Schoolboy Rugby – Preview – Up North The Battle For A Cup Intensify While Kengsington Will Witness A Brutal Battle

 

The Noordvaal region will host several massive clashes as the start of the NoordVaal competitions picks up pace. Not to be outdone Jeppe and KES will go all out to claim the English crown of Gauteng, if not South Africa.

A lot was expected from EG Jansen in 2024 and they have not disappointed winning nine of their ten matches in 2024. Their only loss was to Waterkloof (38-45) who was not one of the pre-season favourites, however, as the season continues they are mentioned more and more when the NoordVaal Cup winners are predicted. Monnas on the other hand lost to Paarl Gim (21-28) and Westville (22-25) and had four close wins including over Helpmekaar (31-25) a week ago.

The major question is not if EG Jansen will shine, but rather, if Monnas will be able to use the dominance of their massive pack to bully EG Jansen into submission. Knowing the effect of the water of the East Rand this will be brutal with a few scuffles. The winner? Do not care just excited for the physical battle that will be served.

In Pretoria, Menlopark will host Helpmekaar in a match to be played at a blistering pace. Both Helpmekaar and Menlopark have shown during the first part of the 2024 season that they like to play the game at a blistering pace with brilliant skill expected to be displayed on the day. Helpmekaar lost four of their seven matches including to Affies (21-45), Oakdale (22-41) and Monnas who all have massive packs. Menlopark is busy rebuilding their rugby programme in a spectacular fashion, losing to Outeniqua (17-37) and Waterkloof (08-23) from seven matches. It should be extremely close with the bounce of the ball to be the decider.

Jeppe is hosting KES in what should be one of the most exciting clashes this weekend with the action on and off the field predicted to be exciting. Jeppe's three losses were against some of the powerhouses of the South African rugby schools. Garsfontein (31-37), Paarl Boishaai (19-45) and Affies (26-39) have shown that Jeppe never give up and plays their best rugby being behind on the scoreboard with ten minutes left to play. KES' two losses came against Grey College (16-51) and Paarl Boishaai (07-22) while they are on a four-match winning streak.

The Jeppe win over Grey College will be talked about for a very long time, however, Jeppe must forget those glorious seventy minutes as KES will want to secure a win over the team that did beat Grey College. The winner mmmmmm, I am going to go with the Giant Slayers.

1stXV Fixtures For The Week Ending 28 April 2024 - Noordvaal

EG Jansen vs Monnas
Heidelberg Volkies vs Klerksdorp
Jeugland vs Lichtenburg
Jeppe vs KES
Marais Viljoen vs Pietersburg
Menlopark vs Helpmekaar
Noordheuwel vs Wesvalia
Parktown vs Pretoria Boys High
Potch Gim vs Die Anker
Potch Volkies vs Oosterlig
Rustenburg vs Hugenote Springs
Waterkloof vs Nelspruit
Zwartkop vs Montana