Tough schools rugby trials
COMPETITION was fierce as the province’s leading U16 and U18 Meyer Sauermann triallists strutted their stuff on the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium outer fields on Saturday.
Dozens of talented schoolboys tried to outdo each other for individual spots in the Craven Week and EP Academy U18 sides, as well as the EP U16 side.
Communication between players proved to be a problem on the field, as is normally the case in trial matches.
However, the boys played with a lot passion and displayed good ball skills and team work, despite not having had the opportunity to play together before.
Eastern Province U18 Academy manager and coordinator JP du Preez said: “We have seen a lot of talent come through from both the forwards and the backline in the trials.
“It is often difficult to judge skill level because the guys are here to prove themselves as individuals and the criteria varies in each position.”
An extra game was given to the players who had been put on a reserve list so that they too could have an equal opportunity in a full match to display their skills.
Skilful Rodwell Baaitjies, of Pearson High, who played flyhalf for the EP Merit U18A side, raised his hand as the player to look out for as he showed good command of the backline. He also displayed individual brilliance to step past three defenders, only to fall just short of the try line.
Grey High and EP Merit A team star Aya Matroos, 17, said the competition was very tough.
“I am really hoping my experience in SA Schools and last year’s Craven Week has worked to my advantage this year. Playing with all these guys was an incredible experience for me.”
EP officials and selectors are now left with the daunting task of choosing the squad for the Craven Week teams and EP Academy teams which are due to be released later this week.
Selborne v Grey College
THERE were scenes of jubilation as the final whistle blew at Selborne College in East London on Saturday, as the hosts claimed a nail-biting 20-19 upset win over Grey College.
Selborne flyhalf Thomas Bursey scored a late try and scrumhalf Mitchell Connellan converted to give Selborne the historic win.
Selborne coach Kevin Taylor heaped praise on his charges. “I think it was a massive team effort.”