They are two of the oldest and top sporting schools in Durban, and their annual rugby derby is one of the most popular 1st XV fixtures in the province and country. However, Glenwood recently announced that they will not face Westville this season because of the animosity that has existed since March 2012, when Westville appealed against Glenwood prop Marne Coetzee’s selection.

Coetzee joined Glenwood from Waterkloof during his Grade 11 year in 2011. According to Glenwood principal Trevor Kershaw: ‘Coetzee was an U19 schoolboy who was registered for seven subjects in matric. His enrollment did not breach any agreements or rules.’

Kershaw decided to adhere to Westville’s appeal, but Glenwood was not happy with the way the opposition school handled the situation. Westville went on to win the 1st XV match 13-9.

After Glenwood announced that they would not play against Westville in 2013, the latter subsequently called off a 1st XI cricket match scheduled for this month.

KZN High Schools Rugby Association head Noel Ingle was not happy with this outcome.

‘The match between Glenwood and Westville is one the major fixtures on the 1st XV calendar,’ Noel told keo.co.za’s Schoolboy Derby. ‘To see sporting fixtures being cancelled and omitted is very disappointing. I’m sure the players, parents and fans are very disappointed too.

‘Unfortunately, this is not a situation the union can get involved in. Only the schools can decide on a way forward.’

When this site contacted both schools, it was confirmed that the two parties have already met. There are meetings scheduled over the next several weeks too. But even if peace is found, it is unlikely that Glenwood will add Westville to their busy 2013 schedule.

Meanwhile, Glenwood also confirmed that all disputes with DHS have been revolved.

The two schools met following rumours that Glenwood had poached a DHS cricket coach and planned to recruit a few 1st XI players, but these claims were proven to be false. A DHS cricket coach did join Glenwood recently, but he did so legally after an interview process.

The Glenwood-DHS annual derby will go ahead on 18 May.

By Gareth Duncan

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There was just over a week to go before the annual derby between Glenwood and Durban High School (DHS) when reports emerged that two high-profile schoolboys had been found to be overage, with one being 22 years old.

Glenwood captain and wing Siyabonga Tom and DHS fullback Mbembe Payi were said to be the guilty parties, which was confirmed when they didn’t feature in the Green Machine’s 34-9 home victory over DHS on 26 May.

A provincial investigation ensued, headed by KZN High Schools Rugby Association boss Noel Ingle, and six more boys from the U16 and U18 provincial trial teams were found to be overage. They were withdrawn from their respective squads.

Noel extended the investigation to expose the adults who had also been involved.

‘We wanted to find out who the guilty parties were,’ he says. ‘The schools are not the issue. The players are accountable to some extent, but it’s the scouts and agents who have probably played a big role in organising fake identity documents. However, we couldn’t find solid evidence to prove this.’

This scandal has shocked those involved in South African schools rugby. Payi and Tom were respected figures in KZN, having represented the U18 Craven Week team in Kimberley last year, while Tom was selected for the SA Schools squad and started in the 21-14 win over France U18 in Port Elizabeth.

Tom was also picked for the SA U18 Sevens team to compete at the 2011 Commonwealth Youth Games in the Isle of Man. I was the media manager for Team SA and was told that Tom had to be withdrawn as he didn’t possess a passport or an ID to qualify for a UK visa. The sevens coaches and management believed this was due to a lack of initiative from the player and his parents. It wasn’t known that Tom’s birth certificate – the only document he had to prove he was born in 1994 – was fake.

Glenwood 1st XV and KZN U18 Craven Week coach Sean Erasmus says the truth only emerged this year when the provincial players were being registered through Saru.

‘The women who were in charge of our registering said something didn’t match in Siyabonga’s form, and that it had to do with his ID number,’ explains Erasmus. ‘But we sent the form through to Saru anyway, hoping that the issue could be sorted out. Their guys found the same problem and they said Siyabonga was overage.

‘I was shocked,’ Erasmus continues. ‘This was a player I had grown so close to over the past couple of years. He was more than just a player, he was like family. He had lunch in my home on most Sundays.

‘When the news broke, Siyabonga went missing. He sent me an SMS, saying: “Hi coach. Sorry I couldn’t give you my side of the story and say goodbye. But everything will be revealed when the time is right. Send my love to everyone.”

‘I tried calling the number, but it didn’t work. He’s been missing ever since.’

At the time of writing, it was believed that Tom and Payi had returned home to the Eastern Cape, where they were once recruited as disadvantaged youngsters with raw talent.

This development plan has been used by many top South African schools for years, and Erasmus feels it shouldn’t be frowned upon because of this episode.

‘These boys from the Eastern Cape get an opportunity to obtain a good education and to play a game they love at higher levels. It was just unfortunate that this had to happen. The other schoolboys who have come from the Eastern Cape have been found to be the legal age.’

Noel believes the overage saga is a nationwide problem – ‘It would be unfair to say this is only an issue in KZN’ – and Saru registration officer Andrew Louwrens agrees.

Louwrens has been in charge of provincial age-group registrations for the past seven years and has come across many cases concerning overage players.

‘You had to see some of the application forms when I first started this process,’ says Louwrens. ‘It was obvious that some of the ID documents had been tampered with. The worst case I’ve seen was a 22-year-old selected for an U16 Grant Khomo Week team! There were also boys trying to enter with ID numbers that were tracked back to females.

‘The situation has improved over the years, but you get some players who try their luck. And they get quite ridiculous. One year, I rejected one player’s application but he still showed up for the competition. I told him and his parents that he wasn’t going to be allowed to play. After the argument, his father tried to bribe me.’

Louwrens says Saru has established a new application system to improve things.

‘The main issue we have with registration is that a player only needs to attach a certified copy of his birth certificate or an ID. But this doesn’t mean the application is legit … it could still be a certified copy of a fake document. It’s so easy to buy a fake ID in cities like Bhisho.

‘So now we are getting the schools and parents involved by including them in the process. The headmaster and parents need to sign that their student or son is the correct age and all his details are accurate. They can then be held accountable. It’s not the ultimate solution, but this is one of the first steps to finding one.’

South African Schools Rugby Association (Sasra) acting chairman Thys Bezuidenhout hopes this matter will be sorted out effectively at the board’s annual general meeting in October.

‘This will definitely be at the top of our agenda,’ he says. ‘It’s disappointing because legal players are being denied opportunities. You will always find a loophole in any registration system, but hopefully the new process will start stamping out the registration of overage players.’

Bezuidenhout adds there are currently no formal punishment protocols.

‘We hope to have some drawn up soon. These issues are similar to corruption and have to be seen in the same serious light. Bans should be issued to players found guilty. And we will deal with those players who have gone missing when they re-emerge.’

Saru head of schools Nico Serfontein says agents will also be punished if they are found to be involved in overage cases: ‘We have a list of all the South African agents who are allowed to represent our national players. If any of them have a hand in organising fake documents, their licences will be revoked.

‘I doubt agents will put their careers on the line for schoolboys. Parents also need to come on board as agents are only allowed to represent players from the age of 18.’

This is positive news from the national unions, but action needs to be taken as soon as possible.

At the end of June, there was a registration issue with the Golden Lions U18 Academy Week squad.

