Westville were set to face Glenwood away earlier this season in the first of two scheduled clashes for 2025. Sadly, the tragic passing of a Glenwood student led to the cancellation of that much-anticipated fixture. It would have been an intriguing contest—Westville haven’t won at Glenwood’s fortress, Dixon’s, since 2015, a decade when Glenwood were a dominant force in KZN schoolboy rugby and almost unbeatable on home soil.
Back on their own turf, however, the Griffin has enjoyed better fortunes. They’ve claimed the last two home encounters against Glenwood. The key takeaway is that Westville remains unbeaten this season. With their sights firmly set on a rare first-place finish in KwaZulu-Natal, expect a fired-up Westville side eager to bag another statement win.
Meanwhile, it’s Reunion Day at Maritzburg College, where they take on Kearsney in what promises to be a high-energy affair. Interestingly, Kearsney have had an impressive record against College since 2011—winning more games in that span than in their entire previous history. That said, this year’s One-Stripe outfit has battled to find defensive form in a couple of local interschools matches. There is a chance this might resurface on a packed Goldstones Field. With momentum on their side, College could be poised for a big score, perhaps even a record-breaking one.
Biggest Maritzburg College wins against Kearsney:
1959: Maritzburg College 57-00 Kearsney
1978: Maritzburg College 52-09 Kearsney
2008: Maritzburg College 45-17 Kearsney
1995: Maritzburg College 43-03 Kearsney
1994: Maritzburg College 42-13 Kearsney
1955: Maritzburg College 40-00 Kearsney
Another fixture with plenty of intrigue is Durban High School vs Hilton. DHS experienced a resurgence in the late 2010s, sparked by fresh leadership and a significant financial boost. But around the same time, Hilton also turned their rugby fortunes around after some lean years—also thanks to the support (and wallets) of passionate old boys.
As a result, while DHS turned the tables on many KZN rivals, Hilton remained a stumbling block. School’s last win over Hilton came back in 2016—away from home. Their last victory on Van Heerden’s was in 2011. It’s been a long drought, and they’ll be desperate to end it on their 159th Founder’s Day.
Michaelhouse and St Charles face tough but winnable assignments in Gauteng where they play Pretoria Boys’ High and St Stithians respectively.
GLENWOOD VS VILLE (LEAFY SUBURBS)
Played: 57
Won: 38
Win % = 67%
Lost: 17
Drawn: 2
Biggest win: 45-0 in 2000
Biggest loss: 5-21 in 1993
Longest winning streak – 9 games (1964 to 1972).
First loss: 1976 (22-30)
Since 2010
2010 – Won – 9-6
2011 – Won 28-16
2012 – Lost 9-13
2013 – DNP
2014 – Won 32-15
2015 – Lost 17-18
2016 – Won 26-3
2017 – Won 38-12
2018 – Won 47-7
2019 – Won 22-7
2020 – DNP (COVID)
2021 – Won 13-3
2022 – Lost 7-22
2023 – Won 25-24
2024 – Lost 32-35
Glenwood have 1% chance on the weekend, but 1% is enough….
BRIEF KZN PREDICTIONS
Maybe 1 or 2 home wins this weekend only.