THEO GARRUN looks back at the past weekend’s schools rugby action and ahead to this weekend’s matches.
The highlights came from the Western Cape, with Bishops beating neighbours Rondebosch 25-20 and Paarl Boys’ High showing they are a force to be reckoned with, despite a couple of rare defeats this season, by beating Boland Landbou 22-17 in a muddy affair away from home.
HIGHLIGHTS: Boland Landbou vs Paarl Boys’
In another Cape Town derby, Wynberg Boys’ High were too strong for SACS, winning 46-22.
In the North Vaal Virseker Cup, EG Jansen – giant-killers the week before when they ended Transvalia’s run – were brought down to earth by Helpmekaar, who beat them 29-10, while Garsfontein took revenge against Monument (who beat them in the final of the Tuks Series in April) with a 49-33 victory.
Hilton beat St Charles 26-19 and Michaelhouse beat Clifton 33-31 ahead of the Midlands private schools derby next weekend. In Grahamstown, there were wins for both St Andrew’s and Kingswood ahead of their derby clash: St Andrew’s beat Pearson 38-6 and Kingswood beat Grens 66-5.
REPORT: Bishops stun Rondebosch
The first part of the schools rugby season may be just about over, but there are two massive derby games coming up this weekend – both the highlights of the season in their parts of the country.
In Grahamstown, it’s K-Day – Kingswood College vs St Andrew’s – an annual fixture that brings an entire town to a halt, while in the more rural setting of Hilton, it’s the second leg of their double-header against fierce rivals Michaelhouse.
St Andrew’s, with a recent win over Grey High under their belt, must be favourites against Kingswood, but the result of this passionate contest often ignores historical form. Hilton beat Michaelhouse 22-5 when they met earlier on and should be too strong at home on Saturday.
In Durban, Glenwood will be looking to keep their unbeaten record intact when they host Maritzburg College in one of KZN’s longest-standing annual rivalries. The ever-improving DHS have an opportunity to knock over another one of their traditional foes, Kearsney College.
The new-look Virseker Cup competition, which this year has a 1st XV league made up of schools from all the North Vaal provinces in one competition, is wide open after four rounds. Everyone has lost at least once, including early front-runners Transvalia, defending champions Monument, and newcomers Helpmekaaar. This Saturday, EG Jansen host Monument, and Helpmekaar travel to Menlopark.
In Gauteng, only the independent schools are still in action. St Benedict’s host St John’s and St Stithians are at home to face St Alban’s.
Photo: www.mycomlink.co.za
