In a dramatic weekend of schoolboy rugby, Boland Landbou pulled off a stunning upset against a depleted Oakdale Landbou in the much-anticipated Farmer’s Derby. The action didn't stop there, as other schools across the country also battled it out on the field, showcasing the raw talent and fierce competition inherent in South African schools rugby.
At Riversdale, Boland Landbou delivered a thrilling 34-27 victory over an Oakdale side that was short of five key players, all on national duty with the SA U18 and SA U18 A teams. Boland’s captain and flyhalf, Pieter Bergh, was in spectacular form, contributing a solid 10 points including three conversions and a drop goal. Wing Jadon Ocks, who scored a try and demonstrated formidable skills in defense and at the breakdown, was rightfully named Man of the Match.
"Leading the team to a victory like this feels incredible, especially considering the strength of the opponents,"
Bergh remarked after the game.Down in the Eastern Cape, Graeme College put an end to Queen’s College's impressive win streak with a nail-biting 20-17 win. The Graeme boys established a commanding 20-5 lead by halftime and managed to stave off Queen's spirited comeback in the second half. Meanwhile, Dale College secured a narrow 19-15 victory over Selborne College in another tightly contested match.
Over in Gauteng, Affies made light work of Pretoria Boys High, thrashing them 41-12, while Jeppe overcame Parktown Boys 22-13. Monument also claimed a win, taking down Rustenburg 24-14 in the Noordvaal Cup clashes. In KwaZulu-Natal, Maritzburg College squeaked past Glenwood 14-10, and DHS showed no mercy against visiting KES from Johannesburg, hammering them 52-19.
The weekend was littered with standout performances and thrilling matches across various provinces, highlighting the depth and passion for rugby at the school level in South Africa. From the gritty battles in the Eastern Cape to the high-scoring affairs in Gauteng, young rugby talents were on full display, giving fans and scouts plenty to talk about.
Whether it’s the resilience of Boland Landbou's underdog triumph or the sheer dominance of DHS's offensive showcase, the spirit of competitive rugby thrives robustly within these young athletes, promising a bright future for the sport in the country.