Venue: Port Natal Skool
Dates: 06,10,13,17,20,27 February 2015 (Tuesdays and Fridays)
Teams: Port Natal, George Campbell, Development, Glenwood, DHS and Westville (debut)
Sponsors: Kenfield Tyres Atmosphere: excellent Match features: 20 min per half, good quality running rugby Food: as good as it gets Parking: secure, on the school field
Port Natal’s popular annual Night Series pre-season tournament just seems to get bigger and better every year.
Glenwood retains the title
Congratulations to Glenwood who beat Westville 10-6 to hold onto their Port Natal Night Series title.
Even though the rugby was a scrappy and start-stop all the way due to many elementary mistakes, it always promised to come alive and that along with the closeness of contest kept the big crowd that had gathered on a beautiful evening entertained throughout. One also has to remember that the match as high profile as it turned out to be, formed part of preseason preparations, meaning that quality issues are acceptable.
Glenwood opened the score through a 40m penalty by their flyhalf Bossr. Westville responded through their kicking scrumhalf Kitching to level matters at 3-3, which is how it stayed until the break. Kitching’s second success gave Westville the lead for the first time. They held onto this lead until the final hooter sounded. What was to follow was the most exciting passage of the final. From Westville’s longish 22m restart Glenwood collected that ball on Westville 10m line on the right, carried it up, moved it left, got the benefit of the doubt for a possible knock-on, then brought it all the way right to the Westville corner flag again. Here the Glenwood forwards were repelled in numerous attempts to cross the chalk both sides of a tap and go penalty awarded to Glenwood. Glenwood won a second penalty near the tryline but closer to the posts. It was an opportunity to settle for a draw but Glenwood once again opted to tap and go. From close range Mukendi who had had a difficult evening playing out of position at outside centre found a hole that Westville could not shut. He dived over for winning try which was converted by Bossr.
Evident was the emotion shown by both sets of players once the result was confirmed. This game meant a lot. Playing for a 15-man rugby cup isn’t something that boys in KZN are accustomed to, so it’s unique and wonderful experience that Port Natal Skool and their generous sponsors Kenfield Tyres have made possible.
Finals’ Day = Interesting Rematches – 24/02/2014
Friday’s final day of the Kenfield Tyres Port Natal Series offers the prospect of two mouth-watering rematches.
The first highlight will be the 3rd place playoff Port Natal meets DHS.
In the earlier round match the Porties boys seemed to have fulfilled their tradition of having to earn the right to wear their famous White Knights outfits when the pressurised DHS into making numerous mistakes and capitalised to record a 22-14 victory. However tactical supremo Porties head coach Jan van Straaten obviously believed that his boys had a lot more to give and kept them in their practice jerseys for the next few games, which inspired them to produce gutsy performances against heavyweights Westville (0-21) and Glenwood (16-20) on the way to capturing third place on the final round robin table. Porties in fact came within 5-minutes of claiming a berth in the final, when they led Glenwood 16-15. For a team with very little size or virtually depth to rely on, they have done remarkable well in this tournament. Look out for Porties in white for the first time at this year’s Night Series.
Defensively DHS started the tournament well by making Glenwood work very hard (3-14) but their attacking game lacked oomph! This offensive rustiness showed against Port Natal but next two games emphasised just how valuable the Night Series can be to a coach and his team in terms of using match conditions to develop combinations and grow the self-belief. That’s been the DHS story since the Porties game. A team that gets better with every match. A convincing win against a Campbell team that were expected to challenge them provided a major confidence boost which they took into their match against Westville. DHS left chances on the field against ‘Ville in the closest match of the competition, losing just 6-7, but as mentioned it’s the positive progress made that has to outweigh the preseason results. Now against the hosts, its an occasion for School to show how much they have grown since Round-2.
The final of the 2015 Night Series, will no doubt be the one that no one will want to miss. Glenwood and Westville produced a showpiece in the early round. Glenwood won 14-7 but the result could just have easily gone the other way. That night’s game could have been broadly defined as the Glenwood backs versus the Westville forwards, with the former coming out on top in the end. No doubt neither school wants to be branded by what only half their respective line-ups are capable of. So this final could well be come down to what the perceived “weaker” halves of the team do to up their contributions to the cause. The Glenwood forwards will want to show improved set-piece structures and find ways to at the very minimum neutralise the go-forward domination the big Westville pack. The Westville backs want to prove that they have the defensive discipline, communication and reorganisation skills to close down those spaces that the dangerous Glenwood backs seem to be naturally drawn to exploiting. Ville backs also want to convert those line breaks into points this time around. Both teams will want a 100% improvement in continuity.
Since it’s still preseason even the strong “halves” will be looking to improve as well. Glenwood backs don’t want to fall of key tackles! Westville forwards want to up their mobility especially for cross-cover D.
Expecting this final to live up to the billing of their previous outing might be unrealistic. It should still be a good final though.
On a different note it must be mentioned that their last meeting took a lot out of both Glenwood and Westville. Both then fielded reshuffled teams for the final round robin games and both almost paid a dear price for it. It would have been unreasonable for their coaches to keep the foot on the accelerator in mid-February and their boys looked a disjointed last Friday evening, possibly due to a lack of starting teams practicing together. It’s all part of the preseason learning curve though. The intel gained will serve them in good stead for the regular season. Take nothing away from Port Natal or DHS, who have fewer rugby playing numbers to pick a 1st XV from than Glenwood or Westville do and who have added significantly to the entertainment value of the Night Series by being very competitive throughout.
Improving DHS now faces tougher tests – 20/02/2015
DHS has already shown their mettle as a defending team against Glenwood in the wet in round 1. It was however mistakes on attack that cost them the most in the round 2 loss to Port Natal. Since then their round 3 and 4 matches have done the team’s attacking confidence a world of good and helped them earn comfortable victories with the 50-0 blanking of George Campbell being particularly impressive. A couple of more difficult challenges now lie ahead, starting with Westville on Friday, 20 February. Defensively DHS will be called on to make first time tackles and absorb the impact of the biggest pack of forwards at this year’s tournament. Their tigerish attitude makes its well within School’s capabilities to achieve success in this department, even with a significant size disadvantage. However the yardsticks for this game have to be: what can DHS do to get their hands on the ball, retain possession and create meaningful attacking opportunities against a fitter, faster and technically better team than they’ve had to play against since Port Natal. At this early stage of the rugby season, continued improvement in form is potentially still more meaningful than the result on the scoreboard.
