Schools Top 20 - April 19
This is our 19th year of doing this and one would expect that, with experience, decisions would come easily and quickly. But this was not the case. This one may well have been the most difficult we have attempted.
It will have something in common with all its predecessors – it will not carry a stamp of universal approval!
We do not use any mathematical calculations in arriving at out Top 20 and we are well and truly aware that there is no absolute way of achieving a Top 20. We use a method, suggested by Professor Tim Dunne of UCT's statistics department. Professor Dunne, sadly, was killed in a motor accident last year.
We have as a basic criterion for consideration, the playing of four matches against South African opposition. We have made an exception this year. We have included Paarl Boys' High who have played only three matches in South Africa but it would be churlish to exclude them after their strenuous New Zealand tour. They have in fact played eight matches on two continents between April 1 and 17.
In considering the ranking of teams we have taken into account their performance, the quality of the opposition and the venue, though most matches so far have occurred at Easter Festivals and so for most teams, they have been on neutral ground.
Schools Top 20 – April 19
1 Paul Roos
2 Paarl Gim
3 Paarl Boys' High
4 Grey College
5 Monument
6 Waterkloof
7 Affies
8 Nelspruit
9 Drostdy
10 Glenwood
11 Ben Vorster
12 Grey High
13 Helpmekaar
14 Kearsney
15 Dale
16 KES
17 HTS Middelburg
18 Selborne
19 Eldoraigne
20 Garsfontein
One of the teams that have impressed this year but has not before been on a Top 20 is Hermanus.
This was the last Top 20 for 2016
1 Paarl Boys' High
2 Grey College
3 Affies
4 Paarl Gim
5 Boland Landbou
6 Helpmekaar
7 Dr EG Jansen
8 Monument
9 Oakdale
10 Glenwood
11 Garsfontein
12 Paul Roos
13 Outeniqua
14 Selborne
15 Dale
16 Diamantveld
17 Nelspruit
18 Grey PE
19 Jeppe
20 Welkom Gimnasium
