30 May 2024
(Article by Marlowe Bloem)
This weekend it’s all about KZN derby clashes, with the top 10 boys’ schools facing off against one another. And the menu looks tasty. The fixtures are as follows:
Clifton vs Kearsney
Clifton hosts the Greyhounds at the Riverside Sports Club at 13:45. The hosts have had their struggles this season, but the fact of the matter is they’re now competing with all the rest of KZN’s leading 1st XVs. The Clifton rugby r/evolution is well underway.
On Saturday, they come up against a side who have had their challenges, too, this season. Kearsney has had some tight games against strong schools. They lost to Westville by 12 a few weeks ago. Last week, I saw them live against Glenwood. They fought hard and were resilient in beating the Green Machine for the first time on Dixon’s since 2013.
Based on previous results this season, I predict Kearsney to win by a comfortable margin.
Durban High School vs Michaelhouse
DHS faces Michaelhouse on Van Heerden’s Field at 15:00 this Saturday. They have been the top rugby side in KZN this season. Nine of their players have made the Sharks Craven Week squad and they are currently ranked in the top 10 in the country.
Michaelhouse has had a strong season. Last week, they won against Pretoria Boys, and they have beaten both Hilton and Northwood this season. Both sides will have to be at their best to get the victory this weekend. Due to the Horseflies‘ powerful performances this season, I predict DHS to win by seven or less
Glenwood vs St. Charles
Glenwood tackles St. Charles on Dixon’s at 14:00. The Green Machine hasn’t been well oiled this season. However, they have often been influential in the second half.
Last week, they were down by 10 points at the end of the first half against Kearsney. When the game ended, they had only lost by three. Their game against Westville only a few weeks earlier offered a similar pattern.
St. Charles has successfully been growing their rugby culture in recent years. Last week, they beat St. Stithians. The gap between them and other midlands schools has further narrowed this season, and they’ve played some entertaining and winning rugby.
Having said that, I still believe that the Green Machine will be the winners. I predict Glenwood to win by five on Saturday.
Maritzburg College vs Hilton
Maritzburg College welcomes Hilton to Goldstones at 14:30. Both sides are ranked among KZN’s better teams this season. Both, however, lost this past weekend. College went down by 10 at Northwood, while Hilton lost at Westville by 14.
Both units will be fired up to boost their good records on Saturday. They both have explosive backlines and fit forwards. While Goldstone’s favours College, Hilton has often played the Red, Black and White tough.
However, that home ground advantage is important. Due to this, I predict Maritzburg to win by a converted try or less.
Westville vs Northwood
Westville goes up against Northwood on Bowden’s, with kick-off at 14:30. Historically, they have been decent rugby sides without consistently being at the top end of matters. This season has been different. Both have achieved some terrific results.
In the last two weeks, Westville drew with KES and beat Hilton by 14. Northwood has taken down Hilton and Maritzburg College. They also drew with DHS.
Both sides have the most entertaining flyhalves and wingers I’ve seen in KZN all season.
I predict a high scoring affair, with Northwood to edge it by single figures.
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