by Dave Alexander | May 3, 2026 | School Rugby
STORY 1 (MAIN): Festival overview
Wildeklawer delivers drama, dominance and down-to-the-wire finishes
The 2026 Wildeklawer Rugby Festival delivered three days of high-intensity schoolboy rugby at Diamantveld High School, with dominant performances, nail-biting finishes and a steady stream of attacking play defining one of the country’s premier youth showcases.
From the outset, the tone was set with tightly contested clashes and statement victories. EG Jansen edged Nico Malan 31-24 on the opening day, while hosts Diamantveld powered past Paul Roos 49-15 after leading comfortably at halftime.
However, For the final day, ie Monday, the stronger teams were pitted against each other, ending as the final matches.
One of the early highlights saw Paul Roos rebound later in the day to claim a narrow 21-18 win over Garsfontein, underlining the competitive nature of the festival, where momentum often swung dramatically within the same fixture block.
Day 2 expanded into a full programme of matches, with several encounters going down to the wire. Waterkloof held off a late surge from Durbanville to secure a 22-21 victory, while Jeppe High School for Boys clinched a thrilling 31-26 win over Boland Landbou after surrendering a lead and then regaining control late in the match.
There were also commanding displays. Monument proved too strong for Durban High School, pulling away in the second half for a 41-27 win, while Oakdale overcame Westville 40-24 in a match that gradually slipped away from their opponents.
Among the standout attacking performances, Affies delivered a high-scoring 55-26 victory over Outeniqua, showcasing their ability to turn pressure into points, particularly in a dominant second-half spell.
Grey College also stamped their authority, defeating Noordheuwel 34-12 after building a strong first-half foundation, while Paarl Gymnasium underlined their credentials with a convincing win over Helpmekaar.
Paarl Gymnasium final score vs Helpmekaar was 45-10, with the halftime score being 21-5.
The final day continued in similar fashion, blending close contests with emphatic wins. Stellenberg overturned a halftime deficit to beat Diamantveld 31-20. The following fixture saw Helpmekaar produce a high-scoring performance to defeat Queen’s College 73-36.
One of the most dramatic encounters came between Outeniqua and Maritzburg College, where the lead changed hands multiple times before Outeniqua snatched a 30-29 victory with a late penalty.
Equally gripping was the clash between Garsfontein and Northwood, with Garsfontein edging a 33-31 result in a match defined by momentum swings and late pressure.
Grey College again showed their class on the final day, overpowering Jeppe with a commanding victory that pushed their tally past 40 points. The final score being 54-14.
The festival concluded with a dramatic finale between Affies and Paarl Boys’ High, a match that encapsulated the spirit of Wildeklawer. After trailing for much of the contest, Affies mounted a late surge to claim a thrilling 40-37 victory.
Across the three days, the festival once again highlighted the depth of schoolboy rugby in South Africa, with traditional powerhouses asserting themselves while several fixtures delivered the kind of unpredictability and drama that continue to define Wildeklawer as a marquee event on the rugby calendar.
STORY 2: Results wrap
Wildeklawer 2026 – Results
Day 1
EG Jansen 31-24 Nico Malan
Diamantveld 49-15 Paul Roos
Paul Roos 21-18 Garsfontein Day 2
Waterkloof 22-21 Durbanville
Monument 41-27 Durban High School
Stellenberg 24-15 Maritzburg College
Oakdale 40-24 Westville
Jeppe 31-26 Boland Landbou
Paarl Boys’ High 21-18 Northwood
Affies 55-26 Outeniqua
Grey College 34-12 Noordheuwel
Paarl Gymnasium 45-10 Helpmekaar
Day 3
Stellenberg 31-20 Diamantveld
Helpmekaar 73-36 Queen’s College Halftime score Helpmekaar 28- 24 Queens College.
Outeniqua 30-29 Maritzburg College
Boland Landbou 16-14 Noordheuwel
Garsfontein 33-31 Northwood
Paul Roos 15-13 Oakdale
Paarl Gymnasium 47-7 Durban High School
Grey College 54-14 Jeppe
Affies 40-37 Paarl Boys’ High
STORY 3: Talking points / analysis
Powerhouses rise, but Wildeklawer’s edge lies in its unpredictability
If Wildeklawer 2026 confirmed anything, it is that South Africa’s traditional rugby powerhouses remain formidable — but they are being pushed harder than ever.
Grey College and Paarl Gymnasium delivered performances that reinforced their reputations, both sides combining structure with attacking efficiency to record convincing victories across the festival.
