The King Edward VII Easter Rugby Festival is arguable the best attended school rugby festival in the country.
This year apart from the hosts KES, the big attraction team is bound to be Garsfontein who has seen a big improvement in their rugby and results in recent times. Centurion also comes off a very good 2012 season and will be hoping to build on that success. Marlow, Menlopark and Eldoraigne rank nationally amongst the unknown quanities and are capable of producing good results while Hentie Cilliers has been a good supply line to the Griffons Craven Week and Academy Week causes over the years.
| DATE | SCHOOL | SCHOOL | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu.28Mar | Garsfontein | 106 | 07 | Golden Lions Inv |
| Thu.28Mar | KES | 40 | 12 | Hudson Park |
| Thu.28Mar | Parktown | 10 | 12 | Trinityhouse |
| Thu.28Mar | Marlow | 22 | 39 | Centurion |
| Thu.28Mar | Eldoraigne | 22 | 20 | Hentie Cilliers |
| Thu.28Mar | Menlopark | 36 | 03 | Lichtenburg |
| Sat.30Mar | Golden Lions Inv | 00 | 89 | Centurion |
| Sat.30Mar | Lichtenburg | 00 | 80 | Garsfontein |
| Sat.30Mar | Menlopark | 51 | 24 | Hentie Cilliers |
| Sat.30Mar | Trinityhouse | 16 | 28 | Eldoraigne |
| Sat.30Mar | Parktown | 32 | 22 | Hudson Park |
| Sat.30Mar | Marlow | 20 | 16 | KES |
| Mon.01Apr | Eldoraigne | 36 | 05 | Hudson Park |
| Mon.01Apr | Menlopark | 39 | 44 | Marlow |
| Mon.01Apr | Lichtenburg | 28 | 41 | Centurion |
| Mon.01Apr | Golden Lions Inv | 00 | 77 | Hentie Cilliers |
| Mon.01Apr | Parktown | 05 | 109 | Garsfontein |
| Mon.01Apr | KES | 24 | 35 | Trinityhouse |
@BOG: We use them at our doors as door mats.
I think Garsfontein and Marlow would have been a good game to watch.
@badboy: Look no further than the QT mob. They collect Grey jerseys and hang them up at their pubs, telling their friends they had gone to Grey. Rugbyfan and my jerseys also went missing and though Beet will not admit it, we suspect he found the jerseys at the QT school- JJS and their feeder, QC.
beet: Somebody stole my jersey please body search all before they leave.
@Queenian: Well the way you carry on we can see were your heart is.
@Grasshopper: I suspect the latter. I have a good idea who. Remember Balan-singh? Same modus operandi. Probably same person.
@Grasshopper: Dont let people rile you up about your school everybody must remember that all schools need support not only theres.
@Greenblooded, well they know how to wind me up and know how passionate I am about Glenwood, they would do something like that. There are 3 candidates I can think of all Westville Old Boys…….they know who they are……have suspected it for a while OR it’s one of the regular bloggers who has two accounts and uses the Beast one to cause trouble with Glenwood in specific…
@Gungets Tuft: would never take it personally – each to their own I say! If Glenwood want to add the Tukkies and Maties U21 side to their fixture list – good for them – ‘cos lets be honest – they are not really challenging themselves are they
@Grasshopper: Jeez China – if you suspect your mates of being The Beast – then you really need some new mates.
@Gungets Tuft: saw the tweet yesterday “Bidli to be transferred to the Netcare Rehabilitation Centre for a period of about 6 weeks”
@Roger: And don’t take it personally, I am very, very picky about social networking. Follow few, otherwise it is an interruption. Plus I cannae tweet when I am towing, might get my license revoked, then it is bread and pull-it for supper.
Had all the Marlow Grade 10,s with me yesterday morning some big boys there, the teaches recon this year will be a rebuilding year for there 1st team but should be better than last year
@Roger: And no tweet about it ??? ..
That is good news, while rehab perhaps not the greatest news. I will unfollow just as long as you keep us updated esor. I don’t think there is a parent that does not know that this could be their boy, but for fortune …
@Grasshopper: Why sign a contract – trust and honour bru, with a solid willy-whacking if you misbehave. Twitter is better than D6 for fixture changes, cancellations etc and can easily provide a link to results, fixture lists etc. It is also immediate and the load can be sread across a number of people (who have to be trustworthy and honourable!!
)
@Gungets Tuft: Bidli has been moved to the Rehabilitation Centre at Millpark Hiospital for a six week period – there we go – you can unfollow now
@Thebeast, then another of my mates, maybe Ants or Kev? You won’t admit it anyway so not too worry.
