| SLOT | DATE | SCHOOL | SCHOOL | STREAM LINK | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A1 | Thu.27Apr | Hudson Park | 31 | 07 | Despatch | SSL youtube link |
| A2 | Thu.27Apr | Brandwag | 24 | 42 | DHS | SSL youtube link |
| A3 | Thu.27Apr | Muir | 07 | 26 | Parktown | SSL youtube link |
| A4 | Thu.27Apr | Queen’s | 07 | 13 | St John’s | SSL youtube link |
| A5 | Thu.27Apr | Daniel Pienaar | 12 | 33 | Dale | SSL youtube link |
| A6 | Thu.27Apr | Grey HS | 36 | 22 | Jeppe | SSL youtube link |
| B | Thu.27Apr | Pearson | 27 | 13 | St David’s | SSL youtube link |
| B | Thu.27Apr | Louis Botha | 48 | 08 | Ithembelihle | SSL youtube link |
| A1 | Sat.29Apr | Muir | 00 | 25 | St David’s | SSL youtube link |
| A2 | Sat.29Apr | St Andrew’s | 21 | 10 | St John’s | SSL youtube link |
| A3 | Sat.29Apr | Jeppe | 31 | 34 | DHS | SSL youtube link |
| A4 | Sat.29Apr | Daniel Pienaar | 20 | 24 | Louis Botha | SSL youtube link |
| A5 | Sat.29Apr | Graeme | 46 | 00 | Ithembelihle | SSL youtube link |
| A6 | Sat.29Apr | Grey HS | 52 | 00 | Parktown | SSL youtube link |
| B | Sat.29Apr | Dale | 22 | 15 | Pearson | SSL youtube link |
| B | Sat.29Apr | Brandwag | 24 | 05 | Hudson Park | SSL youtube link |
DAY 1 & 2 Feedback from Neale Emslie in association with Grey High School
Hudson Park beat Despatch 31-7
Hudson Park: Tries by No 11 Avuyile Mbece 2, No 7 Tomson Akioyame, No 21 Aphiwe Mbaru, No 1 Cole Haggard; three conversions by No 15 Jarred du Plessis
Despatch: Try by Raynard Claassen; conversion by Donze Landman
DHS beat Brandwag 42-24
DHS: Tries by No 13 Asanda Kunene, No 4 Celempilo Gumede, No 15 Cham Zondeki, No 7 Phendulani Buthelezi, No 9 Malusi Ntuli, No 18 Asande Mnguni; six conversions by No 12 Lwandile Menze
Brandwag: Tries by No 8 Zane Barnard, No 3 Le Kleu Stokes, No 19 Elandre Smit, No 9 Chad Adams; two conversions by No 9 Chad Adams
Parktown beat Muir 26-7
Parktown: Tries by No 11 Peter Kasonga, No 2 Donel Osaugwi, No 15 Ronald Tselane, No 16 Kyle Timmerman; three conversions by No 10 Martin Cimprich
Muir: Try by No 12 Sicele Tole; conversion by No 12 Sicele Tole
St John’s beat Queen’s 13-7
St John’s: Try by No 12 William Davis; conversion and two penalties by No 10 Kieran Houlstan
Queen’s: Try by No 2 Gareth Heidtmann; conversion by No 15 Keith Kroutz
Dale beat Daniel Pienaar 33-12
Dale: Tries by No 13 Siphamandla Matsinya 2, No 8 Thandile Mpangeva, No 10 Aphelele Fassi, No 22 Chumani Lucas; four conversions by No 10 Aphelele Fassi
Daniel Pienaar: Tries by No 8 Ryan Oliphant, No 10 Morne Labuschagne; conversion by No 9 Sashin Toring
Grey High beat Jeppe 36-22
Grey: Tries by No 11 Uan Tait, No 15 Sihle Njezula, No 10 LJ du Preez, No 5 Laken Grey, No 9 Runaldo Pedro, No 4 Gerik Rautenbach; two conversions by No 15 Sihle Njezula, one conversion by LJ du Preez.
Jeppe: Tries by No 8 Michael de Kock, No 13 Muzi Manyiki, No 18 Craig Bristow 2; conversion by No 15 Cameron van Tonder
Louis Botha Tech beat Ithembelihle 48-8 (point-scorers not available)
Pearson beat St Davids 27-13 (point-scorers unavailable)
Summary
HOSTS Grey High were pushed all the way by an energetic Jeppe outfit before finally subduing their Johannesburg opponents 36-22 on the opening day of the Standard Bank Grey High Rugby Festival in Port Elizabeth on Thursday.