Affies also made a strong statement, not only through a dominant win over Outeniqua but with their dramatic comeback victory over Paarl Boys’ High in the closing fixture — a result that highlighted both resilience and depth.
Yet the festival was not defined by dominance alone.
Matches such as Garsfontein’s narrow win over Northwood, Outeniqua’s one-point victory against Maritzburg College, and Waterkloof’s slender triumph over Durbanville illustrated the increasingly fine margins at school level.
Perhaps most telling was the number of matches that swung late, with teams able to overturn deficits or defend narrow leads under pressure. That trend points to improved conditioning, tactical awareness and bench impact across the board.
At the same time, but the broader picture remains clear — the gap between the top tier and the chasing pack is tightening.
Wildeklawer continues to serve not only as a showcase of elite schoolboy rugby, but as a barometer for where the next generation of players — and teams — are heading.
STORY 4: Five standout matches from Wildeklawer 2026
Five matches that defined Wildeklawer 2026
Across three days of action, Wildeklawer 2026 produced its share of dominant wins — but it was the tight, high-pressure encounters that truly captured the essence of the festival. Here are five matches that stood out.
1. Affies 40-37 Paarl Boys’ High – A finale worthy of the stage
The final match of the festival delivered one of its most dramatic moments. Paarl Boys’ High appeared in control for large stretches, building a lead and applying scoreboard pressure.
But Affies refused to fade.
They chipped away at the deficit before surging late, scoring in the closing stages to snatch a 40-37 victory. It was a match defined by momentum swings and nerve under pressure — and a fitting way to close the festival.
2. Outeniqua 30-29 Maritzburg College – A one-point thriller
Few matches illustrated Wildeklawer’s competitiveness better than this back-and-forth encounter.
Maritzburg College and Outeniqua traded blows throughout, with neither side able to establish lasting control. The lead changed hands repeatedly before the match was ultimately decided by a late penalty.
Outeniqua edged it 30-29 — a result that underlined just how fine the margins were across the festival.
3. Garsfontein 33-31 Northwood – Pressure, response, repeat
This clash followed a familiar Wildeklawer script: momentum swings, quick responses, and a finish that could have gone either way.
Northwood built phases of pressure, only for Garsfontein to respond in kind. As the match tightened late on, it became a test of composure as much as execution.
In the end, Garsfontein held on for a 33-31 win in one of the most evenly contested matches of the weekend.
4. Waterkloof 22-21 Durbanville – A comeback that fell just short
Day 2 opened with immediate drama.
Waterkloof looked in control early, leading 15-0 at halftime. But Durbanville mounted a strong second-half comeback, closing the gap to a single point after scoring late.
Despite the late surge, Waterkloof held firm to secure a 22-21 victory in a match that set the tone for the day’s tightly contested fixtures.
5. Jeppe 31-26 Boland Landbou – Momentum swings and a late finish
This encounter delivered one of the most dramatic shifts in momentum.
Jeppe built a strong early lead, but Boland Landbou fought back impressively, drawing level at 26-26 after sustained second-half pressure.
With the match in the balance, Jeppe regrouped to score late and reclaim the lead, securing a 31-26 victory in a contest that highlighted both attacking intent and resilience
by Dave Alexander | Aug 6, 2025 | School Rugby
Wildeklawer Festival 2025
Day 1 30 April 2025
The first day was marred by some inclement weather with the last fixture after the official opening , the rain and some lightning stopped the game for a number of minutes.
Game 1
Marlow vs Welkom Gym..
Marlow came back from being 17-3 down at halftime to eventually run out winners by 25 to 22
in a great match, which had the spectators on their feet.
The first half was basically one sided with Marlow defending but still making quite a few basic errors. However in the second half they improved their play, probably after a stern talking to at the break.
It seems like that Welkom Gym went into slow mode in the second half, allowing their opponents
In through the back door, playing a more attacking game to run out winners by a slender 3 points.
Game 2
Nico Malan vs Glenwood
This match ended in a nail biting finish with Nico Malan edged out the more fancied Glenwood outfit, winning the match by a slender 2 points, 41-39.
The halftime score was also a 2 point difference, 24-22 with Nico Malan in front. This was a very exciting game with both teams playing exciting rugby and thrilling the crowds. These two teams were pretty evenly matched as the scoreline shows, but although both teams did make a small amount of basic errors, avery inspiring match.
Game 3
Diamantveld vs Waterkloof
The hosts, Diamantveld were simply outclassed in this fixture, with the half time score being 35-7 to Waterkloof. The second half proved to be a bit better for the hosts as they increase their
Score to 24, but not enough for their opposition to end their score on 54. A bit of a hiding in the end.
