Matches streamed by www.SchoolSportLive.com
The annual Border Schools’ Rugby Day will take place at Selborne on 18 March 2017. It is the starting point of what promises to be an interesting regional season. At this early stage not too many locals are prepared to put their heads on the block and predict who of three big guns Dale, Queen’s or Selborne will finish the season on top.
Main field fixtures:
| GAME# | SCHOOL | SCHOOL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gonubie | Alphandale | |
| 2 | Breidbach | Lilyfontein | |
| 3 | Port Rex | Jamangile | |
| 4 | Queen’s | Stirling | |
| 5 | Cambridge | Chief Boklein | |
| 6 | Dale | Grens | |
| 7 | Selborne | Hudson Park |
Note re-streaming:
All the Border Schools Rugby Day 2017 matches on the Selborne College A Field will be live streamed on the internet. Click on the respective link of the match you want to view, as follows:
09h00 Gonubie High 1st XV vs Alphandale High 1st XV
10h10 Breidbach High 1st XV vs Lillyfontein High 1st XV
11h20 George Randell 1st XV vs Tsholomnqa 1st XV
12h40 Port Rex 1st XV vs Jamangile High 1st XV
13h50 Queens College 1st XV vs Stirling High 1st XV
15h00 Dale College 1st XV vs Grens High 1st XV
16h10 Selborne College 1st XV vs Hudson Park 1st XV
@Playa: did a little googling – border towns are so rich in history. Found some information from Amathola Museum…Rich in history poor in $$…
@Hustle: I can’t think of any off the top of my head.They do however have a keen rivalry with Lwazi Mvovo’s alma mater Mariah Louw in Queenstown.
@Playa: Thanks Playa – Did they ever feature – with some predominant – players for any sport? Now got my history bug going – wonder how come a colored settlement ended up outside KWT. Love SA history!
@Hustle: Breidbach is essentially a suburb of King.It’s about 5km outside KWT on the N2 (on your left) towards East London.A former coloured settlement.In the 90s kids who couldn’t get into Dale or KHS for boarding ended up at Breidbach instead.
.@Playa: Yes Player agree – especially on the injury side..I also liked the way CBH played…not sure if those guys are in grade 12…I was not sure what was going on with Hudson.
Just curious who is Breidbach – what town – any history on that school?
I was impressed with Dale, considering coming of a very good year…
@Hustle: QC have a good side.Backline showed some spark when Kroutz moved to 10.Huge pack which gets the job done.They are up for a good season….hopefully they stay injury free this year.
Dale battled upfront against the Grens muscle.It will be a long Kearsney Festival for them if that problem persists.Strong finish after being tested for most of the game.
Hudson was disappointing.I thought they would push Selborne further.Baboona for the first time in my experience look like their secret lies in their backline.I shudder to think of the damage they’ll cause once Coetzer is back.
I also caught the 2nd half of Cambridge’s game.They look hungry.Quick backs with some silly skills
Top 3? I can safely put Selborne and QC in there.3rd is open for business.
Oos Kaap rugby is alive!!!!
I am curious – to what folks feel top 3 teams of the day were…have to add watching on “Boob Tube” – Rugby was played in a great spirit by all team – and proud to say Oost Kaap – has some wonderful talent
.
@Playa: Playa – thought that QC was ok – they have a useful team – but if they want to mix it up – with good team – will have to significantly, lift team work – passing – not giving ball away – and when down keep pumping the legs…time will tell if this is a good year. If they can improve 20% a game things could be interesting.This is up to the lads themselves.
Dale – again – they don’t have certain aspects – but they are just terrors – moving fast – all players seem very involved – at a fast pace, so my second best college on the border…beat Grens – really by a big margin – thought Grens was focused on size…
Baboona- Hot and cold —-
Fun day…
Queens were helped by experience and Dale got away with murder against Grens.Stirling will be a force.They are well grilled and possibly just over eager due to lack of experience.Iwouldnt be surprised if they got the Border triple crown by beating all 3 colleges next year
Dale 21 Grens 10
QC 18 Stirling 10
Now for the Baboona vs the Pink Panthers
Stirling are definitely no pushovers this year. Some good aspects to their game
Bad mistake by the ref and QC score?13-3 to QC
Dave Bolze involved , Clint Loest and Hartley also, QC score from lineout maul, 8-3
QC 3 – Stirling 3 halftime, QC huge but no skills
Hoping for good rugby from all. If anyone is there curious to see how the team are looking.