An indication of Jeppe’s refusal to lie down came at the end of the game when they had the satisfaction of scoring the final try, but the home side had built a comfortable buffer by that stage.
The visitors were first to score but Grey struck back hard as they showed elusive running among the backs with tries by wing Uan Tait, fullback Sihle Njezula and flyhalf LJ du Preez.
It gave them a telling 17-7 lead at the break and although Jeppe showed great spirit by crossing for three tries in the second half, Grey had sufficient in the tank to keep control of the scoreline, also scoring three tries in this period.
In the main curtain-raiser, Dale displayed their running skills as they kept Daniel Pienaar under pressure throughout the game.
Three tries gave them a handy 21-0 lead shortly after the start of the second half before the Uitenhage team showed good fighting qualities to reply with tries by Ryan Oliphant and Morne Labuschagne.
But with Dale’s Aphelele Fassi rounding off an influential game with a try to go with four conversions, the King lads never lost their grip on the match.
Queen’s and Johannesburg rivals St John’s had a real arm-wrestle, with neither side able to gain any meaningful supremacy.
The Queenians scored the first try through hooker Gareth Heidtmann, to which St John’s replied with a powerful charge by centre William Davis, making it 7-7 at the break.
In the second half, St John’s took their chances when Queen’s infringed, with two penalties by flyhalf Kieran Houlstan proving the difference in a hard-earned 13-7 victory.
After a well-fought first half, which they led 14-7, Durban High School shifted into top gear in the second period to blitz Brandwag with four well-taken tries, stretching the score to 42-14.
The Durban lads were full value for their lead, seizing on any mistakes from their opponents to punish them with slick handling and hard running.
The situation looked ominous for the Uitenhagers, but they showed spirit in the last quarter of the match, crossing for three tries to narrow the gap to 18 points.
The best of these was a 60-metre run by diminutive scrumhalf Chad Adams after he broke through from his own half.
However, Brandwag had left themselves with too much to do and DHS firmed up their defence to register a deserved victory.
Hudson Park wing Avuyile Mbece showed his running prowess with two first half tries to spark the East London side to a solid 31-7 in the day’s opening game against Despatch.
The second effort was a gem from the halfway line when he outstepped a number of Despatch defenders to score under the posts.
Trailing 19-0 at halftime, Despatch showed better resolve in the second half and forced Hudson into a few errors, resulting in a try by Raynard Claassen.
However, the Border team stood firm and hit back with two more tries to run out comfortable victors.
Bloemfontein side Louis Botha Tech proved too strong for an outgunned Ithembelihle side, registering a 48-8 win, while Pearson will be happy to have notched up a 27-13 victory over St David’s.
DAY 2
St David’s Marist beat Muir 25-0
St David’s: Tries by No 2 Thomas O’Donoghue, No 11 Kieran Wrightson, No 21 Nicholas Christie; two penalties and two conversions by No 13 Marcell Scheepers
Muir: no scorers
St Andrew’s beat St John’s 21-10
St Andrew’s: Tries by No 13 Matt More, No 20 James Quarmby, No 9 Oscar Evans; three conversions by No 13 Matt More
St John’s: Tries by No 6 Philip Mparutsa 2.