Glenwood vs Westville preview : 17/02/2015
The biggest preseason warm-up game of the year to date will take place at 19h00 on Tuesday, 17 February when Glenwood and Westville square off in the final game of Round 4 at the Port Natal Night Series . In terms of new experiences it’s the first time Glenwood go up against one of the big KZN rugby schools in the preseason while Westville although new to the Porties Night Series have come up against stiff opposition in past seasons, while they were regulars at the Vories Night Series in Pietermarizburg.
In spite of this round robin match more than likely being a dress rehearsal for the final next Friday and counting for very little really in the greater scheme of the school rugby season, one has the feeling that both schools will pay as much homage to the occasion as possible by picking their strongest available starting line-ups.
Offseason training programmes resulted in both schools arriving at the tournament in good nick and showing useful hand-eye coordination on attack. However neither team has had to do too much defending during the first three rounds, so this is probably where the biggest test will come during this match. Glenwood’s pack will be looking to make more a physical stand. Their backs have looked quick and dangerous. Westville’s pack is big and physical but their backs haven’t really brought on the slickness yet and with what’s expected to be a faster tempo defensively, they will be going to improve their sharpness.
2014 runner-up DHS faces the kind of speed hump that could stop them in their tracks when they face Campbell in the second of the three matches for the evening. The spirited Campbell side was a vastly improved defensive unit against Glenwood but are yet to score their first point of the tournament, suggesting that GCTHS’s attack has to come good in this match if they want the win. With both schools having lost to the overachieving Porties White Knights, up for graps is a slot in the 3rd place playoff game next Friday.
Glenwood 14 Westville 7 – match report here: http://blog.schoolboyrugby.co.za/?p=10325
Load Shedding Notification
Just to inform all participants regarding load shedding and the effect on the tournament.
Port Natal Skool fall under Block L on the schedule and will be affected if Stage 2 or 3 is followed.
| Type | Day | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Stage 2 | Tuesday | Electricity is cut off at 16:00 and comes back on by 18:15, so if it is a nice sunny day we should be ok. |
| Friday | No effect. | |
| Stage 3 | Tuesday | Electricity is cut off at 16:00 and comes back on by 18:15, so again if it is a nice sunny day we will be ok. |
| Tuesday | Electricity also get cut off by 20:15 cut off by 20:15, but by then all games should be finished. | |
| Friday | Electricity gets cut off at 16:00 and comes back on by 18:15 . So if it is a nice sunny day we will be ok. |
Coaches share their views:
Here’s how the coaches responded when asked about what they hope to get our of the preseason tournament.
Port Natal’s Jan van Straaten (9th season as head coach)
Port Natal Skool is very privileged to be able to host such a wonderful event like the Kenfield Tyres Rugby Night Series. This tournament showcases some of the best schoolboy rugby players in Durban as early as February every year. The annual Night Series has evolved over time from “winning at all cost” to a development tool coaches use to prepare their team for the upcoming rugby season. We at Port Natal Skool face an extremely challenging rugby season in 2015. We will do our best during the tournament to build an competitive team that could take on such a challenging season.
Durban High School’s Christo Wilkinson (3rd season as head coach)
With all the challenges that we face here at DHS my aim is purely to get my squad sorted out for 2015. I am so thankful that we are allowed to play in this tournament so that we can check out combinations and of ultimately the squad.
George Campbell’s Robert Erasmus (debut as head coach)
Campbell rugby finds itself in a total rebuild phase. The school has lost both 1st XV coaches unexpectedly late last year. This is our pre-season. We hope that we will show progress over the completion considering the strength of the opposition playing in the night series.
Glenwood’s Rudi Dames (2nd season as head coach)
We view the night series as an ideal opportunity for us to see exactly what we have in terms of the depth within the squad as well as a chance for individual players to put their hands up. We’ve never been a team that focuses on results rather one that uses our performances as a benchmark so good performances will obviously bring some confidence. In saying this, during the course of the night series we will look to improve on each performance which should then prepare up well for the season ahead. We really are looking forward to seeing the hard work that’s been put in by the players during the pre-season come together over the next few weeks.
Westville’s Grant Bell (4th season as head coach)
Westville has a long season and a very arduous set of fixtures to navigate – some 23 in total. We are still at a very early stage in our preparation… I am attempting to peak mid to end March which is still some 6 weeks away. Aside from obvious contact fitness, the P N Night series will give me the opportunity to test out some combinations (an area which influenced our poor early form last year) so that when the regular season commences I should have a settled team. It will also enable me to test the strength of my bench… Lastly, I am hoping that certain key players will use this opportunity to develop game management skills, particularly with regard to our strengths and weaknesses and the playing style we wish to adopt…
Fixtures
| Date | Kickoff | Team | School | School | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri 06 Feb | 15h30 | 2nd XV | Glenwood | 37 | 0 | Pinetown |
| 16h30 | 2nd XV | Port Natal | 26 | 0 | George Campbell | |
| 18h00 | 1st XV | Westville | 67 | 0 | Development | |
| 19h00 | 1st XV | Glenwood | 14 | 3 | DHS | |
| 20h00 | 1st XV | Port Natal | 16 | 0 | George Campbell | |
| Tue 10 Feb | 17h00 | 1st XV | Glenwood | 78 | 0 | Development |
| 18h00 | 1st XV | Port Natal | 22 | 14 | DHS | |
| 19h00 | 1st XV | Westville | 46 | 0 | George Campbell | |
| Fri 13 Feb | 16h00 | 2nd XV | Port Natal | 24 | 0 | Pinetown |
| 17h00 | 2nd XV | Glenwood | 84 | 0 | George Campbell | |
| 18h00 | 1st XV | Westville | 21 | 0 | Port Natal | |
| 19h00 | 1st XV | DHS | 46 | 0 | Development | |
| 20h00 | 1st XV | Glenwood | 24 | 0 | George Campbell | |
| Tue 17 Feb | 17h00 | 1st XV | Port Natal | 76 | 0 | Development |
| 18h00 | 1st XV | DHS | 50 | 0 | George Campbell | |
| Match Report | 19h00 | 1st XV | Glenwood | 14 | 7 | Westville |
| Fri 20 Feb | 16h00 | 2nd XV | George Campbell | Pinetown | ||
| 17h00 | 2nd XV | Glenwood | 36 | 0 | Port Natal | |
| 18h00 | 1st XV | George Campbell | 57 | 0 | Development | |
| 19h00 | 1st XV | Westville | 7 | 6 | DHS | |
| 20h00 | 1st XV | Glenwood | 20 | 16 | Port Natal | |
| Fri 27 Feb | ||||||
| 3RD PLACE PLAYOFF | 16h00 | 2nd XV | George Campbell | Pinetown | ||
| 5th PLACE PLAYOFF | 17h00 | 1st XV | George Campbell | 34 | 5 | Development |
| 3rd PLACE PLAYOFF | 18h00 | 1st XV | DHS | 14 | 5 | Port Natal |
| FINAL | 19h00 | 2nd XV | Glenwood | Port Natal | ||
| FINAL | 20h00 | 1st XV | Glenwood | 10 | 6 | Westville |
1st XV Table
| No | TEAM | TRIES | PF | PA | PD | BP | LOG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Glenwood | 24 | 150 | 26 | 124 | 3 | 23 |
| 2 | Westville | 24 | 148 | 20 | 128 | 4 | 20 |
| 3 | Port Natal | 18 | 130 | 55 | 75 | 3 | 15 |
| 4 | DHS | 18 | 119 | 43 | 76 | 3 | 11 |
| 5 | George Campbell | 9 | 57 | 136 | -121 | 1 | 5 |
| 6 | Development | 0 | 0 | 324 | -324 | 0 | 0 |
@Pedantic: I would be interested in your opinion on the hooking options for Westville. DL and HP have such different playing styles and both are effective in their execution.