From what I’m led to believe Clinton Loest is first team coach. Gareth Hartley is helping out as assistant coach with the forwards, while attending to his business commitments. He played prop in the first team of 2006, was very good. I think, don’t quote me, that they have a local guy Justin Wood to help out with the fitness and conditioning. Kaya is coaching the u14s and has made a big impact. Apparently he is not shy of a good old fitness session, and is very good to the boys. He is very focused on the boys enjoying the game rather than the results.
I’m not sure what’s happening with John Duncan, he has become very strong in his faith and has made a big difference in some of the kids lives. I think Dave Bolze is director of rugby now, once again don’t quote me. John has taken a step back. Good luck to all the teams this weekend, especially QC
Here is the Selborne team minus the services of the top drawer flyhalf David Coetzer who is at SARU u18 EPD:
Starting Team is: Miles Norton, Jordan Janse van Rensburg, Sibabalwe Xamlashe, Sibahle Kuhlane, Afika Ndinisa, Jason Raubenheimer, Mitchell Connellan, Adam Mountfort, Andre Rust, Sisonke Mbadlanyana, Stephan Nieuwenhuizen, Nolan Kemp, Cameron Moodie, Mark Venter, Luke Dalbock.
@Outside Looking in: perhaps a week too early for team lists. Squads probably still the order of the day tomorrow.
Are team lists available? I’d like to see how the teams are looking this year. I remember the current Selborne side was head above shoulders as an U/16 group. I know it’s far from an indicator for first team performance
Rugby structure at QC seems a bit odd – who reports to who. Talked with Loest – he is the 01st team coach, must have been with group for some years as assistant. I like this man – he is consistent.
Bolze was coach last year – and think he is still in the mix….
Kaya – I believe is Kaya Molatana is in a development role – also well liked and can have a good impact.
John Duncan – have no idea what he does or if he is there – website says head of rugby – perhaps junior and senior not sure – at all.
@QC86:
@rugbyfan: There team is not to bad they have got better the older they have got have some real talent the one centre is genuine SA schools material but they don’t have the weight to match somebody like Grey PE or Selborne. Lets see how it goes hope they continue there improvement and they should be a pretty decent side in 2019.
@Queenian: How is your son and he,s Under16A looking at Muir this year, they ended last year well heard stories your side in Uitenhage people think when they get to Grade 12 in 2019 it will be the best Muir team in decades?
@QC86: Not sure who is all in the Selborne Under16A team this year but the Headmaster rates them even believes they could get through the year unbeaten.
@QC86: Going to be along day at the office for Muir vs Grey Bloem.
@QC86: Went past the Parry at QC last week and the only person I recognised was Clinton Loest the other two I have never seen before.
Have not been past Selborne this year but did bump into the Headmaster Dewar I think is his name in Cape Town and he believes they will have a good year. I would say from what I saw last year Selborne should be Eastern Cape Kings this year. Is your son in the squad?.
Although for the first time in quite a few years I was impressed with what I saw at QC the other day there seems to be size/speed and the flyhalf who is not so small anymore looks good. So lets hope for there sake Coaching is good. Don’t think many Ecape teams will just walk over them this year.
@Queenian: Will meet up for some beers next week
Graeme day is always a highlight,high quality sides attend .
@rugbyfan: All I can say prediction is shame we need help. Make it worse 3 mainline Muir players will be overseas then and to cap it all Tole the Muir centre buggered his leg in a practice game against Grey PE on Monday could be out for 6 weeks so ye to say anything but a cricket score would be putting it mildly.
@rugbyfan: Have you been past Selborne yet,would love to know your thoughts.
@rugbyfan:
@beet: I’m not sure ,heard Clint loest was helping the coach from last year(was it Murray Basset ???)and old queenian Kaya Molatana has joined QC but i am not sure in what capacity 
@Queenian: So what’s your prediction Grey Bloem vs Muir
You expecting a close game. 