‘The player’s ID says he was born in 1994, but his birth certificate says he was born in 1993,’ explains Lions manager of community rugby Pieter Visser. ‘We have decided not to follow this up at home affairs and have withdrawn him from the team instead.’

This could be a home affairs mistake, but it could also be another case of cheating. If it is the latter, hopefully it will be one of the last.

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With Paarl Gym losing to Drostdy in their final match of the season, they lost the top spot to Affies, who are crowned the Schoolboy Derby 1st XV of the year.

While the Pretoria-based school lost to Waterkloof and Paul Roos, they have beaten the in-from powers in Gimmies, Boishaai and Grey Bloem, taking their record to 15 wins from 17 matches.

Gimmies are still placed above Paarl Boys’ as they beat the latter three weeks ago in Faure Street.

SCHOOLBOY DERBY TOP 15:
1 Affies
2 Paarl Gym
3 Paarl Boys’
4 Grey Bloem
5 Noord–Kaap
6 Outeniqua
7 Dale
8 KES
9 Centurion
10 Waterkloof
11 Michaelhouse
12 Paul Roos
13 Grey PE
14 Garsfontein
15 Wynberg
Close behind: Boland Landbou, Maritzburg College, Daniel Pienaar, SACS, Kempton Park, Monnas, Glenwood, Drostdy.

WESTERN CAPE

The Western Cape school scene is the only one still going at full flow. The major games will see the four southern suburb powers tackle each other as Bishops take on SACS and Wynberg duel Rondebosch.

Paarl Gym host Brackenfell and Paarl Boys’ face Drostdy, who upset Paul Roos two weeks ago.

Fixtures:
Bishops vs SACS
Oakdale vs Boland Landbou
Paarl Gym vs Brackenfell
Paarl Boys’ vs Drostdy
Wynberg vs Rondebosch

EASTERN CAPE

While most of the top schools in the region have ended their seasons, there is one last derby for Dale and Queen’s as they collide in Queenstown on Saturdauy.

Fixtures:
Queen’s vs Dale

UP NORTH

Paul Roos travel up to Bloemfontein to take on Grey in an annual interschools derby.

Fixtures:
Grey Bloem vs Paul Roos

The two schools were supposed clash on Saturday in Durban, but the schoolboys from Bloemfontein were forced to pull out because of the dangerous weather conditions.

Grey Bloem were supposed to leave earlier this week, but road closures on the M3 and the snowfall up north saw them cancel the trip.

‘It’s disappointing to pull out, because we were looking forward to match against Glenwood,’ Grey Bloem 1st XV head coach Ingo Machts told Schoolboy Derby. ‘But the conditions up here are really dangerous, so we’ve had to call off the game.

‘We’ll now focus on our annual interschools derby against Paul Roos next weekend.’

By Gareth Duncan

WESTERN CAPE

Paarl Boys’ 9 Paarl Gym 16
Bishops 16 Wynberg 25
SACS 26 Rondebosch 6
Paul Roos 11 Drostdy 12
De Kuilen 10 Boland Landbou 55
Hugenote 39 Brackenfell 11
Strand 23 Durbanville 13
Outeniqua 68 Oudtshoorn 14

EASTERN CAPE

Hangklip 3 Queen’s 43
Selborne 7 Dale 12
Die Brandwag 29 Nico Malan 32
Cambridge 7 Stirling 26
Grey PE 35 Framesby 29
St Andrew’s 47 Muir 17
Daniel Pienaar 19 Marlow 19

KZN

Glenwood 27 Mariztburg College 27

UP NORTH

Pretoria Boys’ 20 Affies 36
Grey Bloem 58 Kearsney 10
Middelburg 25 Garsfontein 25
Monument 25 HTS Middleburg 8
Rustenburg 31 Kempton Park 24
Waterkloof 46 EG Jansen 21
KES 82 Parktown Boys’ 3
Diamantveld 46 Jeppe 10

WESTERN CAPE

The Paarl derby will steal the spotlight this weekend as Boishaai and Gimmes clash in the arguable the biggest 1st XV match of the year.

In other fixtures, there are two major southern suburb matches as Bishops tackle Wynberg and SACS take on Rondebosch. Paul Roos also travel to Drostdy.

Fixtures:
Paarl Boys’ vs Paarl Gym
Bishops vs Wynberg
SACS vs Rondebosch
Paul Roos vs Drostdy
Bellville vs Stellenberg
De Kuilen vs Boland Landbou
Strand vs Durbanville

EASTERN CAPE

Selborne and Dale will feature in the big Eastern Cape clash of the weekend. Dale will hope to continue their impressive run this year, after edging Selborne earlier this year.

Grey PE will hope to return to winning ways against Framesby, while Queen’s and St Andrew’s face Hangklip and Muir respectively.

Fixtures:
Hangklip vs Queen’s
Selborne vs Dale
Brandwag vs Nico Malan
Cambridge vs Stirling
Grey PE vs Framesby
St Andrew’s vs Muir
Port Rex vs Hudson Park

KZN

The Green Machine and Maritzburg College will battle it out to clinch the top KZN school tag of 2012. While both schools have been inconsistent, they have been two of the more successful schools in the east coast region.

Fixtures:
Glenwood vs Mariztburg College

UP NORTH

There will be a second Pretoria derby when Affies visit Pretoria Boys’. Affies will be confident of victory after a comprehensive victory earlier in the year. KES also take on Parktown Boys’.

Fixtures:
Pretoria Boys’ vs Affies
Duineveld vs Upington
Monument vs HTS Middleburg
Rustenburg vs Kempton Park
KES vs Parktown Boys’

WESTERN CAPE

Paul Roos 26 Bishops 10
Boland Landbou 49 Bellville 8
Paarl Gym 38 Rondebosch 8
Paarl Boys’ 12 Wynberg 6
SACS 18 Drostdy 19
De Kuilen 24 Tygerberg 19
Outeniqua 39 Framesby 8

EASTERN CAPE

Grey PE 3 Grey Bloem 22
Marlow 10 Oakdale 39
Dale 22 St Andrew’s 20
Queen’s 26 Selborne 17
Stirling 8 Hudson Park 41
Union 21 Grens 5
Cambridge 21 Port Rex 10

UP NORTH

Jeppe 28 KES 13
Affies 28 Glenwood 10
Pretoria Boys’ 26 Maritzburg College 25
Duineveld 16 Sentraal 10

WESTERN CAPE

Rondebosch and Wynberg have a tough weekend ahead as they tackle the powers from Paarl, Gimmies and Boshaai respectively. The Paul Roos-Bishops encounter should be an exciting one, while SACS also take on Drostdy.

Fixtures:
Paul Roos vs Bishops
Boland Landbou vs Bellville
Paarl Gym vs Rondebosch
Paarl Boys’ vs Wynberg
SACS vs Drostdy
Durbanville vs Brackenfell
De Kuilen vs Tygerberg
Monument vs DF Malan
Strand vs Hugenote

EASTERN CAPE

The Grey derby in PE will attract plenty of attention, but their will be another big game when Queen’s face Selborne. Marlow also host Oakdale, while Dale duel against St Andrew’s.

