2012 Western Cape season starts
It may only be the end of February, but the 2012 rugby season has already kicked off down south.
Despite Schoonspruit’s early start – more about them in a few weeks’ time – most locals would regard the Boland Landbou vs Augsburg Gym game out in Clanwilliam on Wednesday 7 March 2012 as the real local pipe-opener.
Augsburg caused a major shock in the corresponding fixture last year when they lowered Landbou’s colours 8-7 at the same venue. That, coupled with a resource-sapping New Zealand tour, put the Farmers on the back foot for most of the early part of the season. don't bank on a repeat occurrence, though, as Augsburg have lost several key players, while Boland welcome back a healthy number of experienced campaigners (see accompanying photo).
That, coupled with a resource-sapping New Zealand tour, put the Farmers on the back foot for most of the early part of the season. Don't bank on a repeat occurrence, though, as Augsburg have lost several key players, while Boland welcome back a healthy number of experienced campaigners (see accompanying photo).
On Wednesday, March 14 Paul Roos open their new multi-million rand indoor sports facility with a prestige rugby day that really should not be missed as it showcases a cross-section of the leading WP and Boland schools.
The shortened (20-minutes-a-half) matches will keep the excitement level at a peak throughout. The first game at 14.45 is Boland Landbou vs Brackenfell, with Paarl Gym vs Swartland, Paarl Boys' High vs De Kuilen and proud hosts Paul Roos vs Hugenote to follow at 17.30.
Then it is but a short wait till Saturday, March 17, a day overflowing with friendlies and rugby days.
In the foothills of the mighty Winterhoek mountains, Porterville's Sports Day sees the hosts take on Worcester Gym, HTS Drostdy face Union High of Graaff-Reinet and mighty Paarl Boys' High in action against Langenhoven Gym of Oudtshoorn. Interestingly Schoonspruit, who would probably beat Langenhoven Gym 99 times out of 100, will be playing Boishaai 2nd on the day.
Get there; the beautiful 90-minute drive from Cape Town makes for a delightful outing.
Boland Landbou celebrate their 50th birthday with the Harvest Festival, culminating in the 1st XV game against Punt of Mossel Bay.
Brackenfell Sports Day is as usual jam-packed with rugby, the main attractions being Bellville against Piketberg and the hosts' clash with Bredasdorp. Come to think of it, Strand versus Milnerton ought to be energetic stuff too.
De Kuilen are the hosts for this year's annual March meeting with Outeniqua of George. The locals have scaled several mountains in the last year or so, but will find the Quaggas a mighty tough ask. After a few years in what qualifies as a trough, given their high standards, Outeniqua look ready to set the record straight, judging by the performance of the 2011 South Western Districts Under-16 side, which was loaded with their youngsters.
Another close games is forecast for the northern suburbs, where Hugenote visit Tygerberg. Facing a massive clash against Noord-Kaap at the Copytype Tony Stoops Rugby Festival on March 24, the Tigers might find their hands full against the ever-tricky Blackies, who will be looking to 2011 Boland Craven Week lock Gideon Koegelenberg and exciting loose forward Larnelle Maralack to secure the necessary possession.
Further afield Vredenburg will play Edgemead down the coast, while DF Malan trundle up to Ceres to take on Charlie Hofmeyr.
If you can't make it Paul Roos, don't fret: you can catch ten of the leading local teams in action (also in abbreviated matches, no kicking for goal) at Newlands on Schools' Day, Tuesday, March 20. The list of teams entered is Boland Landbou, Paul Roos, Paarl Gym, Paarl Boys' High, SACS, Tygerberg, De Kuilen, DF Malan, Brackenfell and Durbanville.
Here is the Western Cape menu prior to the March vacation:
(Home teams first)
Saturday, March 3
Schoonspruit vs Waveren
Wednesday, March 7
Augsburg Gym vs Boland Landbou
Saturday, March 10
Schoonspruit vs Hawston
Wednesday, March 14 (at Paul Roos)
Boland Landbou vs Brackenfell
Paarl Gym vs Swartland
Paarl Boys' High vs De Kuilen
Paul Roos vs Hugenote
Saturday, March 17
Bosmansdam vs Eben Dönges
Brackenfell vs Bredasdorp
HTS Bellville vs Martin Oosthuizen
Jan Kriel vs Fairbairn College
JG Meiring vs Bernadino Heights
Piketberg vs Bellville
President vs Namaqualand
The Settlers vs Scottsdene
Strand vs Milnerton (all at Brackenfell Rugby Day)
HTS Drostdy vs Union High
Paarl Boys' High vs Langenhoven Gym
Porterville vs Worcester Gym (all at Porterville Rugby Day)
Boland Landbou vs Punt
Charlie Hofmeyr vs DF Malan
De Kuilen vs Outeniqua
Tygerberg vs Hugenote
Vredenburg vs Edgemead
Monday, March 19
Hopefield vs Camps Bay
Tuesday, March 20
Schools Day at Newlands
Wednesday, March 21
Bergrivier vs Schoonspruit
By Tony Stoops