As the end of the club rugby season approaches, some teams from Stellenbosch and surrounds still have plenty to play for as they look to salvage pride and avoid relegation.

Super League C seems to be the most hotly contested competition, with several moves among the top four teams after this weekend’s clashes.

Those same four teams are looking to remain in the top four to remain in the league in 2027.

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Textbook derby

It was especially the derby between Kylemore and Pniël Villagers that lived up to expectations. Going into the duel at Kylemore Sports Ground, Villagers were in third place on the log, while the home time occupied fourth.

And as expected, the meeting was a tough tussle, but the visitors got the upperhand to clinch the victory and walk away 20-24 victors.

The win, and a subsequent 29-30 loss for Watsonia Warriors against Atlantis, meant that Pniël leapt into second place on the log with 57 points after 14 matches. Rangers top the log with 60 points after 13 matches, Watsonia are in third with 56 after 13 matches and Kylemore in fourth with 50 points after 13 matches.

Raithby Universals suffered a 21-10 defeat at the hands of Sir Lowrians in the Helderberg. RU (11th after 13 games) will hope to overturn their fate to salvage pride in their next match.

Berge boss Maties

In Super League A, Franschhoek still have a chance to remain in the top tier, but their fate mostly rests on the results of other matches. They did little to bolster their chances in their outing against Brackenfell at Groendal on Saturday, going down 25-45.

SU Maties could not withstand a dominant Helderberg on their return to play last Wednesday (29 July), as they bowed the knee 48-21. Van der Stel-Evergreens again forfeited their match, this time handing five points to Durbell.

In the Northern League, Blue Stars United continued their winning ways, notching up an impressive 57-5 victory over Gordon’s Bay Pioneers in Klapmuts, Blakes claimed the derby spoils in their match against Cloetesville (38-7), Stellenbosch-Coronations were rampant in their match against Police Blackheath (39-12), Faure clinched a narrow 22-20 victory over Morning Star United and Excelsior suffered a 14-51 defeat to Whistling Wheels.

Fixtures for Saturday 8 August:

• SLA: False Bay vs Maties; VDE vs Hamilton; Franschhoek (bye).
• SLC: Caledonian Roses vs Kylemore; Pniël Villagers vs Langa; RU vs Strand United.

ALSO READ: Pniël Villagers mount challenge for top-three finish in Super League C