Challenges for G’town rugby sides
Uitenhage derby day promises keen rivalry among four teams
GRAHAMSTOWN’S leading trio of teams will face some serious challenges when the latest round of Eastern Province schools rugby fixtures unfold tomorrow. St Andrew’s, Graeme and Kingswood have all shown their potential at times this season, but will be pushed to the limit at the weekend.
One of the biggest rivalries will take place on the Lower field at St Andrew’s when the home team face arch-foes Grey High in a match which should go down to the wire.
While Grey were nervously protecting their unbeaten record this year against Queen’s last week, the Andreans were underlining their credentials with an excellent 26-5 win over Selborne in East London.
To put that result in perspective, Selborne were fresh off a rare win against Grey College and it suggests the PE side will need to have all their wits about them on Saturday.
Graeme came away with a hardearned 12-12 draw against Hudson Park last weekend and will need to show the same resilience when they host Nico Malan at 2pm.
The Humansdorp side flattened Otto du Plessis 60-0 last Saturday, but will find Graeme a much tougher proposition.
Kingswood face one of the toughest opponents in Eastern Cape rugby when they travel to King William’s Town to take on Dale.
While their season has not been without its blemishes, the Dalians have put together six wins in a row, including a victory over Selborne, and their ability to attack from anywhere will test Kingswood’s character throughout the encounter.
A massive encounter is set for the Brandwag field in Uitenhage when the home team entertain one of Port Elizabeth’s top sides, Framesby.
The teams have produced some good results this season and, in matches against common opponents, both schools scored wins over Daniel Pienaar and Marlow.
Framesby have been well tested lately, proving themselves with wins over Boland Agricultural and Marlow, which should stand them in good stead for the examination Brandwag will provide.
Westering will be chasing their second win in a row when they host Port Alfred, while Pearson will be looking to regain that winning feeling against Otto du Plessis after three close defeats.
Rosedale’s Derrick Ferreira Stadium hosts a major Uitenhage derby day when four of the town’s schools meet in a series of matches.
John Walton kick off proceedings at 9am against McCarthy Comprehensive, followed by Uitenhage High v Gamble Street at 10am.
Matches will be played over 25 minutes a half, with the winning team earning four points.
Tomorrow’s fixtures (home teams first, 11.30am start unless stated):
D F Malherbe v Alexander Road, Andrew Rabie v Newton Tech, Arcadia v Ndzondelelo, Brandwag v Framesby (12.00), Woodridge v Cillie, St Andrew’s v Grey High (2.30pm), Burgersdorp v Gill, Graeme v Nico Malan (2pm), Pearson v Otto du Plessis (12.20pm), Westering v Port Alfred (11am), Dale v Kingswood (1.30pm), Muir v Volkskool (12.30pm) Uitenhage derby: John Walton v McCarthy (9am), Uitenhage High v Gamble Street (10am), Gamble U15 v McCarthy U15 (11am), John Walton v Uitenhage (12.00), McCarthy v Gamble (1pm), Uitenhage v McCarthy (3pm), John Walton v Gamble (4pm)