Everyone’s clawing to avoid the dreaded drop

THE final weekend of matches in this year’s Super League A season get underway today.

False Bay were crowned league champions some time ago, and Sir Lowrians are already preparing for life in Super League B in 2017, but there is still plenty to play for in the final round of fixtures.

Having conceded 184 points in their last two league outings, the smart money would be on Kuilsriver to join Sir Lowrians in being automatically relegated at the end of the day.

Unless, of course, Kuilsriver complete 360-degree turnaround from their diabolical midweek performance against Maties, which saw them capitulate 122-7.

However, their confidence can’t be too high after Maties’ secondstringers, Victorians, also thrashed them 62-22 last weekend.

The Kuila Boys travel to Durbanville today, and only an unlikely win over coach Bobby Joubert’s national club champions will keep the visitors’ chances of league survival alive.

And Durbell will certainly not be serving up a win on a platter. In fourth place on the log, Joubert’s charges can still leapfrog Tygerberg in third spot, so today’s encounter will have some significance for them as well. So expect a tough day at the office for Kuilsriver.

Also in a relegation scrap are Primrose, who are third from bottom on the standings, and the Roses will have to play a promotion- relegation clash if the status quo remains after this weekend’s proceedings.

They can, however, still avoid the potential drop if they do the unthinkable and beat Maties at Rosmead Avenue.

The students from Stellenbosch are second on the table and will need a win away from home to cement their place behind the Bay, with both Durbell and Hamiltons hot on their heels.

Hammies host UCT at the Stephen Oval today in what promises to be a thrilling affair.

After a slow start to the season, the Ikeys have clawed their way to a respectable seventh position on the log and should give their hosts a decent challenge.

At Danie Craven Stadium, this season’s late bloomers NNK will also look to secure their league safety for next year when they cross swords with Vics.

A win for the Parow side will put them clear of the relegation zone, leaving Sir Lowrians, Kuilsriver and Primrose to make up the bottom three.

The remaining match of the day is a bit of a dead rubber between UWC and SK Walmers in Bellville. – Dudley Carstens