Durban High School beat Jeppe 34-31
DHS: Tries by No 4 Celimpilo Gumede, No 11 Tonderai Ndudzo, No 14 Luthando Buthulezi, No 18 Asande Mnguni, No 12 Lwandile, Menze, No 7 Phendulani Buthulezi; two conversions by No 12 Lwandile Menze
Jeppe: Tries by No 2 Kyle Everton, No 5 Kegan Litchfield, No 11 Mohau Mohlaledi, No 13 Muzi Manyiki, No 15 Jordan Coetzee; three conversions by No 12 Thorne O’Connell
Louis Botha Tech beat Daniel Pienaar 24-20
Louis Botha: Tries by No 8 Ayabonga Ntaba, No 12 Ralston Dreyer, No 13 Martin Lottering, No 19 Renvin Saul; two conversions by No 15 Jayden Seekoei
Daniel Pienaar: Tries by No 1 Migual Harrison, No 8 Ryan Oliphant, No 14 Curtley Deysel; conversion and penalty by No 10 Dylan le Roux
Graeme beat Ithembelihle 46-0
Graeme: Tries by No 14 Matthew Robertson (3), No 13 Lelethu Cekiso, No 21 Sixolile Lamani, No 5 Donovan Brits (2), No 6 Julian Gardner; three conversions by No 5 Donovan Brits
Ithembelihle: no points
Grey High beat Parktown 52-0
Grey: Tries by No 13 Aya Matroos (2), No 4 Dumisa Ngcivana, No 12 Solaan Waqar, No 15 Sihle Njezula, No 11 Enrique Franks, No 20 Darren Vermaak, No 9 Runaldo Pedro; six conversions by No 10 LJ du Preez
Parktown: no points
Dale beat Pearson 22-15 (point-scorers not available)
Brandwag beat Hudson Park 26-5
Wrap of Day 2
RUNNING in five first half tries to lead 33-0 at the break, Grey High never relinquished their grip on the game to outclass Parktown on the second and final day of the Standard Bank Grey High Rugby Festival in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.
After defeating Jeppe on the opening day, Grey coasted home against their Johannesburg opponents, with vice-captain and centre Aya Matroos setting the pattern for the match with two early tries.
Even when Parktown did mount an offensive, they often found a way to lose possession, allowing the pacey Grey backs to feed off their mistakes with a couple of long-range scores.
The home team added three more tries in the second half for a decisive 52-0 victory.
The main curtain-raiser set the trend for the festival’s final game as strong-running wing Matthew Robertson scored a hat-trick of tries in Graeme’s comfortable 46-0 result against an outgunned Ithembelihle outfit.
The Graemians led 20-0 at halftime and in the second half, lock Donovan Brits had a field day, crossing for two tries and kicking three conversions for a personal tally of 16 points.
Earlier, Durban High School and Jeppe delivered arguably the match of the day, with the KwaZulu-Natal side running out victors 34-31 in a high-octane thriller.
Trailing 31-24 with time running out, DHS closed the gap to two points thanks to a powerful 30-metre run by towering lock Celempilo Gumede for a try in the corner.
The conversion was missed but with two minutes on the clock, the Johannesburg side seemed to have matters in hand. However, a Jeppe handling error just inside DHS’s half saw them cough up possession for Durban centre Lwandile Menze to take the final pass, sprinting 50 metres for the match-winning try.
Befitting their approach to the game, Jeppe never gave up and gained the ball from the kick-off with seconds remaining. However, DHS’s defence held firm and an infringement was followed by the final whistle.
Both sides showed good intent on attack, with Jeppe scoring five tries and DHS six. They were deadlocked at 19-19 at halftime.
In an equally exhilarating finish, Louis Botha Tech snatched victory in the dying seconds against Daniel Pienaar when Saul Renvin sprinted over in the corner for a 24-20 win.
After watching Dylan le Roux put Daniel Pienaar ahead 20-19 with a 50-metre penalty, the Bloem boys hit back in stunning fashion for their second win of the tournament.
The sides were well-matched throughout, each scoring two tries in the first half to turn at 12-12.
Louis Botha then went ahead through a fine try by centre Ralston Dreyer before the Uitenhagers edged their way back into the lead.
Finally, though, a break down the right-hand flank saw Saul on hand to dash over for the narrowest of wins.
Making their only appearance of the festival, St Andrew’s overturned a 7-0 deficit to defeat St John’s 21-10 in a hard-fought encounter marked by determined defence.
In particular, the Grahamstown side showed great resolve in the final 10 minutes to keep St John’s at bay as the Johannesburg side pressed hard on attack.
After leading 7-5 at halftime, thanks to a fine try by centre Matt More, St Andrew’s stretched their lead with further scores from James Quarmby and Oscar Evans. More added the conversions to give the Andreans a relatively comfortable buffer.
St David’s Marist produced a well-controlled performance to make up for their opening loss to Pearson by outplaying Muir 25-0 in the day’s first game.
Although Muir had a number of chances in attack, the Johannesburg team, besides showing good offensive capabilities, also stood firm in defence to deny their opponents any points.
The highlight of the game was a terrific run by left wing Kieran Wrightson who set off from inside his own half to waltz past a couple of defenders for a try under the posts.
In other action, Pearson, who suffered three serious injuries on the first day, pushed Dale all the way before losing 22-15, while Brandwag were too much for Hudson Park, running out comfortable 26-5 victors.