@Queenian: I see Muir are playing a full fixture against Dale this year. Good to see they spreading there wings.
@Queenian: @QC86: Playing Kingswood is the only chance your son will ever get to play Dale/QC/Selborne and a host of other schools all at once.
@beet: Have know idea who is coaching QC this year.
@QC86: Well I suppose Kingswood or otherwise known as the Eastern Cape invitational team.
@QC86: Agree good to have SBR back and do some watching exercise. Should see you at Graeme next week you know who has taken over from Dave.
Off to Grahamstown this weekend my son and co playing Kingswood, so two weeks in a row will be in Grahamstown.
@QC86: Who has the reins at Queen’s now?
@Queenian: Dave not involved this year.I can’t wait for Saturday ,dust off the old rugby cushion ,grab a hotdog (or 3 )and a coke,us fat okes need to keep our energy levels up and head down to the ground.MOOI MAN
@Playa: As far as I remember the Sterling Under16 lost by about 10 points to Selborne last year.
As far as I know Dave Bolze is the QC coach has been for some years now.
@GCollege86: Nice! Now to stock up on some data bundles. Thanks for the info.
@rugbyfan: Who’s the QC head coach nowadays? Is John Duncan still based at the school?
@Hustle: Judging from what I have been hearing about the size of the QC pack, you may just have a chance of getting some $ back. Considering that QC backlines usually match (and at times surpass
) the Dalians in skill and pace, Griffy will have to come up with an out the box strategy – I am thinking something along the lines of the ‘no rucks’ game plan Italy executed against England 
@Queenian: I am scared of what Stirling may be able to accomplish in the next two seasons. Dont think the colleges will take them lightly at all. How did their Under 16s perform against Selborne last year?
All the Border Schools Rugby Day 2017 matches on the Selborne College A Field will be live streamed on the internet. Click on the respective link of the match you want to view, as follows:
09h00 Gonubie High 1st XV vs Alphandale High 1st XV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZyRr0P4QB6g
10h10 Breidbach High 1st XV vs Lillyfontein High 1st XV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acZNY29PvqE
11h20 George Randell 1st XV vs Tsholomnqa 1st XV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpDcbriT9Bc
12h40 Port Rex 1st XV vs Jamangile High 1st XV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1afUQoXONb4
13h50 Queens College 1st XV vs Stirling High 1st XV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rzIlAp1xhYw
15h00 Dale College 1st XV vs Grens High 1st XV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=32n5e2SPWO4
16h10 Selborne College 1st XV vs Hudson Park 1st XV
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGxkuW28b70
@Playa: Graeme speaking about this team in a million but not sure were it will be coming from. There Under16 8th man from last year was brilliant and bingo I see he is at Grey PE so lets see if they live up to the hype.
@GCollege86: Marlow are building for a great 2018 most there boys in grade 11 so that big pack will be extra big next year.
@rugbyfan: Good backline but the forwards are small so will be a tough year, but new coach who has the metal so lets see. Some tough games this year Grey Bloem/Boland Landbou and Dale so things should be fun.
Grey Bloem game will be a long painfull day at the office made worse by 3 of Muir’s frontline players overseas that week so ye very scary what could happen there.
@Queenian: How is Muir this year?
@GCollege86: Went past QC a week or so ago and was also surprised by the size of there forwards, there backs also looked very slick to me. Got the idea they were trying to play there chances down. Which means they could be up for a good year. Although I still have my doubts about the QC coaching but lets see. If you gave Griffy these boys you would have fire works.
Anyway good luck to QC have always seen when they have a good pack they do well.
@Playa: Have watched Stirling age group for a few years now and there Under16 last year must be the best age group team I have ever seen from Stirling so I expect the next two years they will be up there with all the other Border teams no arriving and winning by 50. Selborne/Dale/QC will have to work for there wins there now.
@Knight_CHS07: I did not watch the Stirling Brandwag game.
Hudson vs Marlow: Marlow has huge forwards and they were far ahead but ran out of steam. The Hudson backs were good and I think if the game lasted another 5 min they might have taken the game.
