Get set for Port Rex festival of high-grade play
SCHOOLS rugby action kicks into high gear this weekend as the Port Rex Buco Technical Rugby Festival takes centrestage at Port Rex from tomorrow.
Six schools, including the hosts will be taking part in the festival, with matches to be played tomorrow and on Monday.
“This is the first time Port Rex is hosting this festival and the idea was to get all the technical high schools together to play against each other,” said organiser and Port Rex head of sport Daneal Steyn.
“We want the event to run smoothly and would like to make it a memorable time for all the players and also to have fun and enjoy the game.
“We would like to host this festival annually depending on our sponsors.”
Port Rex Technical High School, Adelaide Gymnasium, Ithembelihle Comprehensive High, George Campbell School of Technology, Cathcart High School and a St Andrews College Invitational XV will be the sides taking part.
After some late withdrawals Cathcart and St Andrews Invitational were drafted in to make up the numbers.
“I am very excited about the teams taking part as we have never seen how they play before, so it will be a good challenge,” said Steyn.
For Port Rex they will be eager to impress in their home event with a backing from a passionate home support.
“I believe we will be in with a shot,” said Steyn.
“The boys have had a good off-season and are looking good for this weekend, they want to make a difference at Port Rex.
“These will be some really good pre-season matchups and of primary importance is to get match fit, focus on structure and win our games.”
Some really exciting matchups will be on show and the other teams taking part will all be eager to put in a top showing so as to build momentum ahead of the start of the school rugby season.
With the Port Rex junior teams also in action on the day in friendly matches against Hudson Park, a lot of school kids should be in attendance to add to the atmosphere.
“We are really hoping the crowds come out and support rugby on the day, entry is free and there will be food and cool drink available in the tuckshop,” said Steyn.
“Our school will definitely be there spurring the first team boys on.”
The main matches on the day will be played at 11am with Cathcart up against St Andrews Invitational, 12.05pm Itembelihle v George Campbell and 1.15pm Port Rex v Adelaide Gym.
“Port Rex Technical High School would like to give a massive thanks to the main Sponsor of the festival, Buco Hardware, without them this would never have been possible,” said Steyn.
“We would also like to thank our other sponsors, Nashua, Nestlé, Chalk-Air, PowerAde, Wild Coast FM, Yebo Tanks, Audi East London and NTT Volkswagen.”
The action gets under way with a host of friendlies taking place before the main games take to the field.