Also I agree with you regarding Qoma .He played with a great deal of commitment even after breaking his finger which will keep him out for a few weeks.
Just my 5c worth. I thought Devon Muller had an outstanding game.
Stoltz looked very dominant up front.
I had a look at Cyndi’s pics and was not happy to see Palvie playing. If he has a serious shoulder tear, like I was told, then he should have it operated on now and sit out 4 months. Those 4 months could give him a future in rugby. By playing through the injury now he could be jeopardising his future……
@Pedantic: I agree with you on most of your observations and you are 100% correct around the tight give. Where I disagree slightly is around the loose trio. The game was a very tight affair in that the ball was kept amongst the tight five when carried up but Nicholson did link pretty well when the ball was pushed wide. What he lacks in size he makes up with his hard running. Grant is a specialist fetcher and there was at least two instances that he turned over ball in the first half. He was rotated about 5min into the second half so two turnovers is not to bad considering the opposition? Muller in my view is also a lock, but we have two very competent players in those positions already and leaving out Muller who is a real grafter and a great lineout asset is not an option.
It’s still early in the season and these boys will grow, so let the season start and let the good times roll!
Does anyone know the team sheets for the final?
Interesting that no-one has mentioned Stoltz’s performance in the final.
For me he was the standout player in the match, absolutely dominated the Glenwood loosehead in every scrum.
Once he came off, Westville lost their scrum dominance.
I feel that Westville are not taking advantage of their tight 5 dominance – that is a huge, physical pack and they should be shaping their game around that – I can’t see any KZN opposition being able to contain them.
Not 100% sure on the balance of Westville’s loose trio – Muller has a high work rate, but almost like a 3rd lock, while the other loosies didn’t seem effective at all.
In contrast to Griffon08’s comment, Qoma put his body on the line all over the field, looking very good although maybe a bit unconditioned (early season so he has an excuse).
JP Pelzer is impressive as an U17, looking forward to his progress this year and next – very nice athlete.
@CyndiAtRugby: Will do
@star: Please can you e-mail me on cyndi.rugby.photography@gmail.com I want to discuss something with you ‘offline’.
Regarding the Westville / Glenwood game – I agree with you all, but seems that after these 2 outings that there is not much between the 2 teams.
A few points stand out for me from a Westville supporter point of view.
I did notice that the Westville pack contain a few arrogant seniors playing their 2nd year that seem to be bigger than the game. Pity as they are large fella’s. You could also pick up some tension from certain ex HPark players thinking they come 1st and not the team. Pity. Some awesome Gr 11’s coming through though. Good rugby ethics and next year should be one to watch.
9 is not playing his quick ball wide, rather opting to organise slow ball or box kick. Pity this tactic is instilled by GB as Westville do have backs with X factor. Personally I feel that GB is not utilising his backs and relying on boring flat forward rugby whilst allowing 9 to arrive at rucks and then make a decision.
Forward platforms are too flat. Plays off 9 and 10 is pointless as they get no momentum by being so flat. With pack like they have, surely they use their size and get some momentum. They seem to be wasting their size by silly shapes coming from GB.
Then, more importantly, you can immediately see the impact the new coach, Dean Carelse is making. Technically speaking. I stood behind both coaches on the half way line, and saw on numerous occasions Dean Carelse glancing at the Glenwood coaching staff. As soon as RD made a call, DC counteracted with instruction and the result was that WVille squashed them out. Good technical awareness. He surely is making his mark, and if only he was allowed to get W’Ville to play his trademark running game he had for Grey PE, they would be unstoppable. He has the best attacking game at schoolboy rugby that I have seen – for numerous years. Westville seem to be their predictable boring self.
Having stood behind the coaches, and seen the technical know-how on display, there is no doubt that the respectful friendship that Rudi Dames and Dean Carelse have, that this is the winning Craven Week coaching structure. No brainer. Both have a history together, seem to be great friends and compliment each other. DC forwards, RD backs. Unstoppable. I sincerely hope the KZN high hireche take note.
Then, hats off to Glenwood. The game was over when Kevin missed the kick and to win from after the siren is huge BMT, and credit to all involved. Glenwood vs Westville on their founders day should be a cracker. Butr well done RD for the belief instilled.
Good luck to all KZN sides for their first fixture.
Sounded like an epic game and very close. This is becoming the key Durban derby. I can tell you it will be even more intense on Glenwood’s Old boys day at Glenwood, Westville will want to turn Glenwood over on their hallowed Dixon’s turf. Sounds like the big Westville forwards need a bit more fitness. Great preparation for the season proper. Good luck to both schools on the long season ahead…
@star: Glenwood has a better bench to call on and this was clear when changes were made just after half time. Two of last years u16 boys were rotated and the urgency was lost at the breakdowns. The Westville forwards were certainly more dominant in the first half and executed well on most set plays. It was a real pity that the last two or three phases of play basically cost Westville the match. Westvilles back line certainly looked more settled then in previous matches and I think this bodes well for them as they spend more time together over the next few weeks. I am looking forward to a competitive season in 2015.
Does anyone know what the fixture list is for the Jeppe weekend?
