1. Jim Fouché 23–22 Diamantveld
Jim Fouché’s unexpected victory blew the Wesgrow table wide open once again, making this arguably the most fascinating 1st XV season in the young competition’s history.
The celebrations, however, may yet be tempered by concerns around refereeing decisions which Diamantveld has identified and reportedly raised through the appropriate channels. It is a familiar theme in SA schoolboy rugby, although the distinction between intentional wrongdoing and genuine human error remains an important one in these situations.
2. Durbanville 36–37 Bishops
It has not been a bad season by any stretch for Durbanville, while it has certainly been a difficult campaign for Bishops.
The investment made to strengthen the Bishops squad has not delivered the sort of returns many expected, but this dramatic one-point victory now stands as the most encouraging result of their season.
3. Despatch 18–18 Daniel Pienaar
Despatch sits virtually on the doorstep of Kariega, yet the school no longer enjoys the same profile as the traditional big three from the neighbouring town.
Daniel Pienaar, meanwhile, have quietly put together a very respectable season and will likely have one eye on the Tinara Cup title awarded to the champions of Kariega.
4. Bellville 18–24 Melkbosstrand
It had been a difficult start to the season for Bellville, but four consecutive wins suggested they had finally pulled themselves out of trouble.
That momentum was halted by Melkbosstrand, who only this season earned promotion to the WP B-League and continue to show they belong at this level.
5. Pretoria BH 12–19 St John’s
Nobody expected Pretoria BH to steamroll St John’s, but on Brooks Field a home win still appeared the more likely outcome.
The contest seemed destined for a draw until a brilliantly taken opportunist try, launched deep from St John’s territory, ultimately proved the decisive moment in a treasured away victory.
6. KES 28–46 Affies
KES has been decimated by injuries for much of this campaign, and before kick-off it felt as though a cricket score against Affies might be on the cards.
To keep this exceptionally dangerous Affies outfit to an 18-point margin was, in the circumstances, a commendable effort.
7. Stellenberg 33–26 Rondebosch
A few weeks ago Stellenberg dismantled Wynberg on their main field, which is currently the subject of a naming competition as part of the school’s 40th birthday celebrations.
Add to that the frustration of the manner in which they lost to HJS the previous week, and it felt as though Rondebosch might face a long afternoon.
Instead, Bosch produced a highly competitive performance to finish within a score of one of the country’s leading sides.
8. Northwood 30–6 Jeppe
Although Northwood had not beaten Jeppe since 2014, it was not merely the victory itself that stood out.
More impressive was the fact that this talented Jeppe side, loaded with attacking threats, were restricted to a single-digit score and failed to score a try. Both were firsts for the Kensington boys this season despite facing several strong rugby schools before their visit to Durban North.
9. Charlie Hofmeyr 44–38 Swartland
Just as they did in 2024 when they completed an unbeaten season, Charlie Hofmeyr remain undefeated once again.
This was a major obstacle cleared against Swartland, with another huge challenge awaiting later in July against Hugenote — a fixture that could go a long way towards determining whether they can replicate the success from two seasons back.
10. SACS 19–7 Parel Vallei
As expected, SACS brought Parel Vallei’s unbeaten start to the season to an end, though not without a brave fight from the visitors.
Parel Vallei created opportunities on the afternoon against an injury-hit home side, but ultimately SACS did enough to secure a valuable victory.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.