@Gungets, yes I have officially complained to the Chairman of the Old Boys and Trevor Kershaw about the lack of Social Media presence. All it requires is one person to tweet and stick to an agreed policy of stating results and fixtures, very easy. In fact I could do it for them and sign a contract stating I’ll stick to the policy. It’s poor show from them. Glenwood don’t even have the D6 communicator which nearly every other school in SA does, great piece of technology that.
@Grasshopper: Tone it down how much, exactly. I see Gloenwood last tweeted on 6th August 2011. At least the @GlenwoodHigh account did. Taking restraint to excess .. {koff}
I actually agree about KES, I am amazed that they keep their followers. It’s a deluge, so quite difficult to sort the information from the cheerleading, but everyone to their own – I will be unfollowing as soon as Bidli is out of hospital.
@Grasshopper: I do love stirring………………but Bert I am not!!!! You will never know……will you?
a couple of KZN schools that they play. You are sounding like a mate of mine now……Bert? You won’t admit it on here but you love to cause trouble…..
@Grasshopper: But it’s a fact that they do bash the Kzn schools when they play them…………..banter banter….
@Beast, do you mean it’s impossible for you to not run down Glenwood, as that is your modus operandi? I actually think KES is a brilliant school, how can anyone argue that with the likes of Graeme Smith, Bryan Habana, Joe Van Niekerk etc being old boys. It’s only when arrogant statements are made about KES dominating KZN etc, when they don’t even play all the KZN opposition, that is all. Roger is a good bloke with some sensible comments, I’m sure we would get on well if we met in person. It’s called banter….
@Roger: It is impossible for Grasshopper to not be nosy and run down anything that is not Glenwood………………..Impossible!!!!! Who at KES caused him to have this inner hate?
@Grasshopper: like I said – the unfollow button is your friend – in the words of Ben Stiller – “do it”!
@Roger, I run a web analytics and online audience measurement company, I am aware of that. However, every now and again there is some useful information in the tweets so by unfollowing I would miss them. KES should have a more toned down social media policy, that is what should happen. Only state facts and tone down the emotional stuff…
@Grasshopper: here’s a tip – unfollow
@Grasshopper:
@The Beast; Guess who’s back, back again. Beast is back, tell a friend
Guess who’s back, guess who’s back?
Guess who’s back, guess who’s back?
Guess who’s back, guess who’s back?
Guess who’s back?
@Grasshopper: Jeepers, which KES oke shagged your wife???
Nope, but those rankings that are not thumb sucked and actually based on results, quality of opposition, number of games played etc did not have KES ranked in the top 10. There are a few that are based on proper stats that are a little more accurate. If KES doesn’t worry about ranking then they should stop tweeting about it
The KES social media person is brilliant at promoting every little thing. #redpower #invincible #redblood #greatest #top5 etc. I follow KES to keep up with results, but it needs to be toned down a little. Makes KES look a little arrogant to others…
@Grasshopper: I doubt KES ever claimed to be top 10
if they get ranked by the plethora of school boy rugby blogs that exist that’s hardly their issue – is it?
@Roger, cool as long as you don’t claim to be top 10 when you don’t play at least half of the top 10. Again rankings are subjective and I personally don’t like them, but some KES supporters (not you) keep on banging on about KES being ranked in the top 10. For me if you don’t play and beat any sides in the top 10 then you shouldn’t be there. if KES beat Affies and Monnas then they have a case.
@Grasshopper: we’re happy with it
@Amalekite, I looked at Westvilles fixture list and thought it would be a good idea if Westville played KES in Jhb again this year. Otherwise it would have meant two away trips in one year and none the next.
With regard to Hilton, I am curious to see what stance Westville takes to CW playing. He is U19 and depending on when he moved (was it end of G10 or start of G11) he may not be eligible to play.
@Roger, wow that must be KES’s heaviest schedule in years. Still no Grey Bloem, Paarl Gim, Paul Roos, Waterkloof, Paarl Boys, Grey PE, Outeniqua, Boland Landbou, Noord Kaap etc.
@Grasshopper: KES play 15 games this year btw – including Affies, Monnas, Menlo Park, Westville, College, PBHS etc
@Grasshopper: I also think that Hilton will have a good side. Their U16A beat Westville at Westville 2 years ago. I remember that they had blonde twins that stood out. Wright must be U19 this year ? I think that they also bought Jaco Gouws the U16 Glenwood lock in the middle of last year. Going to be interesting.
