It is time for the big Paarl rugby rivalry again when Paarl Gimnasium (Gim) and Paarl Boys’ High (PBHS) take each other on at Faure Street on Saturday, August 5. The Galpille against the Bloedworse, South vs North. This is the time of year when the town of Paarl is divided into two camps for a whole week. A Rivalry that has existed for more than 100 years culminates in the main rugby match between the two schools at the Faure Street Stadium at 16:00 on Saturday.
Paarl Gim is having a stellar season again having played 15 games, and won 13, with one loss and one draw. They have shown why they are currently rated number two in the country behind Grey College, the only team they have lost against. Their draw came against a very strong Outeniqua team in George in very difficult circumstances playing basically against the SWD Craven week team.
Paarl Boys’ had a busy season so far playing 18 games, winning 13 and losing five. This is not one of their best seasons measured against their own high standards due to surprise losses against Durbanville and Oakdale. They have some brilliant players in the team, especially their back three who have all been chosen for the SA u/18 team, but cohesion among the forwards still seems to be an issue resulting in slow ball to the backs. Their supporters will hope that Sean Erasmus has sorted out their lineout problems by 5th August so that they can compete in this crucial area come game day!
The two big matches on Friday afternoon are the u/14A match and the “main” match of the day is the rugby games between the school’s third teams, known among the locals as the “Chiefs” vs “Chippies”. There are only four rugby matches played on Saturday at Faure Street Stadium. The games usually start around 12h00 with the u15A match, followed by the u16A, the Seccies and then the main match commencing at 16h00.
The first match was played in 1915 when masters, schoolboys and old boys all played together. This was the format up to 1927 after which it was decided that the Interschools matches should only comprise schoolboys. The current format as we know it today started officially in 1929.
Before the forced two-year break in 2020 and 2021 due to Covid, the Interschools was only interrupted for one year in 1928 when for some reason lost in the midst of time, the derby did not take place.
The intensity of this derby is reflected in the average winning margin of only five points in over 100 games. There are no easy Interschools games. Each point gained is precious and defence is usually rock solid. There have been 11 drawn matches and three of them ended in a 0-0 draw, the last one in 1986. This shows the commitment and pressure that can build in these games.
During the week there will be functions and reunions with old friends and foes reminiscing about the days gone by. The first battle on the rugby field will be fired on Wednesday evening as the two Old Boy teams lock horns in what can only be described as a friendly but fierce game. Thursday afternoon sees the “Goffels” and “Hommels” (G and H teams) play their own unique brand of rugby before Friday morning kicks proceedings into the business end of the weekend. This is the time when the two schools have their Big Brags in the school hall. Here the Rugby and Hockey warriors that will represent their respective teams on Saturday are introduced and the first teams get capped for Interschools.