Game 4
Affies vs Paul Roos
The final fixture of the day was between the more fancied Affies from Pretoria and Paul Roos with Affies going to the halftime break 20-10. However the second half was interrupted by a heavy down pour and lightning, with the referee stopping the match for a while. After the resumption Paul Roos were awarded a penalty, which they converted, but it was not enough to catch up. The final score was 20-13. That was the end of day one.
Day 2 1 May 2025
Game 1. EG Jansen vs Drostdy HTS
The first match on day 2 was between EG Jansen from Boksburg and Drostdy from Worcester, saw Drostdy taking a slender 7 nil lead at the halftime break. Both teams were making basic errors, such as knock ons and playing off sides during the first half, however the game turned around in the second half with EG Jansen coming back to win the game by 20 points to 10, with Drostdy adding only a penalty to their halftime tally.
Game 2. Boland Landbou vs Framesby
Boland Landbou exerted pressure on right from the start of the match taking the score to 38 5 in
the first half, playing good running rugby. Framesby, battled on bravely and not giving up were unfortunate not to score any more points in the game, while Boland Landbou continued putting pressure on, playing a good running game and eventually running out victors by 64 points to 5.
Game 3. DHS vs Stellenberg
The third fixture of the day saw Durban High School, coached by Peter Engeldow, ex Griqua coach, taking on Stellenberg from Bellville in the Western Cape, with DHS turning a 12 point all halftime score into a 7 point victory in the end, with the final score 26-19. This was a very exciting game producing some excellent moves, which had the supporters attention throughout the game.
Game 4. Monnas vs Outiniqua
Another enthralling closely encountered match, with a single point difference in the end. Here Outiniqua running winners 21-20, after Monnas, from Krugersdorp, led 6 nil at halftime. Both teams play attractive open running rugby, keeping the spectators on the edge of their seats throughout.
Game 5. Garsfontein vs Oakdale.
Oakdale led 15-10 at the halftime break against Garsfontein, from Pretoria, however the second half produced another exciting fixture, with both teams deadlocked in the only draw so far of the 2025 festival on 30 all. Here once again the crowds were out of their seats, whilst cheering both teams on.
Game 6. Northwood vs Paarl Gymnasium
Although the more fancied Paarl Gym outfit, coached by ex Griqua player, coach and Springbok player, showed their strength, leading 24-13 against heir opponents, Northwood from Durban North. But in the second half, Paarl Gym increased the pressure on Northwood to eventually run away with the match, winning 46-20 in the end.
Game 7. Noordheuwel vs Paarl Boys High.
The other strong Paarl team, Paarl Boys High also showed what they are made off, taking on
Noordheuwel, from the suburb of Noordheuwel in Krugersdorp, running out winners 42-14, after leading 13-7 at the break. The Paarl team produced some great running rugby in the second half, while Noordheuwel could only add one more try to their first try scored in the first half.
Game 8. Jeppe vs Maritzburg College.
Another tough encounter between Jeppe and Maritzburg College saw some exciting and tough rugby from both sides, with Jeppe beating the more fancied Maritzburg outfit 37-24, halftime Jeppe led 20-5. Here once again the spectators were on the edge of their seats during this tough and exciting encounter.
Game 9. Grey College vs Helpmekaar.
The final fixture of the day was Grey College taking on Helpmekaar from Braamfontein in Johannesburg, with the former running out victors over the plucky Helpmekaar outfit by 56-14, running in eight converted tries to the latter’s two. The score at the halftime break was 28-7. Grey’s well drilled driving maul was too good for the opposition to handle, putting them on the backfoot for a large portion of the game.
Saturday 3 May 2025 is the final day of the Wildklawer Festival, with 9 rugby fixtures on the cards starting at 8am and ending with the final fixture at 8pm, with plenty of excitement during the day.
Day 3 Final Day 3 May 2025.
Game 1. Waterkloof vs Stellenberg
Saturday and the final day of the 15th Wildeklawer Festival with the first match of the day between Waterkloof High School and Stellenberg, in freezing overcast conditions. The two teams were pretty evenly matched in the first half with the score at 7 all. However in the second half Waterkloof seemed to find their feet and put pressure on their opponents,
However, this was short lived as Stellenberg scored an unconverted try try taking them total to within 5 of their opponents, 17-12. Towards the end of the match, Stellenberg fought back to score another try, equalising the score at 17 all, with 8 minutes left in the match. Final score 17 all.
