Grey tackle rival Selborne in pick of schools sports clashes

GREY High and Selborne renew their long-standing schools rugby rivalry in Port Elizabeth this weekend, with both sides seeking to finish on a high after a season of mixed fortunes.

Fresh from a morale-boosting victory against Dale, the East London side will be looking for their third straight win over the Grey outfit, something the home team will be desperate to avoid.

Selborne will have good memories of a celebrated win over Grey College this season, but besides that undoubted highlight, they have thrown in too many other lack-lustre performances to make the year truly one to remember.

However, a lot can be said for a hat-trick of victories over their Port Elizabeth arch rivals and that will be a powerful incentive to come out firing tomorrow.

Grey will be licking their wounds after a pounding from Grey College a fortnight ago.

With Selborne having beaten the same side, you would expect the East London team to be favoured, but past results will count for nothing.

The three other defeats suffered by Grey this season were all by narrow margins and they should be in the right frame of mind to tackle the dangerous East London outfit.

Framesby racked up more than 100 points against Otto du Plessis last week, but will need to come back to earth for their clash against the tough Oakdale side in Riversdale.

Oakdale have suffered a number of losses, mainly to the top Western Cape schools, but were always competitive and will certainly test the visitors.

Interestingly, both teams scored good wins over Marlow – Framesby 28-16, Oakdale 47-31 – which suggests a keen contest in Riversdale.

Another team who will need their wits about them tomorrow are Pearson, who host Humansdorp outfit Nico Malan.

The home side have shown good form recently, with solid wins over Union High and Parel Vallei, while Nico Malan suffered a rare home loss to Brandwag last weekend.

This weekend’s fixtures are (home teams first, 11.30am start unless stated): Port Alfred v Alexander Road, Victoria Park v Andrew Rabie, Cillie v Westering, Despatch v DF Malherbe (2.40pm), Oakdale v Framesby (1pm), Grey High v Selborne (2pm), Otto du Plessis v Newton Tech, Solomon Mahlangu v Humansdorp, Pearson v Nico Malan (12.50pm)