FNB Top 20 - 11 April
First of 2006
The first FNB Top 20- of 2006 is making its appearance. There should be fanfare. There is also much trepidation.
The FNB Top 20 honours the schools whose 1st XVs are performing well. It clearly does not proclaim an absolute truth because any such is impossible regardless of what system is used.
Because it is early in the year, some schools are missing - notably the three Paarl schools who are always contenders for top spots - Paarl Gim, who were second at the end of last year, Paarl Boys' High, who were fifth at the end of last year and Boland Landbou, who were ninth and have just been on an exacting tour to England. Kearsney, who were 15th last year, and Westville, who were 19th, are also missing.
But there are schools this year who were not in last year's final FNB Top 20 - Marlow of Cradock, Hoërskool Middelburg, Diamantveld, Jim Fouché, Dale, Marais Viljoen, Oakdale and Kemptonpark.
Some of the schools have not had a great deal of action while HTS Middelburg have already played eight matches.
There are the five festivals in Northvaal over Easter which should provide a better idea of relative strengths.
Anyway, here we go.
1. Grey Bloem
2. Outeniqua
3. Monument
4. Grey PE
5. Pretoria Boys High
6. Bishops
7. Marlow
8. Paul Roos
9. DHS
10. Waterkloof
11. HTS Middelburg
12. Affies
13. Hoërskool Middelburg
14. Diamantveld
15. Jim Fouché
16. Dale
17. Marais Viljoen
18. Queen's
19 Oakdale
20. Maritzburg College, Kemptonpark