Point Scorers: Stellenberg: Tries; Armand Potgieter (2), Ethan van Biljon, Conversions; van
Biljon.17
Waterkloof: Tries; Ruan Jacobs, Johannes de Beer, Conversions Ruan Bastiaanse (2), Penalty Bastiaanse. 17
Game 2. Noordheuwel vs Outeniqua
Outeniqua put on the pressure from the start taking the score to 12 nil early in the first half. But Noordheuwel fought back scoring a converted try of their own to trail 12-7. Noordheuwel were awarded with a penalty for off sides with their score creeping closer to Outiniqua’s 12-10. However Noordheuwel went finished yet, scoring a try 5 minutes from the end of the first half, the conversion being successful, 17-12, which was the halftime score.
The try line alternated frequently changing hands in the second half with the score changing hands as well and with 5 minutes left the score was 29-26 in favour of Noordheuwel. With the final 2 seconds of the game, Noordheuwel snatched victory with a penalty after being down 33-32, to win an interesting, tough fixture by 35 points to 33.
Point Scorers: Noordheuwel; Tries; Jayden Steyn (2), Andrew Lambert, Clinton Agu. Conversions; Jeandre Vithaler (3), Penalty; Vithaler (3). 35
Outeniqua: Tries; Grant Savage, Ruan van Rensburg, Virgil Pockpas, Schalk van der Merwe, Matthew Prins. Conversions; Pockpas (4). 33.
Game 3. Monnas vs Paarl Boys High
Paarl Boys High scored their first four tries, dominating the first 25 minutes of the match, taking
the lead by 26 points to nil. Playing against the breeze, they scored their fifth try shortly after their fourth, increasing the lead to 38 nil with three minutes to the halftime break. Paarl Boys High ran in their sixth try before halftime taking the score to 45 nil, but they scored their seventh try, converted, 52-0 at halftime. Seems like Monument never pitched up for the first half of the match.
The second half started very much like the first, with Paarl Boys High on the charge,scoring the first try shortly after the start, leading 57 nil. The visitors from the Western Cape never let up, keeping up the pressure and in the end running in a lot of tries, 10-13, final score 83 nil.
Game4. Diamantveld vs Maritzburg College
The hosts, Diamantveld opened the score line against Maritzburg College, with an unconverted try in the opening minutes of the game, taking a 5 nil lead. However this match took the same shape as the first, with each team taking turns to score tries, with Maritzburg taking a slender lead 12-5, but Diamonds fought back hard scoring their second try, taking back the lead 17-12.
Maritzburg fought back scoring another try in the corner, taking the lead again 21-17. However from the middle of the final day, the clouds disappeared with the sun shining brightly and warming up. The halftime score was Maritzburg taking the lead, 24-17.
The second half followed in similar fashion to the first with the lead changing hands, but in the end it was the host team, Diamantveld who clinched the win in the end by one try more than their opponents Maritzburg College, winning the game 38-31. .
Game 5. Affies vs Boland Landbou
Playing in full sunshine now, which started off as an evenly balanced two teams, until the 29th minute when Affies ran in their first try taking the lead 7 nil. However, they scored their second try with 24 minutes left in the half, 12 nil with the conversion going astray. Affies scored five more tries, of which four were converted before the halftime break, thus leading 33 nil at the break. Affies were not quite finished, as they turned on the pressure in the second half, scoring 14 tries, 13 converted, total 74 to the two tries of Boland, 14 points. A very one sided game which actually produced some enthralling, running rugby, but Bolland’s defence let them down
In the end.
Game 6. Jeppe vs Oakdale
Oakdale wasted little time in scoring the first try of their match against Jeppe, taking an early lead 7 nil. But the Jeppe’s defence seemed to hold out strongly for some time. Jeppe came back with a penalty, but then Outiniqua struck back with a converted try, holding onto the lead 14-3, which was the halftime score.
Oakdale tried turning on the pressure but the Jeppe defence held on, but Oakdale scored four more tries, taking their score to 42, while Jeppe succeded with another penalty and a converted try, taking their total to 13 points. Oakdale were not quite finished yet running in another converted try in the last minute of the game, but Jeppe were also not finished yet scoring two more converted tries of their own, making the final score Oakdale 42, Jeppe 27.
Game 7. EG Jansen vs Paul Roos
EG Jansen opened the score line with an intercept try under the posts, easily converted, taking an early lead, 7 nil. However Paul Roos found their feet and ran in three converted tries and a penalty, to take the halftime score to 24-7.
