Stellenberg claims giant-killing win against top rated Paarl Gim

Closer Gim games at Stellenberg have often been characterised by two recurring themes — the tricky wind and the gritty defence of the home side. The 2026 edition proved no different. Mother nature again played its part, but it was the Jade Brigade’s uncompromising, bodies-on-the-line defence that ultimately proved decisive, refusing to allow Gim any sustained continuity or confidence with ball in hand.

The first major talking point came at scrum time, where Gim enjoyed clear dominance. That platform proved the catalyst for the opening try, scored by No.8 Hendre van Zyl. Stellenberg responded with a penalty before Gim closed out the half with an excellent piece of execution straight from the training ground. A well-worked phased move off a lineout created space for centre Ethan Barker to cross in the right corner, giving the visitors a 12–3 lead at the break.

With the wind now at their backs, Stellenberg produced a remarkable second-half surge, piling on 17 unanswered points. Their centre pairing were instrumental in both Jade tries.

From a lineout set-piece launch, outside centre JC Swart provided the decisive moment. The 11-second flat 100m runner showed impressive footwork to step around a defender before sending replacement wing Emile Cilliers over in the left corner to close the gap to 12–10.

Inside centre Daniel Mongie, alongside captain Yanos Molnar at No.8, emerged as two of the day’s influential standouts on D. When a messy lineout left Stellenberg with static ball, the hosts improvised. Mongie timed his run to perfection, collecting a flat pass before slicing through the defence to score. Ace player Ethan van Biljon added the conversion and later slotted a second penalty to push Stellenberg into a 20–12 lead.

Gim had struggled to find a higher gear for much of the match, but a late injection of urgency finally produced reward when highly rated back-three player Tom Saunders crossed for a try.

There was still time left on the clock, and Gim showed good composure under pressure to work their way into promising territory after Stellies kept turnover ball alive instead of killing the game. However, fortune deserted Gim at the crucial moment, allowing Stellenberg to hold firm and celebrate a memorable victory.

For the Jade Brigade, it was a result to savour — a giant-killing performance that gives the school a dream start to its 40th year of existence, while toppling the number one ranked side heading into the 2026 schoolboy rugby season.