CAPTION:
Parktown flyhalf Martin Cimprich passes to Martin Senk during their match against Grey High in the Standard Bank Grey High Rugby Festival in Port Elizabeth on Saturday. Coming up in defence is Grey’s James Scott. Grey won the final match of the festival 52-0. Picture: Keegan van Rooyen.
@rugbyfan: Hey Rugbyfan. I was there on the Thursday. I sadly had to leave to attend a wedding just before the Dale game kicked off. Saw the Dale under 14s, and watched the Muir vs Parktown & QC vs St John’s game as well.Those Joburg boys play with some serious gees I tell you. Glad the Dalians got one over the old enemy – even happie it was a clean sweep
Those Selborne under 16s are massive!
Results from final day of Grey High Rugby Festival
U14A lost 5-10
U15A won 26-10
U16A lost 12-14
1st won 22-15
Nice game to finish off the day. Jeppe lifted there game up a few notches to give Grey a run for their money. There really wasn’t too much in it. The Grey flyhalf picked off that intercept to score and their 9 collected the loose ball off the defensive 5m lineout to do same – both Jeppe errors, otherwise is would have been close to a 50:50 matchup.
I love that Grey no 8 Prinsloo. Saw him put in a good shift against Maritzburg College when I was in Jozi. The Jeppe 13 Munyike also a quality player.
@Umtata: those are sweet results indeed, especially for the First Team. Because of our ugly history with DP, that clean sweep is very satisfying, immensely so
. We need to build momentum and confidence going into Reunion weekend.
Results from Day 1 of Grey High rugby festival
U14A won 29-21
U15A won 19-0
U16A won 22-17
1st won 33-12
College!
@beet: yes I believe he’ll play there fir the rest of the season
@Speartackle: The Dale 15 from KERF is playing 10 these days
@Speartackle: he’s out with concussion sustained vs Dale
Ag no man, where is the Queens lock?
@Henkies: Just go and get some Bluff Babelas wors and you’ll be ready for more Stellas
Ah thanks Spear. Doh. I had 4 Stellas last night and the grey matter still hasn’t got going yet this morning
And then the Dale 15
I can’t wait to see that huge Queen’s lock again
@Playa: Hey are you at the Grey Festival went past this morning to watch Queenian son Muir Under 16A vs Selborne Under16A, Selborne were just far to big for Muir and I think they scored 7 tries or something.
But will give the Muir pack led by Queenian son who were out weighed by about 20kgs a boy there due specially in the second half completely dominated the Selborne pack which was amazing to see. I know its hard to say but besides the first 20 minutes and 6 tries, Muir’s courage was good to see, in the second half they did all the playing and never gave up. Even the size out, and that game would have been a different story. If Muir get some size in this age group they will have a good 1st team in two years time.
@Henkies: Glenwood playing on Saturday
Thanks Spear, Beet. I have to say when I saw that Brandwag tight 5 I also wondered how DHS would be able to withstand the size difference over 70 min. Well done to them – a very courageous win! Does anyone know how Glenwood got on this morning ?
@Henkies: Well done to DHS, 15 minutes into the game I gave DHS no chance but it shows you that flair will always outgun size at schoolboy level
Super win by DHS. They switched off a bit at the end and had to absorb lots of forward pressure esp in the early stages but otherwise played some good attacking rugby to watch.
Spear, I’ve no idea what they are feeding them in Uitenhage? There’s no way I’d want to face those heavyweights. I would fake an injury in the warm up if I was playing. I thought DHS did really well to just hold them at forward and play their quick expansive game. You’re lucky to be there – looks like an awesome day.
So glad I flew in this morning, absolute stunning day here in PE
Looks like a lekker festival this, even some Spur wors
Brandwag have some massive forwards, jeepers what do they feed them in Uitenhage?
It was raining in PE last night let’s hope for the best today. It’s still overcast though.
@QC86: No worries…busy time understandably. Save those billies for the Grey Fest if we both happen to make it.
Is it too late for me to stock up on Bull Brand? Don’t know if it’s even still on the market.
@Playa: sorry i missed you choem,wanted to give you some billies.That time of the year is crazy,with offloading trucks at the back of the shop,should ask someone to call me,always enjoy a chat with you.
@Playa: @Queenian: BULL BRAND
@Playa: Yip the youngest one is in Grade 12 this year.