Fixtures:
Grey PE vs Grey Bloem
Marlow vs Oakdale
Gill vs Cradock
Dale vs St Andrew’s
Queen’s vs Selborne
Stirling vs Hudson Park

UP NORTH

Two major KZN schools travel up north this weekend as Glenwood visit Affies while Maritzburg College go to Preroria Boys’. Jeppe and KES also clash in big schoolboy game.

Fixtures:
Jeppe vs KES
Affies vs Glenwood
Pretoria Boys’ vs Maritzburg College
Middelburg vs Menlopark

WESTERN CAPE

Bishops 16 Tygerberg 12
Boland Landbou 30 Wynberg 12
Paarl Gym 17 Outeniqua 17
Oakdale 7 Paarl Boys’ 22
SACS 3 Paul Roos 12
Rondebosch 12 Drostdy 5

EASTERN CAPE

St Andrews 38 Marlow 20
Daniel Pienaar 18 Grey PE 14
Queen’s 52 Port Rex 10
Adelaide 22 Grens 5
Selborne 20 Hudson Park 7
Die Brandwag 31 Despatch 10

KZN

Maritzburg College 7 Affies 33
Glenwood 33 Kirkhan Grammar (UK) 5

UP NORTH

Grey Bloem 29 Pretoria Boys’ 16
Centurion 31 Zwartkop 15
Monument 23 Florida 18
Waterkloof 61 Garsfontein 35
Middelburg 25 Middelburg HTS 16
Jim Fouche 45 Louis Botha 5
Sentraal 27 Diamantveld 19
Noord-Kaap 21 Framesby 13

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Affies will travel to Pietermaritzburg this weekend, to take on College in a big encounter. The Pretoria school will be favourites as they have only suffered three defeats against the latter over the last 15 years.

Maritzburg College 1st XV head coach Ryan Strudwick admitted that they will be the underdogs heading into this clash.

‘We are under no illusions. We know Affies are a very strong team.’ Strudwick told keo.co.za’s Schoolboy Derby. ‘They’ve had a strong run this year and have picked up many good wins. We haven’t had much success against them and we’ve been inconsistent this season too. But we have prepared well and will have home-ground advantage, so hopefully we can capitalise on that.’

Strudwick believes the forwards battle will be vital between the two teams.

‘You can compare Affies to this year’s U18 Blue Bulls Craven Week team – they play the same style and have the same strengths. And you saw what happened to the Golden Lions in the final once the Bulls got onto the front foot.

‘We need to be competitive up front, get them on the back foot and put them under pressure. The breakdown battles will be vital, and we’ll need to be accurate at our set-pieces.’

Maritzburg College have six players who featured at the U18 Craven and Academy Weeks, and Strudwick believes this experience will be vital. They have the availability of star fullback Jesse Kriel, who will be dangerous on attack and as a key playmaker.

Affies have a massive pack up front, with loosehead prop Pierre Schoeman and eighthman Steven Meiring set to play important roles. They also have dangerous backs that boast lots of skill and pace. Flyhalf Ryno Eksteen will be pivotal in how his outside speedsters run on Saturday.

Maritzburg College – 15 Jesse Kriel, 14 Cyle Muil, 13 Marcel Coetzee, 12 Richard Bamber, 11 Banele Ngwenya, 10 Lukas Booysen, 9 Josh Rencken, 8 Reegan Smith (c), 7 Cameron Christie, 6 Nicholas Muller, 5 Robert Kamhoot, 4 Everett Pieterse, 3 Mvelo Khumalo, 2 Vuyo Khathide, 1 Njabula Gumede.
Subs: 16 Alex Cahill, 17 Seko Buthelezi, 18 James Smith, 19 Jacques Conradie, 20 Kelvin Elder, 21 Thato Molelekoa, 22 Murray Janse van Rensburg.

Affies – 15 Constant Pretorius, 14 Marcus Kleinbooi, 13 Jurie Linde, 12 Nico Lee, 11 Andries van der Merwe, 10 Ryno Eksteen, 9 Louis Venter, 8 Steven Meiring, 7 Heinrich Viljoen, 6 Albert van Heerden, 5 Nicolas Janse van Rensburg, 4 Jean Droste, 3 WP Eloff, 2 Francois Steyn, 1 Pierre Schoeman.
Subs: 16 Cornell de Waal, 17 Xander Swart, 18 Gerhard de Beer, 19 Calvon Allison, 20 Heine Lombaard, 21 Marchant van der Heever, 22 Thys van Wyk.

The match will be broadcast on SS5 on Saturday at 5pm.

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WESTERN CAPE

Paarl Gym and Outeniqua will face off in the major clash in the region. The No 1-ranked school in the country will come up against a side that had a large contingent in this year’s SWD U18 Craven Week squad.

In other games, Paarl Boys’ tackle Oakdale while SACS will come up against Paul Roos.

Fixtures:
Bishops vs Tygerberg
Boland Landbou vs Wynberg
Paarl Gym vs Outeniqua
Oakdale vs Paarl Boys’
SACS vs Paul Roos
Bellville vs Bellville Tech
Rondebosch vs Drostdy
DF Malan vs Brackenfell

EASTERN CAPE

With Dale enjoying a bye, Grey PE will face Daniel Pienaar and Saints duel against Marlow.

Fixtures:
St Andrews vs Marlow
Daniel Pienaar vs Grey PE

KZN

The Maritzburg College-Affies match will be the highlight of the weekend and it will be televised on SS5 at 5pm. There will also be a match between Glenwood and touring Kirkhan Grammar

Fixtures:
Maritzburg College vs Affies
Glenwood vs Kirkhan Grammar (UK)

UP NORTH

Grey Bloem return to action against Pretoria Boys’. Kempton Park will also come up against EG Jansen in the Valke schools final.

Fixtures
Grey Bloem vs Pretoria Boys’
Kempton Park vs EG Jansen
Centurion vs Zwartkop
Waterkloof vs Garsfontein

As expected, the U18 Craven Week unofficial champions have the most players in the squad. WP have eight representatives, while the Golden Lions have six. KZN (four), EP (three), Border (one), Boland (four), the Valke (two), SWD (two), Griffons (one), Pumas (one) and Free State (two) also have schoolboys picked.

This squad will play a set of trials from 28 July, before being reduced to a final group of 28 players. The SA Schools team will play in the three U18 internationals against Wales, France and England.

50-man SA Schools trials squad - Bongile Nonkontwana (Blue Bulls), Aidon Davis (EP), Akhona Sihunu (Border), Caswell Khoza (Blue Bulls), Chad Solomon (WP), Chris Massyn (Golden Lions), Christiaan Meyer (Valke), Courtney Cupido (Boland), Daniel du Preez (KZN), Dayan van der Westhuizen (Blue Bulls), Duhan van der Merwe (SWD), Dylon Smith (Golden Lions), Edward Schmidt (Free State), Francois Esterhuizen (Boland), Ganfried May (SWD), Gideon Koegelenberg (Boland), Handre Pollard (WP), Heinrich Viljoen (Blue Bulls), Hyron Andrews (Blue Bulls), Jako van der Walt (Golden Lions), Jano Venter (Pumas), Jason Worrall (WP), JD Schickerling (WP), Jean-Luc du Preez (KZN), Jesse Kriel (KZN), Johan Bannink (Blue Bulls), Johan Labuschagne (Valke), Jurie Linde (Blue Bulls), Justin Philips (Blue Bulls), Koch Marx (Golden Lions), Leighton van Wyk (WP), Liam Hendricks (WP), Malcolm Marx (Golden Lions), Marcus Kleinbooi (Blue Bulls), Matjikinyane Molapo (Blue Bulls), Nicholas Janse van Resnburg (Blue Bulls), Ox Nche (Free State), Pierre Schoeman (Blue Bulls), Ramone Samuels (WP), Rohan Janse van Rensburg (Blue Bulls), Rynard Snyman (Griffons), Ryno Eksteen (Blue Bulls), Sandile Kubeka (KZN), Selwyn Davids (EP), Sergeal Petersen (EP), Stephan Vermeulen (Golden Lions), Thabo Mabuza (Blue Bulls), Warrick Galant (SWD), Wesley Adonis (WP), Wilco Louw (Boland).