As in the first half, EG Jansen’s defence let them down, as Paul Roos scored an unconverted try in the 7th minute of the second half,adding the five points to their total, 28-7. EG Jansen started to make a comeback scoring an unconverted try of their own, taking their score to 12, but Paul Roos also added to their total, scoring two unconverted tries, 34-12. However EG Jansen did not give up so easily, scoring another try, a pushover one at that, but still not enough to catch up to Paul Roos, score now 34-17. Paul Roos came back scoring a great try, which went unconverted, taking the score to 39-17 with 7 minutes left in the match, but Paul Roos scored their final try at the final whistle, converting, taking the final score to 46-17.
Game 8. Garsfontein vs Grey College
The second last fixture of the tournament saw the more fancied outfit of Grey College taking on Garsfontein. Grey College scored 3 converted tries and a penalty in the first half, while Garsfontein ran in 3 unconverted tries, taking the halftime score to 24-15. Both teams playing attractive running rugby during the first half.
However, Grey did not waste any time after the break to score a converted try, increasing their total to 31, but in the 7th minute of the second half, Garsfontein struck back with a converted try of their own taking their score up to 22. Grey came back in the 48th minute with a push over try, by Xander Smit, from a tap free kick increasing their score to 38. Shortly after that, Grey scored again near the posts and was converted, score 45-22. Garsfontein ran in the final try of the match from a penalty, taking the final score to 45-29.
Game 9. DHS vs Paarl Gym
The final rugby fixture of the 2025 Wildeklawer Festival, between Durban High School and Paarl Gymnasium, with two ex Griqua coaches, Peter Engeldow for DHS and Dawie Theron Paarl Gym which promises to be a humdinger. Paarl Gym seem to be battling a bit, only scoring one try before the halftime break, but Durban Boys High managed to kick a penalty in the first half, score 7-3. However Paarl Gym fought back strongly scoring a try, succeeding with a difficult conversion from the touchline taking their score to 14, followed by another converted try shortly afterwards, increasing their lead to 21-3, 4 minutes from the halftime break, but DHS had the last say scoring a converted try on the stroke of halftime, score 21-10..
The second half saw Durban Boys High slot a penalty, 4 minutes into the half, taking their tally to 13.But Paarl Gym came back strongly, scoring a great converted try stretching their lead to 28 points to 13, while DHS slotted a penalty just before the Paarl try. In the 53rd minute, Paarl Gym ran in another good try, due to poor defensive errors from the Durban outfit, to increase the lead to 35 points to 13. Paarl were still not finished adding another 5 points to their scoreline, 40-13. However Durban ran in a great converted try with 5 minutes left in the match, creeping slowly to 20 points, but a little too late. But once again Paarl had the final say scoring a converted try with 3 minutes from the final whistle, taking the score to 47-20, the final score and the end of another Wildeklawer Festival, until 2026. .
by Dave Alexander | Feb 2, 2025 | Rugby
SABAT LOOKING FORWARD TO NEW CHALLENGE
Man of many skills, talents
“He brings with him a lot of expertise and experience as coach, manager and administrator. I don’t doubt it that he will add value to the BBRU brand, values and standards,” says BBRU Willem Strauss on the appointment of Sabat [Jaco] Dames as the designated GM of the BBRU.
“During the interview process to select a new GM, Sabat impressed with his thorough understanding of the challenges amateur rugby faces, from senior clubs to schools, and his appreciation of the important leadership role the BBRU plays in South African amateur rugby,” remarked Strauss.
“An incredible array of intellectual property comes with him,” Strauss remarked.
Dames himself is over the moon “as my blood has always been Blue and I could not have hoped for a more appropriate opportunity to end my coaching career for one in administration at the BBRU. It was high time to make this switch.
“My dad played for Northern Transvaal between 1970 and 1973 and there was never any doubt about what team I will be supporting to this day.
“I am super excited about the new challenge awaiting me.”
Principals at schools where Dames was involved as either Director of Rugby of Head of Sport, and other role players like SA Rugby’s Nico Serfontein had high praise for him, describing him as:
• Outstanding in his field of expertise
• Highly professional employee
• ‘The outside the box’ thinker and doer
• Work ethics that makes him an asset to any employer
• Excellent planning and organisation skills
• Extreme passion for and commitments to rugby and his work
• Can think on his feet, and make plans to best accommodate last minute changes
• Performs well under pressure
• Very innovative, enthusiastic, and creative
• One of the few who understands the industry
• Vision to appreciate the bigger picture
• Humble and hard working
• Willingness to learn
• Always part of the solution rather than the problem.
by Dave Alexander | May 6, 2024 | Rugby
Wildeklawer 2024 Day 1 , 2 and 3.