@Queenian: Jeeez! How many sons has that man got? He needs to tell me his secret. I haven’t seen him. He wasn’t around when I went to get some braai vleis at his shop when I was in King in December.
@Playa: You seen Rudi of late. Wonder if he’s son will play Selborne 1st this year.
@Queenian: Hahahaha! I’m glad to hear that. I was a bit nervous of trying to find out myself – as I know an Old Dalian here in Cape Town, who couldn’t send his son to Dale because mommy wouldn’t allow it. He matriculated at Wynberg last year and his dad wanted to send him to Dale this year to do a post matric, but was told it’s not offered anymore. He would have been a 5th generation old with his dad, grandfather, great grandfather and great-great grand father all being Old Dalians.
@Playa: Looks like the post matric story at Dale was just Griffy playing some minds games. Ye the one boy from Cambridge is a very good player.
@Playa: Under 16
@Queenian: Is your son in the 1st team this year, or under 16?
@Queenian: From what I’ve heard so far is exactly what you’ve said, good but not as good as last year. I think one thing KC has finally come to terms with is that, although we will never have the numbers, we most certainly can make up for it (to some extent) in conditioning and skills. Johnny Mallet will hopefully add to this dynamic, but only time will tell…
@The Beast: Ye DP have upped there cricket the last 10 years or so and have had some good teams.
They a big school about a 1000 boys and I suppose historically been a rugby playing school.
If I am correct they the oldest Tech school in SA
@The Beast: Yip
@Queenian: Never knew DP played cricket, are you involved at Muir?
@Playa: How many boys Dale got back from last years 1st team?
@Playa: You no what I do like over the past 4 years DP have poached 5 cricket players from Muir to give them this so called dream team this year and bingo a few days ago Muir 1st XI crushed them. Now that’s sweet justice.
@Playa: That’s good if you do I will see you, my son is playing as well.
@Queenian: I’m considering doing a long weekend in PE during the Grey Festival.
@beet: Thanks, I wasn’t aware that he’d stepped down as CW coach after 2015. Apologies to Louis.
@Playa: You doing any travelling up EC way this year to watch SBR
@Wyvern: @Vleis: Maybe birdie got it wrong…we’ll see
@Wyvern: How’s Kingswood looking for this year by all reports it will be another handy side maybe not as good as last years but pretty decent.
@Wyvern: Only thing I can think of is there Under 16’s of two years ago were really good. So maybe they hiding them somewere.
@The Beast: Good one sorry you will not draw me into your spat with Hopper.
Good to see somebody sees the lighter side of life.
@The Beast: name, still waiting coward…
@Grasshopper: Seems like we got to you yesterday.
@Queenian:
You simply have no cooking clue about rugby in the EC and you know it.
@Playa: Hey Playa. Louis the Framesby coach was surprisingly relieved of his CW coaching position after 2015. Last year EP CW had a new coach. Louis actually has an outstanding record as a coach at Craven Week. I think its something like played 12 won 10.
@Wyvern: @Playa: I hope that they don’t churn out a dream team, as St Alban’s play DHS (who definitely DO have a dream team), Westville and Graeme at Saints…so tough fixtures made worse if the the latter also have a dream team. That said, now that I have no offspring at the school, I can watch in a much more relaxed fashion.
@Playa: That would be a surprise if Graeme churns out a “dream” team. If i remember correctly their 2nd XV weren’t spectacular against us, and as said above, their u16s were not good at all. Things can change…..so lets wait and see.
@rugbyfan: Gareth back!
Him and Kroutz will be immense for QC.
@rugbyfan: A little birdie told me that Graeme’s secret weapon for this year is their 2016 2nd XV
@Vleis: Grey transformed from being a school for sons of lawyers and doctors and started giving the ‘hardies’ a chance – an Old Grey once told me. Indeed – Framesby became a happy hunting ground for them. One that has served them well if I may add. In my view, Framesby don’t fire up because they play the wrong ‘game plan’ for the type of players they have. More shocking is that they have been coached by a Craven Week coach (anyone who watched EP at CW last year will know what I mean).
Dale first had a derby against Franesby in my matric year – though sadly the derby is no more. We walked all over them that year. Within 5 years, the derby was competitive. They had done something right. I seriously hope they hold on to their under 14s…and coach them well…The EC needs a strong Framesby.