@star: The deep drop kick restart at the end turned out to be a bad idea, especially kicking it to Palvie of all players. Its experience gained tho. On a do over Ball might have set up several forwards in a corner and take a short flat highly contestable kick in their direction. The last plays of the game proved to be a good BMT test even for the ref.
Also in terms of mandate to ensure safer scrums, it felt like more should have been done to identify and stop the problem of the frontrows continuously going up. The ref did not seem too bothered by what was going on even after the Glenwood hooker was injured in a scrum that went wrong.
@star: I agree 100% I do think lesson learned and GB would look at the various options from the restart. Ville much better with ball in hand than chasing. This preseason tournament is exactly what Westville needed. Glad to say they came out with more answers than questions. What is also encouraging is that they have dept in most departments with 2nd xv smashing Treverton 43-0 last night at Voortrekker.
@h2o: I agree with you re Kitching and Wheeler. Tony also had some great runs on the right wing and Ball is always a threat from the back. I was however disappointed that there was not adequate chase and first time tackles in that last move of the game. Instead of having GW under pressure on the 10 m line they had momentum on the Westville 22. It brings back memories of last years loss to Kearsney which ultimately defined the season. In the last move of the game Westville made no less than 4 mistakes to lose by a point. They missed touch, had inadequate chase, missed first time tackles and then played the ball from the wrong side to award the match winning penalty.
The great teams understand those moments and deal with them properly. There is a learning curve here and hopefully the lesson has been learnt. Other than that could not be prouder of ” our boys”.
Epic battle. Both teams ticked some early boxes. Westville were great in fixed phases. Maybe need some work on their restarts. Glenwood were great in building phases. They missed their regular inside centre. Kevin Smith was the standout forward for me. On Westville side Kitching and Wheeler showed some good form. Must be some sore bodies this morning.
With regard to the final it seemed that GW’s fitness levels were better as the game mirrored the earlier encounter where Ville dominated the first half only to fall away a bit in the 2nd. It is a long season though and it is all about peaking at the right time.
Maybe our learned friend GB can elaborate. 
Also forgive my ignorance but when you have a 22 after the hooter has sounded can you not kick the ball directly into touch or alternatively go short and ” knock on”
@Playa: i agree. would’ve rather moved Development to 2nd section and let Pinetown 1st stay
Wouldn’t it make more sense to have the Development side playing in the 2nd XV section of this series? Looking at their scores, surely this defeats the purpose of anything ‘developmental’.
“Ville – DHS Sounds like a great game on Friday – I did not got Porties on Friday after having watched the “Ville -Gwd game on Tuesday
Sounds like it was a good game to watch
I did not think that there would be a game as good as “Ville – Gwd game so I missed out big time
@Amalekite: Westville beat DHS 7-6. It was an awesome game – nail biting to the end.
I reckon last night saw some of the best rugby of the tournment with almost all the wins being incredibly close. This bodes well for next week’s finals.
Result?
There is nothing wrong with this DHS team. Last years U16s were highly competitive and will carry the flag for DHS in their 150th celebrations. The current grade 12s at Westville lost at U16 level to DHS and so (as then) must take this game very seriously.
@Rugger fan:
Yes that should be the first game.
What makes the Gelofte night series so unique is that it has the u/13 tournament on a Thursday (Gelofte/Ashton/Kloof/Westville SP/Hillcrest/Kuswag) and then the u18 games on a Friday.
There is also a netball nightseries running the same days so a nice festive atmosphere.
Ps scouts are out in full force on a Thursday night
@Pedantic: Eish – tough times for the smaller schools. I’m sure the likes of Estcourt, Greytown, Weston etc. have similar stories regarding depth and numbers?
@h2o: Thanks h20 and Pedantic
What are start times? I drive right past Gelofte on my way home. May be worth popping past en route? I heard Hillcrest KO at 15h30?
@Pedantic:
Yip very sad. I do believe they only have a about 35 players from u16-18 group those include the long distance runners and tennis palyers.
Great memories of beating Kearsney at Kearsney in ’89 and losing to Ville 7-6 the same year….
Fixtures for tonight KZN Dev v Kingsway; Hillcrest v Ashton; Kloof v Durban North College and Gelofte v Kuswag…. some good games on a very hard surface
Teams divided into 2 tiers:
Group1- Hillcrest, Kloof, Ashton and DNK
Group 2- Gelofte, Kuswag, KZN Dev and Kingsway
@h2o: I chatted to one of the Gelofte boys the other day, he was telling me they only have about 5 or 6 matric players who play rugby!
A far cry from the days when they could hold their own against most current tier 1’s.
@Rugger fan: With Schedule A/B completed and approved, it’s my understanding that U16’s can certainly participate in Under 18 matches.
Once there is a single U19 on the field … on either team, then the U16 player can no longer take the field.
Gelofte 27-0 v Kingsway
I know some of the other schools in the mix also have U16 players in their 1st XV!
Check out the SARU Age Banding regulations (I Assume these are still current) http://images.supersport.com/SARU%20Schools%20Rugby%20Age-Banding%20Regulations%20accepted%206%20December%202012.pdf
Justa quick one on the Gelofte series. It is u/18 teams only hence the issue with u/16 players in the teams. I know Wentie Gordon has been running around this week trying to sort this issue out with the union and getting the various forms signed. At Gelofte they would not be able to field a competitive open side if they do not have u/16 in it. Their age groups would be u14, u15 and opens. Throughout the year they would only play u/18 sides. A sad comparison to the earlier years of Loffie rugby.
I found out Kloof HS; KZN Devt; Gelofte; Hillcrest; Durban North College; Ashton; Kingsway; Kuswag; Gelofte are all involved – not sure about who else.
Results so far:
Hillcrest 27 – 3 Durban North College on 13 Feb
Gelofte vs Kingsway (no result)
Fixtures:
20 Feb:
Hillcrest vs Ashton
Gelofte vs Kuswag
27 Feb:
Hillcrest vs Kloof
Gelofte vs KZN Devt
@beet: Beet – (or anyone else)? Does anyone have info on the Gelofte Night series rugby this year? I believe it has already started.
@Amalekite: 19.00
What time is the kick off tonight between Westville and DHS?
Yes Cyndi he seems to have the worlds time even under pressure. He played Grant Khomo last year. Sometimes just needs to be more conservative in his own red zone….. School will benefit a lot with Trompie’s input in the backline hope they stick to him for a season or 2
@CyndiAtRugby: He is definitely a very stylish player with a lot of potential. These last two games have done his confidence a world of good. I’m going to hold off on the “short while to settle” bit until after this next game against Westville. If he can handle himself well in that game he is ready, otherwise there is no harm in allowing him to continue his progress at fullback while a player like Noot takes up the reigns at pivot for the first part of the season.
