St Andrews captain - Robert Ball
St Andrews have not lost to Grahamstown rivals Graeme since skipper Robert Ball has been at the school, and he does not intend to let that record slip in their FNB Classic Clash.
The tough midfielder made his debut for the St Andrews first XV when he was still in Grade 10 and went on to play at Craven Week for EP Country Districsts last year.
He is expecting a tough encounter from what is always a competitive Graeme side who are sure to provide another stern test on Saturday.
"All the years that I have been at St Andrew's the first team has beaten Greame, but it is always a tightly contested fixture, dating back some 130 or so years.
"They play an exciting brand of rugby, like we do, and like to keep the ball alive. They've had a successful season so far and so they are sure to be tough opposition," he said.
Ball feels honoured to be captain of St Andrews and believes that the best way to lead is by example, and by backing his teammates completely.
"I feel so honoured and privileged to be captain of the st Andrews College 1st XV. I feel like I have a heavy weight of rugby tradition in my hands and that means so much to me.
"There are two things I always try stick by as captain. One is to lead by example, always put your best foot forward so the team can follow right behind you. The other is to put your team first, they are all that matters.
"I like to think of myself as a good player with ball in hand and am capable of finding space. As a captain I feel that I'm always confident with whatever comes our way, no matter how big the feat, I know that my team is capable of stepping up to the plate," he said.
The hard-running centre plans to play rugby at either UCT or Maties next year, and has already has had many highlights in an impressive schoolboy career.
"I have a few highlights. Beating Bishops twice and Pretoria Boys High once in 2012 (my debut) are memories I will never forget, as well as playing in front of a crowd of about 20000 at the Easter festival against Saint Stithians. Another highlight has to be playing for my province at Craven Week.
"It was an amazing experience, being on live TV with my family and friends back at home watching was quite something. It was also obviously a massive privilege to be able to represent my province," he added.
