Schoolboy Rugby – Preview – Several Top Battles In Western Cape With The Paarl The Main Attraction

 

The NoordVaal was the main attraction during the past few weeks, however, this weekend all eyes will be focused on the Western Cape as four of the top 5 ranked 1stXV's and schools will face each other.

The first derby of the day sees Paarl Gimnasium going head-to-head with Grey College in a highly anticipated battle. This marks the first full Interschools encounter between these titans, a rivalry that we have only seen rare glimpses of during festivals until now. Grey College holds the edge in recent history, claiming victory in 6 out of the last 9 meetings since 2010, while Paarl Gimnasium has secured 3 wins of their own.

Paarl Gimnasium enters the fray as the current leader at the schoolboy level, boasting an unbeaten record after triumphing over formidable opponents like Monument, Boland Landbou, and a one-point win last weekend against Affies. Meanwhile, Grey College, after a smooth start to the season, faced a setback against Jeppe but swiftly recovered to assert their dominance beating Outeniqua comfortably in Bloemfontein.

Once again the battle in the midfield will be widely discussed however, Affies has shown against Paarl Gimnasium that if Gim's forwards are on the backfoot they are beatable. Does Grey have the forwards?

In the second showdown, Paarl Boys High embarks on a journey to Stellenbosch to take on the formidable Paul Roos at the famous Markotter field. This derby is steeped in 150 years of tradition, with these Western Cape rugby powerhouses being both neighbours and rivals. While they initially met sporadically due to league distinctions, their shared sporting history has bred familiarity and competitiveness over their long traditional rivalry.

Paul Roos, backed by significant investments in infrastructure and talent, stands as a force to be reckoned with, boasting an unbeaten streak in their four games so far. Their impressive victories at the North vs South tournament signal their readiness for the upcoming clash against Paarl Boys High, who have already shown their mettle with wins against Garsfontein, Jeppe, and Oakdale. Surprisingly to some, they encountered a very determined Wynberg in their last outing and narrowly lost in the final minute of the game. They will be hoping to bounce back against Paul Roos and provide an upset at the Markotter.

Boland Landbou host Stellenberg on Saturday and is the overwhelming favourite against Stellenberg who is having a season out of hell as they are still searching for their first win of 2024.

The unbeaten Wynberg will host Grey High College, who is not having a great season and should send the boys from Eastern Cape back home with tears in their eyes.

A struggling Outeniqua will host Durbanville and will want to forget the 90-03 hiding by Grey College. Fortunately for the Kwaggas, they host a Durbanville 1stXV who is still looking for their first win of 2024. The Kwaggas should win this one with ease.

An article without the mention of the Garsfontein of the Western Cape according to "skinder", Charlie Hofmeyr who is one of a few unbeaten 1stXV's in the country is facing Bredasdorp. It should be easy for Charlie's 1stXV however, their juniors can not claim the same.

Western and Southern Cape fixtures for the weekend ending 21 April 2024.

Bellville vs Hopefield
Bishops vs Milnerton
Brackenfell vs DF Malan
Bishops vs Milnerton
Boland Landbou vs Stellenberg
Charlie Hofmeyr vs Bredasdorp
Hermanus vs Strand
Outeniqua vs Durbanville
Paarl Gimnasium vs Grey College
Parel Vallei vs Tygerberg
Paul Roos vs Paarl Boishaai
Rondebosch vs SACS
Worcester Gum vs Hugenote
Wynberg vs Grey High School
Outeniqua vs Durbanville