It would be nice to see how well the DHS 10 & even the 9 would play behind a dominant pack against strong opponents. The 9 has good skills and is versatile as well.
For DHS I also enjoyed the way the broader lock took responsibility as an ball runner. I think DHS needs more of that positive aggro for go-forward and hopefully when Ntuli is fit again he will add a lot more grunt to their pack.
I am busy working through last night’s photos which has reminded me of what a wonderful player the DHS No 10 is. It took him a short while to settle in but he is a very impressive player.
@Rugby@EC: Port Natal beat Development 76-0; DHS beat George Campbell 50-0 and 14-7 to Glenwood over Westville.
Glenwood won the game 14-7. Nice hard game to watch for early season game.
Any scores of tonight Port Natal games especially Westville vs Glenwood ?
@BiasedDHSDad: Thanks.
Eish! 9 out of 11 recorded scores to date show losing team with 0.
I think DHS v Development was 46-0 (HT was 27-0).
Think it was eight tries with three conversions.
Decent first half for DHS trying some new combinations (and some niggles being rested) which worked OK against Development (for example halfbacks) and then a very ragged second half as bench came on and things got very messy.
Sounds like coaches and referees need a refresher on the age banding regulations. Hearing lots of reports of U16’s in the Gelofte Night Series.
@upcountry: If someone will be kind enough to supply the DHS vs Dev score I’m up the table, which will look like
1. Westville = 14pts
2. Glenwood =13pts
3. Port Natal = 8pts
4. DHS = 5pts
5. Campbell = 0pts
6. Dbn Dev = 0pts (with worst points for and against difference)
@Rugby@EC: The heroic 1st XVs of Friday night’s round 3 were Port Natal and Campbell. I think both schools lost 21-0 to Westville and Glenwood respectively but they both put up worthy battles based on strong defence and never say die attitudes. The two schools turned what had the potential to be a dull evening of one sided games into a really good show for SBR. DHS beat Dbn Development by plenty as was expected. I did not catch the final score.
Any scores of last night games at Port Natal ?
@beet: Is it to early or can we country folk ask for a log?
@Gungets Tuft: Gwd pretty much has 15 sorted with their Academy Week player back. The 10 jersey is up for graps though and I assume that the cricketer may be first choice here but there are a couple of other contenders as well, one being the u16 GK flyhalf and the other a versatile player who was at centre for them against DHS.
@umbiloburger: I believe Mr Bossr played GK as well. Fortunate dilemma to have. Having seen the young man play, my guess is that 15 might be his next port of call. That’s if he concentrates ….
@Gungets Tuft: The other fly half is Botha who played GK last year. Perhaps one of them may even end up somewhere else in the back line. Backs is not my forte…..keep it in the forwards…and when in doubt..pick and go.
@umbiloburger: …and that thing in Jacob of Nkandla’s palace is in actual fact really a FIREPOOL
@umbiloburger: Unlucky then. My instinct – the lightie will play, and take his concentrating medication. Why not, it’s not sensible to buy a V8 and run it on 4 cylinders. I don’t know who Glenwood have earmarked at #10 but the only thing that will keep the young man out of the main game on Dixons is a better player, not extra cricket lessons.
@Gungets Tuft: that’s nasty!!!!
I think that GW gave their summer sport kids an opportunity to have a run against Dev as this is a game (no condescending intended) that they should win comfortably.
@Grasshopper: Come now, I am sure UB wasn’t “lying”, he was just economical with the truth, or just unlucky with his statement. And anyway, we were only told that the young man was “concentrating on cricket”, so maybe last night he just didn’t concentrate. Or maybe he was thinking about cricket while he was playing. There are plenty of good explanations.
@BiasedDHSDad: That is a very honest response, quite refreshing. Hopefully the Glenwood crowd can take some constructive criticism this year..
@QC86: Let me guess Bossr started last night
@BiasedDHSDad: Very neutral report for a “biased dad”.
@BiasedDHSDad: Yeah I think DHS will be spending a lot of time working on holding onto the ball in contact over the next few days. They were very poor in that department. Porties were unorthodox at times but it worked for them. Both teams with lots of preseason work still to do but this was by far the most entertaining game of the evening.
Glenwood cruised to a 78-0 against Dbn Dev win and Westville won 46-0 vs George Campbell = 124-0 in 100 minutes.
@Grasshopper: Grassy did the spin doctor[Pinocchio Burger] not say that Bossr was only playing cricket,guess what.
Yes Port Natal were deserved winners last night. DHS were simply woeful. Porties came out very motivated and obviously keen for the win. DHS looked tired even before they started and struggled with the basics — tackling was shocking and they seemed unable to hold on to the ball in the tackle. DHS scrummie was good and got two tries and two conversions. DHS spilled the ball in the tackle (again) after the final hooter and DHS all stopped playing to give Porties an easy last try for a 22-14 win. Glenwood thrashed Development 78-0 (I think) and when we left Westville (who look very good) seemed to be cruising to a big win over George Campbell.
@star: When the whole A & B team swimming are on some sort of bursary the minimum you should expect is the A team to win and the B to be up there…
@star: Port Natal 22 DHS 14
Loadshedding? Its hit Parys, the one in the FS 100%. No electricity for 2 weeks, no running water. Be on the look-out for Jan Van Riebeeck- he could strike anywhere at any time.
@Grasshopper: I believe that the U16A/B scrumhalf moved to Westville because of the aggressive recruitment approach of GW. Besides the obvious irony surely you can not lay the blame at the Westville door. With regards to the swimming what stands out is the depth at Westville. When the B team beats the A teams of tier one schools KES, MCollege, DHS and Northwood then you can start to understand part of the success that has been achieved. It was also good to see how the current U16s who were perceived to be a weaker division have stood their ground and actually won a few races.
Now back to the PN Night Series. Can anyone confirm that Port Natal beat DHS last night? Surely this was massively against expectations.
@Tang: Agree, that is why I keep on about bringing back athletics properly, in KZN on the specialists really do it. In my day the whole school had to do it and training for another sport had to be put aside. Rugby players improved their endurance and speed in certain events. Also, rugby players gain great ball skills and different muscle endurance by playing waterpolo. All round sport should be promoted. This whole thing of I’m not playing polo due to rugby training is rubbish….