By Gareth Duncan, in Port Elizabeth

EP kept their unbeaten record with an impressive 27-24 comeback win over KZN.

KZN geld a 12-6 lead at the break, and were ahead 24-20 during the dying stages. However, wing Sergeal Petersen scored a great individual try to secure victory for the host union.

In other results, WP eased to 29-14 win over the Pumas, with flyhalf Dennis Cox and fullback Jason Worrall scoring a brace apiece, while Free State claimed a 30-5 victory over the Valke.

Results (Final Day):
Namibia 28 (7) Zimbabwe 7 (0)
SWD 20 (13) Boland 10 (7)
Griffons 34 (24) Griquas Country Districts 5 (5)
WP 29 (17) Pumas 14 (7)
Border 7 (0) Limpopo 20 (10)
EP Country Districts vs Leopards – match canceled
KZN 24 (12) EP 27 (6)
Free State 30 (13) Valke 5 (5)

It was a one-side contest, with the Bulls running in five tries to seal their second consecutive triumph of the tournament. Two of them were score via massive tighthead prop Johan Bannink (who weighs 130kg and and stands at 1.89m), who powered over from lose range on two occasions. TWing Marquit September, scrumhalf George-Lee Erasmus and flyhalf Ryno Eksteen also crossed the chalk.

Eksteen’s influence was pivotal in the win, especially with the boot. He kicked four conversions and a penalty to take the game away from the Pumas. While the Bulls forwards were also dominant, he spearheaded a backline that ran rampant at full force.

This saw the victors dominate the first half to lead 24-3 at the break. The Pumas opened the scoring via the boot of flyhalf Brandon Thomson, but it was all Bulls thereafter. Wing Marquit September finished smartly out wide to sneak in at the corner, while Bannick sniped the fringes to dive over under the posts. The Garsfontein front-rower then crashed over from a quick penalty tap on the stroke of half-time.

The game died down in the second stanza, with both teams guilty of errors on attack. But finishes from Erasmus and Eksteen was enough for the win. The Pumas grabbed a consolation via flank Willandre Kotzenberg.

This result will see the Bulls take on the Golden Lions in the unofficial final on Saturday.

Blue Bulls – 15 Jaco Hayward (Centurion), 14 Marcus Kleinbooi (Affies), 13 Jurie Linde (Affies), 12 Rohan Jansen van Rensburg (Waterkloof), 11 Caswell Khoza (Southdowns), 10 Ryno Eksteen (Affies), 9 Justin Phillips (Waterkloof), 8 Steven Meiring (Affies), 7 Heinrich Viljoen (Affies), 6 Thabo Mabuza (Centurion), 5 Janse van Rensburg (Affies), 4 Hyron Andrews (Garsfontein), 3 Johan Bannink (Garsfontein), 2 Vean Roodt (Centurion), 1 Pierre Schoeman (Affies, c)
Subs: 16 François Steyn (Affies), 17 Dayan van der Westhuizen (Centurion), 18 Johan Ras (Centurion), 19 Bobby de Wee (Southdowns), 20 George-Lee Erasmus (Centurion), 21 Chad McKay (Centurion), 22 Marquit September (Garsfontein).

Pumas - 15 Lindelwe Zungu (Piet Retief), 14 Karabo Makola (HTS Witbank), 13 Wygie Johnstone (HTS Middelburg), 12 Donavan Gissing (Standerton), 11 Vincent Sibiya (Middelburg), 10 Brandon Thomson (Ermelo), 9 Jacobus Wolmarans (Hoërskool Middelburg), 8 Jano Venter (HTS Middelburg), 7 Daniel Maartens (Nelspruit), 6 Willandre Kotzenberg (HTS Middelburg), 5 Christopher van Leeuwen (Middelburg), 4 Thulane Mkhonto (Middelburg), 3 Ivan Gouws (Middelburg), 2 Wilmar Arnoldi (Ermelo), 1 JP Herbst (HTS Middelburg).
Subs: 16 Siphephelo Vilakazi (Piet Retief), 17 Philani Ngwato (Generaal Hertzog), 18 Michael Basson (HTS Middelburg), 19 Menzi Nhlabathi (Nelspruit), 20 Impi Visser (Ermelo), 21 Harabith Mojalefa (Standerton), 22 Abednigo Mashabane (HTS Middelburg).

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Griquas CD crush Border CD

Griquas Country Districts eased to a 38-5 win over Border Country Districts in day four’s opening game.

No 8 Jasper Wiese starred for Griquas CD as he grabbed a hat-trick. Speedster Johannes Lenge, lock Pieter Lategan and scrumhalf Shaun Crause crossed the chalk.

Border CD grabbed a consolation try via inside centre Sihle Gontshi.

Griquas CD 38 (19) – Tries: Jasper Wiese (3), Johannes Lenge, Pieter Lategan, Shaun Crause. Conversions: Dawid Burden (4).

Border CD 5 (5) - Try: Sihle Gontshi.

Griquas Country Districts – 15 Darrel de Wee (Upington HS), 14 Zanewyn Assegaai (Upington HS), 13 Jonathan Steenkamp (Upington HS), 12 Adriaan Uys (Upington HS), 11 Innocent Ngatajosi (Upington HS), 10 Dolf Burden (Duineveld), 9 Johan Lampbrecht (Duineveld), 8 Jasper Wiese (Upington HS), 7 Jacobus Conradie (Duineveld), 6 Sergio Jones (Upington HS), 5 Martin Gerber (Upington HS), 4 Pieter Lategan (Postmasburg), 3 Johan Barnard (Upington HS), 2 Hanro Visagie (Duineveld), 1 Jan-Hendrik van Wyk (Duineveld).
Subs: 16 Romario Mguini (Kalahari HS), 17 Julian Millford (Nababeeb), 18 Michael Pretorius (Duineveld), 19 Shandré Prince (Upington HS), 20 Shaun Crause (Upington HS), 21 Gavian Cloete (Concordia), 22 Johannes Lenge (Kathu).