QC vs Cambridge: The QC team has many boys back from last year in the huge forwards. I think as the season gets on and they get fit, they will be a good team. They also have good backs. One could see QC was testing combination and using the game as trials.
DP vs Grens: Not a good game for me. DP had some players out but had no excuses for making bad calls on field. Not one of the teams used the wind to their advantage. Bad ball handling from both sides. I was actually surprised with the score and thought DP will take it by at least 20.
Think things will start falling into place on Saturday and one will get an idea how the season can turn out for some teams but probably next weeks games at Greame even more. Stirling vs QC will be a good game as well as Dale vs Grens. Selborne vs Hudson will also be a good game being Selborne’s 1st game. of a season.
@Playa: I have to earn my money back – I really hope we will have a decent side – QC seems to have inordinate amount of games…Our back line will have to gel…..cant wait for the Kudo horns – to skop that tick bird into touch.
@Greycollege86 – point taken – I really believe seasons are worn or lost at the beginning of the season.
Seems like there will be some great games
@GCollege86: What are your views on Saturday’s games? I was there also, watched all the 1st XV games.
For me:
– Port Rex looked good considering how they have always been labelled as “weak”. So they have definately improved. Hangklip looked lost at times.
– Stirling vs Bradwag: Stirling…
they threw away that game. I feel sorry for the boy who lost the ball which resulted in a try at the end. Stirling have a talented age group coming through, and they will surprise a few teams this year and next year. Well done to Brandwag for not giving up. Great game of rugby though.
– CHS vs QC: Both teams teams played well, even though Queens looked flat at times(by their standards). I thought Cambridge did well to compete up front against the BIG QC forwards, unfortunately QC over powered them at times hence the rolling maul tries by QC.
– Grens vs DPienaar: I honestly thought DP would run away with that game…poor decision making cost them one or two possible tries. Grens did well to recover and capitalise on their opportunities which brought them back in the game.
Overall it was a good day, and I enjoyed the games. This saturday and Graeme Rugby day will give us a better idea of the teams.
Hiw was the Hudson vs Marlow game?
@Playa: Don’t know what the deal is with the u13’s. Think he is still involved. He has been appointed as skills coach for all the teams at Selborne College. He spent a lot of time pre season with the 1sts but is now involved with the other teams as well.
@GCollege86: WOW!I wasnt aware of that. Great acquisition for Selborne 1sts. That puts a spanner in the works. Will he no longer coach the Under 13As?
@Hustle: I still have the last cheque I collected from you framed on my wall…bring it on
@Hustle: I was at the Grens vs DPienaar game as well as the QC vs Cambridge and Hudson vs Marlow games. I think we will get a better idea what the teams will look like after this weekend that will also be used as trials for some teams. I think Dale by 30 just because its their 1st game of the season.
Grens…
@Hustle: Dale or Grens?
Dale jump out and Play Grens- heard they have a great side.
@beet: Saw they were doing Kearsney but didn’t now they were involved in St John’s as well. Only need sombody to do KES and we’ll be sorted for the easter holidays, especially if you’re a supporter from the colony.
@HE: So true. Hopefully school rugby supporters can get 100% behind them. They will also take on two other huge assignments in the form of the St John’s and Kearsney Easter Rugby Festivals.
@beet: SSL going from strength to strength. Coverage of the North-South festival whilst simultaneously covering PG u/16 tournament takes some doing. Great for schoolboy rugby.
Playa I still have some $ left any wagers this year?
Well there’s some good news. There is talk that Border Schools Day will be livestreamed by SSL.
@Playa: You might not be aware but there has been some changes in the coaching staff at Hudson. Adam Robertson has joined Selborne College as skills coach. I think we will see some teams using Border Schools as trials and testing combinations for the coming season.
@beet: Decent Under16s coming up, they had a useful 2nd XV with grade 11s and a handful from last year’s 1st XV returning. No players ‘left’ for Dale
Add the excellent coaching staff they have available – one would easily assume that they should have another good team.
@Playa: Is Hudson Park on for another good season?
@Queenian: Selborne might have to dig deep.I also hear Stirling will be a young but decent side.
On another note…I see SACS have poached your headmaster Brandon Grant….eish
Selborne vs Hudson should be a good game Hudson have been getting better every year.