Schools Rankings - May 24
An unforgettable weekend of schoolboy rugby, with the spotlight falling on the Derby at Markötter.
The encounter initially started slowly, with both teams guilty of silly mistakes. Boishaai had the advantage of a strong wind at their backs in the first half, but that did little to stop the relentless maroon wave, as Paul Roos crossed for three unanswered tries. Boishaai managed to respond with a try before halftime, but at the break, Paul Roos held a deserved 18-7 lead.
Boishaai fought back bravely in the second half, but the psychological challenge of chasing the game coupled with costly mistakes in their own half, did little to help their cause. In the final seconds, the boys from Paarl managed a late consolation try, but by then the fat lady had already sung. With four tries to three, and dominant statistics of 62% possession and 58% territory, Paul Roos were worthy winners on the day.
READ: Paul Roos outlast Boishaai
Meanwhile, the country’s top-ranked side, Paarl Gimnasium, delivered yet another emphatic statement with a commanding 66-14 victory over Wynberg. From the opening whistle to the final play, Gim dictated proceedings and reminded every challenger exactly why they sit at the summit of schoolboy rugby.
However, sterner tests still await. With massive fixtures against Paul Roos and their fierce neighbours still to come, the question remains: can Paarl Gimnasium defend their number one crown, or could one of those looming encounters become the stumbling block that knocks them off their number one spot throne?
Elsewhere in the Western Cape, our early ranking leaders, Stellenberg, were pushed hard in a tough encounter against Rondebosch, eventually securing a 33-26 victory. Bishops also impressed with a thrilling 37-36 win over Durbanville, firmly putting up their hands for an honourable mention.
We welcome SACS into our Top 30 for the first time after knocking on the door for quite some time, following an excellent 19-7 victory over the strong side from Parel Vallei. Charlie Hofmeyr also jumps onto the radar after a good win over Swartland.
Down in the Eastern Cape, while Graeme College enjoyed a bye, Grey, Dale, Queen’s, Selborne, and Kingswood all recorded solid victories.
In KZN, Northwood once again showed their class with a comfortable win over Jeppe. Had Northwood faced stronger opposition in their remaining fixtures, they may well have broken through the Top 10 barrier.
North of the Vaal, the kings of Pretoria, Garsfontein, had little difficulty dispatching Menlopark 52-20 in the Virseker Noordvaal Cup. The Wit Bulle got the better of Helpmekaar, winning 36-26, while Kloof handed the newcomers, Middelburg, a rugby lesson with a convincing 52-26 victory. Affies had a close encounter in their derby against KES, while St John’s putting up their hand after their win against Pretoria Boys High.
In the Free State, Jim Fouché surprised Diamantveld, knocking them out of the Top 30. Bethlehem Voortrekker came out on top against their neighbours, Witteberg, securing the Eastern Free State bragging rights for the year ahead.
As always, these rankings remain, by nature, an informed opinion – what many might call a “thumb suck”- but they are grounded in careful analysis, taking into account strength of opposition, consistency, and head-to-head performances. Debate and discussion are always welcome, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
Best of luck for the week ahead – recover well, stay fit, and we look forward to another thrilling round of schoolboy rugby.
As the late Zanberg Jansen so famously said: “Nag, ou Grote.”
– In memory of Paul Dobson –
Image credit: Poppie Terblanche/ Hoër Jongenskool Paarl Boys’ High School