Border Country Districts – 15 Sizwe Ncikana (Maclear), 14 Likona Madabane (Chief Henry Bokleni), 13 Inamandla Mpongwana (Ugie), 12 Sihle Gontshi (Qumbu), 11 Loyiso Mnwana (Indwe), 10 Lwazi Maqwelana (Dalibaso), 9 Chris Dyantyi (Maclear), 8 Sipho Tyali (Dalibaso), 7 Wandise Mtshingila (Chief Henry Bokleni), 6 Rixi Thabang (Dalibaso), 5 Nkosinathi Dila (Zimele), 4 Simanye Luzipo (Khunysa), 3 Thabo Ngcem (MHS), 2 Kwanele Ndywabasini (MHS), 1 Inga Mvumvu (Thomas Ntaba).
Subs: 16 Masonwabe Dingana (Zimele), 17 Mziwakhe Koyana (Chief Henry Bokleni), 18 Tevan Lehman (King Edward), 19 Buhle Nojekwa (Indwe), 20 Siphelele Mayaba (Zimele), 21 Vuyisanani Babula (Dalibaso), 22 Athenkosi Monakali (Chief Henry Bokleni).

LIMPOPO THRASH ZIM

Limpopo ran rampant in their 68-21 drubbing of Zimbabwe.

The victors ran in 10 tries for their victory, with three of them coming in the first half. A strong finish to the match saw another seven dotted down after the break.

Zimbabwe scored the first try of the match via scrumhalf Craig Bydawell, but they struggled thereafter against Limpopo’s juggernaut-like momentum. The African neighbours grabbed two consolation tries in the second half.

Limpopo 68 (21) – Tries: Andre Jordaan, Andries Welgemoed, Christopher Durow, Erick van Niekerk, Floyd Ndlovu, Johannes Smit, Marcel Scholtz, Matjikinyane Molapo, Righardt Phillip Kachelhoffer, Trevor Nkwamba. Conversions: Scholtz (5), James Vorster.

Zimbabwe 21 (7) - Tries: Craig Bydawell (2), Lance Chikodzi. Conversions: Brendon Mandivenga, Rukudzo Bandanga Gona (2).

Limpopo – 15 Marcel Scholtz (Ben Vorster), 14 Viljoen Dreyer (Ben Vorster), 13 Adrian Maebane (Ben Vorster), 12 Johannes Smit (Curro Heuwelkruin), 11 Matjikinyane Molapo (Ben Vorster), 10 James Vorster (Ben Vorster), 9 Righardt Kachelhoffer (Curro Heuwelkruin), 8 Leonardus Botha (Ben Vorster), 7 Christopher Durow (Ben Vorster), 6 Marthienus van den Berg (Frikkie Meyer), 5 Frederick van Niekerk (Ben Vorster), 4 Sipho Siboza (Frikkie Meyer), 3 Nicholas Khangale (Louis Trichardt), 2 Willem van Vuuren (Ben Vorster), 1 Trevor Nkwamba (Ben Vorster).
Subs: 16 Andre Jordaan (Frikkie Meyer), 17 Louis le Grange (Frikkie Meyer), 18 Rabelani Mukhuthu (Mereknsky), 19 Mlungisi Ntimane (Ben Vorster), 20 Andries Welgemoed (Ben Vorster), 21 Floyd Ndlovu (Tom Naudé), 22 Manuel Pinto (Ben Vorster).

Zimbabwe – 15 Russel Walder (Falcon College), 14 Ryan Hutchings (St John’s College), 13 Dale Gibbons (Falcon College), 12 Richard Watson (St John’s College), 11 Lance Chikodzi (St George’s College), 10 Rukudzo Gona (St John’s College), 9 Craig Bydawell (Falcon College), 8 Alva Senderayi (Falcon College), 7 Barend Moolman (Peterhouse), 6 Leroy Sibanda (Falcon College), 5 Shepherd Mhembere (Falcon College), 4 Ramba Chinyani (St John’s College), 3 Tapiwa Muringani (St John’s College), 2 Kingsley Reid (Falcon College), 1 Thabani Mujeni (St George’s College).
Subs: 16 Bart Zwart (St John’s College), 17 Nakai Mavimba (St John’s College), 18 Sebastian Roche (Hellenic), 19 Brandon Scheepers (Falcon College, 20 Brendon Mandivenga (Peterhouse), 21 Tarisai Musakanda (Prince Edward), 22 Bastien Mendelsohn (St John’s College).

GRIFFONS HOLD ON FOR VICTORY

Griffons fought off a potential EP Country Districts comeback as they held on for a 33-28 win.

Griffons delivered a strong first-half performance as they held on for a 19-6 win at the break. They then surged to 33 points in the second half, thanks to a brace from wing David Tippens.

But EP CD started breaking down the deficit as they scored four tries in the final 35. They had the momentum and were one score away from victory, however, the referee didn’t allow the restart as the final hooter blew as the Griffons players were returning to the halfway line.

Griffons 33 (19) - Tries: David Tippens (2), Dillon Afrika, Sechaba Matsoele. Conversions: David van Biljon (2). Penalties: Van Biljon (3).

EP CD 28 (5) – Tries: Chris Steyn, Emelio Koeberg, Glen van Pletzen, Tsepho Mabitsela. Conversion: Jason Vers. Penalties: Vers (2).

EP Country Districts – Ronnie Beyl (Marlow), Garrick Bowker (St Andrew’s), Dean Ferreira (Marlow), Jaco Ferreira (Marlow), Juandre Fourie (Marlow), Franco Janse van Rensburg (Volkskool Graaff-Reinet), Emelio Koeberg (Volkskool Graaff-Reinet), Sean Koeberg (Union High), CJ Lombard (Gill), JP Lundall (Winterberg), Luzuko Mafu (Adelaide Gym), Sintu Manjezi (St Andrew’s), Renaldo Meyer (Gill), James Moore (Union High), Nicholas Poone (Aliwal-Noord), Tsepho Ramalatsoa (Volkskool Graaff-Reinet), Chris Steyn (Cradock), Nelius van Heerden (Marlow), Glen van Pletzen (Aliwal-Noord), Tian van Rensburg (Volkskool Graaff-Reinet), Sean van Zyl (Marlow), Jason Vers (Union High).

Griffons – 15 Ethan Williams (Hentie Cilliers), 14 Callie van den Berg (Bothaville), 13 Christo Wessels (Voortrekker), 12 Shaun Reynolds (Goudveld), 11 David Tippens (Hentie Cilliers), 10 Francois van Biljon (AHS Kroonstad), 9 Itumoleng Moahloli (Gimnasium), 8 Oelof Stander (Voortrekker), 7 Jonick Schoeman (Gimnasium), 6 André Janse van Vuuren (Voortrekker), 5 Brandon Kuzatjke (Hentie Cilliers), 4 Matthew Erasmus (Welkom Gimnasium), 3 John-Otto Lonergan (Gimnasium), 2 Reinhardt Snyman (Hentie Cilliers), 1 Henco van der Westhuizen (Voortrekker). Replacements: 16 Brümmer Marais (Welkom Gimnasium), 17 Shevandré Prinsloo (Hentie Cilliers), 18 Natheer Isaacs (Hentie Cilliers), 19 Wade Coetzee (Hentie Cilliers), 20 Dillon Afrika (Hentie Cilliers), 21 Junior Smit (Voortrekker), 22 Sechaba Matsoeli (Voortrekker).

WP GET REVENGE

WP picked up a 39-33 win over SWD, avenging their warm-up defeat to the latter shortly before the tournament.

SWD were touted the surprise packages heading into this year’s Craven Week, and impressed on day one with a 46-18 triumph over Limpopo. However, a strong second-half showing saw WP down the young Eagles.

