Grey Festival Preview
Besides a host of age-group sides, a total of 11 teams from outside the region will join five Nelson Mandela Bay schools in the annual rugby extravaganza, with matches taking place tomorrow and on Monday.
Teams from as far afield as Durban, Welkom, Pretoria and Johannesburg will tackle their Eastern Cape rivals in what should be another entertaining display of schoolboy rugby.
As Queen’s coach Dave Bolze said: “The Grey Festival is always a highlight for our school to attend.
“It is not only about the rugby – the boys get to socialise and make friends from other schools.
“For us fellow coaches, it’s always good to catch up and spend time together.
“There is always lots of banter and good cheer, and – this is really what festivals should be about.”
There is truth in what Bolze says, but he will also be the first to admit that when it comes to action on the field, the teams will be fully motivated to win their matches.
Many eyes will be on high-riding Uitenhage outfit Danile Pienaar, who are coming off two notable wins over Grey High and Framesby in their last two matches.
They have certainly made themselves a team to watch and will provide the ultimate test for opponents Graeme and Hudson Park.
Other teams riding the crest of a wave are Queen’s and Dale, both fresh from wins over East London arch-rivals Selborne.
It is the sort of morale-boosting result that will have them in a positive frame of mind for the festival, although Bolze said they would not make the mistake of underestimating underestimate anyone.
“We respect both Pearson and Framesby, and we are expecting two tough, physical matches,” Bolze said.
“Framesby, especially, are a much better side than what their results have shown this season – they have had some really tough fixtures.”
Dale kick off against St David’s and then face an interesting encounter against Welkom team Goudveld.
Better known as Gouties, the Free State side have not often been seen in PE and they will be keen to prove their worth.
Another team looking to make an impression will be Durban High School, celebrating their 150th anniversary this year.
They have shown excellent form this season and will prove a handful for PE township side Ithembelihle and hosts Grey in the final match of the festival.
By Neale Emslie
