Old Queenian Murray Basset has been handed the head coaching reigns at 154 year old Queens College. Basset has been the first team assistant coach for three years now, working alongside former head coach John Duncan. In terms of smooth transitions, it’s beneficial to have an assistant competent enough to step in, especially at such short notice as was the case when Duncan suddenly resigned. However just as would be the case with an outsider coming in, with this new head coach is bound to come some fresh new ideas and a possible change in style and tactics. It will be interesting to see what effect Basset has on the team. He is known for being big on ball retention, so expect Queens to become a lot greedier with possession in 2013.
With Luke Smith having been appointed as the successor to Griffy Griffiths at Dale, it sets up quite an intriguing Border region season in which a major highlight is always the age old derbies between Queens and Dale.
@Queenian: Ye seen your kid play Queens would only gain if he goes there also a good cricketer
@queenian good man! I heard that selborne u14 team, has to old protea boys in Boucher and NTini…very nice story. I hope he gets to go to QC..
@Hustle: My son is Under 12 this year and he is not at Queens he has it in his heart to go to Queens in Grade 8 or 10 but i have told him we will only make a descion closer to the time. Things to take into account i suppose are finances and distance i suppose.
Also you have to take into account “Mommy” haha
So cannot give you a better answer but would like to.
@ Queenaian – with no disrespect, I am not sure where you live – or who you are exactly..any chance your kids my end up at QC.
@Rugbyfan – You are correct, there have been some expectations on some schools sides over the years and they never ever shaped, and then some ordinary sides have had good years….probably a combination of personalities, bonding – and of course the old fashioned will to win!
@QC86: Not a chance!
@Queenian: selborne will win both away games
@Queenian: grade 8 and 10
Interesting wager i do agree with QC86 Selborne should win there 2 home games against QC/Dale i would say they will win one of the 2 away games. Just dont believe they will be strong enough to win both at the Grave yard and REC this year maybe one.
QC86 what age are your 2 kids at Selborne
@QC86: Hahahahaha!Im so confident, I set it up so that you have more to gain.There is no ways Selborne can pull off a double double this year.
@Playa: did one of the 11 matric failures work that wager out for you
@QC86: If what you’re saying is that Selborne will do the double double this year then I’m in for the wager.
I’ll buy R1000 worth of stock from your shop if Selborne wins all four.If they don’t, then you’ll supply me with R1000 worth of stock.How’s that?
@Playa: selborne will win both their away games,any takers for a little wager
@QC86: Reckon Selborne will repeat their 2011 feat?
I tend to agree with rugbyfan here.I think each school will win their home games.Doubt anyone will double anyone this year.
@rugbyfan: i don’t think so
@Hustle: As far as i know the Noordkaap game is off due to Noord Kaap being forced to play a school in Upington altough both schools have agreed to have it going by 2014.
Will be a hard year for Queens 1st they have a young team no Ashton Fortuin and play schools like Affies and MC this year so a difficult one.
But i always remember from my years at GCB were very ordinary Queens teams did some very amazing things so we will see.
I think the Border Tri Nations will be split 1 win each
A switch up in fixtures is just what we needed. Noord Kaap are a good rugby playing school. Should be a cracker.
Being all the way up In Botswana doesn’t help when it comes to news. I hear/read about things months later
@Hustle: there was a bit of uncertainty about Noord Kaap fixture, never followed up with Mr Loest and maybe Beet has heard more
There is great excitement about the return of the Kingswood fixture. I understand they’ll have a strong 1st XV and the following years are promising as well, it’ll all start at City Lords on the 18th of May.
Apart from Kingswood and possibly Noord Kaap, no other new fixtures
I do like the fact that he is an Old Boy, and has been in the coaching mix for some years. I think the simple fact that he is involved and sees the barefeet talent will also be a blessing in disguise…I still think looking at the list of proposed game for 2013 – it will be a very tough year for QC..
@ Ludz – are you aware of any games that have been cancelled, changed etc
@Hustle: I think Clinton Loest is either Director or Head of Rugby
@Hustle: He’ll definitely be in the mix with the 1st XV somehow, but he might do a bit of the junior coaching with the in coming u14s, nothing confirmed yet though
Beneficial if you ask me if a man of Loest’s ability oversees the transition from u13 rugby to u14 rugby, barefoot to boots is a big step
Where does Mt Loest fit in?
@beet: Thats a huge possibility there.A possibility that is not music to my ears at allÏ’ll test Griffie’s honesty next week at our Old Boys function at Hamilton’s.
@beet: That would be fun
On a slightly different note, Grant Griffiths has accommodation on the SACS premises. I know he has a job at Hamiltons RC but watch this space. Add SACS wanting to achieve better results to extending a helping hand to an experienced coach = ???
Old Dalians might see GG at a Cape Schools Week in unfamiliar colours one day.
He will do a good job
Mr Basset, really passionate Queenian, I forsee good things only, always a pity when a coach of Mr Duncan’s stature leaves, but got great faith in the new coaching partnership
Nice to hear some good news out of the Border region for a change. Hope he does well for Queens – good luck.
Congratulations to Murray. He’s got a very good rugby brain. He coached the 2nd XV while I was at school.
I agree with Playa. it’s going to be a very interesting year .
Congratulation Murray!
It is going to be an interesting year in the Border.