SWD looked the better side in the first half as they opened the scoring via flyhalf Dewald Human. WP hit back via wing Grant Hermanus, while fullback Jason Worrall kicked the conversion and a penalty.

SWD took the lead again as wing Duhan van der Merwe finished off another attacking move, before surrendering the advantage when WP scored on the stroke of half-time via robust flank Ramone Samuels.

The schoolboys from the Cape enjoyed a strong finish to the match as No 8 Rikus Bothma, props Wesley Adonis and Morne Nortje, and Worrall crossed the chalk. SWD narrowed the deficit with late tries, but didn’t have enough time to record a comeback.

WP 39 (15) – Tries: Wesley Adonis, Morne Nortje Rikus Bothma, Grant Hermanus, Ramone Samuels, Jason Worrall. Conversion: Worrall (3). Penalty: Worrall.

SWD 33 (14) – Tries: Dewald Human (2), Duhan van der Merwe (2), Leighton Eksteen. Conversions: Warrick Gelant (3), Human.

WP – 15 Jason Worrall (Paul Roos), 14 Dalen Goliath (Paul Roos), 13 Michael Hazner (Paul Roos), 12 Wesley Cupido (Paarl Gym), 11 G Hermanus (Paarl Gym), 10 Handre Pollard (Paarl Gym, c), 9 Pieter Schoonraad (Paarl Boys’), 8 Rikus Bothma (Paarl Gym), 7 Jacques Vermeulen (Paarl Gym), 6 Ramon Samuels (Paul Roos), 5 JD Schikerling (Paarl Gym), 4 Sebastian Ferreira (Paarl Boys’), 3 Liam Hendricks (Paarl Boys’), 2 Chad Solomon (Paul Roos), 1 M Nortje (Tygerberg).
Subs: 16 Craig Corbett (Paarl Boys’), 17 Wesley Adonis (Paarl Boys’), 18 Burger van Niekerk (Paarl Boys’), 19 Corne Cooper (Paarl Gym), 20 SP Ferreira (Paul Roos), 21 D Cox (Excelsior), 22 Keagan Gordon (Boland Landbou).

SWD – 15 Ganfried May (Oudtshoorn), 14 JP Coetzee (Oakdale), 13 D Januarie (Oudtshoorn – vice-captain), 12 W Gelant (Outeniqua), 11 D van der Merwe (Outeniqua), 10 D Human (Outeniqua), 9 R Malan (Outeniqua), 8 J Rudolph (Oakdale), 7 D van Vuuren (Outeniqua), 6 T Vermeulen (Outeniqua – captain), 5 J Schoeman (Outeniqua), 4 E Cloete (Outeniqua), 3 K van Schalkwyk (Oakdale), 2 R Steenkamp (Outeniqua), 1 M Oosthuizen (Outeniqua).
Subs:16 S Snyman (Oakdale), 17 S Grundlingh (Outeniqua), 18 J van Staaden (Oakdale), 19 G Malan (Outeniqua), 20 L Eksteen (Outeniqua), 21 D Schoeman (Outeniqua), 22 M Brïers (Oakdale).

KZN were considered the favourites to edge this result after their convincing showing against Free State on day one, which saw them win 48-24. The Lions were also disappointing during their 29-14 win over Border.

However, with the tournament rules forcing teams to give all their players a start, the changes KZN made caused disruption and they struggled for cohesion in this vital fixture. They also failed to find the attacking synergy they showed against Free State.

The Lions defended very well and dominated the collisions. The difference in size between the two teams was evident, as the schoolboys from Gauteng were much bigger than their opposition. This all set the platform for victory.

KZN were off to a positive start when flyhalf Rob Anderson kicked a 45m penalty to open the scores. But the Lions surged into the lead when hooker Malcolm Marx burst over to score a try, and flyhalf Jako van der Walt added the extras and a penalty.

KZN made it 10-8 before the break, thanks to the individual brilliance of fullback Jesse Kriel. The Maritzburg College speedster broke the Lions’ defence, then beat three covering defenders to collect his chip ahead with one hand to score. This will be remembered as the try of the tournament.

However, it was a frustrating second half for the day one heroes. KZN created more try-scoring opportunities, but failed to finish them because of the Lions’ firm defence and elementary errors at the set-pieces. Goal kicking also cost them as Anderson missed his three next attempts, while scrumhalf Cameron Wright pushed a long-range effort.

The Lions capitalised on this and sealed the win when tighthead prop Clinton Theron crashed over under the poles. The victors will now feature in their second consecutive unofficial final.

KZN – 15 Jesse Kriel (Maritzburg College), 14 Bruce Arnott (Michaelhouse), 13 Michael Mvelase (Michaelhouse), 12 Sandile Kubheka (Kearsney), 11 Corne Vermaak (Glenwood), 10 Rob Anderson (Michaelhouse), 9 Cameron Wright (Hilton), 8 Josh Moon (Michaelhouse), 7 Jean-Luc du Preez (Kearsney), 6 Carel Swart (Glenwood), 5 Daniel du Preez (Kearsney), 4 Justin Moberly (Michaelhouse), 3 Mvevo Khumalo (Maritzburg College), 2 Vuyo Khatide (Maritzburg College), 1 Pat Sikhosana (Port Shepstone).
Subs: 16 Steven Hardman (Michaelhouse), 17 Mzizi Zondi (Westville), 18 Sihle Nqxabi (Glenwood), 19 Michael van Aardt (Glenwood), 20 Mondli Nkosi (George Campbell), 21 Nkululeko Marwana (Glenwood), 22 Mthokozisi Makhabela (Glenwood).

Golden Lions – 15 Erwin Harris (Florida), 14 Surprise Mayekiso (KES), 13 Koch Marx (Alberton), 12 Innocent Radebe (St Stithians), 11 Allistar Mcquire (KES), 10 Jako van der Walt (Monument), 9 Bradley Janse van Rensburg (KES), 8 Revo Mabunda (Parktown Boys’), 7 Chris Massyn (Monument, c), 6 Ruan Mcdonald (Monument), 5 Victor Sekete (Monument), 4 Stefan Vermeulen (Queens), 3 Clinton theron (Florida), 2 Malcom Marx (KES), 1 Dylon Smith (KES).
Subs: 16 Emmanual Morowane (Jeppe), 17 Frans van Wyk (Monument), 18 Cyle Brink (KES), 19 Thapelo Rapelwane (St John’s), 20 Eric Botes (Florida), 21 Wanele maholwane (KES), 22 Barend Herbst (Monument).

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NAMIBIA DOWN GRIQUAS

Namibia picked up their first win of the tournament when they beat Griquas 29-15 in the opening match on day three.

After leading 14-8 at the break, the African neighbours ran in tries via wings Shareave Titus and Leon Feris to build a strong lead. Despite Namibia losing lock Janco Venter to the sin bin, Griquas could only add one try in the final quarter as flank Lehan Muller dotted down.

Namibia 29 (14) – Tries: Dian Wiese, Justin Newman, Leon Feris, Shareave Titus. Conversions: Chris Arries (3). Penalty: Arries.

GRIQUAS 15 (8) – Tries: Dimitrio Tieties, Lehan Muller. Conversion: Tieties. Penalty: Gilbert Chalmers.