@Beet – participation in one sport is a growing and worrying trend. Extensive research has been done in the USA. Early specialization is not a good idea and encourages a much higher drop out level. 80% of children who participate in a single sporting activity in US High Schools drop out after one or two seasons.
Specialization is also responsible for more injuries, higher levels of stress, no enjoyment, etc
Only 1 out of 10,000 school children will go from school to college and then on to the NFL – less than 1% and yet parents are the biggest drivers for one sport participation.
@Grasshopper: Was Rugbyman in Durban during the holidays? I suppose he combines work and his holidays and so, gets his holiday paid for? Clever
Just an FYI Glenwood has lost a few players too;
2014 U16A/B scrumhalf to Westville
2014 U14B flyhalf to Westville
2014 U15A fullback to Garsfontein
2014 U15A lock to Garsfontein
2014 U15A/B flank to home schooling
Things work both ways….
Who two teams will be playing in the Final?
Heard a few little grapevine rumours of boys being poached from Glenwood……tut tut tut!
Yes I agree, lets hope they get quick ball. Mukendi to have quite a lot of niggles.
@RUGBYMAD: the whole backline on paper looks quick, skillful and bloody good! Let’s hope they can click and score many running tries! Mukendi to get at least 10 for the season…
@RUGBYMAD: Palvie is a huge blow! Hopefully he gets the care he needs and is back raring to go! Gosh, massive blow….
Morning guys can we please stick to the Port Natal rugby series. I must say that I think Kevin had a excellent game again DHS and Ruan van Rensburg is
A player to watch this year. It’s a pity that Marco Palvi mite be out for 3-5 months due to a shoulder injury mite need surgery. He is a good player and it will be a big loss to Glenwood.
@BOG: what happened in the waterpolo? Enlighten us all….
@Grasshopper: I know what happened with the polo, but Im not prepared to say it here. Very sad about that young man who drowned in the Midmar- I see that he was an OB from Glenwood
@BOG: one would hope Grey can swim having Ryk Neethling as an Old Boy. Grey have always been good at swimming, not news to me. Not sure what happened in the polo, all I know is the 1sts have beaten Westville, College & Northwood by decent margins. Hilton beat Glenwood by 6 runs to now represent KZN at the national T20….sorry baseball finals…..
@Queenian: I believe they filled the pool at Queens with sand and the matrics do Life Orientation in it? @Grasshopper: And the swimming results? Not bad for a school from the barren Flats? Just as well they did not participate in the Alan Burt as well. I shall keep quite about the Waterpolo, nogal at GCB. Who is the representative for KZN in the national T20 compo?
Playa/QC86 QC and Dale were also at this gala but they were participating in the ” baby pool ” as they were scared there swimmers would drown.
Westville Invitation Gala
The Glenwood A swim team have made steady strides in their road to closing the gap on our rivals.
In the Westville Gala, we improved another position from 2014 and secured 4th position behind Westville, Grey College and St. DAVIDS . Our U14 age group had an average evening as did the U19. The U15 and 16 were outstanding and challenge for first place in most of their events. The U17’s too had a good evening.
Final results
1st Westville 333
2nd Grey Coll 284
3rd St DAVIDS 267
4th Glenwood 242
5th Clifton 232
6th PBHS 210
7th Kearsney 176
8th Hilton 168
9th Westville B 129
10th Maritzburg Coll 105
11th KES 102
12th Northwood 64
13th DHS 53
The Alan Burt Gala
Our A team made a solid improvement in their efforts in this gala by finishing in joint second place with Pretoria Boys High School.
All our boys swam outstanding races with the highlight being the U16 breaststroke which saw Glenwood break the existing record by over 3 seconds.
Final Results
1st Westville 285
2nd Glenwood & PBHS 225
4th St DAVIDS 211
5th St Stithians 192
6th Kearsney 165
7th KES 148
8th Maritzburg Coll 102
9th DHS 76
10th PARKTOWN 56
@umbiloburger: good to see improvement! In my day we won D&D athletics 8 years in a row and I think in 92 we won the double, athletics & swimming. Would be good to get back to those days….seems Westville’s dominance might take another 3 years to crack….Grey Bloem are closer to it…..
@Grasshopper: GW have made some strides but in reality are off the Westville pace….but they are improving with every gala. They lost to St DAVIDS on Friday and then beat them on Sat. GW were missing 2 u14 swimmers who were on some athletics tour.
After the gala GW beat Northwood at polo quite comfortably down the line.
@GreenBlooded: ok that is a bit better. Hopefully we can make a serious challenge at D&D…
Alan Burt Gala:
1. Ville
2. Glenwood tie with Pretoria Boys
4.
4/13 with many Joburg Schools in attendance. Not too bad. Still 2nd in KZN which is a far cry from where we were a few years back. Not sure what the points spread was like. It’s a great improvement.
Alan Burt Gala taking place at Kings Park this morning.
@GreenBlooded: So Glenwood haven’t made up much ground in the pool then….?
@beet:
Thanks for the report-back. Pity about the weather.
And in other news (where the weather didn’t mess things up so much) was the gala between 13 schools at Westville last night. This traditionally takes place on Midmar Mile weekend when all the upcountry swimmers are down. I believe the results were:
1. Ville
2. Grey College
3. St Davids
4. Glenwood
@beet: So does the Glenwood pack look big and good enough to compete with the big boys?
The rain was not great but thank goodness no load-shedding and some useful forwards to keep an eye on this season. The backs will have to work extra hard to win back some of the limelight in the weeks to come
@Dixon’s: Yeah sorry about that Dixon’s and anyone else who relied on the times provided. I was also caught out arriving after the start of the Westville match. Honestly those were the only times I received. I’ll ask for an updated timetable on Monday.
@GreenBlooded: The bad weather made using a non-waterproof phone risky. It also kept what would probably have been a big crowd away.
Basically the rain put a halt to backline play and coupled with preseason rustiness especially with pass-catch, it wasn’t an evening for the backs. Players had problems fielding kicks suggesting that the wind was swirling a bit as well.
As expected Westville won comfortably against poor Development 67-0. WBHS have a few big forwards. Lots of good individual play and a nice first competitive match for any team. The next step is more team work and more flow. Also some place kicking issues to work on unless the first choice kicker was absent.
It rained hardest for DHS vs Glenwood. Gwd’s forwards used their upperbody strength to good effect with a few gainline breaking carries near the fringes. This style contributed to the only try of the first half. DHS neutralised a lot of Gwd gains with good contesting of the tackled ball which ended in TO’s. DHS struggled to construct front foot ball. The weather prevented any type of meaningful expansive rugby. An x-factor moment by the Gwd replacement centre resulted in the only try of the 2nd half. 14-3 to Gwd in the end.