@Roger: According to my sources, the game will be played at KES again this year. Apparently it has something to do with Westville playing PBHS at home.
@Grasshopper: played and beat Hilton in 2008, 2009, 2010 and 2011 – as I said, Westville are due a win against KES – good luck to them
@Roger, very chilled boet…..horizontal in fact. 16, no where near that….maybe 12. Glenwood played 23 last year, which is stupid but still the case. That is almost double. Yep, each to their own.
Don’t say KZN because that is disrespectful to all the other KZN Schools KES do not play eg Kearsney, Glenwood, Hilton and others. Let see what happens this year, methinks Westville have the side to beat KES. We need to put that one to bed now…
@Grasshopper: I’m very chilled – seems you are the only one getting hot under the collar – it is what it is – KES’s fixture list will never have more than 14-16 games per season. The most they have ever played in a season is 18. Each to their own – would you agree?
But KZN still can’t beat us
@Roger, I always hit a nerve with you boet. Just chill. Yes, like Glenwood lost to Westville for the first time in 6 years in 2012, no one will know what happened off the field in 10 years time. My point is you and other KES supporters bang on about how KES smashed KZN schools, but every year you don’t play the best school in the province. Maybe test yourselves with more fixtures and see how you cope with injuries etc. Imagine if your poster boy Marx got injured last year, methinks games would have been different. College, Glenwood and now Westville and Kearsney are playing up to and more than 20 fixtures in a season against top 20 schools, it’s really tough to keep the squad together. KES on the other hand play two top 20 schools in Affies & Monnas, only recently added. Anyway, we going down the same well worn path again….
@Grasshopper: when if’s and but’s are candy and nuts it will be Christmas all year round. Who cares if it was a poor year for Michaelhouse – nobody remembers that – it’s the score that counts. KES played and beat College, Michaelhouse, Hilton, DHS and Westville in 2011 – its in the record books! Just like when Glenwood gave KES a carrot in 2004 – does it matter that it was the 2nd worst KES team in the schools history, who won only 3 games? Nope – Glenwood won convincingly – that’ all that counts.
@Playfair, let’s be honest all schools will be confident now before the season as they have no clue what the others are looking like. Wright I believe is very good, but a scrumhalf can’t win a game on his own. Unless Hilton have brought in numerous players I think they may struggle. Obviously in the derby with Michaelhouse it’s anyones game on the day with home advantage playing a huge role….
The Hilton coaches believe this is the year! A mates lightie is at school there, confident mood in corridors. New players and banking on their game changer, Wright. Apparently even trained with The Sharks. Any news on the HM A regarding NW; exchange students?
@Grasshopper:
MHS lost to DHS in 2010 and 2011. They. Will have a good 2013 but not too sure about Hilton hey, they won’t be too good.
@Beet, thanks for the input, I wish I could have seen those games. Plenty to get excited about now that I am back in SA. I’ll be up at Kearsney with my ballie on the Monday, can’t wait. Will try and come up for Glenwood’s Old Boys day against Monnas and even try and see the KES vs Westville game, that will be great as I will be on the fence in that one…
Re Michaelhouse, OK then it might have 2010 that they lost. Whatever, 2010 and 2011 were really bad for House, with 2012 being a great bounce back. No one is talking about them, seems a hidden beast may arise. Same for Hilton….quietly training hard up in the Midlands…..
@Grasshopper: MHS beat both George Campbell and Northwood in 2011.
@Grasshopper: That Kearsney vs Glenwood the most satisfying game of the season for me personally and produced the most memorable result. To beat Glenwood on Dixons, is no mean feat and I tried to enjoy the moment for as long as possible knowing that it will be hard to repeat. The Kearsney win against Westville also very good since it broke a long losing streak. And then there was the win on Goldstones on Reunion Day. Kearsney played extremely well that day.
But being objective in terms of good games the Westville vs Glenwood was right up there. The match was a very intense thriller and I thoroughly enjoyed. I also enjoyed the way the Hilton vs Michaelhouse second leg unfolded. The atmosphere was great.
However to pick game of the KZN season: Michaelhouse edging out Kearsney on Balgowan to decide top KZN team for 2012. Game won with last kick from the corner after time was up. Some excellent rugby before that with some of the star players of the season really fronting up.
Of all the games watched live the Affies vs EG Jansen also stood out for me. EG brought their A-game and it was a very physical battle, played at a frantic pace.
