School rugby: whats going down on 27 July 2024

Monnas July Blues

I looked back to see if Monnas had ever lost three matches during July in the past. It seems like there hasn’t been much interschool rugby played during July in recent years. So, July 2024 has been a bit unusual, with three rugby weekends. Nevertheless, for a rugby school like Monnas, losing three matches in a row is uncommon, let alone losing three in a single month. This is the prospect that the Witbulle face when they take on Garsfontein on their Ras van Rooyen field.

End of the Unbeaten Road for Charlies

Unbeaten Charlie Hofmeyr, one of the teams of the season, faces possibly their biggest test of the season when they visit Milnerton, another team of the year contender who has had a dream-team-like season to remember.

Maritzburg’s Second Trip to Gauteng in Two Weekends

It’s a huge ask for the Red/Black/White as they make their second trip up to Gauteng in as many weekends for the high-profile match in Houghton. Perhaps working in College’s favour is that they were off their best against the Candies last Saturday, which could translate to a far better performance this weekend. Of course, the Reds are reeling from a 10-point loss to Jeppe and may be extra keen to end a good 2024 campaign on a high note.

Noordheuwel’s “Quarterfinal” at Kloof

During August, Nories have Menlo (A) and Nellies (H) still to come in the league. These are both winnable games where the possibility of bonus points is a reality. However, they first have a mountain to climb at high-flying Waterkloof. It’s a must-win game for Nories if they want to stay in the race for a semi-final spot.

Northwood Going for a Glenwood Double

Something that was unthinkable during the 2010s, when Glenwood was one of the best rugby schools in SA, now has the word “probability” attached to it: the Northwood Knights winning on Dixon’s and beating Glenwood for the second time in one season! Maritzburg College plays Glenwood in home and away fixtures almost every year, and the former last did a double against Glenwood in 2005. It’s a reminder that Northwood has come a long way.

Durbies Pushing Out 17 Teams

For various reasons, Durbanville faces a rough time in the WP Prem B as a few other schools have a beef with them and don’t want rugby interschools. So they must surely be hoping and praying for a step up to the congested WPPL. Encouragingly, for a big match day against Paarl Gim, they are fielding an impressive 17 teams. That is praiseworthy and a commitment that deserves consideration for promotion.

WP Prem B Schools on the Up

Apart from Durbanville’s rugby structures looking good, Milnerton is lining themselves up for a bumper 2025 fixture list that may include a number of Prem A schools again. Brackenfell is also trending upwards and is believed to have 15 teams at the moment.

Bethlehem Derby

The Kovsies playoffs have arrived. In the Griffons region, the Trekkers take on Witteberg in a Bethlehem derby rematch. Voortrekker will be mindful that Witteberg beat them 25-23 last time out. It was a good improvement by Witteberg, who finished third, just behind Voortrekker in the Wesgrow League this year.

Nellies Going for Four Wins in a Row

Nelspruit supporters must be pinching themselves. The Rhinos are in awesome form. They have taken down the likes of Garsfontein and Monument in shocking home wins, and before the holidays, they put away Marais Viljoen. Now they have a chance to record another home win, this time against Menlopark, who beat them 31-14 in an NWU reeks match earlier in the season.

Burgersdorp in the Free State?

This question has come up before. How can the Eastern Cape school Burgersdorp be part of the Free State? This weekend sees them take on Landboudal in a semi-final of the FS Liga. This perhaps overshadows the big story, which is Landboudal, who stands a good chance of being crowned Free State champs for the Kovsies Liga.

Perdeberg Mudfest

No doubt one of the biggest games of the weekend will be Boishaai’s visit to the Plaas just outside Paarl. The BL field was a difficult prospect last weekend, as BL scored late to secure a valued win against Bosch and claim an SS4 Grand Slam. With wet conditions predicted again, this may be another match where the boys from both teams all look like they are wearing the same brown outfits.

Spare a Thought for Oakdale and Outeniqua

Marlow canceled on Oakdale and Upington canceled on Outeniqua. Now Outeniqua doesn’t have a match until 17 August. Oakdale might be grateful for the rest, as they have Grey College visiting Riversdale next weekend. Anyway, the two SWD giants should really reconsider their stances and try to organize annual home and away fixtures against each other to avoid no-rugby days like Saturday, 27 July.