Stopped raining for Porties vs Campbell. Usually always a tight exciting game. Both teams tried to play positive rugby but their hands were not there yet. Campbell’s disrupted start to the season due to coaching changes seemed to be a telling factor. The Porties place kicker was very good. 16-0 to Porties.
@GreenBlooded: weather was terrible…. couldnt even see the scoreboard with the heavy rain. also the times advertised were not adhered to. it appears that the above schedule is 30 to 40 minutes fast.
the website apologises for the use of the incorrect timetable. The incorrect timetable used was not sent by the school or the organisers.
No live updates? Either there is load-shedding or it’s happy hour in the beer tent.
Stage 3 kicks in 1200hrs in Ptn
best thing I ever bought was a quality Japanese generator
love when at 10 at nite everything runs normally – gennie doesn’t like the kettle though
also take work home when we have cuts – getting used to it
Still Going To PNNS even if i take a torch & a brollie
Apparently DHS 2nd team have withdrawn and are being replaced by Pinetown 1sts. I have always admired the Pinetown team for their tenacity and ‘never say die’ attitude as well as team spirit. Looking forward to 15:30
@beet:
In a club match – result stands after halftime.
@GreenBlooded: I asked about PNNS a few weeks ago and did not get a reply so my guess is the answer is no. I suppose shared points for cancelled games but if the lights go out at what point do they call it a day and send everyone home.
All the PNNS schools are local but I feel for the likes of Port Shepstone and Suid Natal at the Gelofte NS if they don’t have a generator and there’sa power cut
I hope the organisers of this tournament as well as the counterparts at Gelofte have made a plan with generators!! Stage 3 now – not good!!
@Green Hopper: not sure hey, all I know is those 2nd sides were very good! Some might say better than most schools 1st teams.
@beet: yep, that would have made it more about a trials of sorts if they were called Griffons etc. I still think it should have been the Tier 1 schools genuine 2nd & 3rd teams…
@Grasshopper: @Green Hopper: I don’t know how the sponsor would feel about it but perhaps it would have been an idea to name the teams the White Knights, Griffons, Horseflies, Grasshoppers etc etc in order to take the pressure off. Schools don’t lose their identities they just get disguised a bit.
Last year Glenwood and DHS were very good at rotating their squads. There is plenty of opportunity for Westville to do this, a lot for Glenwood but with DHS now fielding a B-team, they might be a lot more restricted given their lower rugby participation numbers and with summer sports still in full swing. Porties and Campbell are a lot small in school size and don’t tend to have that luxury to begin with.
@Grasshopper: is that 2nd team Monnas still an on going event ?
@Grasshopper: you now see the confusion that will arise, I think that the boys at 1st team level and a certain amount in the 2nd team ultimately play too much or exposed to too much rugby. This is the chance for boys that have done work gone to clinic and done personal training to highlights skills to the first and 2nd team coaches early on, as most 1st teams are already settled mainly , a diamond in the rough type issue,
it should be a tournament consider for what it is , and have its own special place
its like the use of 2nd team players in a 1st team game, why I like the squad system, the coaches inevitably use the 2nd team players at some point in the game, however consideration must go to the quality of the player, at that point , after having played almost the entire 2nd team game, how does one expect him then to perform at his best. So for me the squad system at 1st team level is better, all the boys will play and roll in positions as the season goes on , and it’s just a better level of playing ability
@Green Hopper: True, I see the same issue. If Glenwood beat Westville or vice versa, you know what will happen they will refer back to it later in the season. When it was 2nd, 3rd and 4th team players it was prepping the 2nd team to go off to that 2nd team festival at Monnas I think. The 1st team should rather prep vs their own 2nd team. Oh well, is it worth driving to from Ballito?
Having watched the Nite Series when it first started in 2011 , I though the aims of the completion was good, it seems to have mingled now into a 1st team event . I preferred it when the 2nd team and third team boys had the opportunity of playing in an event with similar quality tier 2 schools of 1st team level, also allowing the boys to demonstrate their ability , I mean the boys didn’t even play as an official 2nd team ,
It also allowed and attracted other schools and could have built up into a great competition, now it just seems to have really lost its appeal really
Who is going to Porties tomorrow night?
@beet:
Yip. All sport aborted at House on Saturday due to thunderstorms. Lot’s of half games of cricket.
@Gungets Tuft: @GreenBlooded: KZN definitely has sports seasons challenges. We start rugby in the hottest most humid month of the year and by the time the coldest ones come around the majority have finished playing for the year then we try to play cricket during the rainy season.
@Gungets Tuft:
Ja – latest trend seems to be that the waterpolo boys are giving up to concentrate on making the 1st XV. And the schools seem to allow it which is sad – essentially sacrificing one code for another. My question is this – when the 4th term comes along, do the rugger-buggers get their place back in the teams at the expense of the guys who played in the 1st term?
Don’t like it either to be honest. As much as I am a rugby man, rugby now seems to be consuming more and more of the sporting year at the expense of all else. No wonder okes are taking chances with roids to try and get an advantage and relocating trans-country to get better opportunities. Some sanity is needed here.
@beet: I don’t know how long the total specialisation has been creeping in but I karrent like it. I think the rugby – Water polo cross over is a good one, cricket – hockey, even rugby and swimming. I understand that each sport needs focus, but I think that kids are missing out. I think the evidence of the pressure being placed is the high drop out rate of post-school sports participation. Clubs are in decline because kids just don’t play after school any more. Perhaps that total manic focus at school just blunts them, so when they don’t make it as professionals after school they just stop altogether.
I see the ballie leagues for hockey still going strong, these are the okes that had some fun with it at school and still see it as fun now. Youngsters coming through – not so much. Water polo – not too sure, perhaps some of the club polo dwellers here can update me, are they as active as the days when Seals in PMB used to play club teams as low as 4ths?
Or maybe I have water on the brain and Umbiloburger, Pedantic and Greenblooded are going to put me right.
RE is doing a good job there at Campbell along with the new coaching staff considering the least amount of time given to work with the boys.
@umbiloburger: For many years kids have chosen to specialise in a particular school sport. I wonder if this % is increasing or decreasing. The early start to the rugby season must put a lot more pressure on traditional sport dual sportsmen
@Greenwood:
@beet: You are correct beet. The other issue is that there are some of the 1stXV players still in involved in their summer sport that may not be playing.