Day 1 Rugby
An impressive opening ceremony for the 2024 version of the 14th edition Wildeklawer Festival saw over 4000 learners pack the rugby field at Diamantveld High on Wednesday evening.(1 May 2024)
The learners represented 192 teams from 111 schools from all over South Africa as well as two from overseas, ie St Johns College from New Zealand and Kirkham Grammar School from England. .
Two matches were played, one before the opening which was between the host, Diamantveld and Marlow, which produced a titanic battle but it was the home team who ran out victors 57-25. In the the second match after the main opening, saw Affies get the better of a more fancied Paarl Boys High, where the Pretoria outfit proved too strong for Paarl, running out winners by 42-21.
Day 2
The first match of the day, between Noordheuwel and Glenwood, saw Noordheuwel running out comfortable winners 55-13.
In the second fixture between Waterkloof and Outiniqua, the Pretoria outfit proved too strong for the fancied Outiniqua outfit by 51 points to 32, which actually saw a tougher game, as the score show, as scores from previous matches, yesterday and this morning. The best game yesterday was the Affies Paarl Boys High, although there were only two matches.
Next was the turn of Durban High and Oakdale and here the two sides appeared to be more evenly balanced. The halftime score shows how tough the game was, 13-7 to Durban High.
The Durban outfit started putting pressure on in the second half taking the score to 25-12 with a try to each team and with 7 minutes left, Durban increased their lead by 16 points, to 28-12, via a penalty in front of the posts. .Durban eventually ran out victors by 33 points to 14.
Paarl Gym started off strongly in their fixture against E G Jansen, leading 19-7 at the halftime break, but scored three tries to one of EG Jansen in the second half taking the score to 35-14. EG Jansen came back strongly in the, scoring three tries, converting 2, taking the final score to 36 to Paarl Gym and 33 to EG Jansen. A very tight match, the best of the tournament so far.
Next on the program was between Boland Landbou and Helpmekaar, Helpmekaar opened the score line with a converted try and a penalty, taking an early lead 10 nil., increased their lead with another converted try taking the score to 17 nil.the halftime score was 24 nil to Helpmekaar.The score moved on to 31 nil with another converted try for Helpmekaar, proving that they were too strong for Boland Landbou. However Boland Landbou fought back strongly towards the end of the match with two converted try of their own taking the score to 31-21. In the end it was Helpmekaar who ran away with the match, winning 43-21.
Paul Roos took on Monument in the following match, with Paul Roos getting the game on the way, scoring the first points via a penalty, 3 nil. However Monument came back with a great pushover try, which was converted, increased their lead, putting them 7-3 in the lead. Monument went on to score another converted try halfway through the first half, increasing their lead to 14-3.Paul Roos came back with a try of their own, which was unconverted taking the score to 14-8, 6 point difference, which did not last too long as they score another, basically from the kickoff, converting and taking the lead 15-14, which was the halftime score. A very exciting game with only two points difference between the two teams with Paul Roos edging out Monument (Monas).
The second last fixture of the day was between Garsfontein and Stellenberg, which started on tan even footing 7-5, a try each except Garsfontein converted theirs. Stellenberg snatched the lead from Garsfontein at the halftime break 12-10, 3 tries, 1 converted to 1 converted try and a penalty. Stellenberg increased their ;lead to 19-10, but Garsfontein scored a try of their own taking the 19-17. However Garsfontein scored a try, with 10 minuted left in the game, but Stellenberg put the final nail in the coffin winning by 26 to 22.
The final fixture of the day was between Grey College and Maritzburg College, which Grey ran out winners by 46 points to Nil, playing outstanding rugby.
Scores from some of the others matches played on the B field were:Drostdy was thrashed by Welkom Gym 54 points to 28, Framesby 51 had the better of New Zealand’s St Johns outfit, who scored 22 and Kirkham Grammar had the better of Nico Malan 45-22.
Day 3
The first fixture on the final day of the prestigious Wildeklawer Festival, saw Stellenberg take on EG Jansen, which saw the Stellenberg outfit running out victors by 19 points to 12. A very close and a well balanced game between the two teams.
The second game, between Affies and Oakdale, Affies proved a bit too strong for the Oakdale lads, running out winners by 32 points to 10, halftime score was 17-10 to Affies. Although there were 7 points difference between the two at the break, Affies then turned on the pressure in the second half as the final score showed.
Next saw Kirkham Grammar School from England taking on Outeniqua, with Kirkham drawing first blood via a converted try in the first 10 minutes. Outeniqua then ran in a try of their own 5 minutes later in the far corner, with the conversion sailing past the uprights, 7-5. Outeniqua then snatched the lead going ahead with a well converted try in the near side corner, taking the score to 12-7.
