Pearson face tough end-of-season tie Madibaz and Progress to clash in final

PEARSON will have one of their biggest challenges of the season against Brandwag tomorrow when the curtain comes down on the Eastern Province schools rugby programme.

There are only a handful of games on the final Saturday of the season, but there should be no loss of intensity as the teams strive to end their campaigns on a memorable note.

Not only will Pearson be facing one of the region’s toughest rugby schools in their own backyard, they have suffered a number of injuries to key players which might make it difficult to be competitive.

However, Pearson are not a side to throw in the towel and the clash in Uitenhage will provide a chance for some fringe players to make a name for themselves.

But Brandwag will be refreshed from a break last weekend, and after their recent win in Humansdorp against Nico Malan they will be motivated to finish on a winning note.

That was Brandwag’s first away win against Nico Malan in a decade of trying, while Pearson went down 28-25 to the Humansdorp side last weekend.

Nico Malan are involved in their annual derby with Framesby, which should make for an entertaining finale in Humansdorp.

Framesby have had some tough games recently and it will not get much easier against a fired-up home side.

In Port Elizabeth, Westering will be looking for a strong finish against Newton Tech at Westering, while Alexander Road and Victoria Park should have an interesting encounter at Alex.

This weekend’s fixtures are (home teams first): Alexander Road v Victoria Park (12.00), Brandwag v Pearson (1.20pm), Otto du Plessis v Cillie (11.30am), Nico Malan v Framesby (2.30pm), John Walton v Gamble Street (11.30am), Westering v Newton Tech (11.45am) MADIBAZ and Progress will clash in the Eastern Province Rugby Union Grand Challenge Cup final tomorrow at Uitenhage’s Central Field.

Madibaz have had a month’s break since they last played in the tournament. They are hoping their return from the Ussa Games last month and the intervarsity tournament over the weekend will give them the edge.

Progress have managed to shake off their underdog reputation after showing character to beat Park 17-12 at the Wolfson Stadium.

Madibaz will be hoping their brilliant campaign sees them through to being crowned this year’s champions.

All eyes will be on Madibaz captain and former EP Kings player Andile Jho, who has heaps of experience.

The inside centre is known for running good lines and creating gaps that leave the opposition’s defence exposed.

Progress have played impressively in their last three games, using their forwards effectively.

They have, however, incurred several injuries from their game against Park and this could see them battle against the youthful Madibaz.

Flyhalf AJ Roman will have a big role to play in giving the backline direction.

Progress wing Raymond Darries, who had a brilliant game against Park, will be lethal if they can spread the ball.

The NMU U21 team finished their competition on a high after beating Despatch 30-25 yesterday.

Kickoff for the first team is scheduled for 3.30pm.