Hey Beet
you forgot the usual intro for PNNS
“February has to be the most hottest , humid & most uncomfortable month of the year ………………….and Rugby is being played
@Grasshopper: It’s a tricky balancing act for the coaches IMHO. The PNNS has a very competitive field this year and there is a trophy to be won but at the same time the coaches have to stay true to their medium and long turn goals, so an early season test of their characters and management styles just as much as it is for the players to gain match fitness and exposure to 1st XV conditions in a shortened version of the game.
Not much given away by the coaches bar the usual ‘testing combinations’, trials etc. How about some info on players. This is going to be a good tourno to watch, especially now with Westville in the mix. Will be interesting to see how the Westville guys react to Smit and vice versa.
@Grasshopper: Hopper,what has 15 years in business got to do with anything. Been successful in business doesn’t stop you from being naive. You always have to throw your own business achievements around on the blog, really who gives a toss how successful you are in business. @ Duikmes, yes that was a wonderful achievement for the Knights. Let’s hope they can raise their game this year. Will be great to see the minnows stick it to the big guns.
@beet: yes i was it was great to see !!! if everything goes well the knights will have a stronger team this year with some young blood pushing through . was a remarkable 2014 season for them also made history by beating dhs 12 10 for the first time in over 30 years think 36 years if im not mistaken .
@duikmes: I’m not sure if you were there last year but the Porties vs Gwd XV was one of the best games of the Series. It typified the White Knights fighting spirit. Here’s the details: http://blog.schoolboyrugby.co.za/?p=6395
never ever underestimate the White Knights they will keep on coming for you no matter what !!1
Heard Pinetown will also be participating at the Gelofte nite series
@Greenwood: Yeah I’d need the fixtures for that one though.
Beet
The Gelofte 2nd tier Schools nite series is also due to kick off in few weeks time maybe you can create a thread for this event
Kloof , Port Shepstone, Suid Natal , Werda are some of the Schools participating
I’ve always enjoyed this series similar vibe to Porties
The count down to the 2015 night series is on
@star: so do I….
Beet
How about a team of the week after every Friday of the 2015 series. To see which boys are constantly performing?
@Grasshopper: 15 years in business! I have got golf clubs that are older than that.
@Greenwood: Credit really has to go to beet on such a great sbr blog. This blog has everyone excited about the new season as soon as the present years’ one ends. I’m also a victim.
Burra – your’e right – us bloggers do seem to stray off the the subject matter but lets take a moment to give thanks to Beet for this blog which proves how passionate us bloggers are about Sbr
Imagine if this blog did not exist – already my mates are talking about next years fixtures Kerf , Pnns , Kings Park Nite matches – like kids looking forward to Guy Fawkes in the good old bad days
I’ll tell you how passionate I am – being the victim of crime twice (live in Crimetown) My whole family are seriously considering moving to the UK – Guess what is one of the main reasons wer’e still here – Schoolboy Rugby – I don’t just watch Gwd games – I’ve even been to College to watch them play Westville more than once (Shouted Go College ! many times) when I was a lightie at Primary school my Stepdad often went off to watch school games – never took me – I was soccer mad then
Let go back to the PNNS 2015 topic
@GreenBlooded: the grass isn’t always greener on the other side either…
@star: No need to provide further examples ou Sterretjie. The Hudson Park raid proves that the Leafy Suburb School poaches. If it’s one, ten or a hundred – Westville poaches finnished and klaar. So as much as you like to skew the issue, it’s not a case of all boys moving to Westville are natural moves and all boys moving to Glenwood are poached. Not like that boet – the current example being a case in point. Heard of a few decent players moving to the Leafy Suburbs from Dockside so I’m stoked that at least one decent player is moving in the other direction. Can’t say Wood will be missing too many shots at goal next season either……
@star: Firstly, I’m not young and naive, been in business for 15 years. Secondly, I don’t support Glenwood’s recruitment as we all know and I have made it clear to Glenwood directly. My issue is when pots call kettles black, Westville ain’t squeaky clean like most try to make out. In terms of fixtures, I honestly don’t care, it’s a massive task to try and coordinate this annually, this year even more difficult.
@ Grassy- ” bitter and twisted” You are so off the mark my young and naïve friend. If you knew me you would possibly understand. Maybe not. Just deal with facts and get over yourself. Your statement about holding back guys for academics is an embarrassment.
@ Greenblooded- Besides the 2 Hudson Park boys pleeeease give me one more example. You were the one that brought up the DHS boy which fell flat when Beet brought up the actual facts. (Yes Grassy it was a natural move.) I awaited some response from you but quickly understood the ” FIREPOOL” mentality. I have a recruit from Selbourne , MenloPark and EG Jansen for GW in one year alone at U16 level. We have heard the comments from EG Jansen parents on this blog and Selbourne have requested not to play you at KERF. You seemed surprized that MC are only playing GW once this year. You were also quick to dismiss this as rumour mongering. I am sure a fine institution like MC will have acceptable reasons. Let us not forget that your oldest rival Hilton is no longer. I am reminded of the old saying ” none so blind as those that will not see”.
@star: the Glenwood boys didn’t pick themselves, stop being so bitter & twisted. Ask the selectors & coaches…
@GreenBlooded: remember Westville don’t poach or recruit, all natural moves or holding guys back due to academics….
@star: Also assuming no new faces in the Westville team. No recent raids down at Hudson Park?
@star: Especially if he carries on growing at 10kg every 3 Months ….
@ Grassy- how can you say your U16A were not strong when they had 4 x the GK representation than Westville who in turn were ranked no 6 in the country( and that was before further GW ” Imports”).
Also you are working on the assumption that there will be no new faces in the 2015 team. I am aware of one that is close to home and might assist with your size problem.
Agreed, Glenwood will certainly be weaker than in 2014. There under16’s were not strong this year and they losing 13 starters in matric. The backs will be good again, but the forwards will be smaller and might struggle to supply the backs the ball they need….
All I can say about the next years night series is that it will be very interesting.
Burra
you may be right – news from Gwd is that they may be weaker than recent years and if The flies are on the way up then that’s great – genuinely
Even Rabid Gwd supporters will welcome a stronger “School” – this will be great for Dbn Sbr -but my money would be on the school from the leafy suburb on the highway
@Greenwood: You can never be sure mate. I say 2015 series will be exciting. Be sure to look out for School they my favourite for the final
Thanks Beet
even with 2 months to go you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to see which 2 teams will play in the final
cant wait !!