Gimmies target another big scalp at Oakdale
PREVIEW: Paarl Gim’s formidable record will be on the line when they head to Oakdale, while Maritzburg College and Hilton collide in an important Midlands derby.
The race for the unofficial No.1 ranking has been particularly close this season, with Paarl Gim, Paul Roos, Stellenberg and Garsfontein jousting for top spot.
Grey College and Paarl Boys – who have both dominated the school scene in past seasons – have been less consistent in 2026, losing four games apiece.
*Also read: Behind rankings and results: The mental health battle in SA’s schoolboy rugby
It remains to be seen whether the top dogs will maintain their position in the coming weeks, or whether they will join Grey, Boishaai and others in the chasing pack.
Rugby365 looks ahead to some of the big match-ups scheduled for Saturday.
The big clash between Selborne and Grey College has been cancelled after several learners from the Free State school were diagnosed with swine flu earlier this week.
OAKDALE V PAARL GIM
Oakdale have failed to build on a successful 2025 season, which saw them going toe-to-toe with the top dogs and claiming several monumental wins – especially on the farm in Riversdale.
While they held Boishaai to a draw in Paarl earlier this season, Oakdale lost other big clashes to Grey College, Affies, Paul Roos and Stellenberg.
More recently, they outlasted a much-improved Outeniqua side to win 27-21 in Riversdale.
This Saturday, Oakdale will play their final home match of the season against Paarl Gim.
Following the shock loss to Stellenberg in their first match of the year, Gimmies have won 11 games in succession.
The manner of those victories deserves closer analysis.
Affies (24) are the only team to score more than 20 points against Gimmies this season.
Gimmies have racked up 50 or more points on six occasions – surpassing 60 in their last three matches.
Gimmies have hammered the likes of Boland Landbou, Bishops and Wynberg by massive margins – and have beaten every team during that incredible 11-game run by 15 points or more.
The strength of Oakdale’s pack has been well documented, and they may look to target Gimmies at the set pieces and collisions this Saturday.
But if Gimmies get off to another flier – as they did recently at Wynberg, scoring 40 points in the first half alone – they could post another big total and send future opponents such as Paul Roos and Boishaai a strong message.
MARITZBURG COLLEGE V HILTON
Maritzburg College have recovered after a shaky start to the season, and currently sits with a record of seven wins and four losses.
They pushed Stellenberg and Outeniqua close at the Wildeklawer Tournament last month – losing both games by a narrow margin.
Since then, they have claimed a series of convincing wins against KwaZulu-Natal opposition and will have taken some confidence from the results against DHS and Northwood.
Hilton have been the best team in the province this season, and has won 10 matches in a row.
That record will be on the line when they travel to Maritzburg College this Saturday.
Hilton have had two weeks to prepare for the clash, having won their last match against Pretoria Boys on May 16.
If they come through the battle against Maritzburg College, they may fancy their chances of finishing the season unbeaten – with games against Northwood and Kearsney (both at home) as well as Michaelhouse (away) to come.
OTHER TEAMS TO WATCH
Garsfontein’s push for a fourth-consecutive Noordvaal Cup title continues this weekend, and they should pick up the points against Rustenburg in Pretoria.
Monument will look to extend their nine-game winning streak when they host Menlopark. Jannie du Plessis’ side will face Garsfontein in a crucial Noordvaal Cup clash next week.
Down in the Eastern Cape, Graeme should continue their good run at Nico Malan.
The clash between Graeme and Dale – who’ve won 11 from 13 this season – on August 1 could well determine who finishes as the leading team in the region.
*Also read: Westville to channel their ‘DNA’ for DHS crunch clash
SELECTED FIXTURES MAY 30
NOORDVAAL
Garsfontein v Rustenburg
Noordheuwel v Helpmekaar
Monument v Menlopark
Jeppe v St Johns
St Benedicts v KES
Parktown v St Albans
St Davids v Northcliff
CENTRAL
Diamantveld v Noord-Kaap
Fichardtpark v St Andrews (Free State)
EASTERN CAPE
Queens College v St Andrews
Dale College v Marlow
Pearson v Framesby
Kingswood v Brandwag
Selborne v Grey College (cancelled)
Nico Malan v Graeme
Daniel Pienaar v Grey High
KWAZULU-NATAL
Michaelhouse v Pretoria Boys
Clifton v Glenwood
DHS v Westville
Maritzburg College v Hilton
Kearsney v Northwood
St Charles v St Stithians
WESTERN CAPE
Paul Roos v Bishops
Oakdale v Paarl Gim
SACS v Paarl Boys
Rondebosch v Durbanville
Stellenberg v HTS Bellville
Drostdy v Worcester Gim
