The only region, to the dismay of the others, who are still playing for trophies will this weekend hand over the first of many silverware.
The final of the NWU Sportreeks will be decided between Menlopark and Waterkloof. Menlopark is a much-improved 1stXV and might be the underdogs, however, they have only lost to Outeniqua (17-37) while Waterkloof's 45-38 win over EG Jansen was seen as one of the upsets of 2024. I do believe that Waterkloof will take the first silverware home, however ........
Oos Moot will face EG Jansen who will want to show that their loss to Waterkloof was a little "oopsie". However, the men from the Oos Moot whose decision to play in the "big" NWU league was questioned, have shown with a year or two more experience they will be a serious contender. EG Jansen should cruise to a win, although, Oos Moot has the talent and especially speed at the back to cause a major upset.
Affies host the mighty Jeppe in Pretoria and, unfortunately, although they are the Grey College slayers, Jeppe has shown their weakness against big forwards and Affies arguably have the best pack of forwards in the country. Expect Jeppe to be brutal for the ball on the ground and hunt in a pack of wild dogs. Can Jeppe cause their second upset of the season? Depending on the decision-making at the back by Affies it is possible but unlikely.
Everybody visiting Eldoraigne where the NWU Sportreeks finals are being played will make sure to watch the battle between Eldoraigne and Transvalia. Although the sides will be in an arm wrestle with both sides not having a great season, the attention will be on Naas Botha who took over the coaching of Eldoraign's 1stXV. Is he the wunderkid? Not likely.
And then we have the start of the biggest schoolboy rugby competition with a trophy the reason for competing. Helpmekaar will host Monnas which should be an interesting match. Monnas will need to dominate the battle up front to stand a chance while Helpmekaar will want to avoid any contact trying to exploit Monnas' lack of speed and excitement in the midfield. Monnas should, however, Helpmekaar could.
NoordVaal Fixtures for the Weekend Ending 21 April 2024
Affies Vs Jeppe
Alberton vs Potch Volkies
Die Anker vs Zwartkop
EG Jansen vs Oos Moot
Eldoraigne vs Transvalia
Heidelberg Volkies vs Potch Volkies
Helpmekaar vs Monnas
Hugenote Springs vs Jeugland
KES vs Pretoria Boys High
Klerksdorp vs Oosterlig
Lichtenburg vs Rustenburg
Middelburg HTS vs Kempton Park
Noordheuwel vs Marais Viljoen
Parktown vs Springs
Pietersburg vs Wesvalia
Piet Retief vs Eldoraigne
Potch Gim vs Montana Bulls
Secunda vs Ligbron
Wagpos vs Brandwag
Waterkloof vs Menlopark
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