Just before the halftime break, Outeniqua landed a penalty for the score to go to 15-7 at the break.
Oueniqua drew first blood after the break with a converted try, making their lead 15 points, 22-7.However the visitors came back with a converted try of their own, taking the score to 22-12, narrowing the gap to 10 points. Kirkham then added on the pressure, scoring two more tries, one converted, taking the lead for the first time in the match, 24-22. But Outeniqua snatched back the lead, 25-24, which only lasted a few minutes before the final whistle when Kirkam were awarded a penalty in front of the posts, to snatch a two point victory, 27-25,in a great game of rugby, in the end.
The 12.30 fixture between Boland Landbou and Monument (Monas) was next on the program, also a thrilling game, with Monas taking an early 7 nil lead, through a try under the post, with the movement starting from inside their own half. Boland however scored their first try in the match, leveling the scores on 7 all, but Monas took the lead by scoring their second try, unconverted, 12-7. However, Monas went further ahead scoring a converted try,taking their lead to 19-7. But then, Boland came back and scored a try on the halftime whistle, which was converted, taking the halftime score 19-14 to Monas. However when the fhe final whistle blew, the score in this match saw Monas running out close winners with, Boland Landbou 38-33.
Next on the program saw another exciting, close encounter between Paarl Boys High taking on Durban High, with Paarl Boys putting the first points on the board via a converted try, leading 7 nil. The Durbaniites succeeded with a penalty just before halftime in a ding dong battle taking the score to 7-3 to Paarl Boys High. However, Durban High snatched a slender lead after the break with a pushover try to take the score to 10-7, but a while later Paarl Boys High took back the lead with an unconverted try 12-10. Durban High were awarded a penalty in front of the posts which was converted giving the team a slender one point lead 13-12. However in the end it was Paarl Boys High who ended on top, slotting a penalty, with Durban Boys pushing hard in the Paarl 22, but Paarl actually won the really tough encounter 15-13 in a tough and nail biting encounter to witness.
The 3.30pm fixture saw Paul Roos taking on Maritzburg College, with Paul Roos racing to a 19 nil lead, scoring three tries, two converted. Maritzburg College allowed Paul Roos to score another unconverted try, which took the score to 24 nil, at the halftime break. However Paul Roos proved too strong for their opposition taking their score to 31 nil. Not long afterwards, Paul Roos forged ahead with another two tries, converting one of them to make the score 43 nil. Paul Roos piled on the score further with 5 minutes left in the match, scoring another unconverted try, taking the score to 48 nil. Basically a one way ticket for Paul Roos, running out winners, 48 nil.
Paarl Gym took on Helpmekaar in the second last match of the tournament, It took 19 minutes for the first points to be shown on the scoreboard, when Paarl Gym ran in the first try, which was unconverted, 5 nil. Paarl’s second try came with 16 minutes left in the half, converted increasing their score to 12 nil. Helpmekaar came back, just before halftime with a penalty, taking the score to 12-3 at the break .However after the break, Paarl Gym went further ahead with an unconverted try, taking the score to 17-3. Shortly afterwards, Helpmekaar came back to score a converted try of their own, but then Paarl Gym fought back strongly to score a converted try of their own, taking the score to 24-10 with 3 minutes left. In the match, but in the end, Paarl Gym ran out winners by 31 points to 10, scoring a converted try to put the final nail in the coffin.
The final and main match of the evening and the tournament was Grey College taking on Garsfontein, in what seemed to be a one sided affair, with Grey running rings around Garsfontein, winning the match by 38 points to 10. One result received from the B field saw, hosts, Diamantveld running rings around the New Zealand visitors, St Johns College winning 40-24.
by Dave Alexander | Jun 12, 2023 | Rugby
Windhoek Draught Griquas Take on Airlink Pumas
Windhoek Draught Griquas, who since last year’s Currie Cup final in Kimberley, have not had the better of the Airlink Pumas, who beat Griquas in Kimberley in the final last year.
Griquas have themselves to blame in this outing as they lost the match 27-17.
The hosts got the match underway against Currie Cup holders, Airlink Pumas at Windhoek Draught Park in the final round robin stage, with a must win for both teams to go through to the semi finals. Coach Pieter Bergh and the players will be left to reflect that it was the Griquas who spoiled their own chances of domestic glory for a second successive year, with this game being a repeat of last year’s Currie Cup final.