@Queenian: Yep, I watched that game. Indeed, Framesby dropped the ball on the try-line when they were 17 to nil up, which may have made the task too tough for Queens to come back from. Although Framesby were a big team, they were fairly easy to defend against, as they were too direct and predictable in their play. Hopefully that will change this year. I wish them the very best of luck at SANNIX.
On a different note, I think that St Andrews will have a good team this year as the current matrics and gr11s were decent as u16s. “Decent” may not sound like the most flattering word to use, but SAC normally improve significantly from age group rugby to open rugby, so “decent” 16 teams could be the harbinger of great things for the 1st team.
@Playa: Not sure were Graeme will get there “Dream Team” from they were pretty ordinary last year and there Under 16’s were average, by far the best Under 16 team in Grahamstown last year was St Andrews.
I also think Marlow could spring a surprise.
@Queenian: Was very surprised to see people like Gareth Heidtman and others still at Queens this year so I don’t think QC will be a push over this year.
The question will be coaching and injuries.
And I believe Dale will surprise most people they have the magical “Griffy”
But I believe Selborne will be top of the pops in the Eastern Cape this year.
@Vleis: Framesby is a well run school and has a good history. They should just go from strength to strength.
I know quite a few parents of boys there and they rave about the place and it should get better as they go you correct they only have about 90/97 boys per grade but you must remember they take the cream of the crop from all the Afrikaans boys in PE also a couple of English boys.
I have herd the performance of there 1st team is maybe a issue surrounding there coach who seems to favour size over everything else and 2017 will be know different they will have a very large pack.
There first game up is at the Graeme festival vs Queens who I believe will also have a big pack so should be interesting. Last year Framesby bullied Queens with there big forwards and were 17 nil up at half time but sadly got run off there feet in the second half by the Queens backs and lost 17-20.
@Grasshopper: Woodridge gets boys from allround PE and surrounding towns but they only have about 22 boys per grade so will always battle to field any decent rugby teams.
I believe Framesby will have a really good team this year they draw the cream of the crop when it comes to Afrikaans youngsters in Port Elizabeth, the schools that are more effected by Grey PE are the Uitenhage schools Muir/Brandwag and Nico Malan from Humansdorp. We must remember that in 2016 there were close to 150 out of a 1000 boys at Grey that are Afrikaans. Nearly all the farmers kids from Addo/Kirkwood/Jansenville/Paterson that used to go to boarding school at Muir all go to Grey PE now.
@beet: Thanks
@Playa: I had a long chat to a Framesby parent at the Grey PE Fest last year, who said the following:
1. He couldn’t understand why their 1st team was misfiring so badly as they had a lot of talent, but he said it was partly psychological.
2. Grey PE often offer bursaries to top Framesby rugby players. Some accept, but others “that are very Afrikaans” choose not to accept same.
3. Their u14A team was a particularly good team – they had just beaten GCB u14A amongst others. I wonder how many will get lured elsewhere?
4. He didn’t think that a school with only about 90 boys per grade should choose such a difficult fixture list – i.e. most if the top E Cape schools plus KERF, GCB, Outeniqua, Oakdale, BL, Glenwood, etc.
@Grasshopper: Grey PE catches a number of Framesby & Nico Malan “would be’s” as well. I’m not too clued up on the Woodridge end of things. In my day, Woodridge was home to boys who either couldn’t make it into/ or got kicked out of St Andrews
.That was the joke anyway.
Marlow gets a lot of the farming town boys from around Graff-Reinet, Cradock, Tarkastad, Stutterheim & Cathcart – they share the area with Queens and Hangklip. Those from up the N6 and surrounds (Jamestown, Dordericht, Aliwal North etc.) mostly head for the Bloem schools. All these areas were historically turf dominated by Queens and GCB.
@Playa: thanks, nice to have a Border/EC insider. I hear many kids are going to Woodridge now from Humansdorp & St Francis instead of Nico Malan. Also Framesby seems to be the go to Afrikaans school down that way…Marlow usually punch above their weight too…Landbou boys are bred tough…
@Grasshopper: Apparently Graeme are going to have a dream team this year. I’m not too clued up on what’s going on there. They haven’t had an above average side in some years. St Andrews are unpredictable – the year you think they’re gonna have a kuk year, they pull off a stunner…and vice versa…one just never knows. Rest assured they’ll be entertaining though. Nico Malan…well ask Grey Bloem how many Burgersdorpers they have in their boarding houses…that should answer your question
Hudson – used to be the kings of EC waterpolo – now they seem to have put a massive focus on cricket and rugby, and its paying dividends.
