The NWU school sports series fires up this weekend with a fixture list dripping with intrigue, none more so than the headline clash between Middelburg and Transvalia, a match laden with subplots and bragging rights.
This isn’t just another weekend fixture. When Middies host Transvalia, they’ll be facing a side with something to prove. The backstory writes itself: Transvalia were relegated from the Noordvaal Cup at the end of last season, whilst Middelburg stepped up to fill the void. Now, the displaced side get their chance to show they still belong.
Transvalia arrive in Middelburg with momentum, having edged Oos Moot by a solitary point during the midweek fixtures. Director of rugby Lloyd Greef was pragmatic about his side’s performance, acknowledging room for improvement whilst praising their grit.
“We are happy with the first outing, we can work from here. We weren’t clinical enough against Oos Moot, but even with our backs against the wall the boys fought hard,” Greef said.
That resilience will be tested. Middelburg are reeling from a 49-3 hammering at the hands of Hilton College and desperately need a response. Director of rugby Christiaan Gouws recognises the challenge ahead, particularly given Transvalia’s midweek run-out.
“We are excited for the challenge, the weather is going to play a part. They played in the week and should be a little sharper than us. It is a good test, they were playing in the cup last year, we are in the cup this year. We need a good start to the season,” Gouws said.
EG Jansen face mentz rebuild project
Elsewhere, EG Jansen embark on a lengthy trek to Nelspruit to face another side demoted from the Noordvaal Cup. The Lowvelders have enlisted ex-professional MJ Mentz to oversee their rugby renaissance, a move that has EG Jansen director of rugby Rudi Dames on edge.
“We are a little nervous, MJ is a good coach and we haven’t seen them play yet,” Dames admitted.
EG Jansen opened their campaign with a hard-fought 24-20 victory over Kemptonpark in the East Rand derby, but Nelspruit represents an unknown quantity with a proven coach at the helm.
Parkies Look to maintain momentum
Menlo Park announced their arrival with authority, dismantling Eldoraigne 50-6 in their series opener. Parkies now welcome Ben Vorster from Tzaneen, who should provide sterner opposition than their opening victims. The Buffels face a difficult away assignment in Pretoria, but Menlo will be wary of complacency after such a dominant display.
Rooi Bulle Seek Redemption
HTS Middelburg’s Rooi Bulle host Piet Retief looking to erase the memory of a 40-9 drubbing by Waterkloof in their series opener. Piet Retief have been preparing diligently, running in a convincing 33-12 victory over Helpmekaar’s second XV in Bethlehem to sharpen up before the series kicks off. The visitors will fancy their chances against a Rooi Bulle side still licking their wounds from Klofies’ clinical performance.
With relegation revenge, rebuilding projects and redemption arcs all in play, this weekend’s fixtures promise compelling rugby across the board.
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