Griquas – 15 Granville Adams (Diamantveld), 14 Dimitrio Tieties (Noord-Kaap), 13 David-Johan Minnie (Noord-Kaap), 12 Len le Roux (Noord-Kaap), 11 Charlton Koopman (Noord-Kaap), 10 Vuyani Maqhina (Noord-Kaap), 9 Zane le Roux (Noord-Kaap, c), 8 Shaun Clarke (Noord-Kaap), 7 Lehan Muller (Noord-Kaap), 6 Nico Graaff (Noord-Kaap), 5 Jan-Hendrik van der Linden (Vaalharts), 4 Gilbert Chalmers (Noord-Kaap), 3 Doctor Booysen (Noord-Kaap), 2 Emile Jansen (Homevale), 1 Boetie Maketlo (Diamantveld). Replacements: 16 Xander Jonck (Noord-Kaap), 17 Joubert Steyn (Noord-Kaap), 18 Kosie Human (De Aar), 19 Luaan Dowie (Noord-Kaap), 20 Willie Janse van Rensburg (Hartswater), 21 Ryan de Wee (Noord-Kaap), 22 Hillford Clarke (Noord-Kaap).

Namibia – 15 Ethan Beukes (Windhoek), 14 Leon Feris (Windhoek Gym), 13 Divan Visser (Otji Rugby), 12 Daniel Aries (Windhoek, c), 11 Shirive Titus (Otji Rugby), 10 Chris Arries (Windhoek), 9 Hendrik Barkhuizen (Tsumeb Gym), 8 Wian Conradie (Windhoek), 7 Immo Dresselhaus (Walvis Bay), 6 DG Wiese (Otji Rugby), 5 JP Grobler (Otji Rugby), 4 Janco Venter (Windhoek), 3 GD Orlam (Windhoek), 2 Francois Robertse (Otji Rugby), 1 Quinton Esterhuizen (Windhoek), 16 Desmond Stramis (Windhoek Gym), 17 Johan Retief (Windhoek Gym), 18 Dyllan Husselmann (Windhoek Gym), 19 Charlie Fourie (Windhoek), 20 JC Winckler (Jan Möhr), 21 Justin Newman (Windhoek Gym), 22 Handré Bezuidenhout (Windhoek Gym).

VALKE MAKE LIGHT WORK OF LEOPARDS

The Valke eased to a 38-5 win over the Leopards.

The victors ran in six tries, with wing Leon Potgieter grabbing a brace. Flyhalf Ruan Potgieter also added four conversions.

The Leopards only managed a consolation try in the first half via hooker Thomas Dreyer.

Valke 38 (24) - Tries: Jean-Pierre du Preez, Johan Oosthuizen, Leon Potgieter, Ruan Potgieter (2), Sipho Nhleko. Conversions: Ruan Potgieter (4).

Leopards 5 (5) – Try: Thomas Dreyer.

Valke – 15 Waylon Thompson (Voort), 14 Leon Potgieter (EG Jansen), 13 Elrin van Rooyen (Ver), 12 Frederick van Wyk (Kemptonpark), 11 Tim Ngwenya (Hans Moore), 10 Ruan Potgieter (EG Jansen), 9 Christiaan Meyer (EG Jansen), 8 Kyle van Dalen (EG Jansen), 7 Anton Viljoen (EG Jansen), 6 Sipho Nhleko (Hans Moore), 5 JP du Preez (EG Jansen), 4 Etienne Oosthuizen (Kemptonpark), 3 Werner Janse van Rensburg (EG Jansen), 2 André Myburgh (EG Jansen), 1 John Moisi (Vereeniging).
Subs: 16 Danru Bender (Transvalia), 17 Francois Booyse (Kemptonpark), 18 Ashley Sibisisbi (Carel de Wet THS), 19 Joswin De Wee (Vereeniging), 20 Michiel Mostert (Kemptonpark), 21 Jacqone de Villiers (Vereeniging), 22 Innoucent Mokoena (GS).

Leopards – 15 Alrich Brown (Hartbeespoort), 14 Pakamani Maganga (Potch Boys’), 13 Adriaan Esterhuizen (Klerksdorp), 12 Berto van Wyk (Rustenburg), 11 Hougard Mpuru (Rustenburg), 10 MC Venter (Brits), 9 Willem Herbst (Potch Volkskool), 8 Iniel Schoenfeld (Potch Volkskool), 7 Henco van der Walt (Potch Volkskool), 6 Emil Meyer (Lichtenburg), 5 Gopolang Molefe (Thekana), 4 Ryno Smith (Scweizer Reneke), 3 Jaco Botha (Potch Volkskool), 2 Thabo Sehlabo (New Vision), 1 Janus Myburg (Litchenburg).
Subs: 16 Thomas Dreyer (Potch Gym), 17 Kgotso Letsoko (Potch Boys’), 18 Vuyani Kok (New Vision), 19 Albert Lubbe (Potch Gym), 20 Ofentse Molotsi (Potch Boys’), 21 Franswa Ueckermann (Brits), 22 Dimitri Vers (HTS Klerksdorp).

FREE STATE STUTTER TO VICTORY

Free State only managed a 14-6 win over Border, in one of the worst matches of the tournament so far.

It was a disappointing overall performance from both teams as players displayed poor passing, tackling and handling skills.

The fundamental skills at last year’s tournament was criticised by pundits, but there was a notable improvement this year. However, this match was a drop in standards.

Free State scored two tries via scrumhalf Luke Cyster and wing Olwethu Ndakisa, with skipper Pieter Jordaan adding the extras. Border only managed three penalties via flyhalf Akhona Sihunu and inside centre Aubrey Ferreira.

Free State – 15 EW Viljoen (Grey College), 14 Olwethu Ndakisa (Louis Botha), 13 Pieter Jordaan (Grey College, c), 12 Stephan Janse van Rensburg (Grey College), 11 Lee-hane Ontong (President Steyn), 10 Luke Cyster (Louis Botha), 9 Juandré van der Berg (Sentraal), 8 Edward Schmidt (Grey College), 7 Stefan Kruger (Sentraal), 6 Refiloe Rampeta (Louis Botha), 5 Dillon Harlen (Grey College), 4 Awie Thompson (Grey College), 3 Ruan Kramer (Grey College), 2 Corniel Els (Grey College), 1 Ox Nche (Louis Botha).
Subs: 16 Markus Odendaal (Grey College), 17 Othello Sebotsha (Louis Botha), 18 Andrew du Plessis (Grey College), 19 Byron Matthews (Louis Botha), 20 Barend Bornman (Grey College), 21 Gomolemo Minnie (HTS Louis Botha), 22 Chelton Fortuin (Louis Botha), 23 Gareth de Bruin (Grey College).