@Queenian: I updated the KERF blog to include the final fixtures.
@Playa: Nico Malan? They used to be handy. Westville poached a few from Hudson in the past. I’ve always known Hudson as a waterpolo school. Also, what about St Andrews & Graeme?
@Queenian: I know of two boys who have come in from Cambridge. Both are in grade 12 this year (were in grade 11 last year). Dale don’t have post matric – and I certainly haven’t heard of 5 new boys joining the school. Either a rumour, or this is something that recently happened – I’ll choose to believe that it is a rumour
I’m not sure what the team is looking like but my highlight will be getting the first back-to-back win vs Grey since 1994-1995. Give me that and I wont be bothered about any other result.
My hope for QC is for them to stay injury free this year. They’ve had the potential to be brilliant in the last two season but seemed to just not get momentum because of the many injuries they suffer.
I think for the first time in a long time, we might see a co-ed occupying either the top or 2nd spot in Border. Hudson has been an awakening beast last few seasons – capable of beating any of the colleges on heir day. Selborne to occupy the other spot – closely followed by QC. It will be interesting. Stirling, with good coaching should have a team that will limit GCB to less than 99 points
and cause an upset or two in the Border league.
Pity about Port Rex – their rugby has suffered greatly in recent years. They were once what Hudson seems to be nowadays. Though the Muir fixture is better value than PR – not great having to drop such a historical fixture.
DHS 14 & 15 played KZN Craven Week in 2016, so they have four returning provincial players…
@Grasshopper: DHS vs Brandwag should be good Brandwag might lack a bit of speed but got a very big pack.
@Grasshopper: So they could have a good year.
Do you no what the final fixture for Kearsney are chatting to some one from Quuens the other day and they seem to think they are playing Glenwood on the final day.
@Playa: On this side Grey PE will be okay don’t think they will have a great team but okay. Framesby have a massive pack. St Andrew’s will be okay as will Kingswood with 5 post matrics 2 from QC and 1 from Grey PE. Brandwag and DP will have good pack of forwards and I think Marlow will be the dark horse also have some very good players coming through from under 16 last year.
Winner of the Eastern Cape is very wide open this year although I would put my money on Selborne or Grey PE but Framesby could edge them both.
@Playa: Border is going to be very tight this year Selborne looks good/ Hudson are on the up/ I think Dale will be above average and all sign’s are QC have a good team. Also Sterling have a lot of boys come through from there Under 16’s from last year which must be there best age group team ever.
So could be fun
DHS vs Jeppe should be the game of the festival. DHS have seven 2015 Grant Khomo players in their side, absolute speed to burn.
Zondeki (15)
Nduzi (1)
Barnes (7)
Fatyela (2)
Buthelezi (7/8) – played KZN craven week
Nohamba (9) – SA Schools Academy
Nondudzo (14)
I think 14 & 15 both run 100m under 11 secs. Go School!
@Playa: Dale vs Muir might be on the 27th May we should have confirmation within in a week or two apparently Dale thinking of dropping the Port Rex fixture for Muir.
@Playa: Hey Tom how things not sure why QC are only playing on the 1st day, ye have heard St John’s should have a decent team.
What happening at Dale there were rumours of 5 post matric’s but then all went quite. How is there 1st team looking as I need them to put one over on DP otherwise will have a lot of egg on my face if they don’t. Dale Under 16 A I hear will be a decent this year.
Slater tells me the other day he went passed QC and was surprised to see a lot of boys back from last year in the forwards so he recons they should be okay. He also said there Under 15 age group should be up there with the best so interesting year ahead.
@Queenian: I’m hoping DHS has a hot team this year, since they have plenty of returning players, some of whom are quality but they will have depth challenges so a festival format with its rotation policy may not play into their hands.
@Queenian: Howzit Queenian. Oh yes! Getting one on the enemy would be absolutely marvellous. DHS and Jeppe from what I’ve heard will be carrying on from the good seasons they had last year. They should still be strong. The game between those two has the potential of being the game of the festival. But you should be more worried about St John’s – something hot is cooking there
. Should be a tough one for Queen’s.
Why are Queen’s only playing on Day 1?
Anybody know how DHS and Jeppe will be this year.
Ye and I hope Dale whip there butts
Game of this festival will be Daniel Pienaar vs Dale old enemies.