Diamantveld out to take Classic revenge
Tafel Lager Griquas flyhalf André Swarts will be marshalling the troops on Sunday when Griquas take on a dangerous Toyota Free State XV in Rustenburg. IT IS ONCE again time for FNB Classic
Clashes where Hoërskool Diamantveld
(DHS) will be hosting the annual battle of the titans against their perennial arch rivals, Northern Cape High (NCH).
The two schools will be taking each other’s teams in the Under-14 to Under-19 age groups in rugby and netball, along with a tasty serving of boys’ and girls’ hockey – which technically does not form part of the actual Classic Clashes competition.
DHS rugby coach Jaco Dames said that the competition is always tough and he’s expecting nothing different this year.
“Although we lost by a converted try, 26-19 in last year’s clash, it will still be a tough battle like it is every year; there will be no favourites. Both teams this year are very well balanced and are playing good rugby,” Dames told the DFA.
“I am however looking forward to the battle, my players are well prepared and must go out and have fun on the field,” he added.
Meanwhile NCH first team rugby coach Deon Carney said that this year’s match would be a challenge for his young team. “We are looking forward to the game against Diamantveld very much as it always one of the highlights of our rugby season.
“This year we have a very young team, and we’re dealing with a few long term injuries. We will hopefully see a great test of character from our players. Diamantveld has a good side this year and we will have to be up for the challenge.”
Carney added that despite a see-saw start to the season the team is keen to get back to winning ways. “We started off well this season, but lost some momentum after a few losses, but we hope to gain back some of the momentum and once again get ourselves back into a winning culture. This Saturday (tomorrow) is the perfect opportunity to do so, I feel,” he said.
The NCH coach said that last season had been one to remember, and hopefully repeat.
“Last season we beat Diamantveld twice in one season. However, on the day of the Classic Clashes, we started the game off poorly and found ourselves behind by 14-0 after 10 minutes. Then Diamantveld stepped up their pressure and tried to beat us on our home ground.
“I feel we made too many basic errors and gave Diamantveld far too many opportunities to stay ahead.
“They did, however, miss a few vital kicks and with our ‘never say die’ attitude we stayed in the game. The team pulled together and we started playing well leading to a late try by Cameron Hufke that ensured us the win,” Carney said.
It’s no doubt that with NCH keen to lift themselves after an ordinary start to the season, and DHS eager to exact revenge for last year’s defeat, tomorrow’s game will be something to witness.
The hockey, meanwhile, started on Tuesday with matches taking place at the Astro in Cassandra, and to wrap things up the boys Under-19 fixture takes place at 3.40pm this afternoon. Under-14B DHS vs NCH; Under-15B DHS vs NCH
Under-14A DHS vs NCH Under-16B DHS vs NCH
Under-16A DHS vs NCH Under-15B DHS vs NCH
Under-15A DHS vs NCH Under-14B DHS vs NCH
Under-19A DHS vs NCH Under-14A DHS vs NCH
Under-15A DHS vs NCH
Under-19B DHS vs NCH
Under-16A DHS vs NCH
Introduction of the two Under-19A teams to the two school principals.
Under-19A DHS vs NCH
Under-15B DHS vs Grey Under-15D Under-17A Wildeklawer vs Danielskuil DHS Under-14B vs Grey Under-14D Under-15A Wildeklawer vs Danielskuil
Under-19A Wildeklawer vs Danielskuil
Griquas head coach, Peter Engledow told the DFA that the same team who beat the Leopards would run out against Free State on Sunday.
“The guys and the coaches are very excited about the match at the festival on Sunday, and that we are a part of it,” Engledow said.
“The team that hammered the Leopards in our last outing has been retained with the players being rewarded for their performance and the way they played against the Leopards,” he added.
Engledow said that the intensity at training showed that Griquas are taking nothing for granted. “The guys have been