Border – 15 Thabani Mgugudo (Dale), 14 Luyolo Gqeba (Queen’s), 13 Sibanye Bukani (Dale), 12 Aubrey Ferreira (Queen’s), 11 Justin Bell (Hangklip), 10 Buka Ntsaluba (Hudson Park), 9 Akhona Sihunu (Dale), 8 Nathan Knoetzer (Hudson Park), 7 James Snelling (Queen’s), 6 Malwande Mhamhe (Dale), 5 Mick Meintjies (Selborne), 4 Tino Zakeyo (Dale College), 3 Johannes Jonker (Hudson Park), 2 Kegan Emms (Queen’s College), 1 Mihlali Ntongana (Dale College).
Subs: 16 Bryce Rennie (Hudson Park), 17 Marc Dell (Queen’s College), 18 Andrew Miles (Selborne College), 19 Mandilake Ponco (Queen’s College), 20 Onke Nyaku (Selborne College), 21 Lilitha Jonas (Queen’s College), 22 Six Maselwa (St Thomas).

EP CLAIM BACK-TO-BACK WINS

EP recorded their second consecutive victory when they beat Boland 22-13.

The host union impressed in their 41-17 demolition of the Valke on the opening day, but face a tougher task against Boland. Both teams displayed good attacking rugby and strong defensive efforts, which saw the half-time score read 10-10.

Flyhalf Anzo Stubbs scored the first try of the match for Boland, before wing Thembalethu Williams levelled matters.

EP then cruised to victory in the second half as skipper Aidon Davis and wing Sergeal Petersen crossed the chalk. It was Petersen’s third try of the tournament.

EP 22 (10) – Tries: Aidon Davis, Sergeal Petersen, Thembalethu Williams. Conversions: Theo Stapelberg (2). Penalty: Stapelberg.

Boland 13 (10) – Try: Anzo Stubbs. Conversion: Colin Willemse. Penalties: Willemse, Corne Sharp.

EP – 15 Gary Loest (Grey PE), 14 Sergeal Petersen (Grey PE), 13 Marcel Plaatjies (Daniel Pienaar), 12 Luan Nieuwoudt (Nico Malan), 11 Selwyn Davids (Nico Malan), 10 Ernst Stapelberg (Framesby), 9 Francois Nel (Daniel Pienaar), 8 Aidon Davis (Daniel Pienaar, c), 7 Ray Williams (Daniel Pienaar), 6 Cyril-John Velleman (Grey PE), 5 Gareth Ehret (Grey PE), 4 Roche van Hall (Framesby), 3 Bart le Roux (Framesby), 2 Jonathan Louw (Nico Malan), 1 Matthew Moore (Die Brandwag).
Subs: 16 Justin Antonie (Pearson), 17 Lloyd Parker (Grey PE), 18 Erwin Slabbert (Framesby), 19 Luxolo Koza (Muir), 20 Luciano Daniels (Otto du Plessis), 21 Phelo Mfini (Grey PE), 22 Wayburn Howley (Despatch).

Boland – 15 Wilbur Boonzaaier (Groendal), 14 Chesne van Wyk (New Orleans), 13 Anzo Stubbs (Schoonspruit), 12 Courtney Cupido (Worcester Gym), 11 Luwandre Visagie (Charlie Hof), 10 Colin Willemse (Langeberg), 9 Corne Sharp (Augsburg), 8 Dian Koen (Hermanus), 7 Cobus Geldenhuys (Charlie Hof), 6 Hilroy Baadjies (New Orleans), 5 Paul Louw (Bonnievale), 4 Gideon Koegelenberg (Hugenote, c), 3 Wilco Louw (Drostdy), 2 Francois Esterhuyzen (Overberg), 1 Farrel Kelly (Drostdy).
Subs: 16 Floris Mostert (Cederberg), 17 Erik Meyer (Porterville), 18 Ernst Claassen (Worcester Gym), 19 Hanro Liebenberg (Drostdy), 20 Phillip Jacobs (Dirkie Uys), 21 Schalk Hugo (Worcester Gym), 22 Chad Kleinsmidt (Hermanus).

The Bulls are one step away from qualifying for this year’s unofficial final. They’ll need to beat the Pumas on Thursday, which will be the day four highlight game.

The Bulls impressed during their 47-27 victory over WP, scoring three tries in the final quarter to breakdown a 27-26 half-time deficit. They boasted a physical, mobile pack and their backline exposed a weak WP defensive system.

The Pumas eased past to a 48-24 win over the Griffons on Tuesday, but should struggle against the schoolboys from the Pretoria union.

In other matches, WP will tackle SWD – a side they lost to in a warm-up game a few weeks ago.

DAY 4 FIXTURES (THURSDAY, 12 JULY):
Griquas Country Districts vs Border Country Districts (09:30)
Limpopo vs Zimbabwe (11:00)
EP Country Districts vs Griffons (12:30)
WP vs SWD (14:00)
Blue Bulls vs Pumas (15:30)

It was a closely-contested first half, which saw WP hold a slender 27-26 lead at the break. However, a strong finish to the match saw the Blue Bulls record a comfortable win to set their path to the 2012 unofficial final.

Outside centre Jurie Linde, fullback Jaco Hayward and wing Marcus Kleinbooi ran in three tries in a space of 12 minutes, while the schoolboys from the Cape failed to add a point to their tally after the break.

The opening stanza of the match was an attacking feast. WP grabbed three tries, while the Bulls scored four. However, the former led thanks to the boot of flyhalf Handre Pollard, who added three conversions and two penalties.

It was a messy start to the second stanza, as both teams struggled to hold on to possession. But the WP resilience faded as the Bulls picked up momentum and eased to victory.

WP – 15 Jason Worral (Paul Roos), 14 Dalen Goliath (Paul Roos), 13 Michael Hazner (Paul Roos), 12 Wesley Cupido (Paarl Gym), 11 G Hermanus (Paarl Gym), 10 Handre Pollard (Paarl Gym, c), 9 Pieter Schoonraad (Paarl Boys’), 8 Rikus Bothma (Paarl Gym), 7 Jacques Vermeulen (Paarl Gym), 6 Ramon Samuels (Paul Roos), 5 JD Schikerling (Paarl Gym), 4 Sebastian Ferreira (Paarl Boys’), 3 Liam Hendricks (Paarl Boys’), 2 Chad Solomon (Paul Roos), 1 M Nortje (Tygerberg).
Subs: 16 Craig Corbett (Paarl Boys’), 17 Wesley Adonis (Paarl Boys’), 18 Burger van Niekerk (Paarl Boys’), 19 Corne Cooper (Paarl Gym), 20 SP Ferreira (Paul Roos), 21 D Cox (Excelsior), 22 Keagan Gordon (Boland Landbou).

Blue Bulls – 15 Jaco Hayward (Centurion), 14 Marcus Kleinbooi (Affies), 13 Jurie Linde (Affies), 12 Rohan Jansen van Rensburg (Waterkloof), 11 Caswell Khoza (Southdowns), 10 Ryno Eksteen (Affies), 9 Justin Phillips (Waterkloof), 8 Steven Meiring (Affies), 7 Heinrich Viljoen (Affies), 6 Thabo Mabuza (Centurion), 5 Janse van Rensburg (Affies), 4 Hyron Andrews (Garsfontein), 3 Johan Bannink (Garsfontein), 2 Vean Roodt (Centurion), 1 Pierre Schoeman (Affies, c)
Subs: 16 François Steyn (Affies), 17 Dayan van der Westhuizen (Centurion), 18 Johan Ras (Centurion), 19 Bobby de Wee (Southdowns), 20 George-Lee Erasmus (Centurion), 21 Chad McKay (Centurion), 22 Marquit September (Garsfontein).