@Roger, 2011 was Michaelhouse’s worst in decades. I they even lost to George Campbell and Northwood. DHS might have even won that year. I need to dig up record books. Any year prior to that KES would have had a tough game, especially in Lambie’s year and the year before…
@Beet, agreed! What was your best KZN derby game in 2012? Kearsney’s win on Dixons?
If Im not mistaken, Hentie Cilliers had 7 or 8 in the Griffons side which did not do badly at CW. I personally think that they are stronger than some of those Pretoria sides
@Grasshopper: wont be down for that game-Westville are due a win though, so it wouldn’t surprise me
@Amalekite: also dissappointed KES are not playing Garsies or Eldoraigne – not sure why as I heard KES-Garsies were the main game on Monday.
@Playa: KES may even slip up against Hudson Park
perish the thought!
@Grasshopper: hmmm – seem to remember KES putting 60 past Michaelhouse in 2011
I agree these schools do not possess the traditional quality of the schools at KERF but heh, lets see them play – as I said, they will upset a few of the bigger schools on their day. Trust me – there will still be in excess of 30,000 attending the festival which is more than KERF could dream of. What an experience for schools such as Lichtenberg and Hentie Cilliers to play in front on those crowds.
@beet: Beet – amen. I will be very interested to see how Garsfontein, Eldoraigne, Centurion and Menlo Park do against Affies, Waterkloof and PBHS this year. Apparently Marlow also have a very good side
@Grasshopper: If you go to SBR expecting to watch error free rugby 9 times out of 10 you will leave disappointed. Best entertainment games for me are the close contests esp when the teams are up for the challenge. Not all evenly matched games show it on the scoreboard. There is plenty of opportunity to see class in one-sided games but for me one of those types of games will never be a game of the season.
@Beet, ever your diplomatic self :wink:. You actually think KERF is the best but as the manager of the blog you need to come across as impartial and neutral. I agree though evenly matched good sides are always great to watch. Evenly matched average sides making a lot of errors, not so good. I almost switched off the Bulls vs Stormers game cos it was so error ridden….
@Roger: Roger having watched the Damelin Night Series for a second year running, I firmly believe that a good game involves 2 well matched teams playing good quality rugby, rather than where the teams are expected to feature on the ranking system
@Roger, yes some good points there. However, those schools are no where near the calibre of the big sides at Kearsney or Wildeklawer. Good to see other teams involved. KES have yet to play the top KZN side in the past 6 years, as these have been Glenwood or Michaelhouse. Kearsney and Westville will be the top KZN sides this year so let’s see how KES go against Westville at Westville. I do know the last time Glenwood played KES it was a good win :wink:. Roger, will you be down in Durbs for the KES vs Westville game?
@Roger: In KZN we rate KES very highly and respect them, and that is precisely why I cannot understand them taking on Trinity House, when they could play against a similar strength team such as Garsfontein or Eldoraigne.
@Roger: Agreed on Hudson Park.They are not to be taken lightly.They have a tendency to kill giants when in their element.
dissapointed KES aren’t playing Garsfontein and Centurion. KES play Menlo Park in regular season this year so they were out the equation. Marlow should be a good game for the main game on Saturday
@Amalekite: Beet is spot on – perhaps chalk up a few victories over KES before commenting
when last did Westville beat KES – 2006 I believe 
@Grasshopper: Menlopark, Eldoraigne, Centurion, Garsfontein and KES are strong teams. Hudson Park and Hentie Celliers are no pushovers either – these may not be strong “traditional” schools but are strong nonetheless and I would fancy a few upsets if some of these schools were at KERF. I am looking forward to seeing these schools in action – nice to have a change and to see different schools.
Marlow vs Centurion should be a bruiser.Certainly the pick of the games here.
A close second will be the Marlow vs KES game. But the farmers may be bruised after the Centurion game.
@Amalekite: Lets save those blows until after our KZN teams beat KES for a change.
@Woltrui: Agreed. Maybe they don’t want their ranking to be affected negatively
I have to be honest and it has nothing to do with my previous KES debates, this must be the weakest Easter festival on the cards. Even the Glenwood hosted Bizsport festival looks stronger. This festival may get the crowds but the line-up is nowhere near what it should be..
No Kes. You are better than that. With all duo respect to Trinityhouse and Hudson Park, they are not the same quality as the big Pretoria schools. It seems as if you “picked the well traveled road”. Opportunity missed.
Interesting games; Marlow/Centurion: Centurion by 8. Menlopark/Hentie Cilliers. HC by 5. Kes/Marlow. Marlow by 8.
Doesn’t look as if Garsies is going to be challenged either.
Personally, me thinks, not a well thought out programme.