CC: Piketberg vs Schoonspruit
The FNB Classic Clash up the West Coast when Schoonspruit of Malmesbury play Piketberg could just be a wonderful and intriguing occasion.
Both have excellent rugby teams but of different natures. Schoonspruit can be as exciting as any team in the land with their running, creative, unpredictable style of play. Piketberg on the other hand are inclined to be more structured, expecting a lot from their pack of forwards. There is, it seems, little to choose between the two sides.
Of the two Piketberg have had what looks like the tougher set of fixtures. They include an impressive victory over Despatch, always a tough side, and a draw with the Struisies of Oudtshoorn. In their six matches they won three, drew two and lost to Bellville and Charlie Hofmeyr of Ceres.
Schoonspruit have played more matches – 10 in all. Of the 10 they lost only to Swartland, rival neighbours in Malmesbury. There most noteworthy won was probably that over De Kuilen whom they beat 23-14.
Piketberg have the advantage of the home field. This is the sixth FNB Classic Clash between the two schools. Of the previous five, Schoonspruit won three, Piketberg two. Home ground advantage has been telling.
Schoonspruit have two players who were at the 2011 Craven Week – inside centre Anzo Stubbs and eighthman Ludio Williams, who is their captain.
The teams:
Schoonspruit: 15 Jemeul Thompson, 14 Mishaun Arendse, 13 Andy Huysamen, 12 Anzo Stubbs (vice-captain),11 Valentino Wellman, 10 Shemandré van Schalkwyk, 9 Chad Steyn, 8 Ludio Williams (captain), 7 Cheslyn Korasie, 6 Binville Alexander, 5 Devon Smith, 4 Tembelani Matiwani, 3 Darryn Cleophas, 2 Rowainne Matthyse, 1 Carlyle Kearns.
Coach: Raynard de Jager
Piketberg: 15 Roman Zaal, 14 Reinhardt Smith, 13 Wilbur Maarman, 12 Wege Olivier, 11 JJ Stander, 10 Stephan Breunissen, 9 Robert Edmonds, 8 JP de Villiers, 7 Beuton Nero, 6 Werner Lourens, 5 Barno van der Westhuizen, 4 Dewald Greeff, 3 Wiaan Carstens , 2 Labozét Tredoux, 1 Danie Visser.
Replacements: 16 Erich Kankowski, 17 Jan van Zyl, 18 Christie van der Merwe, 19 Pieter-Hugo Wium, 20 Michael-Hugo Schreiber, 21 Philip Robertson, 22 DJ Koelenberg.
Coaches: Chris van der Merwe, Jaco Barnard
Date: Saturday, 12 May, 2012
Kick-off: 14.00
Venue: Hoërskool Piketberg
Expected weather conditions: Fair with a high of 18°C, dropping to 6°C and a light breeze from the southwest
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (Western Province Referees’ Society)
