EP schools for 22 August 2015
With two narrow wins under their belts in recent matches, Nico Malan will be aiming to finish the season with a flourish when they host Port Elizabeth rivals Framesby in their FNB Classic Clash in Humansdorp this weekend.
The sporting action will not be limited to rugby, though, because the two schools will do battle in a variety of fixtures, beginning with golf on Thursday (20 August).
It will all culminate in the first XV rugby showdown at 14.00 on Saturday afternoon when both teams will be fired up to take some positive memories out of the 2015 programme.
It has not been a good year for Framesby, having already suffered 11 defeats this year, but that is all the more reason for them to show what they can do in their final game. Many of the past disappointments will be forgotten if they can put one past their old foes.
Nico Malan have also suffered a number of defeats this year (six), but they are on something of a roll, having shaded Die Brandwag by three points and Pearson by two points in their most recent matches.
It suggests the Humansdorp lads have been able to handle it when the pressure is on and they will have to again show that sort of attitude against what will be a motivated Framesby XV.
Pearson are another team keen to make their mark in schools rugby and they will be favoured for their final fixture against Despatch. However, Despatch have homeground status in their favour so the visitors will have to show teamwork and determination to overcome that factor.
Another big clash is set to take place in Uitenhage when Solomon Mahlangu and Itembelihle square up, while there should be an interesting contest at Alexander Road when they home side entertain Victoria Park.
Fresh from a 72-12 thumping of Westering, Cillié will be full of confidence for their away clash with Otto du Plessis.
The fixtures, subject to change, are (home teams first, 11.30 start unless stated):
Alexander Road vs Victoria Park
Adelaide Gym vs Winterberg
Otto du Plessis vs Cillié
Despatch vs Pearson (12.45)
Nico Malan vs Framesby (14.00)
Newton Tech vs Ndzondelelo
Solomon Mahlangu vs Itembelihle
Humansdorp vs McCarthy.
By Neale Emslie
