1. Paul Roos 45–28 Affies
Paul Roos produced a statement performance when it mattered most. Corne Uys entered 2026 under significant pressure, but his Maroon Machine responded in style.
Affies surged after halftime, cutting the deficit to a single point at 23–24 and looking set to seize control. Instead, Roos showed real character in what turned into an uncharacteristically high-scoring encounter. Clinical in punishing opportunities and composed in execution, they closed the door emphatically. This is a strong Affies outfit they put away.
2. Noordheuwel 3–41 Garsfontein
Questions may had started to surface around Garsfontein coach Sylvester Booysen ability to follow in the footsteps of his two very successful predecessors following the loss to Jeppe, especially given the wealth of returning talent. This response was emphatic.
Garsies sent a clear message that they remain the benchmark among the Noordvaal co-eds. For Nories head coach Ian Joubert, the result places him firmly under the microscope ahead of his anticipated move into the Grey College coaching structure.
3. Grey College 31–15 Monument
This was no win for Monument, but there was plenty to admire—particularly from a pack that echoed the old Witbulle traditions.
A 16-point margin in Bloemfontein, for a non-PH5 school, is not to be scoffed at. Grey College remain ruthless at home, but Monument can take genuine encouragement from this showing, as can the coaching credentials of Jannie du Plessis, which desperately needed a boost like this.
4. Wynberg 14–35 Drostdy
In light of Paul Roos’ result against Affies, Drostdy’s showing against them last week now carries more context. A talented outfit, they seemed to let themselves down in that outing, lacking rhythm and missing an opportunity to truly test PRG.
This week was a different story. the Donkies responded with a stand-up-and-take-notice victory over the reigning South Suburbs champions, underlining their quality when they click.
5. Paarl Boys’ High 26–22 Outeniqua
Heartbreak for Outeniqua, who conceded at the death in Brugstraat. It was that close to a famous result.
Paarl Boys’ High School edged it, but this narrow defeat may ultimately elevate the Kwaggas’ standing. After a couple of one-sided wins to start the season, this performance will have many taking serious notice.
6. Queen’s 19–24 Nico Malan
The opening exchanges suggested more of the same from Nico Malan—resilient on defence but lacking attacking edge. Queen’s capitalised, racing into a deserved 12–0 lead and reinforcing their status as one of the Eastern Cape’s teams to beat.
However, patience and faith in coach Jaco Nepgen’s structures paid dividends. Nico Malan grew into the contest, unlocking space through continuity and effective support play. A 24-point unanswered surge sealed an impressive comeback.
7. Fichardtpark 22–19 Trio
A defining result in the Wesgrow Sentrale Sportsreeks. Fichardtpark now control their own destiny after edging a fellow contender in Trio.
With Trio having beaten defending champions Diamantveld the week before, this result reshapes the title race. The May clash with Diamantveld now looms as a potential decider for top spot.
8. Dale 27–24 Brandwag (EP)
With the recent headmaster misconduct saga casting a shadow over Dale College, many might have expected the season to unravel.
Instead, this group is showing serious resolve. Back-to-back statement wins—first over Hudson Park who the Tickbirds had not beaten since 2019, now against Kariega Tinara Cup favourites Brandwag—suggest the Tickbirds are rallying in the face of adversity and building real momentum.
9. Michaelhouse 28–14 Northwood
Michaelhouse may not have featured prominently in pre-season title conversations, but their opening two weeks have shifted that perception.
While they may still sit outside the bracket of outright contenders, House have made it clear they are ready to mix it with the best and push for a strong finish. This was another composed, assured performance that reinforces their upward trajectory.
10. Selborne 15–24 Framesby
Framesby secured a second successive win over an Eastern Cape boys-only outfit, quietly building momentum early in the season.
For Selborne College, however, the result raises more difficult questions. A second consecutive no result —despite significant investment in the coaching structure—suggests things are not yet clicking. It may still be early days, but there is no escaping that this has been a challenging decade so far for the East London side and its set to continue that way in 2026.
Hard to tell while viewing in the app but looked like the KZN teams were playing in a tropical downpour. Pity as those were some great match ups. Still great games but a lot of knock ons in the wet