Top 20 - 30 May 2008
The ranking of the Top 20 schools 1st XVs in South Africa is back.
Year in and year out we have been doing this with great trepidation and we are again doing it with trepidation. We are aware that there are some who do not like the idea but we are also aware that many more like the idea.
Those opposed say that the Top 20 puts unwarranted pressure on the schools, though how one can add to the pressure of a match between Michaelhouse and Hilton, Rondebosch and Bishops, Affies and Waterkloof, Gimmies and Boishaai and so on is uncertain. What is certain is that it stimulated interest and debate, especially amongst expatriate who take a keen and nostalgic interest in the performances of their old schools.
If it gives schools a marketing possibility that is surely a positive thing.
That such a ranking is really only speculative is obvious.
This ranking is based on results we have received. If there are results we should be aware of, e.g. schools in Northern Free State, please send them to pauld@365digital.co.za. If there are suggestions, please send them to pauld@365digital.co.za.
Anyway with trepidation about details not about concept, we present our first Top 20 for 2008. In doing it we have tried to take into consideration the quality of the opposition and the quality of their play as well as the result.
Top 20 – 30 May 2008
1. Grey High of Port Elizabeth
2. Grey College of Bloemfontein
3. Paarl Gim
4. Dr EG Jansen
5. Waterkloof
6. Glenwood
7. Outeniqua
8. Paul Roos
9. Monument
10. Michaelhouse
11. Bishops
12. Paarl Boys’ High
13. Affies
14. Framesby
15. HT Middelburg
16. Noord-Kaap
17. Marlow
18. Oakdale
19 Hugenote of Wellington
20. Rondebosch.
There is pressure on these schools from the likes of KES, SACS, Selborne, Upington, Westville and Wynberg.