The home side, playing with the wind, were camping in the opponents half for most of the first quarter, but with both teams playing attractive, running rugby. Griquas opened the scoring with a long range penalty by George Whitehead to take a 3 nil lead. Pumas flyhalf, Thinus de Beer evened the score with a penalty28 meters out and 8 meters in from the nearside touchline. The two teams, at this stage, with 10 minutes to halftime, were of equal strength, with neither side giving an inch. The hosts scored their first try from a great line break by flyhalf, Lubalala Dobela,to dot down under the posts for Whitehead to convert easily, taking Griquas to a 10-3 lead. Pumas came back after the halftime hooter to score a try by Deon Slabbert, 8 meters in from the near touchline with De Beer evening the score at 10 each, with the conversion, taking the halftime score to 10 all.
Playing with the breeze, the visitors got the second half going, with the home scoring a runaway try by Thabo Ndimande 12 meters in from the far side touchline with George Whitehead converting, taking the score to 17-10, in the 5th minute of the second half. .Pumas scored their second try, by, Francois Kleinhans,10 meters in from the nearside touchline, converted by Tinus de Beer to put the score on even terms, 17 all. .The visitors took the lead, thanks to a penalty by De Beer, 20-17. Pumas signed and sealed the game after Griquas made a handling error for Wian van Niekerk to dot down under the posts , for De Beer to easily convert, 27-17, the final score. Griquas can’t seem to get the better of Pumas, even since the Currie Cup final in Kimberley last year.
Point Scorers
Windhoek Draught Griquas:
Tries; Lubabalo Dobela, Thabo Ndimande, Conversions; George Whitehead 2, Penalty; Whitehead.
Ailink Pumas: Tries Deon Slabbert, Francois Kleinhans, Wian van Niekerk, Conversions; Tinus de Beer 3, Penalties De Beer 2.:
by Dave Alexander | Jun 3, 2023 | Rugby
Windhoek Draught Griquas at Home to DHL Western Province
Windhoek Draught Griquas played host to the DHL Western Province outfit at the Windhoek Draught Park on Friday 2 June 2023 in a must win game for both teams, to qualify for the quarter finals. The host team played in their pink jerseys in aid of cancer.
The visitors got the match underway with the visitors putting on the pressure early in the game. The first points came from a pushover try in the 4th minute of the match scored by Marcel Theunissen, well converted by Jurie Mathee, 7 nil to the visitors. However Griquas fought back and scored a pushover try of their own, from a lineout, by Dylan Sjoblom, very well converted by George Whitehead, to even the score 7 all. Province replied with a runaway try soon after scored by Paul de Wet, in the far corner, the conversion going wide, 12-7. The match settled down into an even affair with both sides playing into each others half, until eventually Province succeeded in scoring a pushover try, by Marcel Theunissen, his second, under the posts converted by Mathee taking the visitors’ score to 19-7. Griquas came back 4 minutes later on the halftime hooter with a brilliant try, by centre Jay-Cee Nel, converted by Whitehead taking the halftime score to 19-14.
The home side started of the second half, playing with the wind, the little there was with Griquas flyhalf, Lubabalo Dobela, running in another brilliant try from a backline movement, very well converted by George Whitehead, taking the home side into the lead for the first time in the match 21-19. The visitors came back with force, but the home side’s defences held out, but discipline let them down. .However the visitors scored a pushover try from a lineout 15 meters in from the nearside touchline,scored by Willie Engelbrecht, converted by Mathee taking their score to 26. But the hosts came back with a pushover try of their own, by Sean Swart, from a lineout 6 meters fro the nearside touchline, converted by Whitehead taking the home team back into the lead 28-26, and a bonus point for 4 tries. Griquas were not quite finished yet when they scored a runaway try after a good break by Sango Xamlashe, to score near the posts for Whitehead to convert and increase the score to 35-26. Province then succeeded with penalty by Mathee taking their score closer to Griqua;s 35-29. With a minute left in the match Griquas received a penalty, in a kickable position, which Whitehead succeeded with, making the final score to 38-29 and at full points victory by the home side. Griquas really came back in the second half, showing what they are actually made of. Well done KWAAAS.
SCORERS:
WINDHOEK DRAUGHT GRIQUAS:Tries – Dylan Sjoblom, Jay-Cee Nel, Lubabalo Dobela, Sean Swart and Sango Xamlashe. Conversions: George Whitehead (5). Penalty: George Whitehead.
DHL WESTERN PROVINCE:Tries – Marcel Theunissen (2), Paul de Wet and Willie Engelbrecht. Conversions: Jurie Matthee (3). Penalty: Jurie Matthee
