Captain's profile: Denver Gowar

Despite Cradock's home ground advantage, Gill College are the clear favourites and are coming off the back of an excellent season in which they had suffered just one loss.

"Gill have been on top during the last couple of Classic Clash encounters. We won last year's derby 43-0 at home, so it does ease some pressure. Furthermore, we have shown great improvement throughout the season, losing only one game to date.

"Unfortunately, we have one of two injured players whose participation this weekend is still in doubt. But so far the team is a well-balanced side that consists of experienced and young players.

"However I do not underestimate Cradock, I expect them to put up a great fight as they play with a lot of courage and heart especially at home, and we will have to play really well and dig deep to win this clash," Gowar said.

In the skippers' rugby career thus far, he has accumulated many accolades like wearing the first XV jersey for three years, being named captain in 2016 and having had the privilege of adding 50 caps to his list of achievements.

"It is a great honour to be selected as captain by my 14 brothers. I take great pride in leading them on the field and greatly appreciate their faith in me to fulfill this important role.

"In my short rugby career, I have definitely achieved some stuff most boys can only dream of - like getting my 50 caps, which is rare on school boy level. Earning it during our school's reunion weekend and playing in front of a home crowd filled with Gillians - both present and old - was definitely the highlight of my rugby career," he added.

For Saturday, the captain is solely focussed on winning the Classic Clash and has emphasised the importance of the match.

"No motivation is needed for this clash as it is the most important game of our season. The outcome of this match will determine the success of our season," he stated.

The ever-hardworking flank's future plan is to farm alongside his father.