Agricultural battle in Cradock
The fixture between the two Agriculture schools has always been played in good spirit. And this year promise to be no different.
For years Oakdale have dominated the encounter, the last time Marlow – also known as Wolram – won was back in 2009. Oakdale have now won seven in a row, which includes a 50-12 win last year.
However, with both schools not having a stellar season, the fixtures have the potential to be a real arm-wrestle.
Fresh from a 29-36 defeat at the hands of St Andrews College, the hosts Marlow would be eager to bounce back in front of home supporters. Thus far, Marlow have won five of their 12 matches, which includes a noteworthy draw against Grey High School from Port Elizabeth.
Meanwhile, the visitors would want to continue building momentum after their 78-0 win over Langenhoven Gymnasium last week. This season, the Riverdale side managed to deliver three wins in 12 matches.
Neither schools are currently ranked in the Top 20 but have played Top 20 opposition. Oakdale played five schools ranked on the Top 2, Marlow three.
Each year the two schools deliver tremendous talent for Craven Week and the Academy Week.
This year there were seven Marlow players in the Eastern Province Country Districts side, while 13 Oakdale players don the South Western Districts Craven Week jersey.
With these many provincial players in action, the fixture has the potential to deliver amazing school boy rugby.
Achievers
Craven Week
Marlow: Nivadlo Fluers, JJ Human, Johan Swart, Marno Beyl, Jaco Voster, Vivian Kapp, Claude Jacobs
Oakdale: Janco Klinck, Jayce Nel, Clyde Lewis, Lian Du Toit, JC Lourens, Daniel van der Berg, SP Kleynhans, Dian Bleuler, Keano Hendricks, Nicolai Wevber, Magnus Muller, Hanu Heunis.
Acadamy week:
Marlow: Hlumelo Gumatana, Juan Venter
Oakdale: Pieter Uys, Luke Hertz, Joaquin Taute, Hannes Gous, Pieter Ferreira, Henco Beukes.
Teams:
Marlow: 15 Claude Jacobs, 14 Hubert Ferreire, 13 Vivian Kapp, 12 Shawn Snyman, 11 Marikus Botha, 10 Nevaldo Fleurs, 9 Austin Matroos, 8 Dirkie Ferreira (captain), 7 Lourens Oosthuizen, 6 JJ Human, 5 Jaco Voster, 4 Keanan Murray, 3 Marno Beyl, 2 Johan Swart, 1 Rechardt Engelbrecht.
Replacements: 16 Hlumelo Gumatana, 17 Tian van der Walt, 18 Juan Venter, 19 Driekus Venter, 20 Kelvin Warren, 21 Jaco Du Plessis, 22 Christiaan du Plessis, 23 Eben Engelbrecht.
Coach: Derik Olivier
Assistant Coaches: Stoney Steenkamp and Lowie Steenkamp.
Oakdale: 15 P. Uys, 14 M Neethling, 13 E Steyn, 12 JC Nel (captain), 11 J Taute, 10 C Lewis, 9 L Du Toit, 8 Le Roux Pepler, 7 H Beukes, 6 B De Bod, 5 D van der Berg, 4 H Gouws, 3 M Muller, 2 K Hendricks, 1 D Bleuler.
Coach: Malan Du Plessis
Assistant coach: Andre Otto
Date: Saturday, August 5
1st XV Kick-off: 14.00 (12.00 GMT)
Venue: Kaiaveld at Marlow
Expected weather conditions: Light rain showers with a high of 14°C, dropping to 3°C
Rugby Program
Kaiaveld
08.30 Under-14A
09.40 Fifth XV
10.50 Under-15B
14.00 First XV
Willie Meyer
08.30 Under-15A
09.40 Third XV
10.50 Under-16A
12.00 Second XV
Spookhuisveld
08.30 Fourth XV
09.40 Under-16B
10.50 Under-14B
