efforts, and receiving her 150^th cap in front of a large and lively crowd was special.

“It was electrifying and amazing: the crowd, the atmosphere, reaching 150 in front of such a crowd was amazing,” she enthused.

“We tried our best, it didn’t go our way. But I still give it to our girls, and I’m so proud of them for trying their best.”

Coetzer was handed the captain’s armband earlier this season when Pearson took part in the Spar Hockey Challenge, and they won it, beating Collegiate 1-0 in the final.

She has led the team to some big wins, including a 6-0 victory over Westering High and a 3-0 defeat of Woodridge College. Then, there was a 0-0 draw against Collegiate at Collegiate’s 150th Reunion, which was followed by a 3-3 draw with Eunice in Bloemfontein last month.

Despite some ups and downs, Coetzer said it’s a season she has enjoyed.

“I’d sum it up as quite an experience,” the Pearson captain said.

“We had a very young team, so getting to watch the younger players grow was honestly one of the ups for me.

“My highlight was our game versus Collegiate in the EP Girls League final. It was our final game at home and winning it in front of our supporters was special.”

Coetzer also paid tribute to her two coaches, Anton Peltenburg and Ignatius Malgraff, who, she said, had motivated her and taught her a lot during her time at the school.

Along with her teammates, Coetzer will have one last bite at the cherry this coming weekend when they take part in the u18 Challengers’ Cup, which will be hosted at La Rochelle Girls’ High School and Paarl Girls’ High in the Western Cape.

Pearson has been drawn in Pool B, alongside St Mary’s Waverley, Fairmont High School, Somerset College, Paarl Girls’ High, and their Eastern Cape rivals, DSG Makhanda.

The side will be led by coach Peltenburg and they’ll open their challenge against Paarl Girls’ High in the tournament’s second match at 08:00 on Thursday.

Coetzer believes her side can contend for the title. “I think the girls have it in them to win,” she said.

“To do that, we’re going to have to communicate well and have good team spirit. All in all, we’re excited to finish off at such an amazing tournament,” she concluded.

Catch all the action from the u18 Challenge’s Cup LIVE on SuperSport Schools.